2016 Hall of Fame

Jacqueline Induction

– Lawler introduced The Dudleys to induct Jacqueline. Bubba Ray, following Stan Hansen, said it’s great to be back in WWE. He said this is special for Jackie and shared the story of Jackie immediately picking them to induct her. Bubba said this is special for them inducting someone into the WWE Hall of Fame. He said this is also special for Jackie being inducted in her hometown of Dallas, which is where she also started in the wrestling business.

Bubba said the one word that came to mind when they thought about Jackie is “tough.” He said he’s not just talking about “tough” for a woman, but tough for a human being. Bubba said it’s Mae Young and Fabulous Moolah tough. Devon wanted to talk, but Bubba jokingly said he’s only supposed to say “Testify.” Bubba laughed and Devon said he’s tired of getting Bubba’s tables for him.

Bubba said Jackie was “one of the boys,” and Devon said she was one of the cheapest people he’s ever met. They shared a few cheap stories riding the road, then Devon relayed some interaction with Jackie the last few days. Devon said Jackie learned how to dab, and he told her that she’s going to have to do it when she comes out here. Devon said people told them they would have only a few true friends in the wrestling business, and Jackie is one of those friends for life.

– Jackie Moore a/k/a Jacqueline was introduced on-stage to dab for the crowd. She hugged Devon and Bubba before working the stage playing to the crowd. Jackie then approached the podium to begin her speech.

Jackie said it’s great to be here. She said she is honored to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, baby. Jackie wanted to talk about getting started in wrestling after watching the Von Erichs on TV in Dallas. Then, she saw an ad looking for people to become wrestlers. And there she met Skandor Akbar. Jackie said she was so green, but Akbar saw something in her. She worked around the country before getting the call from WWE.

Jackie said she was so fortunate to win the Women’s Title in 1998 before reaching her pinnacle when she won the title again. And the rest is history. Jackie said she is so grateful for her years with WWE. She thanked the people who made it possible for her – the fans. Jackie said every fan has been great to her. Jackie thanked her family and friends for their support. She also thanked the wrestlers like Trish Stratus (not in the crowd), Lita (shown), Molly Holly (shown), Terri Runnels (shown), Victoria (not in the crowd), and Sable (big pop, not in the crowd). Jackie thanked the guys, too. She thanked WWE to wrap up her short and sweet speech

Fabulous Freebirds Induction

– First, a video package highlighting the Freebirds’s influence on wrestling with talking heads from Chris Jericho, Ted DiBiase, Steve Austin, and others. WWE highlighted the Freebirds’s feud with the Von Erichs in Dallas. Triple H said he was 10-years-old watching the Von Erichs and Freebirds fight on his TV, and it was the biggest thing in his life. The Rock, Big Show, Booker T, and Austin again talked. Austin said he knew what he wanted to do with his life watching the Freebirds. Paul Heyman said they turned tag team wrestling upside down.

– WWE tag champions New Day were introduced as their inductors. Kofi Kingstom, Big E., and Xavier Woods emerged on-stage sporting matching black suits with white pinstripes on the lapel. Very sharp. Kofi thanked the crowd for their support, then acknowledged their sharp looks tonight.

Kofi said a lot of people have been asking them why they’re inducting the Freebirds into the Hall of Fame. Well, because, New Day and the Freebirds have a lot in common. They love to sing. They love to dance. And they are both multi-man groups that function like a well-oiled unit. Big E. said his unit is well-oiled. Xavier said *their* unit is well-oiled. Big E. said this is weird. But, but, but they love to have fun. Big said the Freebirds loved to have fun. Remember the facepaint? The red, white, and blue. They were patriotic and loved America. U-S-A.

Xavier said family does not necessarily mean you are related by blood. Yessir! from Big E. Big E. told him to preach after every line from Xavier building to his big close. Xavier and Kofi told Big E. to be calm for a second. Xavier said they are brothers, like the Freebirds were. Kofi said the Freebirds were the first group to come out to rock music. So, technically, Free … Birds … Rock. Xavier then led the crowd in a “Free … Birds Rock” chant.

