The annual Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame: 2019 Ballot

General
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The annual Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame ballot has been released. Pretty much just a fun way to discuss pro wrestling greatness past and present.

The criteria for entry into the WON HOF is “a combination of drawing power, being a great in-ring performer or excelling in one’s field in pro wrestling, as well as having historical significance in a positive manner.” Candidates should have something to offer in all three of the categories mentioned or be so outstanding in one or two that they deserve inclusion.

Go ahead and make some fantasy picks, guys!

I FOLLOWED THE HISTORICAL PERFORMERS ERA CANDIDATES

  • June Byers
  • Wild Bull Curry
  • Cowboy Bob Ellis
  • Don Fargo
  • Archie “Mongolian Stomper” Gouldie
  • Chavo Guerrero Sr.
  • Rocky Johnson
  • Jose Lothario
  • Sputnik Monroe
  • Blackjack Mulligan
  • Johnny Rougeau
  • Dick Slater
  • George Steele
  • Enrique Torres
  • Jimmy & Johnny Valiant
  • Von Brauners & Saul Weingeroff
  • Bearcat Wright

I FOLLOWED THE MODERN PERFORMERS IN U.S/CANADA CANDIDATES

  • Tully Blanchard & Arn Anderson w/J.J. Dillon
  • Junkyard Dog
  • Edge
  • Bill Goldberg
  • Matt & Jeff Hardy
  • Rick Martel
  • Randy Orton
  • C.M.Punk
  • Sgt. Slaughter
  • Trish Stratus
  • Kerry Von Erich
  • Ultimate Warrior

I FOLLOWED WRESTLING IN JAPAN CANDIDATES

  • Jun Akiyama
  • Cima
  • Satoshi Kojima & Hiroyoshi Tenzan
  • Yoshiaki Fujiwara
  • Hayabusa
  • Kota Ibushi
  • Tomohiro Ishii
  • Tetsuya Naito
  • Kenny Omega
  • Meiko Satomura
  • Akira Taue

I FOLLOWED WRESTLING IN MEXICO CANDIDATES

  • Los Brazos (Brazo de Oro & Brazo de Plata & El Brazo)
  • Caristico
  • Ultimo Guerrero
  • Karloff Lagarde
  • Los Misioneros de la Muerte (El Signo & El Texano & Negro Navarro)
  • Huracan Ramirez
  • Villano III
  • Volador Jr.
  • Dr. Wagner Jr.

I FOLLOWED WRESTLING IN EUROPE/AUSTRALIA/NEW ZEALAND/PACIFIC ISLANDS/AFRICA

  • Sypros Arion
  • Big Daddy
  • Dominic DeNucci
  • Billy Joyce
  • George Kidd
  • Killer Karl Kox
  • Mario Milano
  • Kendo Nagasaki
  • Jackie Pallo
  • Rollerball Mark Rocco
  • Johnny Saint
  • Ricki Starr
  • Otto Wanz

NON-WRESTLERS

  • Lord James Blears
  • Dave Brown
  • Bob Caudle
  • Jim Crockett Jr.
  • Jim Crockett Sr.
  • Gedo
  • Jim Johnston
  • Larry Matysik
  • Stephanie McMahon
  • James Melby
  • Don Owen
  • Morris Sigel
  • George Scott
  • Naoki Sugabayashi
  • Ted Turner
  • Stanley Weston
  • Grand Wizard
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Trish Stratus, I think, she put the best final dots to her career between her performance at Evolution and her match with Charlotte.

If AJ Styles is in this Hall of Fame then Omega should also be in it.

Goldberg is one of my favourite “entertainers” of all time. See how I didn’t use the word wrestler. Intensity, charisma, his feud with Brock was 5 stars, his match at wrestlemania was excellent.
He’s a pop magnet, an attraction.

How come both Jim Crockett are not in it ?

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Been wondering about Jim Crockett Jr. myself.

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Oh, it’s the annual “Why isn’t Hayabusa in this Hall of Fame yet” awards?

trre
Lovely!

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Thanks for putting this together.

Meiko Satomura absolutely deserves to be in. Without her, where’s joshi now?

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If Omega gets in before Hayabusa.

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Great analysis from John Pollock and WH Park worth listening to running down the Japanese candidates for the Hall of Fame ballot. Starts at 56:00. I know that Jun Akiyama has been widely revered but he hasn’t really been pushed as a headlining star especially in All Japan and NOAH. I see where they’re talking about in Hayabusa, but he is still a widely influential wrestler to most today, I think he has to go in this year.

GUYS, PLEASE KEEP HIS THREAD GOING! I would love to hear more opinions.