Starting in 2022, it became possible for a wrestler to be placed in the Hall of Fame multiple times, much like inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. So far, five people have achieved this double honor: Toshiaki Kawada, Villano III, Antonino Rocca, Jack Brisco, and Jackie Sato. Each are inducted as a singles performer and a team member (Kawada as part of Holy Demon Army, Villano III as part of Los Villanos, Rocca as part of Rocca and Perez, Jack Brisco as part of the Brisco Brothers, and Jackie Sato as part of Beauty Pair).
Meltzer began the Hall of Fame by choosing a list of 122 inaugural inductees in 1996. Since then, wrestlers from past and present, others employed in the professional wrestling industry, and wrestling journalists and historians have been selected by Meltzer to cast secret ballots to determine annual groups of inductees. Voting criteria include the length of time spent in wrestling, historical significance, ability to attract viewers, and wrestling ability.[1] Inductees must have at least 15 years of experience or be over 35 years old and have 10 years of experience. To gain membership in the hall, potential inductees must receive 60% support on the ballots from their geographic region.[2] Any person that gets less than 10% of the vote is eliminated from the ballot. If a person fails to get inducted 15 years after being put on the ballot, they must get 50% of the vote or be eliminated.[3] There are over 200 inductees, including the multiple teams, trios, and stables. Since voting began in 1998, nineteen candidates have been inducted in their first year of eligibility; the most recent first-ballot inductees were Beauty Pair in 2023.[4]
In 2008, a recall vote was held asking if 2003 inductee Chris Benoit, who killed his wife and son before committing suicide in June 2007, should remain in the hall. To have Benoit removed, Meltzer required that 60% of voters must agree with the proposal.[5] Although the majority voted for Benoit's removal, they only represented 53.6% of the votes, falling short of the number required. Benoit remains on the list of inductees.[6]
Founded the National Wrestling Alliance and served as its president from 1950 to 1960 and from 1963 to 1975; owned and promoted the St. Louis Wrestling Club[138][139]
Posthumous inductees. Introduced modern professional wrestling to Japan. Won the San Francisco version (18 times) and the Chicago version (1 time) of the NWA World Tag Team Championship.[260]
Announcer for the WWE since 1975, when it was known as the World Wide Wrestling Federation. He was the longest tenured employee of the organization.[261]
Los Villanos (Villano I, Villano II, Villano III, Villano IV, and Villano V) (José de Jesús Díaz Mendoza, José Alfredo Díaz Mendoza, Arturo Díaz Mendoza, Tomás Díaz Mendoza, Raymundo Díaz Mendoza Jr.)
Posthumous inductee. Influential wrestling manager
Footnotes
↑ According to his autobiography, Flair does not know his actual birth name. His listed birth name was given to him upon his adoption as an infant.
↑ Austin's actual birth name is Steven James Anderson. His name was changed to Williams in early childhood when he was adopted by his stepfather.[212] He has since legally changed his name to Steve Austin.
↑ Meltzer, Dave, Wrestling Observer Newsletter, September 8, 2008, p. 6.
1 2 3 Nevada, Vance. "Abdullah the Butcher". SLAM! Wrestling. Archived from the original on January 15, 2013. Retrieved January 30, 2009.
↑ Reynaga, Ricardo Rocha (1993). Conversaciones para gente grande. Aguilar. p.285.
↑ "Official Ratings". Pro Wrestling Illustrated. 19 (2). London Publishing Co.: 65 February 1999. ISSN1043-7576.
1 2 3 4 5 6 Duncan, Royal; Gary Will (2000). "Mexico: National Middleweight Championship". Wrestling Title Histories. Archeus Communications. p.392. ISBN0-9698161-5-4.
↑ Duncan, Royal; Gary Will (2000). "Mexico: National Tag Team Titles". Wrestling Title Histories. Archeus Communications. pp.396–397. ISBN0-9698161-5-4.
↑ Willoughby, David P. (1970). The Super-athletes. A. S. Barnes. p.274. ISBN0-498-06651-7.
↑ Pantozzi, John. "Giant Baba". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on February 1, 2009. Retrieved January 31, 2009.
↑ Oliver, Greg (September 19, 2004). "Jim Barnett's Australian legacy". SLAM! Wrestling. Archived from the original on July 17, 2012. Retrieved January 30, 2009.