– Organ music then played and transitioned to more upbeat rock and roll music. Michael Hayes bounced out on-stage in an old-school Badstreet USA shirt, wild hat, fannypack, and long coat. He was followed by apparently Jimmy Garvin who also danced along with Hayes. WWE cut to a shot of Stephanie McMahon clapping and dancing along from the floor. Hayes and Garvin then kept dancing on the stage and WWE cut to Shane McMahon elsewhere on the floor. The crowd popped for Hayes and Garvin, who sold being blown up. “Free … Birds Rock” chant.

From the stage, Hayes said “Free … Birds Need Oxygen.” Garvin said he hasn’t danced that hard in 25 years. Hayes thanked New Day for the induction. He said there’s only one thing left to say. “Thank you and good night,” Hayes said. Garvin said he can’t leave now. Hayes said there was an office pool on how long his speech would go. And he took the under. Garvin said he took the over. So, how about they hang around a little bit?

Garvin had numbers – 55, 37, and 32. Garvin said 55 years ago, Chief Jay Strongbow took him to the Florida Sportatorium and threw him in the ring at nine-years-old. He said that felt like home to him in 1961. The number 37 – that’s when they became brothers at Tommy Rich’s birthday partner drinking moonshine. The number 32 – that was 32 years ago at Texas Stadium when they set an attendance record. Tomorrow at WrestleMania 32, the record will be smashed.

Speaking of smashed, Hayes said, they left one of the Sportatorium sell-outs and returned to their apartment, only to realize they didn’t have a key. Suddenly, Terry Gordy found the key. He kicked the door right off the hinge on their first night at the apartment. But, the party kept going. Then, Gordy grabbed the dining room table and chucked it through the apartment, shattering everything. Buddy Roberts got fired up and knocked around the sheet rock with elbows. So, Hayes and Terry got mad at Roberts. Roberts realized he was in a tough spot, so he took a bump through the coffee table and said they don’t drink coffee anyways. It was summer … in Texas … but Buddy decided to make a fire out of the wood.

Garvin said he misses Buddy and Gordy so much. He said they are still their brothers. Hayes said he can guarantee they will feel their presence, but he wants to make it feel even more special. He welcomed out their sons.

Ray Gordy, Jr., the former Smackdown wrestler Slam Master J, said people used to come up to him and ask who his favorite wrestler is. He said it was of course Kevin Von Erich, which popped the crowd for the humorous response. Then, he realized his dad was on the other side of the feud and said his dad Terry Gordy was one of the best big-man wrestlers of all-time. Ray thanked WWE and the fans for recognizing his dad.

Buddy Roberts, Jr. shouted into the mic looking to fire up the crowd. Buddy said he came out here during rehearsals and planned a speech, but this is real, so everything is out the window. He thanked WWE for inducting the Freebirds, thanked Hayes and Jimmy Jam for keeping the Freebirds alive, and recognized his mom in the crowd. She was in a Freebirds dress. He said he knows he’s in trouble, but dad would have done it. Junior said Buddy had a great career with the Freebirds and Hollywood Blondes. Car rides were his favorite thing, sharing the brotherhood of being a wrestler. He thanked the audience. Ray wanted to hear a few more Freebirds stories.

Ray, Jr. and Buddy, Jr. left, leaving Jimmy Jam to note they are limited on what stories they can share. What else can happen besides Hayes get fired? They laughed. Garvin said he can relate to what Triple H and Shawn Michaels communicated non-verbally that they always knew what the other was thinking. Garvin tried to find a safe story that Buddy Roberts used to pee on his back in the shower.

