The Class Of 2017

Later today, WWE will host its 2017 Hall of Fame Ceremony where a number of wrestling personalities from the past will be inducted.

For eleven years, I have published a post on the day of each ceremony where I wrte about the names that are due to be enshrined. Here are this year's class..

Beth Phoenix
'The Glamazon' Beth Phoenix started her career in 2001 and joined the ranks of WWE in 2005. She went on to become a three-time WWE Women's Champion and one-time WWE Divas Champion. She decided to retire in 2012 and is now married to former WWE star, and now fellow Hall of Famer, Edge.
I believe Phoenix will be the youngest inductee into the Hall of Fame.

The Rock 'N Roll Express
The Rock 'N Roll Express is a popular tag team that had - in my opinon - its most popular run when the duo of Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson worked for Jim Crockett Promotions in the 1980s. The team spent the majority of its career working the southern states for promotions like Smoky Mountain Wrestling, the USWA and WCW.
The WWF did have the Rock 'N Roll Express in 1993 and then in 98, but I would say the run wasn't that memorable despite the team having a good match with the Heavenly Bodies at the 1993 Survivor Series.

Ravishing Rick Rude
Rick Rude started out his career working for some of the NWA territories and eventually landed in the WWF during the first boom period of the mid 1980s. It was here that I first became aware of him.
Surprisingly, my favourite WWF matches of his were against the Ultimate Warrior who wasn't known for having great bouts.
Rude ended up quitting WWF and landed in WCW, where he went on to feud with stars like Sting and Ric Flair.
Injuries forced him to retire from wrestling, but he did have a second career as a manager.
Rude passed away in 1999.

Diamond Dallas Page
Diamond Dallas Page started off as a manager, but then went on to become a pro wrestler. His best run was when he became WCW World Champion during the most recent boom period.
DDP made his way to World Wrestling Entertainment following the closure of WCW. It didn't turn out to be the best usage of Page.
In recent years, Page has started his own yoga programme and has become somewhat of a saviour to people like Jake Roberts and Scott Hall as Page has helped the addicts in their attempts to overcome their demons.

Theodore Long
Teddy Long is another person who first made a name in JCP. He initially started out working for the ring crew. This led to him becoming a referee. From there he went on to become a heel manager.
His WWE career sort of went the same way. He joined the company in 1998 as a referee, but then moved on from that to become a manager. By 2004, he became the storyline general manager of the Smackdown brand. He spent many years playing that role.

Kurt Angle
Kurt Angle is a legend not only in professional wrestling, but also in the real amateur style after winning a gold medal at the 1996 Olympic Games.
After leaving amateur wrestling behind, Angle eventually found his way to the WWF where he spent a year or so working for the company's minor leagues to develop his skill. I remember reading back then how well he was coming along. All those reports weren't wrong.
Angle made his WWF television debut in late 1999 and - within twelve months or so - had become the world champion.
He spent a number of years working for the WWF/E, but personal issues forced the company to release him. He then signed for Total Nonstop Action and spent nearly ten years working there.
Angle is the main eventer of tonight's ceremony.