WWE Hall of Fame Coverage: Class of 2023
March 31, 2023
Los Angeles, California (Crypto.com Arena)
Results by: Mike Tedesco of Wrestleview.com
“Then. Now. Forever. Together.” The WWE video leads us into the show.
We go live into the Crypto.com Arena. The WWE production crew is doing an incredible job transitioning the arena setup from SmackDown, which ended two minutes ago, into the WWE Hall of Fame setup. Michael Cole and Wade Barrett welcome us to the show.
A brief preshow starts with numerous WWE Superstars and Hall of Famers speaking about what they think about tonight’s inductees.
The WWE Hall of Fame is beginning around 10:23 p.m. Eastern. A video plays that showcases the numerous great Hall of Fame inductees through the many years of this ceremony.
The hosts of the WWE Hall of Fame Ceremony Kayla Braxton and Corey Graves are in the ring. They welcome us to the show. We’ll be honoring people from the past that continue to shape the future. On the final day of Women’s History Month, it’s time to celebrate one of the trailblazers of this industry.
Video: The career of Stacy Keibler
WWE Hall of Famers Torrie Wilson and Mick Foley will be inducting Stacy Keibler into the Hall of Fame. Mick Foley greets the crowd and listens to a “Foley” chant. Foley says this night is all about Stacy Keibler. For those wondering what he’s doing to help induct Stacy Keibler into the Hall of Fame, he’s been wondering the same thing for two weeks. He got a text from Stacy to ask if he could do the honors with Torrie. Foley has been smiling for the past two weeks because that’s the effect that she has. Keibler is one of the kindest human beings he’s met aside from Molly Holly. Molly Holly and Stacy Keibler should fight to see who is the nicest WWE Superstar ever. Booker T said Stacy Keibler is one of a kind and no one turned the channel when she was on. Some of the new fans might only know about the Women’s Revolution, but these women that came before were such a pillar of the company. Foley says Keibler was a wonderful ambassador for WWE.
Foley remembers when Stacy Keibler was on “Dancing with the Stars.” They met up at a Jets game during that time. They hugged in the stadium, and thousands of people applauded. It was an incredibly special moment, but not as special as this moment and night. Foley remembers when he was inducted 10 years ago. Torrie was inducted in 2019. These are great moments in their lives, and he is happy to share this magical night with Stacy Keibler.
Torrie Wilson steps up to the microphone. Torrie is going to try not to cry. She met Stacy Keibler when she was 19 years old. After taking a picture with her, none of the girls in the locker room could believe how beautiful Stacy was. Her personality is even better. The women in the locker room weren’t the only ones to notice her beauty and popularity. Within weeks, Stacy was moved to a character on TV. Stacy persevered in becoming a wrestler. Stacy helped lead us to the Superstars of today. As every Superstar of today knows, their value is heavily weighed by the fans wanting to watch someone. None of them could keep their eyes off Stacy, both in the ring and dancing her way into people’s hearts. Stacy became a household name by crossing over into Hollywood. She’s done everything from the Slammys to the Oscars. Her 42-inch legs are insured by Lloyds of London. Stacy is the best mother ever. Stacy mesmerizes Torrie Wilson with her positivity, zest for life, and ability to be the life of the party everywhere she goes. Stacy inducted her into the Hall of Fame, and she gets to return the favor. Torrie introduces Stacy Keibler.
Stacy Keibler
Stacy Keibler makes her way to the ring and embraces Mick Foley and Torrie Wilson. The crowd gives her a nice ovation. Keibler says it is good to be home. She is so grateful for everyone that has been part of her WWE journey, especially the greatest fans in the world. They are the real reason she is standing here today. WWE and all the fans empowered her to be the best entertainer she could be. WWE is sports entertainment. They gave her confidence, and the WWE gave her the platform. She started acting at 7 in a cough syrup commercial. She never thought it would lead her to entertain the best fans in the world. A “Stacy” chant picks up. The fans shaped her career, gave her strength, inspired her, and are the magic of the show. Keibler thanks the fans.