Hayes shared a story about the Von Erichs. They had not yet done the big angle and were getting along traveling together to Lubbock, Texas. Hayes said he knew that him plus clubs was not a good idea. But, everyone grabbed him and forced him into a club. And this wasn’t your normal club. So, he tried to play Pacman to stay out of trouble. Suddenly, he took a stiff blow to the back of the head. It was a big guy in a motorcycle club and asked what gang he was in. Hayes said Terry Gordy came running over there and got slapped right in the face. They cut to Dean Ambrose leaning forward mesmerized by the story. Suddenly, Gordy and Hayes knocked down the whole crew and Bam Bam relayed that he just took down a guy with a wooden leg. Hayes said they decided to let their guys up and get out of there. But, the guy went inside his vest looking for a gun. They tried to run to the back door, but it was locked. So, they ran through the front door and the wooden leg man unloaded gunfire on them. Then, Gordy started laughing. Hayes wanted to know why. “‘Cause he missed.” Hayes left the podium after the mic drop story and allowed the crowd to chant and cheer “Free … Birds Rock.”

Garvin wanted to share a story about temporarily losing his mind one time. He said his father built an apartment complex in Tampa, where virtually every wrestler lived. Garvin said while the Freebirds and Von Erichs were fighting, he was valet for David Von Erich. He also had to deal with a crazy Englishman named Chris Adams. Garvin focused on his personal life, saying he’s been with his wife for 47 years and she’s watching at home. Garvin vowed to love her hard when he gets home. He said he was blessed to be a Freebird and it was a wonderful experience.

Hayes took the podium next to pay tribute to World Class. He said that was a great group of guys and girls. He shouted out to “Iceman” Parsons, Chris Adams, Garvin standing next to him, and Precious & Sunshine. Hayes said he has a lot of guys to thank, but it would take too long. Hayes thanked God, then his mother watching at home. He paused for a mom story. Hayes recalled being nine-years-old at Sears when a girl was looking at her. Then, the mood is ruined when his mom bursted out asking the salesman where the husky department is.

Hayes then shouted out to Pat Patterson, Jerry and Jack Brisco, and the agents who help make this industry go. Hayes also thanked “Hollywood” Jon Tatum and the writers he works with (boos). Garvin said he’s getting heat. Hayes said they work word and everyone in this company works hard. Hayes shouted out to the studio folks, corporate employees, and everyone else who works overtime to produce the product. Hayes said when he first heard the slogan “we put smiles on people’s faces,” it made him sick and turned his stomach. Then, one day he was sitting in the arena and saw people with smiles on their faces.

Hayes shouted out to Afa and Siki of the Wild Samoans, who trained him. He also thanked his two ex-wives, just to prove he’s crazy. Hayes thanked his first wife for standing by him when no one else believed he could do this. And, his second ex-wife kept him going. Hayes joked that it was their fault for marrying him. Hayes then pointed to the McMahon Family sitting on the front row. Hayes talked to Paul and Stephanie for helping him get to a better place. He said Steph has always had his back and is the sister he never had. Steph teared up. Hayes then shouted at Shane across the floor, saying he keeps him up at night. “When are you gonna settle down?!” He said Linda is the only one in the family who isn’t crazy. As a matter of fact, he almost peed on her on a plane one time. Triple H nodded along like yes that happened. Hayes said if he actually did pee on her, then it would have been on her.

Hayes said his little vacation taught him that he wasn’t good at the marriage thing is because he already had a wife – the wrestling business. Hayes told the crowd to make a decision to pursue their dreams because this is the last thing he thought he would be is a WWE Hall of Famer. Hayes shouted out to his “NXT kids” as the crowd responded with a “You deserve it” chant. Hayes asked everyone to carry the wrestling torch on with a love for the business.

Hayes then randomly introduced a photo of his dog, Jo Jo Hayes. Hayes said he misses his little dog two years ago, and it crushed him. But, another man stood up at the Hall of Fame years ago in Houston and said something that stuck with him to not worry about the time missed, but cherish the moments you have now and going forward. He said that man was from the most famous family in Texas, the Von Erichs.

Hayes welcomed out Kevin Von Erich to a big reaction. Kevin, looking like he’s still 1980s Texas Wrestling, hugged Hayes and Garvin before giving a speech. Von Erich wanted to talk about brothers. He said the Birds were brothers, like he and his brothers were. Kevin shouted out to Buddy Roberts, then talked about losing his family. Kevin said he thought money, fame, and these other things were important, but he found out that his family was most important. Kevin brought up his sons in the crowd.

