Thanks for the Fish 0 Report post Posted January 13, 2009 Jim Ross makes the most sense for Austin. However if not Ross, then what about Vince McMahon? Of course this wouldn't work if Austin is fighting at WM25 (assuming VKM would be involved in the storyline for old times sake), however if Austin isn't active at Wm and is solely there to be part of the HOF, I think Vince inducting him would be neat. That being said, I think there is 99.9% chance Jim Ross will be inducting Austin. He's the headliner, whereas Watts' induction and speech will probably not even be televised. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BifEverchad 0 Report post Posted January 13, 2009 Maybe Ron Simmons can induct Watts since, correct me if I'm wrong, Watts is the one who booked his World Title win. Yes, as 98% of the audience ponders.."Why is FAAROOQ up there?" Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Diamonddust 0 Report post Posted January 13, 2009 Jim Ross makes the most sense for Austin. However if not Ross, then what about Vince McMahon? Of course this wouldn't work if Austin is fighting at WM25 (assuming VKM would be involved in the storyline for old times sake), however if Austin isn't active at Wm and is solely there to be part of the HOF, I think Vince inducting him would be neat. That being said, I think there is 99.9% chance Jim Ross will be inducting Austin. He's the headliner, whereas Watts' induction and speech will probably not even be televised. If Vince inducted Austin, the only way that would work is if Austin came out, shook his hand, and then gave Vince a stunner before giving his speech. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Thanks for the Fish 0 Report post Posted January 13, 2009 If Vince inducted Austin, the only way that would work is if Austin came out, shook his hand, and then gave Vince a stunner before giving his speech. Nah. I think the absence of kayfabe would be the way to go. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Diamonddust 0 Report post Posted January 13, 2009 If Vince inducted Austin, the only way that would work is if Austin came out, shook his hand, and then gave Vince a stunner before giving his speech. Nah. I think the absence of kayfabe would be the way to go. Oh I agree... but still, it would be pretty funny. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Thanks for the Fish 0 Report post Posted January 13, 2009 source: PWInsider.com As announced last night on Raw, Steve Austin is first Superstar announced for this year's Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. WWE thought Jim Ross would be the perfect person to induct Austin into the Hall of Fame, but he requested and pushed for Ric Flair to induct him instead. Company officials are not pleased with Austin's request because they have a "you're either with us or against us" attitude. They see Flair as a "outsider" and "not on board" with them anymore. Simply put, WWE prefers to not acknowledge Flair or give him press at this time. A similar situation happened two years when Jerry "The King" Lawler wanted legendary Memphis announcer Lance Russell to induct him into the WWE Hall of Fame. Officials refused Lawler's request and opted to have William Shatner induct him into the Hall of Fame instead for press purposes. Color me surprised. I wonder how Ross feels about the choice. I didn't know Flair and Austin were so friendly behind the curtain. Jim Ross would be pretty boring, whereas Flair is a storyteller. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EVIL~! alkeiper 0 Report post Posted January 14, 2009 I don't think Lawler's situation was similar. Wasn't it USA who pushed for Shatner, wanting a "celebrity" influence? I'm surprised they haven't looked for a bigger name to induct Austin. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Scroby 0 Report post Posted January 14, 2009 source: PWInsider.com As announced last night on Raw, Steve Austin is first Superstar announced for this year's Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. WWE thought Jim Ross would be the perfect person to induct Austin into the Hall of Fame, but he requested and pushed for Ric Flair to induct him instead. Company officials are not pleased with Austin's request because they have a "you're either with us or against us" attitude. They see Flair as a "outsider" and "not on board" with them anymore. Simply put, WWE prefers to not acknowledge Flair or give him press at this time. A similar situation happened two years when Jerry "The King" Lawler wanted legendary Memphis announcer Lance Russell to induct him into the WWE Hall of Fame. Officials refused Lawler's request and opted to have William Shatner induct him into the Hall of Fame instead for press purposes. Color me surprised. I wonder how Ross feels about the choice. I didn't know Flair and Austin were so friendly behind the curtain. Jim Ross would be pretty boring, whereas Flair is a storyteller. I call bullshit on that. Flair is always mentioned when someone gets chopped or a figure four is applied. That and what issues would the WWE even have with Flair? It's not like Flair burned bridges left and right. That really makes no sense. