WWE has announced that Hillbilly Jim will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame this year during WrestleMania 34 Week in New Orleans.
WWE issued the following:
Hillbilly Jim to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2018
Hillbilly Jim was a country boy plucked from the WWE Universe to be a Superstar. Now, he’s going to be a WWE Hall of Famer.
As first reported by Bleacher Report, Mudlick, Ky.’s favorite son is the latest inductee in the WWE Hall of Fame’s Class of 2018. Hillbilly Jim joins Goldberg, The Dudley Boyz, Ivory, Jeff Jarrett and Warrior Award recipient Jarrius “JJ” Robertson on the list of those who will be honored on Friday, April 6, in New Orleans during WrestleMania 34 Week.
The big country boy first popped up in WWE in late 1984, as a big, smiling bearded face towering above WWE fans around the country. However, Jim decided to get a little closer to the action when Hulk Hogan was attacked by Ken Patera, Big John Studd and Bobby “The Brain” Heenan. Leaping over the barricade, Hillbilly Jim jumped in the ring and helped The Hulkster run off the villains. Hogan saw something in the rugged man standing beside him and trained Jim for the ring.
Opting to compete in his overalls and entering the ring with a lucky horseshoe around his neck, Hillbilly Jim proved to be a prodigy inside the squared circle, using his incredible power to squeeze opponents into submission with his trademark bear hug. Though an injury sidelined him early in his WWE career, that did not stop Jim from introducing the WWE Universe to his extended family – Uncle Elmer, Cousin Junior and Cousin Luke – a trio of happy-go-lucky hillbillies that put smiles on the faces of fans around the world with their antics in the ring.
When he recovered, Jim jumped back in the ring and picked up where he left off, this time with his family in his corner. Hillbilly Jim also embraced WWE’s smaller competitors, competing in a Six-Person Tag Team Match on The Grandest Stage of Them All, WrestleManiaIII. The match featured one of the more infamous moments in WWE history, with one of Jim’s partners, Little Beaver, being splashed by the humongous King Kong Bundy in front of 93,173 people.
Hillbilly Jim continued competing in WWE through 1990 before stepping away from the squared circle. He continued to work with WWE throughout the 90s, co-hosting Prime Time Wrestling and managing his cousins, Henry and Phineas Godwinn, to the World Tag Team Championship. Jim returned to the ring for the Gimmick Battle Royal at WrestleMania X-Seven and showed a different side of himself on the hit WWE Network reality show, “Legends House,” in 2014.
Because of his lasting legacy as a beloved favorite of the WWE Universe, there is no better nominee for induction into the WWE Hall of Fame than Hillbilly Jim.
The 2018 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony takes place on Friday, April 6, in New Orleans at the Smoothie King Center during WrestleMania 34 Week. Tickets are available now on Ticketmaster.
WWE has announced that Jarrius “JJ” Robertson, a double liver transplant survivor and longtime WWE fan that was previously named Honorary WWE Superstar, will receive the 2018 Warrior Award at the WWE Hall of Fame this year.
Below is WWE’s full announcement:
Jarrius “JJ” Robertson to receive Warrior Award at 2018 WWE Hall of Fame Induction CeremonyAs first reported by the New Orleans Times-Picayune, WWE announced today that 15-year-old Jarrius “JJ” Robertson, double liver transplant survivor and longtime WWE fan, has been named the recipient of the fourth annual Warrior Award. Named after WWE Hall of Famer Ultimate Warrior, The Warrior Award is presented to an individual who has exhibited unwavering strength and perseverance and who lives life with the courage and compassion that embodies the indomitable spirit of Ultimate Warrior.
The award will be presented to Robertson by Dana Warrior, widow of Ultimate Warrior, at the 2018 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, which will stream live on WWE Network at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, April 6, from the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. USA Network will broadcast a special presentation of the ceremony on Saturday, April 7, at 10 ET/10 PT and on Monday, April 9, at 11 ET/11 PT, immediately following Raw.
While battling biliary atresia, a rare chronic liver disease, Jarrius has undergone dozens of surgeries and has had two liver transplants in his short life. Through these trials and tribulations, Jarrius has not let this disease define who he is. His charismatic, lively and positive attitude throughout his journey has captured the attention of athletes, celebrities and people around the world. Living by the motto “It takes lives to save lives,” Jarrius strives to encourage everyone to become an organ donor.
“I can’t believe I have been chosen to be the 2018 Warrior Award recipient,” said Robertson. “Being honored by WWE means the world to me. I feel very blessed.”
