"Team Chyna" Claims They Are Not Pursuing WWE HOF; At Peace With The McMahons And Triple H

From Chyna's Facebook page:

Going back to Chyna's Memorial, Anthony said it best when he said fans need to know that Team Chyna is not pursuing the WWE Hall of Fame. Chyna never needed a ring to prove that she was the greatest of all time, her fans and her legacy proves that alone. So again guys give the WWE a break, if they decide to put her into their hall of fame that would be great but if they don't thats ok too. Team Chyna wants fans to know that although Chyna is no longer here with us her legacy and memories will be around for years to come and as we move forward and start to build the 9th wonder of the world foundation, open the chyna store, introduce the Documentary of the last year of her life which will prove to be special moments which Chyna fans will absolutely love. We do not choose to fight wwe anymore we are at peace with wwe and the mcmahon family and triple h. Its about putting the past behind us and moving in a positive direction so that we can continue to keep Chyna's memories alive.

Chyna Memorial Recap: X-Pac Vows To Fight For Chyna In WWE HOF, RVD Speaks, Messages From Top Stars

Yesterday was the Chyna Memorial in Redondo Beach, CA. The ceremony featured live music, art, speeches, a performance from Coolio and more. There was a video package shown of wrestlers stating that she should be in the WWE Hall of Fame, including Triple H's comments from the Steve Austin podcast (which was shown several times), Stephanie McMahon's comments to TMZ as well as endorsements from Mike Tyson, Billy Gunn, Jake Roberts, Coolio, Jennifer Tilly, The Headbangers, Al Snow, Greg Valentine, Lorenzo Llamas, Bushwhacker Luke and others.

Another video package was shown with comments from wrestlers remembering Chyna. Terri Runnels talked about how much she missed her and being a part of Chyna's WWF debut, noting that she felt it the next morning.

Mick Foley appeared and shared his favorite memory, which was Chyna watching over his daughter when she was a kid. Hulk Hogan said that he met Chyna years before she broke into wrestling, and that she had a great heart and they'll wrestle again someday. Kurt Angle talked about Chyna being revolutionary and said that she made an everlasting impression on himself and everyone she's met. Jeff Jarrett's was the last video message, and he noted that she was his last opponent in WWE, and he worked with her in her last match in TNA. He said that it was special every time he worked with her.

Sean "X-Pac" Waltman spoke for about 6 minutes. He noted that he had a "really rocky relationship" with her, but that he loved her until the day she died. He said that Chyna did more for the empowerment of women than Billie Jean King and others, and feels that she doesn't get the credit that she deserves for that. He said that Chyna might have been the most important member of D-X and was the glue of the group. He said that maybe we shouldn't give WWE a break, and it's time for WWE to induct her. He talked about how big her time in NJPW was.

"I'm really sorry, I hope you forgive me for not taking better care of you," Waltman concluded. "I'm going to do everything in my power to make sure that you end up in the WWE Hall of Fame where you belong."

Rob Van Dam was the last wrestler to speak. He talked about her being a pioneer and mentioned seeing her at a Q&A last year. He said that she was grateful that he respected her and he noted that of course he did, and joked, "she was the man!" He noted that guys would whisper backstage during Chyna's run about if they would be cool wrestling women, but it made men outside the business whisper that she would "beat the sh-t" out of them, and he agreed. He put over her impact on the business and said that people will always remember and, "and she doesn't even need a last name." He put her over for always doing things her way and being one of a kind.

Stephanie McMahon: Chyna Will Be In HOF ... 'At Some Point'

Fear not, wrestling fans ... pro wrestling legend Chyna WILL be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, so says WWE honcho Stephanie McMahon who tells TMZ Sports it's only a matter of time.

After Chyna passed away last month, McMahon called her a "pioneer in our industry" -- and fans wanted to know when she'll be enshrined among the greatest in her sport.

Everyone knows the HOF was extremely important to Chyna -- and people close to her claim she was depressed about the snub before she passed away.

So when we saw Steph in NYC Thursday, we had to ask if plans were in motion.

"I'm SURE that we will see Chyna in the Hall of Fame at some point in the future. I'm not sure exactly what year that will be, but there's no denying her contributions to WWE."

source: tmz.com

Rumor Mill - Chyna Reportedly Drinking Heavily Before Death, Over Bad Relationship With WWE

The documentary director who was with Chyna in the final months before she died says the ex-wrestler was incredibly broken up about not getting an invite this year to attend WWE‘s Hall of Fame ceremony — and it’s one of the reasons she began to drink heavily before passing away.