She always tried her best to honor the fans that showed up to WWE events. A photo is shown of Keibler at a WCW event holding a Bret Hart sign. She was a superfan first and will always be a superfan. Stacy figured if she entered the Nitro Girl contest that she could just meet him. She never thought she’d win and the places that would take her. That little girl with an nWo shirt is going into the WWE Hall of Fame. This is surreal. She feels like she’s still sitting in the fans. They are all connected. This is the power of this community. They’ve done this with her. The Hall of Fame highlights great attributes. Every Hall of Famer and Superstar has grit. Grit is about not giving up. That’s what she tries to teach her children. Grit helps you get up, and grace keeps you moving forward. She is humbled and proud to be inducted into this gritty and graceful group.
People always ask her if she really wrestled and if it hurts. Yes, it does hurt. No matter how much pain she felt, she found the grit she didn’t know she had. When the music hit, and the crowd erupted, it helped her to move forward. Her first teacher was Madusa. Madusa kicked her butt. After training with her on the first day, she couldn’t get out of bed. Madusa was pushing her to be her best. She’s grateful to all the women that came up with her. Stacy lists a bunch of the great women she worked with and thanks Fit Finlay for teaching a dancer how to wrestle. The Dudley Boyz were her greatest teachers. She also loves Shane Helms. She was a big Torrie Wilson fan, to begin with. The first day she entered the Women’s Locker Room, they became fast friends. They were roadies and rivals and were even roommates in Los Angeles. Their friendship is proof of what happens when women empower and lift each other up.
Stacy thanks Torrie and Mick for being there. She thanks her husband, Jared. She thanks him for loving all aspects of her and pushing her to be the most authentic version of herself. She is grateful to be on this journey with him. As for their three children, they may not understand what is going on, but she’s so happy they’re there with her. To her #1 fans, her mother and father, she thanks them for instilling good morals and values in her. Love is the strongest force, and she has felt an enormous amount of it. Lastly, the fans were with her from the beginning and supported her throughout her WWE career. She hopes they stay true to themselves and manifest all their dreams. Stacy thanks the fans for making her dreams come true. She accepts this honor on behalf of the amazing WWE fans throughout the world. The crowd gives her a standing ovation.
WrestleMania commercials air.
Video: The wrestling career of Andy Kaufman
Jerry “The King” Lawler is shown by video. Lawler wishes he could be there in person to induct Andy Kaufman into the WWE Hall of Fame. Some of the most memorable moments of his career involved Kaufman. Since he can’t be there, he’s sending out Jimmy Hart to help out.
Jimmy Hart makes his entrance and gives it up to the King of Memphis. Andy Kaufman was such a genius at getting heat. Hart got to manage him. One night, Kaufman got the crowd so riled that they wanted to break Hart’s car windows. The problem is they were in the car. Kaufman loved it. Sometimes they would go out to eat, but Kaufman wouldn’t sign autographs to keep his character. Hart told him to sign the autograph in case they spit in their food. Hart recalls having a match with him and Kaufman going against Lawler. Lawler piledrove Kaufman that night. Kaufman wouldn’t get out of the ring, so Lawler threatened to put him in a full-body cast. Kaufman then got up. Hart then introduces the family of Andy Kaufman.
Andy Kaufman
The family of Andy Kaufman makes their way to the ring. Who I am assuming is Kaufman’s brother, he thanks Jerry Lawler. They never forgot what Lawler did for Andy. Some people thought his brother got into wrestling for the gag and comedy of it, but he got into wrestling because he was a lifelong fan. He remembers when they were kids in the 1950s, they would watch wrestling on black-and-white TV. They would imitate the wrestling moves.
Carol Kaufman, Andy’s sister, talks about how Andy thought wrestling was beautiful. So many people told him to stop wrestling because it was bad for his career, but he did it anyway because he loved it just like the fans. To even be billed as a wrestler made Andy happier than anything. To be inducted into the Hall of Fame, if he were alive, he’d have loved this. His daughter thanks WWE for inducting her father.
John Cena vs. Austin Theory is highlighted. They then showcase Rhea Ripley vs. Charlotte Flair.
