Class Of 2007

The WWE will induct another nine people into their Hall of Fame tonight.

There are a few well known names going in. Many will be known by contemporary fans but there may be one or two inducteses who today's fan will not recognise.

Here is a list of the Class of 2007 accompanied by my thoughts.

The Wild Samoans

Afa and Sika were one of the most popular tag teams in the WWF during the late seventies to eighties. They held the titles on many occasions. One of the most interesting facts on the two Samoans is that their offspring and trainees have also made a name for themselves in the business thus proving they have contributed to the sport.

The Sheik

As this year's Wrestlemania is taking place in Detroit one of the city's most popular wrestlers is going to be inducted. The Sheik was one of the most hated heels in the business. He drew loads of money in the USA and Japan and has also contributed to the sport by training two popular wrestlers in Rob Van Dam and Sabu. The Shiek passed away a few years ago but will be inducted by his nephew, Sabu.

Nick Bockwinkel

Current wrestling fans will remember Nick Bockwinkel from his stint as a WCW authority figure during the mid 1990's. Bockwinkel was more than that, though. He was a formerAWA World and Tag Team champion during a successful career in the now defunct company.

Jerry 'The King' Lawler

Jerry Lawler is the co-host of WWE's flagship show, Monday Night Raw. He was one of the most popular wrestlers in his native Tennessee during a legendary career. One of his most memorable moments of Lawler's career is when he slapped Andy Kaufman on the David Letterman Show which kayfabed the audience into believing the two were feuding.

Dusty Rhodes

The American Dream was a jive talking wrestler. He didn't really have the look of a wrestler but his charisma carried him to an incredible career. He embodied the role of a common man which endeared him to the wrestling fans. He won plenty of world titles during his time in the business. He currently works behind the scenes in the WWE after lengthy spells working in maangement in other companies like WCW and TNA.

Jim Ross

Ross is the voice of wrestling. He is the head commentator on WWE Raw and there have been some legenedary moments called by the man in the cowboy hat. It seems that he has been disrespected by the McMahon family in recent years with his influence on the company being overlooked. The reaction of the fans and his peers during the induction video is a testament to his place in the business. He deserves his place more than anyone else inducted this year.

'Mr Perfect' Curt Hennig

Mr Perfect passed away in 2003. He was one of the best technical wrestlers of the 80's and 90's. I think Hennig deserves his place in the Hall. You only need to see the legendary match with Bret Hart at Summerslam 1991 to sway your vote for his inclusion. It wasn't only this match that defined his career but it was one that I hold with great respect and often watch when I want to chill out and watch a good wrestling match.

Mr Fuji

This is a personal one for me. As a child growing up a WWF fan one of the most hated WWF managers would be Mr Fuji. He managed a host of people during my days as a young fan. He wasn't always a manager, though. He was also an accomplished wrestler. He was devious and sinister and it was this that made me fear him when I met him in 1993. I was a little bit scared of him when he got off the bus. I was such a mark I didn't know he spoke English properly but he came over to me and was really nice. I had my photograph taken with him and he also gave me his autograph. He may have been a nasty guy on the TV but I saw the real side to him. This proves he played his role well.