↑ Rhodes, Dusty; George Steinbrenner; Howard Brody (2006). Dusty: Reflections of an American Dream. Sports Publishing LLC. p.103. ISBN1-58261-907-7.
1 2 Patrick, Nikki (July 23, 2008). "Military Teacher". Pittsburg Morning Sun. Archived from the original on September 24, 2009. Retrieved January 30, 2009.
1 2 Tenay, Mike. "Dick Beyer". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on August 20, 2008. Retrieved January 30, 2009.
↑ "Fred Blassie". Pro Wrestling Illustrated. Archived from the original on November 21, 2008. Retrieved January 30, 2009.
↑ "Hispanic Link Weekly Report". 1 (12). Hispanic Link News Service. November 21, 1983: 16.{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
1 2 3 4 5 Duncan, Royal; Gary Will (2000). "Mexico: National Welterweight Championship". Wrestling Title Histories. Archeus Communications. p.392. ISBN0-9698161-5-4.
↑ Schramm, Chris (October 4, 2007). "Karloff Lagarde dead at 79". SLAM! Wrestling. Archived from the original on July 23, 2012. Retrieved January 30, 2009.
1 2 Malnoske, Andrew. "Mildred Burke". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on February 1, 2009. Retrieved January 31, 2009.
↑ Groubet, Lourdes; Carlos Monsiváis; Gabriel Rodríguez (2006). Espectacular de lucha Libre/Wrestling Spectacular. UNAM. p.60. ISBN970-32-3734-7. With more than eleven Universal Wrestling Association (UWA) heavyweight titles...
↑ Funk, Terry; Mick Foley; Scott Williams (2006). Terry Funk: More Than Just Hardcore. Sports Publishing LLC. p.156. ISBN1-58261-991-3.
↑ Waldman, Jon (July 8, 2005). "Jim Cornette released from WWE". SLAM! Wrestling. Archived from the original on July 16, 2012. Retrieved February 1, 2009.
↑ Conner, Floyd (2001). Wrestling's Most Wanted: The Top 10 Book of Pro Wrestling's Outrageous Performers, Punishing Piledrivers, and Other Oddities. Brassey's. p.49. ISBN1-57488-308-9.
↑ Slagle, Steve. "Dick the Bruiser". Professional Wrestling Online Museum. Archived from the original on December 25, 2008. Retrieved February 1, 2009.
↑ Schramm, Chris (July 30, 2008). "Mexican great Alfonso Dantés dies". SLAM! Wrestling. Archived from the original on June 29, 2012. Retrieved February 1, 2009.
1 2 Oliver, Greg; Steven Johnson. "The Dusek Riot Squad". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on August 20, 2008. Retrieved February 1, 2009.
1 2 Slagle, Steve. "Dynamite Kid". Professional Wrestling Online Museum. Archived from the original on January 18, 2009. Retrieved February 1, 2009.
↑ Oliver, Greg. "The Dynamite Kid". SLAM! Wrestling. Archived from the original on July 14, 2012. Retrieved February 1, 2009.
1 2 Oliver, Greg (January 24, 2000). "Fabulous Kangaroo Al Costello dead". SLAM! Wrestling. Archived from the original on July 20, 2012. Retrieved June 30, 2009.
↑ "Ex-Constable For Trial On Patricide Charge". The Sydney Morning Herald. August 15, 1951. p.5.
1 2 Duncan, Royal; Gary Will (2006). "(Memphis, Nashville) Tennessee: NWA World Tag Team Title [Nick Gulas & Roy Welsch]". Wrestling Title Histories. Archeus Communications. pp.191–193. ISBN0-9698161-5-4.
↑ Duncan, Royal; Gary Will (2006). "(Memphis, Nashville) Tennessee: Southern Tag Team Title [Roy Welsch & Nick Gulas, Jerry Jarrett from 1977]". Wrestling Title Histories. Archeus Communications. pp.185–189. ISBN0-9698161-5-4.
1 2 Westcott, Brian. "Dory Funk, Jr". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on February 1, 2009. Retrieved February 3, 2009.
↑ Westcott, Brian. "Terry Funk". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on February 1, 2009. Retrieved February 3, 2009.