“Jarrius has shown immeasurable amounts of courage, strength and positivity during the hardest of times. His infectious smile and personality light up any room, with no one the wiser of the pain he could have been enduring at any given moment,” said Stephanie McMahon, WWE Chief Brand Officer. “His determination to help others fight their toughest battles and his work to bring awareness to organ donation make him a true Warrior and the perfect recipient of this year’s award in his hometown of New Orleans.”
“It is a privilege to present Jarrius with this year’s Warrior Award at the WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony,” said Dana Warrior. “He lives every day with the Warrior spirit and is an inspiration to people of all ages.”
Robertson has received honors from the New Orleans Saints and the NBA and was the recipient of the Jimmy V Perseverance Award at the 2017 ESPYS. Last year, Stephanie McMahon presented Robertson with a WWE Hero award for his courage, perseverance and dedication to helping others.
WWE shocked the wrestling world earlier this month when they confirmed TNA co-founder Jeff Jarrett for the 2018 WWE Hall of Fame class. Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated reports that Triple H is the man who made the induction possible.
It was noted that Jarrett does have some supporters in WWE. The obvious allies would be WWE Champion AJ Styles and WWE United States Champion Bobby Roode but Jarrett is also close with WWE Hall of Famers Scott Hall and Kevin Nash, who are close to Triple H.
Barrasso also pointed to another possible twist in the Jarrett story – his future with WWE. There’s no word yet on if Triple H will try to bring Jarrett on to work with the WWE NXT brand, as he has done with Jeremy Borash, another longtime TNA employee.
As noted before, Jarrett revealed in a TMZ interview that WWE called him back in January to discuss the induction. The call came shortly after Jarrett completed WWE-sponsored rehab for alcoholism.
WWE confirmed this week that former Intercontinental Champion Jeff Jarrett will be the latest inductee into the Hall of Fame. During the video package, WWE aired his achievements while competing for the company, from popularizing himself by pompously spelling his name, to eventually becoming a crew-cut, hard-nosed competitor and smashing guitars over the heads of his foes.
They also showed some of his pinnacle moments in WCW, as he was the World Heavyweight Champion four times, United States three times, and the leader of nWo 2000 in just under a year and a half with the company from 1999-2001.
Jarrett was interviewed by TMZ about WWE’s announcement, as seen in the video above. Jarrett stated that it is surreal to him, and WWE asked him back in January if he would like to go in the Hall of Fame and he did not think twice about it.
“Out of all the guys who’ve laced up their boots, there’s less that 200 of us in the Hall of Fame,” said Jarrett. “So, I’m very grateful, I’m very, very humbled, and… this is for my family. My family goes back three generations, so I’m the lucky one that got picked for my family being in the Hall of Fame.”
On the March 26, 2001 simulcast of Raw and Nitro, where Vince McMahon revealed that he bought his rival, he also publicly fired Jarrett as he was appearing on WCW Nitro. A year later, Jarrett and his father Jerry would launch TNA Wrestling.
TMZ asked Jarrett about that infamous moment. Jarrett stated, “that night in Panama city, who would’ve thunk (laughs), who would’ve thought these many years later, 17 years later or whatever it may be, that I’m standing here Monday, February the 19th and the announcement is made.”
Jarrett would then say “thank you” to WWE for their decision to induct him in the Hall of Fame, despite his ups and downs.
ALWAYS!!! His 1st & greatest Love will always be wrestling. This love will NEVER change or end. Those who have stabbed him in the back or screwed him over. Karma is knocking at ur door. The 1’s that have pulled the knife out & stiched him up God was watching and will be Blessed. https://t.co/KDMhZJpRFZ
There are rumors going around WWE that say Jeff Jarrett could be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame during WrestleMania 34 Week in New Orleans this year, according to PWInsider Elite.
No word yet on if there is any truth to the rumors but the potential induction would come after Jarrett recently wrapped a stint in WWE-sponsored rehab. The TNA co-founder is no longer affiliated with the company that he tried to go up against WWE with but he does have a controversial past with WWE.
Jarrett is a six-time WWE Intercontinental Champion, a one-time WWE Tag Team Champion and a one-time WWE European Champion. He is also a three-time WCW United States Champion and a four-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion.
WWE has confirmed headliner Bill Goldberg, The Dudley Boyz and Ivory for the 2018 Class as of this writing. Other names rumored but unconfirmed for this year include Mark Henry, the late Bam Bam Bigelow and Kid Rock for the Celebrity Wing.
