Sting as “The Crow” was an important part of WCW’s brief stay at the top. That’s impossible to ignore given the seeming impossibility of that task. But when he became NWA world champ in 1990, it precipitated a drop in business. Sting’s stay in TNA was unmemorable, mainly because it was TNA. Congrats to Matt Hardy, BTW, for liberating that company’s “world title” from witness protection.
If Sting made the HoF, I wouldn’t be outraged. But I see him as just slightly below.
Ultimate Warrior had a very short run at the top. He was supposed to replace Hulk Hogan, and didn’t. Bad worker. Nutty promos. He might make it. He shouldn’t.
A.J. Styles is a great worker. Great rep. His accomplishments in New Japan speak for themselves. But not enough people know who he is.
Sgt. Slaughter was a star for a long time. I loved the pro-Saddam angle and the controversy it caused. Slaughter showed lots of guts by doing it. Either that, or he really needed the money. I’m not sure why that storyline didn’t do better.
WrestleMania VII in 1991 was headlined by Slaughter (WWE champ) vs. Hogan and was supposed to be at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, but poor advance ticket sales moved it to the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena. Vince McMahon cited “security concerns.” He was lying. If ‘Mania VII sold all 100,000-plus tickets at the Coliseum, Slaughter could have got shot for all McMahon cared.
Anyway, Slaughter: Not quite.
Give Big Show credit. To work 20 years at that size without breaking down is insane. But pure bulk stopped being special just as he started. When Andre wrestled, no one was close to his size. But lots of wrestlers were nearly as big as Show.
I give Dave Meltzer credit: His dirt sheet is still going strong 33 years on, and his HoF reflects his vast knowledge and the wisdom of those he chooses to vote. The WON HoF has a more accurate membership than any HoF for anything else. If you make it, you deserve it.
Follow Mark on Twitter: @MarkMaddenX