Erik Angra tells Pro Wrestling Sheet Joanie Laurer had been distressed over not being invited to the big event to see old friends, and it’s partly why she backed out of flying to Dallas.

For those who missed it, Chyna was scheduled for a meet and greet at WrestleCon but cancelled at the last minute and promoters said it was because she wouldn’t get on the plane.

Sources tell us Laurer expected the documentary she was filming to shine a light on her Hall of Fame situation, and was hoping it would lead to an invite to get the conversation started with company officials. When that didn’t happen, we’re told she began to drink more than usual.

Angra says Chyna was also feeling emotional over attempts to reconnect with her family, and the full story will be seen in their documentary — which they still plan to release in the wake of her passing.

Reports say Chyna’s death is being investigated as a possible overdose — and Angra tells us those working on the film “saw the signs were there” in regards to her addictions.

Official word on her cause of death is pending further investigation.

Triple H Talks About Chyna Passing Away And A Possible WWE Hall Of Fame Induction

Triple H spoke with The Mirror while on the current UK tour and provided these comments on Joanie "Chyna" Laurer passing away at the age of 45 on Wednesday:

"It is obviously tragic and clearly my well-wishes go out to her friends and family. Brilliance sometimes, and that ability to push barriers and boundaries and be a pioneer, is often connected closely with other things that aren't so positive sometimes, and demons, and unfortunately that is the case.

"Man, [she was] just a great person, an amazing talent, a ground breaking pioneer, that was never afraid to go out on a limb and blaze her own trail through life. She never took, and when you're choosing a path [you can say] 'hey here is a path let's go down that one' or you can blaze your own path and burn it up and create something for others to follow, and that's what she did, and that star shone bright, but unfortunately burned out way too fast."

He also commented on a possible WWE Hall of Fame induction for the former Intercontinental Champion:

"You know it's not my decision, but I definitely think, as I have said before, that what she did in her life certainly warrants it. There was never anybody like her before her, and there will never be anybody like her after. It's certainly warranted and I'm sure at some point when the time is right, hopefully, that could happen."

Someone who wasn't afraid to blaze her own trail & create a path for those who would follow. A pioneer whose star shined bright. #RIPChyna

— Triple H (@TripleH) April 21, 2016

Sting on WWE Hall of Fame induction, WrestleMania match with Triple H, More

Sting was recently interviewed by Sports Illustrated's Extra Mustard. Below are a couple of highlights:

Losing to Triple H at WrestleMania 31:

"People took the loss personally, but in this business, you have to learn real quick not to take anything that personally. For me, it was a memory just being in Levi Stadium in California, my home state, with that crowd there."

Planning to still appear at select independent wrestling shows:

"I'm going to kick back. I'll pick and choose some events, but I won't be traveling as much. These grassroots shows remind me of my humble beginnings–even the smell of the building reminds me when I started. It's an honor to still be in front of the fans."

Sting also discussed being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, Ric Flair doing the induction, having DX and the nWo together at WrestleMania 31 and more. You can read the full interview by clicking here.

Video: The 2016 WWE Hall of Fame Inductees Receive Their Rings From Vince McMahon and Triple H

Triple H, Stephanie & Aurora at the 2016 WWE HOF

WWE Launches Legacy Hall Of Fame

As seen at the Hall of Fame tonight, WWE launched a new wing - the WWE Legacy Hall of Fame. The 2016 inductees are Ed "The Strangler" Lewis, Lou Thesz, Frank Gotch, George Hackenschmidt, Mildred Burke, Pat O'Connor and "Sailor" Art Thomas

Details on WWE Adding the “Legacy Award” to the WWE Hall of Fame This Year

WWE posted a graphic in its online store advertising the “Legacy Award” at this year’s Hall of Fame ceremony.

The graphic lists seven pro wrestling legends including Ed “Strangler” Lewis, Frank Gotch, George Hackenschmidt, Lou Thesz, Mildred Burke, Pat O’Connor and “Sailor” Art Thomas.

According to F4WOnline.com, Gotch and Hackenschmidt responsible for the first huge gate and spearheading wresting getting national headlines, Lewis being the most famous wrestler of the 20s, Thesz being the dominant world champion of the 50s, Burke being the first women’s champion to get worldwide attention and O’Connor being one of the smoothest workers of his day.