↑ Westcott, Brian. "Verne Gagne". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on May 29, 2009. Retrieved February 3, 2009.
1 2 Gallipoli, Thomas M. (March 11, 2008). "Deceased Wrestlers for 1999". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved February 3, 2009. Cavernario Galindo I, Mexico-National Light Heavyweight Champion
↑ Lentz III, Harris M. (2001). Science Fiction, Horror & Fantasy Film and Television Credits: Filmography, Volume 2. McFarland. p.1485. ISBN0-7864-0951-7.
↑ Griffin, Johnny. "Ed Don George". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on August 20, 2008. Retrieved February 3, 2009.
1 2 Malnoske, Andrew. "Gorgeous George". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on July 5, 2009. Retrieved February 4, 2009.
↑ Malnoske, Andrew. "Frank Gotch". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on February 2, 2009. Retrieved February 4, 2009.
1 2 Oates, Robert K. "Karl Gotch". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on May 29, 2009. Retrieved February 4, 2009.
↑ Malnoske, Andrew. "George Hackenschmidt". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on February 1, 2009. Retrieved February 5, 2009.
1 2 Nevada, Vance. "Stan Hansen". SLAM! Wrestling. Archived from the original on January 15, 2013. Retrieved February 5, 2009.
↑ Emelett, Ed (September 1995). "Japan's Triple Crown: "It's the Most Important Title in the World!"". Pro Wrestling Illustrated. London Publishing Co.: 28. ISSN1043-7576.
1 2 Slagle, Steve. "Antonio Inoki". Professional Wrestling Online Museum. Archived from the original on September 11, 2007. Retrieved February 5, 2009.
1 2 Duncan, Royal; Gary Will (2000). "Mexico: National Tag Team Championship". Wrestling Title Histories. Archeus Communications. pp.393–394. ISBN0-9698161-5-4.
1 2 3 Slagle, Steve. "El Santo". Professional Wrestling Online Museum. Archived from the original on December 24, 2008. Retrieved February 5, 2009.
↑ Rauer, John E. ""Rough Tom" Jenkins". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on August 20, 2008. Retrieved February 5, 2009.
1 2 Will, Gary. "Don Leo Jonathan". Canadian Pro Wrestling Page of Fame. Archived from the original on January 1, 2009. Retrieved February 6, 2009.
↑ Will, Gary. "Gene Kiniski". Canadian Pro Wrestling Page of Fame. Archived from the original on December 25, 2008. Retrieved February 6, 2009.
↑ "Killer Kowalski". SLAM! Wrestling. Archived from the original on July 18, 2012. Retrieved June 29, 2009.
↑ Oliver, Greg (August 30, 2008). "Killer Kowalski dies". SLAM! Wrestling. Archived from the original on July 15, 2012. Retrieved February 6, 2009.
↑ Slagle, Steve. "Ernie Ladd". Professional Wrestling Online Museum. Archived from the original on March 21, 2008. Retrieved February 6, 2009.
↑ Blassie, "Classy" Freddie; Keith Elliot Greenberg (2004). Listen, You Pencil Neck Geeks. Pocket. p.74. ISBN0-7434-6317-X.
↑ Milner, John. "Jerry Lawler". SLAM! Wrestling. Archived from the original on July 14, 2012. Retrieved February 6, 2009.
↑ Slagle, Steve. "Ed "Strangler" Lewis". Professional Wrestling Online Museum. Archived from the original on September 15, 2009. Retrieved September 18, 2009.
1 2 Malnoske, Andrew. "Jim Londos". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame. Archived from the original on August 20, 2008. Retrieved February 6, 2009.
↑ Oliver, Greg (July 3, 2004). "KC Houston: One tough mother". SLAM! Wrestling. Archived from the original on July 13, 2012. Retrieved February 7, 2009.
↑ Westcott, Brian. "Gordon Solie". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on October 27, 2005. Retrieved February 7, 2009.
↑ Molinaro, John F. (June 13, 2000). "Mitsuharu Misawa leaves All Japan". SLAM! Wrestling. Archived from the original on July 29, 2012. Retrieved February 8, 2009.
↑ Molinaro, John F. (June 19, 2000). "Misawa knocks All-Japan off TV". SLAM! Wrestling. Archived from the original on July 18, 2012. Retrieved February 8, 2009.