Video: The career of The Great Muta
16-time World Heavyweight Champion and 2-time WWE Hall of Famer “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair is introduced to the crowd. He will be inducting The Great Muta into the WWE Hall of Fame. Flair gets in the ring, and the crowd loudly shouts, “WOO!” Flair says he got a phone call from Kevin Dunn saying they need to talk, so he wondered what he did wrong now. Dunn said it was a good thing. Flair was told they want him to induct Muta. Muta was excited about it.
Flair wants to tell a few stories about Japan and the cultural clash he brought. They’re a badass culture. Asuka is a badass. It was the longest hour of his life having to wrestle Muta. The Steiner Brothers were built to wrestle in Japan. They’re tough guys. Flair is an entertainer. Flair was impressed by the kids that were trying to break into wrestling doing thousands of free squats. Flair says “shit,” which didn’t get bleeped out. The work ethic the Japanese bring to this sport is phenomenal. They called him into the office in 1989 and told Flair they were bringing a handsome Japanese guy in. They needed someone to show him Atlanta, Georgia. Why would they pick Flair? Muta came to them at 6’3 and 240 pounds. Muta is the greatest Japanese wrestler he’s ever been in the ring with.
A lot of people say that Flair made a few guys in this business. Flair will take credit for some, but he’s not a shooter. Flair lists some guys in Japan that stretched him out badly, including Giant Baba and Antonio Inoki. Flair knows they’re running long and doesn’t want Hunter (Triple H) to wrap him up again. Flair wants to introduce a man that competed in the same class as Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat and Shawn Michaels. Muta is that good. HBK didn’t invent the moonsault — Muta did. Flair introduces The Great Muta.
The Great Muta
When The Great Muta gets in the ring, Flair says he wasn’t sure if he was going to say this. 10 years ago, he left his son in Muta’s care. Muta treated him like one of his own. Flair loves him for that.
Muta greets the crowd and says he doesn’t speak English very well. Muta thanks WWE and Ric Flair. Muta is honored to be in the WWE Hall of Fame. Muta loves this work and thanks the fans. Muta then poses and spits out Green Mist! Asuka loves it from her seat.
Video: The career of Tim White, the 2023 Warrior Award recipient
JBL and Ron Simmons of the APA will be inducting Tim White into the WWE Hall of Fame. JBL says the APA appears to be back together. What does Ron Simmons think about that? Simmons goes to say something, but he stops. Simmons then approaches the mic and shouts, “DAMN!” JBL says it is an honor to be out here to give the Warrior Award to their friend, Tim White. Tim White was a great friend to everybody. White would always tell stories about Andre the Giant, sparring, and his friendship with Arnold Skaaland. People knew that he owned “The Friendly Tap,” and there was a secret bar room in the back where they hung out with Tim and Arnie.
Simmons says White used them to destroy his bar so he could get new furniture. White was a kind and genuine man. You knew within minutes of meeting him that he’s a guy you would love to have as a friend. JBL admits that White would ask them to destroy particular pieces of furniture and electronics so they would be replaced on WWE’s dime. No one has ever said anything bad about Tim White. The partnership backstage with guys like Tim White is the pillar of what makes WWE successful. JBL introduces Tom and Pat White, Tim’s brothers.
Tim White
One of the brothers does look just like Tim White. Pat thanks the WWE on behalf of Tom, their sister, and the entire White family for their brother’s induction into the WWE Hall of Fame. There are some things that he’s not going to say or do because his brother wouldn’t appreciate it. White wouldn’t want them telling bullcrap stories about what he did and didn’t do. There’s no crying in wrestling. He thought it was just baseball. If his brother were here today, he’d say thank you and express his deep gratitude to the people in WWE, especially the fans for the love, support, and respect. His brother would want to tell everyone that it was a hell of a great ride to the WWE Hall of Fame. Tom White celebrates with the Warrior Award.
Video: The career of Rey Mysterio
Konnan is introduced and shouts to the crowd in Spanish. The crowd gives him a great hand. Konnan says this is an eclectic and beautiful crowd. The US wrestling scene wasn’t as diverse as it is today. Konnan sees superstars of all shapes and sizes here tonight. What a beautiful sight to behold. Rey Mysterio was a hard sell to promoters. He was a scrawny little guy. A photo is shown of a young Rey Mysterio. Konnan thought he was a cute little kid. Konnan had to sell that to promoters in the late-80s and early-90s in a world dominated by bodybuilders. The first stop was the independent scene in Hollywood, California. Rey was 15 at an 18 and older bar. Konnan would scam the bar security to get Rey in.