WWE has already inducted Gorgeous George, Buddy Rogers and Antonino Rocca, who were contemporaries of Thesz and O’Connor, however the company has yet to induct anyone into the WWE Hall of Fame prior to the days of television. It appears as if the “Legacy Award” might be honoring the pioneers of pro wrestling who were not TV stars.

WWE Takes Over Dallas For WrestleMania Week

Fans from around the world will descend upon Dallas for a week-long lineup of festivities in celebration of WrestleMania, taking place in front of a capacity crowd at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Sunday, April 3 and live on WWE Network at 7 pm ET/4 pm PT. WWE will also host more than a dozen community outreach events designed to give back to the local region. WrestleMania Week begins tomorrow, Wednesday, March 30, and includes the following events:

• WWE Community Caravan – Wednesday, March 30
WWE Superstars AJ Styles, Sin Cara and Sami Zayn and WWE Divas Paige, Naomi and Tamina will visit the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children and Children’s Medical Center Dallas.

WWE Superstars Mark Henry, Darren Young, Goldust and Jack Swagger and WWE Diva Eva Marie will visit Ronald McDonald House of Dallas and North Texas Youth Education Town.

WWE Superstars and Divas will visit children and families, take pictures, sign autographs and donate action figures, WWE 2K16 video games and WWE Network subscriptions for the facilities’ play rooms.

• Be a STAR TM Anti-Bullying Rally – Thursday, March 31, East Dallas Boys & Girls Club
Earlier this year, WWE and The Boys & Girls Clubs of America launched a multi-year partnership focusing on youth development and bullying prevention efforts around Be a STAR, WWE’s anti-bullying initiative (#BeaSTAR). WWE Chief Brand Officer Stephanie McMahon, WWE Superstars The Miz®, R-Truth and Sin Cara, WWE Diva Natalya®, WWE announcer Corey Graves and representatives from the Boys & Girls Clubs of America will speak about the importance of bullying prevention to members at East Dallas Boys & Girls Club.

• WrestleMania Axxess – Thursday, March 31 through Sunday, April 3, Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center
WrestleMania Axxess (#AXXESS) is the ultimate fan experience for the WWE Universe. This year’s WrestleMania Axxess will take place from Thursday, March 31 through Sunday, April 3, at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center. Fans will have unprecedented access to meet their favorite WWE Superstars, Divas and Legends through a host of interactive fan experiences, including autograph signings and live NXT matches. For the first time ever, WWE will broadcast The Stone Cold Podcast with special guest Mick Foley from WrestleMania Axxess, which will air live on WWE Network Thursday, March 31 at 10 pm ET.

More?

Snoop Dogg to be Celebrity Inductee in WWE Hall of Fame’s Class of 2016

Snoop Dogg has sold more than 37 million albums worldwide, he’s the first artist to have his debut album top the Billboard charts, and he has won American Music, MTV Video Music and Source Awards. Now, Snoop can add another accolade to his lengthy resume: WWE Hall of Famer. The music icon will be the celebrity inductee in the Class of 2016, taking his place in the Hall this Saturday, live at 8 ET/5 PT on WWE Network.

Snoop’s contributions to hip-hop almost need no introduction. After bursting onto the scene as a collaborator on Dr. Dre’s solo debut album in 1992, Snoop Dogg branched out on his own. His 1993 solo debut, Doggystyle, produced hit singles like “What’s My Name?” and “Gin & Juice,” and helped Snoop establish himself as one of hip-hop’s most revered artists.

When he’s not laying down the hottest tracks in music, Snoop is an avid member of the WWE Universe, and has even joined WWE’s Superstars and Divas to create several memorable moments. He brought his unique flair to WrestleMania XXIV in Orlando, where he served as the Master of Ceremonies for what could only be described as a unique Lumberjill Match between Divas Maria & Ashley and Melina & Beth Phoenix. Coming to the ring in a custom Mercedes-Benz cart, Snoop led the Lumberjills to the squared circle and introduced the competitors in his inimitable fashion. Later, when Santino Marella tried to confront his ex-girlfriend Maria after the battle, Snoop leveled The Milan Miracle with a clothesline, then shared a smooch with the beautiful Diva.

Snoop returned to WWE in 2009 as the special guest host of Raw. Right off the bat, he showed he was more than willing to give the WWE Universe what they want, making a blockbuster matchup between John Cena and Triple H. The hip-hop icon showed that he wasn’t afraid to get physical, either, protecting Hornswoggle from a beating at the hands of Chavo Guerrero by stopping the third-generation grappler in his tracks with a huge spear.