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Diamonddust 0 Report post Posted January 14, 2009 In regards to Flair, I can see why Austin would want him. Having the wrestler many consider the greatest of all time induct you into the Hall of Fame does send a distinct message. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChrisMWaters 0 Report post Posted January 14, 2009 I personally would have liked it if they could have gotten Bret Hart to return the favor to Austin...inducting Austin like Austin inducted him. But there's no chance of that happening, obviously. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Diamonddust 0 Report post Posted January 14, 2009 I personally would have liked it if they could have gotten Bret Hart to return the favor to Austin...inducting Austin like Austin inducted him. But there's no chance of that happening, obviously. It would have also been a nice gesture if they could have gotten The Rock to induct him, and then whenever The Rock goes in... Steve Austin returns the favor. However, as you said with the Bret Hart example, that isn't going to happen. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EdwardKnoxII 0 Report post Posted January 16, 2009 For me I would want Bret Hart to inducte Austin. Seeing how Austin did it for Hart like you said. Yeah I know FAT chance of that happening. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dubq 0 Report post Posted January 16, 2009 For me I would want Bret Hart to inducte Austin. Seeing how Austin did it for Hart like you said. Yeah I know FAT chance of that happening. Shit, I was just watching Bret's induction on YouTube today and thought the exact same thing. That'd be pretty damn cool. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dubq 0 Report post Posted January 16, 2009 Speaking of Lance Russell.. I've wondered when or if he's going to get inducted. Now that Solie's in there, I always thought that Russell couldn't be too far off on that list. I always liked his style so it'd be cool to see it happen. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Thanks for the Fish 0 Report post Posted January 17, 2009 Terry and Dory Funk are going in as well. I wonder if Foley would be welcomed back to induct Terry. However if the Funk's are going in together like this, maybe they'd choose somebody connected to the both of them from back in the day. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bob_barron 0 Report post Posted January 17, 2009 They wouldn't use Foley if he's still under TNA contract. How about Tommy Dreamer for Funk? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Diamonddust 0 Report post Posted January 17, 2009 They wouldn't use Foley if he's still under TNA contract. How about Tommy Dreamer for Funk? There are a slew of people that could induct the Funks. They could get someone like Dusty Rhodes, Harley Race, or someone along those lines. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JN News 0 Report post Posted January 17, 2009 Terry and Dory Funk are going in as well. I wonder if Foley would be welcomed back to induct Terry. However if the Funk's are going in together like this, maybe they'd choose somebody connected to the both of them from back in the day. Maybe either Tommy Dreamer or Dusty Rhodes, perhaps. I'd personally push for Dusty, because of his well-documented history with The Funks in the old NWA. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EVIL~! alkeiper 0 Report post Posted January 17, 2009 Yeah, Dusty Rhodes and Jerry Lawler both had significant feuds with Terry Funk. And Dory's trained so many guys (and girls) that you could easily pick a presenter there. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Promoter 0 Report post Posted January 17, 2009 Well, pwinsider.com is saying Austin has asked the wwe to have Flair induct him. They are likely to allow it, but are concerned about Flair getting "free advertisement". wwe is acting like Flair is an up and coming wrestler we have never heard about it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Buzz 0 Report post Posted January 17, 2009 Maybe Ron Simmons can induct Watts since, correct me if I'm wrong, Watts is the one who booked his World Title win. Yes, as 98% of the audience ponders.."Why is FAAROOQ up there?" Well hell, 98 percent of the audience is going to be wondering who the hell this Bill Watts guy is anyway. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Scroby 0 Report post Posted January 18, 2009 Well, pwinsider.com is saying Austin has asked the wwe to have Flair induct him. They are likely to allow it, but are concerned about Flair getting "free advertisement". wwe is acting like Flair is an up and coming wrestler we have never heard about it. Seriously, you can't read from the top of the page? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Promoter 0 Report post Posted January 18, 2009 Well, pwinsider.com is saying Austin has asked the wwe to have Flair induct him. They are likely to allow it, but are concerned about Flair getting "free advertisement". wwe is acting like Flair is an up and coming wrestler we have never heard about it. Seriously, you can't read from the top of the page? I didn't see anything about Flair at the top of the page being the guy who will induct Austin through a suggestion by Stone Cold did you? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Scroby 0 Report post Posted January 18, 2009 Well, pwinsider.com is saying Austin has asked the wwe to have Flair induct him. They are likely to allow it, but are concerned about Flair getting "free advertisement". wwe is acting like Flair is an up and coming wrestler we have never heard about it. Seriously, you can't read from the top of the page? I didn't see anything about Flair at the top of the page being the guy who will induct Austin through a suggestion by Stone Cold did you? source: PWInsider.com As announced last night on Raw, Steve Austin is first Superstar announced for this year's Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. WWE thought Jim Ross would be the perfect person to induct Austin into the Hall of Fame, but he requested and pushed for Ric Flair to induct him instead. Company officials are not pleased with Austin's request because they have a "you're either with us or against us" attitude. They see Flair as a "outsider" and "not on board" with them anymore. Simply put, WWE prefers to not acknowledge Flair or give him press at this time. A similar situation happened two years when Jerry "The King" Lawler wanted legendary Memphis announcer Lance Russell to induct him into the WWE Hall of Fame. Officials refused Lawler's request and opted to have William Shatner induct him into the Hall of Fame instead for press purposes. Ta-da Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Thanks for the Fish 0 Report post Posted January 23, 2009 From idiotsrunningawebsite.com Ric Flair has agreed to terms with World Wrestling Entertainment to induct "Stone Cold" Steve Austin into this year's WWE Hall of Fame and be a part of Wrestlemania XXV. Austin requested Flair as the one to induct him into the WWE Hall of Fame. Despite bad blood between certain WWE officials and Flair, Austin has enough pull them together. Not to mention Flair will draw certain interest on his own, both in helping fill the seats and to draw television viewers. Yeah, Dusty Rhodes and Jerry Lawler both had significant feuds with Terry Funk. And Dory's trained so many guys (and girls) that you could easily pick a presenter there. Maybe Terry could request Foley and Dory could request Kurt Angle... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Boner Kawanger 0 Report post Posted January 23, 2009 Maybe Ron Simmons can induct Watts since, correct me if I'm wrong, Watts is the one who booked his World Title win. Yes, as 98% of the audience ponders.."Why is FAAROOQ up there?" Well hell, 98 percent of the audience is going to be wondering who the hell this Bill Watts guy is anyway. This 98% of the audience would probably see the retrospective video explaining who Watts is and hear Ron say "Watts helped me become the first black world champion" if he did induct him, but since he's fired and JR isn't inducting Austin, it seems to be inconsequential. Also, bully for Flair coming back, if only for the weekend. They have video of him reviewing The Wrestler on WWE.com today. It sounds like he's making an appearance at Mania, too. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EVIL~! alkeiper 0 Report post Posted January 24, 2009 Watts is remembered mostly as a promoter, but he also had a fairly significant run in 1964-65, both teaming with Bruno Sammartino and feuding against him. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Boner Kawanger 0 Report post Posted January 25, 2009 I just realized something. I hope that the always annoying, usually obnoxious Hall of Fame audience doesn't kill every speech with "WHAT" chants. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hunter's Torn Quad 0 Report post Posted January 27, 2009 On Saturday night's Wrestling Observer radio show, Meltzer said that Flair will NOT be inducting Austin and Ross is instead inducting Watts. Meltzer said it was a 'Vince call'. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Truthiness 0 Report post Posted January 27, 2009 I'm pretty sure Flair will end up doing it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