Kevin said he’s wrestled so many of the people in the crowd all over the world. He said is the luckiest man on earth for being the last man standing. He congratulated Hayes, Garvin, Buddy, and Terry. He said the Freebirds and Von Erichs beat the crap out of each other and it made for good TV. “God Bless Texas,” he closed his portion of the induction speech.

Hayes said they’re in the “over,” so it looks like Garvin won the bet. He closed by reading the lyrics to Badstreet USA. Hayes asked for the music and he sang the tune as everyone stood up on the floor and clapped along. Hayes then walked through the crowd acknowledging Iron Sheik, then Backlund, the agents, DDP, and Larry Zbyszko before returning to the stage to finish out the song. “Good night Dallas!” Hayes closed before disappearing to the back.

Snoop Dogg Induction

– WWE ran a video package on the celebrity inductees through the years. Donald Trump was highlighted. This year, the Hall of Fame goes to the “Dogg.” WWE flashed through Dogg’s numerous WWE TV appearances through the years.

– Lawler said when it came time to find someone to induct Dogg, they had to find someone with a similar lifestyle, background, and physique. So, here’s John Cena. Cena returned to TV serenaded by boos and “John Cena Sucks” sing-along, which he took in stride. Cena waited it out and bowed to the dignitaries on the floor. Cena smiled and let the crowd have its moment before the boos picked up again.

Cena did his deep-announcer voice to introduce Dogg’s credentials. He said he could talk about his movie career, like Soul Plane, or his high school coaching, or latest business venture. Yes, Snopp Dogg has had an unbelievably successful career, but on this night in front of this raucous audience (boos for Cena), he would like to showcase some different career moments for Snoop. He said Dogg’s been involved in WWE longer than he has and is a proud member of the wrestling audience.

Cena said the Celebrity Wing of the Hall of Fame is for someone who contributes to WWE. He said he is more than a contributor, but a member of the family. Cena said this is Snoop’s home. So, WWE cut to Road Dogg in the crowd. Cena said with that in mind, there will be some interesting results on tomorrow’s WWE drug test.

Cena said back when there was a kid from West Newbury, Mass. ran around the ring shouting “I’m the Dr. of Thuganomics,” Dogg did not turn his nose up at him, but welcomed him to the studio to work with him. Cena welcomed out the “incomparable Snoop Doggy Dog.”

– Snoop Dogg walked out dressed in a suit with trademark glasses over his dreadlocks. Dogg took a selfie with the audience in the background. He thanked the WWE family and fans for fighting to get him in the ring. Dogg said this means so much to him being a fan of wrestling for so long. He gave a shout-out to John Cena for his great speech, which drew boos and cheers.

Dogg said he and Cena shared a few secrets in the studio. He also worked with Randy Orton, Mark Henry, DX, and especially HB-Shizzle (they showed Shawn Michaels laughing in his seat). He thanked “Stone Cold” Steve Austin and The Undertaker (not in the crowd). He also shouted out to his little cousin … Sasha Banks. He called her the legit boss. Big pop for Sasha. Dogg said what’s so crazy about this is when he took her to WrestleMania in Orlando, he took her around to meet everyone and she knew this is where she belonged. Dogg said to see her face on the side of the AT&T Stadium, he doesn’t know how to express show much that means. “Love you sunshine,” he said.

Dogg said when he was a kid, he used to watch ‘rasslin with his grandpa. So, one day he went down to the Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles to see Andre the Giant and Gorilla Monsoon. To see that as a young kid, it made him want to love this sport of wrestling. He said now it’s become the #1 sports attraction around the world.

Dogg continued that a lot of superstars inspired him to become an entertainer. Tony Atlas. Rocky Johnson. JYD. “American Dream” Dusty Rhodes. (WWE showed Goldust and Cody Rhodes in the crowd.) And, the original man of swag, “Nature Boy” Ric Flair. (WWE showed Charlotte in the crowd.) Dogg said he wanted to end with a rap. He said he raps in his spare time. Dogg read a poem/rap about this being the highlight of his life. Dogg signed off as WWE showed Edge and A.J. Styles standing up in the crowd.