Snoop Dogg keeps a close eye on WWE to this day, and is arguably the biggest fan of his cousin, “The Boss” Sasha Banks.

Now, the never-ending party that always follows Snoop Dogg joins the WWE Hall of Fame! How will Snoop keep the good times rolling in Dallas? Find out during the 2016 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, live and only on WWE Network this Saturday at 8 ET/5 PT.

2016 WWE Warrior Award Recipient Announced

WWE released the following press release earlier this morning:

Joan Lunden to receive 2016 Warrior Award at 2016 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

Joan Lunden, an award-winning journalist, best-selling author and breast cancer survivor, has been named the recipient of the second annual Warrior Award, which will be presented at the 2016 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Saturday, April 2 from American Airlines Center in Dallas, live on WWE Network at 8 ET/5 PT. The announcement was made by WWE Superstar John Cena on NBC’s “TODAY.”

The Warrior Award is given to someone who has exhibited unwavering strength and perseverance, and who lives life with the courage and compassion that embodies the indomitable spirit of WWE Hall of Famer The Ultimate Warrior. The award will be presented to Lunden by The Ultimate Warrior’s widow, Dana Warrior. In June 2014, Lunden was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, which required chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. Lunden made the decision to take her battle public and has since shared her journey through cancer treatment, becoming a prominent voice in the breast cancer community.

“It is truly humbling to be honored by WWE and receive this year’s Warrior Award at the 2016 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony,” Lunden said. “After being diagnosed with cancer, my first thought was to survive, but soon after, I changed my focus from my cancer to the fight against cancer and my life took on a whole new purpose. WWE has welcomed me into their family, offering me warmth and support, as have so many of the WWE fans from around the world. It is a privilege to receive this honor.”

“On behalf of my family, we are proud to present this year’s Warrior Award to Joan Lunden,” said Dana Warrior. “Joan embodies all that this award was meant to capture. She is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the quintessential Warrior woman. It will be an honor to recognize her at this year’s WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.”

“Joan Lunden has been an incredible role model to so many people and it is an honor to recognize her as the second annual Warrior Award recipient,” said Stephanie McMahon, WWE Chief Brand Officer. “The will and perseverance she gracefully displayed in her fight against breast cancer is an inspiration to millions of women around the world.”

An eternal optimist, Lunden decided to turn her diagnosis into an opportunity to inspire others in the breast cancer community. Through her website, JoanLunden.com, and her social media channels, Lunden has created an online community dedicated to people living with and surviving from breast cancer. From her consistent journaling throughout her breast cancer treatment, Lunden wrote her most recent book, “Had I Known: A Memoir of Survival,” which documents her battle with cancer and provides a reflective look back at her life and career. Lunden continues to be an advocate for those diagnosed with the disease, making trips to Capitol Hill, and as a special correspondent for “TODAY’s” Pink Power series.

Last year, the Warrior Award was presented for the first time ever to Connor Michalek, a Pittsburgh native and passionate WWE fan who passed away from cancer. In his honor, Connor’s Cure was created as a fund within Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation to support pediatric brain and spinal cord cancer research. To date, Connor’s Cure has raised $1 million and assisted more than 100 families around the world.

The 2016 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony airs live on the eve of WrestleMania, Saturday, April 2, at 8 ET/5 PT, only on WWE Network.

WWE Network Unveils WrestleMania Week Programming

Sting Speaks Out On His Current WWE Status, Reveals Who He Wanted to Face at WrestleMania 32, Did He Undergo Neck Surgery?, More

WWE.com recently spoke with Sting about his upcoming WWE Hall of Fame induction, and below are some highlights.

Sting revealed during the interview that he did not undergo surgery following the neck injury he sustained during his match against Seth Rollins at WWE Night of Champions last year. Sting revealed he spoke with 2 neurologists, one in Houston and WWE’s Dr. Joseph Maroon, and both told him he was not having the side effects commonly associated with his type of injury. He said as of now he is feeling completely normal.

WWE.COM: It had been reported that you were diagnosed with spinal stenosis. Is that diagnosis now inaccurate?

STING: I am not saying that is inaccurate. I’m agreeing there probably is spinal stenosis or cervical spinal stenosis. I have had certain doctors tell me, “You know, so many athletes of all ages, they’ve got this. They deal with it to some degree or another.” I had one doctor here tell me, “You’re fine, you’re okay — you don’t have anything to worry about.” And then wrestlers say, “I’d see this doctor.” “No, I’d see this one over there.” I’m telling you, it’s just craziness. So I’m thinking, as long as I’m feeling good, why am I going to do anything? And the one thing everyone has said is don’t go under the knife unless you absolutely have to.