The next stop was Mexico City with Antonio Pena telling Konnan to find new prospects. His first two were Rey Mysterio and Psicosis. Pena thought he was kidding. Konnan says he knows he looks like he just hit puberty, but he’s special. Pena came to believe. The next stop was Paul Heyman and ECW. Paulie knew that talent had no weight, height, or gender. It’s just talent. WCW soon followed. Like he had to do with AAA, he had to see Mysterio to Kevin Sullivan to get Rey to play “Where the big boys play.” People thought Rey was too short, but Konnan reminded Kevin Sullivan that he was vertically challenged. Rey is a generational talent that Sullivan would regret not signing. Sullivan said he’d give Mysterio a tryout. If he’s not what Konnan says, he can’t recommend anyone. Mysterio fought Dean Malenko that night, someone who wasn’t bitter. A lot of guys made fun of Rey, but Konnan told him to educate the ignorant. Malenko made Mysterio look like a million bucks. Everyone watched that match backstage. It was a monitor sellout. Mysterio got a standing ovation from the boys in the back. Three weeks later, he was Cruiserweight Champion.
Konnan is so proud of this shy little boy. Lucha libre is all over. Rey Mysterio kickstarted that movement. Rey the human being is even better. Rey has given homeless people food and talked to them. Konnan is alive today because of the Mysterio family. When you have the type of talent that revolutionizes a genre and destroys the blueprints, you honor it. Tonight is the night to give him his flowers while he’s still active. What the people will witness is a legend and icon in real-time. In the City of Angels, they will honor a real angel. Konnan says he loves the family and thinks he can replace Dominik! The secret to the success of Rey and Angie’s marriage is communication. If you wink at a girl in the dark, nothing happens. If Konnan were reincarnated, he’d want to be Rey’s friend again. Rey is the pride of their country. Konnan gives Rey Mysterio an incredible introduction!
Rey Mysterio
Rey Mysterio makes his entrance amidst so many of his peers. X-Pac shakes hands with him. Mysterio hugs Kurt Angle. Dominik Mysterio, Rhea Riley, and Damian Priest are the only ones not standing for him. Mysterio shakes hands with some family at ringside and gets in the ring to hug Konnan.
Mysterio steps up to the microphone and says, “Wow.” A LOUD “You deserve it” chant picks up. Mysterio says they’re going to make him cry even more. Mysterio says he only wanted to show his tough side, but he’s crying right now. Mysterio thanks Konnan for a beautiful introduction. The crowd loudly boos as Dominik, Ripley, and Priest walk out on the speech. Mysterio puts his head down in shame. Mysterio says he’ll take care of business tomorrow, and the crowd pops HUGE!
Mysterio wants to tell a story about himself. He started this business in Tijuana, Mexico, the backyard of LA. He grew up with his uncle, the great Rey Mysterio, Sr. Mysterio wanted to follow in his footsteps. He loved spending time with his uncle. That’s where he fell in love with Lucha libra. The capes and the masks made superheroes come to life. Mysterio wanted to be part of that word. He started training at the age of 8. He had no special privileges being the nephew of a legend. His uncle would chop him until he cried and left the ring. Just imagine an 8-year-old kid crying in wrestling class waiting for his uncle to help him. His uncle never came for him. Eventually, he’d ask to get back in the ring. The lesson was on the ride home. That’s when his uncle would tell him about the business. This business is tough and rough, but Rey knew he wanted to be part of it.