↑ Griffin, Johnny. "Joe "Toots" Mondt". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on December 15, 2014. Retrieved February 8, 2009.
1 2 "Bronko Nagurski". SLAM! Wrestling. Archived from the original on January 15, 2013. Retrieved February 8, 2009.
↑ Bryla, Bob (November 24, 2006). "PWHF announces 2007 induction class". SLAM! Wrestling. Archived from the original on July 13, 2012. Retrieved February 8, 2009.
↑ "Dusty Rhodes". World Wrestling Entertainment. Archived from the original on December 23, 2007. Retrieved July 3, 2009.
1 2 Slagle, Steve. "Rikidozan". Professional Wrestling Online Museum. Archived from the original on February 2, 2009. Retrieved February 9, 2009.
1 2 Oliver, Greg (October 19, 2003). "Road Warrior Hawk dead at 45". SLAM! Wrestling. Archived from the original on January 1, 2013. Retrieved February 9, 2009.
↑ "Yvon Robert". SLAM! Wrestling. Archived from the original on July 17, 2012. Retrieved February 9, 2009.
↑ Nevada, Vance. "Angelo Mosca". SLAM! Wrestling. Archived from the original on July 19, 2012. Retrieved February 9, 2009.
↑ Conner, Floyd (2001). Wrestling's Most Wanted: The Top 10 Book of Pro Wrestling's Outrageous Performers, Punishing Piledrivers, and Other Oddities. Brassey's. p.131. ISBN1-57488-308-9.
1 2 3 4 Duncan, Royal; Gary Will (2000). "Mexico: National Light Heavyweight Championship". Wrestling Title Histories. Archeus Communications. p.397. ISBN0-9698161-5-4.
1 2 Gallipoli, Thomas M. (March 11, 2008). "List of Deceased Wrestlers for 1999". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved February 9, 2009. Jackie Sato, Naoko Sato, August 9, 1999, Stomach Cancer, age 41 -Lady Japanese wrestler, had memorable feud with Monster Ripper (Bertha Faye), two-time WWWA World Women's Champion.
1 2 3 4 5 "Pro Wrestling Illustrated: 2008 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts". The ... Wrestling Almanac and Book of Facts. 29 (5). Sports & Entertainment Publications, LLC: 111–112. ISSN1043-7576.
↑ Molinaro, John (December 11, 1999). "Tenryu wins IWGP Heavyweight title". SLAM! Wrestling. Archived from the original on July 15, 2012. Retrieved February 12, 2009.
↑ Molinaro, John F. (October 28, 2000). "Tenryu wins Triple Crown". SLAM! Wrestling. Archived from the original on July 14, 2012. Retrieved February 12, 2009.
1 2 Slagle, Steve. "Tiger Mask". Professional Wrestling Online Museum. Archived from the original on February 2, 2009. Retrieved February 13, 2009.
1 2 Slagle, Steve. "Jumbo Tsuruta". Professional Wrestling Online Museum. Archived from the original on April 4, 2009. Retrieved February 13, 2009.
↑ Will, Gary. "Frank Tunney". Canadian Pro Wrestling Page of Fame. Archived from the original on December 30, 2014. Retrieved February 13, 2009.
↑ Nevada, Vance. "Mad Dog Vachon". SLAM! Wrestling. Archived from the original on July 15, 2012. Retrieved February 13, 2009.
↑ Oliver, Greg; Steven Johnson (2007). The Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame: The Heels. ECW Press. p.242. ISBN978-1-55022-759-8.
↑ Molinaro, John F. (January 5, 2000). "Vader rejuvenated in Japan". SLAM! Wrestling. Archived from the original on July 14, 2012. Retrieved February 12, 2009.
↑ Molinaro, John F. (April 24, 2001). "Johnny Valentine passes away". SLAM! Wrestling. Archived from the original on July 17, 2012. Retrieved January 23, 2009.
↑ Slagle, Steve. "Johnny Valentine". Professional Wrestling Online Museum. Archived from the original on December 2, 2008. Retrieved February 12, 2009.
1 2 "Fritz Von Erich". Professional Wrestling Online Museum. Retrieved February 13, 2009.