WWE.COM: Had you not had this injury setback last September, do you think we would have you seen performing at WrestleMania this year? Or, is that just too tough a question to answer because of all the variables?

STING: Oh no, it’s an easy one to answer: Yes. If I had my way, yes, of course. I would have loved to have done one more WrestleMania and I would have called it quits at that point. The Undertaker match — that’s what I wanted to do.

WWE.COM: Had there been any early discussions prior to the injury of what your role could be at WrestleMania 32? Or, was it just something that you had in your mind?

STING: Yes, it was in my mind, of course, but everyone knew that I definitely wanted to have that one match. And, of course, WrestleMania would have been the place to do it. But, I got hurt and the rest is history.

Stan Hansen to be inducted into WWE Hall of Fame's Class of 2016

Stan Hansen, Borger, Texas’ nastiest resident, will take his place in sports-entertainment history on the eve of WrestleMania 32, when he is inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame’s Class of 2016. The news was first reported by Yahoo Japan's Sports Navi.They got exclusive comments from the man known as "The Lariat."

Hansen’s journey to the ring began in an unusual place: On the gridiron at West Texas State University, a factory for future wrestlers. When his football days came to an end, Hansen stepped into the squared circle and quickly earned a reputation as one of the most vicious competitors in the sport. Hansen’s style of wrestling wasn’t technically proficient or beautiful by any stretch of the imagination. It was dirty, gritty and ferocious. And it worked.

With an ever-present scowl on his face and his bull rope in hand, The Bad Man from Borger made his way to WWE in 1976. Hansen immediately set his sights on then-WWE Champion Bruno Sammartino. The double-tough Texan stunned fans when he broke The Living Legend’s neck with a devastating clothesline that would become known as the Lariat.

After a rematch with Sammartino at Shea Stadium, Hansen traversed across the Pacific Ocean to Japan, where he became a legend. One of the most feared foreigners in Japanese wrestling history, Hansen was the first gaijin to earn victories over the country’s most revered grapplers, Giant Baba and WWE Hall of Famer Antonio Inoki. While in Japan, Hansen also formed one of the most devastating tag teams in wrestling history with an old college friend, the unhinged Bruiser Brody. The cowboy and the fur-clad wildman had Japanese fans running from them as they entered the ring, and their opponents begging for mercy.

In between trips to Japan, Hansen returned to the U.S. to unleash his brand of brutality on American soil. The Bad Man from Borger won the AWA World Championship by defeating Rick Martel in 1985. He never lost the title, choosing to vacate it by running it over with his truck. In 1990, he ended Lex Luger’s record-setting reign as United States Champion. By 1991, he exclusively competed in Japan for the next 10 years, retiring in 2001 as a decorated champion and a legend in The Land of the Rising Sun.

Now, the surly outlaw will receive sports-entertainment’s highest honor, when he takes his place in the WWE Hall of Fame.

Update On Two More 2016 WWE Hall Of Famers

A new WrestleMania 32 magazine that comes out this week features a "Tribute" section with Jacqueline Moore and Stan Hansen confirmed for the 2016 WWE Hall of Fame. They will join Sting, The Fabulous Freebirds, The Godfather and The Big Bossman. No word yet if Regis Philbin will still be going in the Celebrity Wing.

Big Boss Man to be inducted into WWE Hall of Fame's Class of 2016

The WWE Hall of Fame now finally has its law and order. As first reported by CBSsports.com , the newest inductee to the WWE Hall of Fame is The Big Boss Man.

Boss Man, a former Cobb County, Ga., corrections officer turned sports-entertainer decked out in full police uniform, first debuted in WWE in the late ‘80s. Managed by the legendary Slick, the ruthless Boss Man gained notoriety for not only defeating his opponents with ease, but also handcuffing them to the ropes and then bashing them with his patented nightstick. Though he had no trouble muscling opponents around, Boss Man was also deceptively quick and agile for a performer who weighed over 300 pounds, often being heralded as one of WWE’s best, and most unique, athletes. He had memorable encounters with the likes WWE Hall of Famers Randy Savage, Koko B. Ware and Shawn Michaels, and he also joined forces with another monstrous Superstar, Akeem, to form the titanic tag team known as The Twin Towers.