Mysterio met Konnan when he was 12 years old. Konnan came to Tijuana to be trained by his uncle. Despite their age difference, they clicked right away. Shortly after Konnan took off and became a huge star, Mysterio felt like he was ready for his first match. In order to have that match, he had to take a test to get a wrestling license. The test consists of three categories: conditioning, mat wrestling, and an exhibition. The judges that would pass or fail you were veterans in the business. Mysterio passed it on his first try. Now he had to show up to the Wrestling and Boxing Commission of Tijuana. The problem is he was underage. They never did that. They made his parents sign a release saying if he were injured, it would be his parents’ fault only. Rey got the license and needed a promoter. It was hard to get booked because he was so small, even with his uncle’s help. His first match was outside a church in Tijuana. He looked like a child wrestling. The only difference between him and the kids in the crowd was a mask, wrestling boots, and tights. He had no idea that his journey was just beginning.
Rey wanted to wrestle in the Auditorium in Tijuana. He saw Andre the Giant there. The tunnel to get to the ring was so small that he could touch the ceiling. Mysterio couldn’t believe Andre fit in that tunnel. Mysterio had just met his wife, Angie, and invited her to his first match at the Auditorium. After graduating 11th grade, Konnan called him with an offer for a big break. Rey didn’t want to go because he was in school. Konnan asked how much money he was making in school. Rey had a lot of excuses, but Konnan wouldn’t take no for an answer. Rey didn’t want to go because of his girlfriend. Konnan said if she loves him, she’ll wait for him. Now she’s his wife.
They wound up sleeping in the gym and sometimes in the ring. Rey remembers calling Angie and crying that he wanted to go back home. Angie told him to wait it out and stick to it. She was studying medicine, but put the education to the side, got a job, and sent him money. Mysterio becomes very emotional. An “Angie” chant picks up. She did that so he could pursue his dream. AAA soon kicked off, but he didn’t make much money. Once it kicked off, he had the run of his career. Right off the bat, he won three Mask vs. Hair matches.
Then it was on to ECW. There would be no Rey Mysterio without Psicosis. ECW opened doors for him. After that, he went to WCW. His first match was on live PPV at the Great American Bash against Dean Malenko. Mysterio thanks Malenko for his help and knowledge. He appreciates it from the bottom of his heart. Malenko made him look incredible that night. He’ll forever be grateful.
During that WCW time, he reconnected with someone he met when he was 12 years old: Eddie Guerrero. A loud “Eddie” chant picks up. Eddie wrestled his uncle that first night. It was the same guy he met in WCW. Eddie always had the same heart. In WCW, his bond with Eddie became even tighter. They created the match that put him on the map at Halloween Havoc 1997. A few years later, WCW was bought out by WWE. That’s when Rey decided to take some time off and be with his family because his daughter was born.
Rey didn’t know if WWE would want someone with his size. He didn’t look like a typical WWE Superstar. In 2002, JR called him and asked if he was ready to do business. Rey said, “Hell yeah.” For 20 years, WWE invested time and money in him. All he wanted was a spot on the roster. Rey thanks WWE for the opportunity of a lifetime. Rey thanks WWE for letting him break the mold of what a superstar should look like and letting him represent Lucha libre to the world. They allowed him to introduce his family to the WWE Universe. Rey did things in WWE like winning the Royal Rumble and winning the World Championship. Rey thanks his parents, his brothers, Rey Mysterio, Sr., all of his coaches from Tijuana, the veterans that broke him into the business as a kid… it would take forever to mention everyone by name, but they know who they are. Without Konnan, none of this would be possible. He always thanks god for the life they have and then Konnan second. Rey could’ve been a great local wrestler, but Konnan got him to the next level. Rey thanks Paul Heyman for giving him the opportunity to be part of ECW. Rey thanks Eric Bischoff and Kevin Sullivan for getting him started in WCW. Rey thanks William Regal, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, and all the agents that were part of his matches in WCW. Everyone in WWE: Batista, Undertaker, Edge, JBL, Kurt Angle, Randy Orton, John Cena, and Eddie Guerrero.
Last, but not least, he wants to thank the WWE Universe. Rey believes that none of this would be possible without them. They made the name “Rey Mysterio” immortal. Mysterio thanks the people that make his costumes and masks. Mysterio thanks everyone for having him inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. Mysterio’s music plays, and the crowd gives him a standing ovation.
E-Mail – mike@wrestleview.com
Twitter – @MikeTedescoWV
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