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1 2 Slagle, Steve. "Whipper Watson". Professional Wrestling Online Museum. Archived from the original on December 1, 2010. Retrieved July 4, 2009.
↑ Watts, Bill; Scott Williams (2006). The Cowboy and the Cross: The Bill Watts Story: Rebellion, Wrestling and Redemption. ECW Press. p.84. ISBN1-55022-708-4.
↑ Watts, Bill; Scott Williams (2006). The Cowboy and the Cross: The Bill Watts Story: Rebellion, Wrestling and Redemption. ECW Press. p.204. ISBN1-55022-708-4.
1 2 Duncan, Royal; Gary Will (2000). "Mexico: National Trios Championship". Wrestling Title Histories. Archeus Communications. p.393. ISBN0-9698161-5-4.
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↑ WCW Starrcade 1996 (VHS). Turner Home Entertainment. 1997.
↑ "Bill Longson". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on December 28, 2013. Retrieved May 5, 2009.
↑ Duncan, Royal; Gary Will (2006). "(United States: 19th Century & widely defended titles - NWA, WWF, AWA, IWA, ECW, NWA) AWA American Wrestling Association World Title [Paul Bowser]". Wrestling Title Histories. Archeus Communications. pp.10–11. ISBN0-9698161-5-4.
↑ Slagle, Steve. "Bronco Nagurski". Professional Wrestling Online Museum. Archived from the original on July 20, 2008. Retrieved May 7, 2009.
↑ Duncan, Royal; Gary Will (2000). "Mexico: National Lightweight Championship". Wrestling Title Histories. Archeus Communications. p.393. ISBN0-9698161-5-4.
↑ Schramm, Chris (July 30, 2008). "Mexican great Alfonso Dantés dies". SLAM! Wrestling. Archived from the original on June 29, 2012. Retrieved May 8, 2009.
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↑ Grasso, John (2014). Historical Dictionary of Wrestling. Scarecrow Press. p.351. ISBN9780810879263.
↑ Slagle, Steve. "Wahoo McDaniel". Professional Wrestling Online Museum. Archived from the original on February 4, 2009. Retrieved May 6, 2009.
↑ Milner, John. "Chris Benoit". SLAM! Wrestling. Archived from the original on July 16, 2012. Retrieved May 5, 2009.
↑ "Earl Caddock". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame. Archived from the original on August 20, 2008. Retrieved March 9, 2009.
↑ Groubet, Lourdes; Carlos Monsiváis; Gabriel Rodríguez (2006). Espectacular de lucha Libre/ Wrestling Spectacular. UNAM. p.318. ISBN970-32-3734-7.
↑ Funk, Terry; Scott E. Williams; Mick Foley (2006). Terry Funk: More Than Just Hardcore. Sports Publishing LLC. p.198. ISBN1-59670-159-5.
↑ Quadros, Stephen (November 2000). "Kazushi Sakuraba Proves that Pro Wrestlers Can Fight — and Triumph over Brazilian Jujutsu". Black Belt. 38 (11). Black Belt Communications Inc.: 82–86. ISSN0277-3066.
↑ Kaelberer, Angie Peterson (2003). The Hardy Boyz: Pro Wrestlers Matt and Jeff Hardy. Capstone Press. p.6. ISBN0-7368-2142-2.
↑ Watts, Bill; Scott Williams (2006). The Cowboy and the Cross: The Bill Watts Story: Rebellion, Wrestling and Redemption. ECW Press. p.97. ISBN1-55022-708-4.
↑ Duncan, Royal; Gary Will (2006). "(Texas) Dallas: World Class 6-man Tag Team Title". Wrestling Title Histories. Archeus Communications. pp.271–272. ISBN0-9698161-5-4.
↑ Milner, John M.; Richard Kamchen. "Paul Heyman". SLAM! Wrestling. Archived from the original on July 17, 2012. Retrieved May 6, 2009.
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↑ "Pro Wrestling Illustrated: 2008 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts". The ... Wrestling Almanac and Book of Facts. 29 (5). Sports & Entertainment Publications, LLC: 110–111. ISSN1043-7576.
↑ "Pro Wrestling Illustrated: 2008 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts". The ... Wrestling Almanac and Book of Facts. 29 (5). Sports & Entertainment Publications, LLC: 108–110. ISSN1043-7576.
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