Though he initially displayed a warped view on justice, the former cop eventually showed that he did have morals. When “The Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase attempted to procure his services, The Big Boss Man declared that he couldn’t be bought. The bold move led to Boss Man becoming one of the WWE Universe’s most beloved Superstars, an enforcer of law and order who made evildoers pay for their transgressions. This new demeanor from the Boss Man led to his participation in some of the more unique matches of the 1990s, such as a Jailhouse Match against The Mountie at SummerSlam 1991, where the loser spent the night in a New York City jail, and a Nightstick Match with ex-con Nailz at Survivor Series 1992.

Boss Man went on to compete around the world for several years in the mid-‘90s, including a stint in WCW, before returning to WWE in 1998. Adorned fully in black riot squad gear, Boss Man became Mr. McMahon’s personal security detail in the villainous Corporation. He faced off with “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, Mick Foley and The Undertaker, as well as captured the World Tag Team Championship and, on four occasions, the WWE Hardcore Championship. The Big Boss Man also engaged in infamous rivalries with Big Show and Al Snow, the latter of which resulted in one of the more notorious matches in history, the Kennel from Hell Match, at Unforgiven 1999.

Although the Boss Man passed away in 2004, the memories he created for the WWE Universe will surely live on forever. Because of that, he will be rightfully celebrated as the newest member of the hallowed WWE Hall of Fame on April 2, the night before WrestleMania 32!

The Fabulous Freebirds to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame’s Class of 2016

The Fabulous Freebirds, one of the most infamous and influential groups in sport-entertainment history, will finally be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame on the eve of WrestleMania 32. As first reported by Rolling Stone, The Freebirds will be immortalized in Dallas, the city they famously antagonized in their heyday.

The group was founded in 1979, when Michael “P.S.” Hayes, Terry “Bam Bam” Gordy and Buddy “Jack” Roberts joined forces to wreak havoc on professional wrestling. Gordy provided raw power and fury, Roberts lent his technical prowess and Hayes was dripping with charisma that made sure the spotlight was always on them. The Fabulous Freebirds quickly found success in the Georgia territory, where they captured the NWA National Tag Team Titles and instituted the “Freebird Rule,” where any two members of the trio could defend the titles.

After running roughshod through Georgia, The Freebirds made their way to Texas and World Class Championship Wrestling, where their careers changed forever. On Christmas Night 1982, during Kerry Von Erich’s NWA World Title Steel Cage Match with Ric Flair, Gordy slammed the cage door shut on Von Erich’s head, costing him the title and setting off a rivalry that would captivate The Lone Star State during the ’80s. The ruthless Freebirds battled the clean-cut Von Erich family in some of the most heated wars in squared circle history.

It was during this time that the Freebirds revolutionized the industry in another way. After years of using Lynyrd Skynyrd’s southern rock anthem “Freebird” as their entrance music, Hayes recorded “Badstreet U.S.A.” in 1983, a hard-rocking tune that became synonymous with the group and opened the door for competitors to have individual, original entrance music...More?

JBL and Ron Simmons to Induct the Latest Name Announced for the 2016 WWE Hall of Fame, JBL and Simmons Comment, More

WWE has announced that The Godfather will be the second name inducted into the 2016 WWE Hall of Fame class.

The story was first reported by BleacherReport.com writer Jonathan Snowden, who spoke to The Godfather, real name Charles Wright. Below are some interview highlights:

Charles Wright reacts to news of his Hall of Fame induction:

“I can’t wait to see the fans and tell them how much I appreciate them. They don’t forget. I really appreciate everything WWE has done for me and I really appreciate all the fans. It’s such a big honor. I never expected to be in the Hall of Fame. Brother, that’s for eternity man.”

Former APA tag team JBL and Ron Simmons will be inducting Godfather into the Hall of Fame this year, and JBL had the following say about the honor:

“Godfather is legitimately one of toughest guys to have ever been in this business, but more importantly one of the most talented. He took several different characters and got them all over, which is an amazing feat. He is an incredible individual, and I couldn’t be happier for my dear friend. The days of us riding together in a car with Ron Simmons all over the world are the stories that should be told at his induction.”

Ron Simmons, who worked with Wright during their time in The Nation of Domination, had the following to say about the “edgy touchy” pimp-based Godfather character:

“It’s an edgy and touchy character with so much sexual innuendo. But it was done at the right time and in the right manner. He had to do it in a way that was entertaining and must-see character without getting underneath people’s skins. And it takes a lot of hard work to do that. You must have the charisma, the vocal skills, the physical skills. You couldn’t give that character to just anyone.”