The 2018 WWE Hall of Fame induction ceremony takes place on Friday, April 6th at 7:30pm EST from the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans during WrestleMania 34 Week. It will air on the WWE Network in its entirety.
WWE has announced that former women’s champion Ivory will be going into the WWE Hall of Fame this year in New Orleans during WrestleMania 34 weekend. She joins Bill Goldberg and The Dudley Boyz as confirmed names.
Below is WWE’s announcement on Ivory’s induction:
Ivory to be inducted into WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2018Ivory, a true pioneer in women’s wrestling, will take her place in the WWE Hall of Fame on Friday, April 6, during WrestleMania 34 Week in New Orleans, as a member of the Class of 2018. The news was first reported by espnW.
She broke into the wrestling business as a competitor on Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling, the 80s wrestling program that inspired the hit Netflix show “GLOW.” Competing under the name Tina Ferrari, Ivory captured GLOW’s championship before leaving the sports-entertainment industry in the early 1990s.
After nearly a decade away from the squared circle, Ivory returned to the ring in 1999, showing up in WWE in the corner of Mark Henry and D’Lo Brown. She wasted no time getting physical, helping Henry & Brown even the odds against Jeff Jarrett, Owen Hart & Debra. Not long after her arrival, Ivory defeated Debra to capture her first WWE Women’s Championship. Though she was later dethroned by The Fabulous Moolah, Ivory quickly rebounded and recaptured the title from the WWE Hall of Famer.
During the over-the-top Attitude Era of WWE, Ivory eventually aligned herself with the buttoned-up Right to Censor, trading in her tights for a crisp white dress shirt and a full-length skirt. The unusual ring attire did not hinder her from competing at the highest level, as she defeated three fellow WWE Hall of Famers — Lita, Trish Stratus and Jacqueline — to capture her third Women’s Title in 2000.
Ivory continued to compete in WWE through 2005 but also began to take on other roles in the company, including serving as a trainer on season 3 of WWE Tough Enough, announcing and hosting several WWE television programs before departing in 2009.
Now, Ivory will have one more title to add to her resume: WWE Hall of Famer.
WWE has announced that The Dudley Boyz, Bubba Ray Dudley and D-Von Dudley, will be going into the WWE Hall of Fame.
The Dudleyz join Bill Goldberg as confirmed names for the 2018 WWE Hall of Fame class. The induction ceremony will take place on Friday, April 6th from the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans during WrestleMania 34 weekend.
Below is WWE’s full announcement on the induction:
The Dudley Boyz to be inducted into WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2018The WWE Hall of Fame will need to stock up on tables because The Dudley Boyz are moving in.
As first reported by CBS Sports, Bubba Ray and D-Von Dudley are the latest inductees in the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2018. They will be inducted, alongside Goldberg, during the 2018 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Friday, April 6, in New Orleans during WrestleMania 34 Week.
The Dudley Boyz’ journey to the WWE Hall of Fame began in Extreme Championship Wrestling in 1996, when Bubba Ray and D-Von, the sons of the unseen Big Daddy Dudley, were on opposite sides of a family feud among brothers clad in tie-dye and thick-rimmed glasses. Eventually, Bubba Ray and D-Von joined forces and kicked off two decades of tag team dominance.
In ECW, The Dudley Boyz were, perhaps, the promotion’s most reviled villains. Bubba Ray & D-Von could grab the microphone and antagonize audiences to the brink of full-scale riots. Once the bell rang, they were just as dangerous. With a predilection for punishing opponents by slamming them through tables and a devastating double-team maneuver known as the 3D in their arsenal, The Dudleys captured the ECW Tag Team Championship eight times before they left the land of extreme in 1999.
Bubba Ray & D-Von soon arrived in WWE, ditching the tie-dye for camouflage, but keeping the same nasty attitude that brought them success – not to mention a healthy stock of tables to drive their foes through. In WWE rings, The Dudley Boyz found a pair of teams just as willing to push competition to its extreme ends in The Hardy Boyz and Edge & Christian. The trio of tag teams turned the squared circle into their own demolition derby, using tables, ladders and chairs to punish one another. Their hardcore tendencies converged in the first-ever TLC Match at SummerSlam 2000 and led to a classic sequel on The Grandest Stage of Them All at WrestleMania X-Seven.
By the time they left WWE in 2005, The Dudley Boyz had racked up eight reigns as World Tag Team Champions, one as WWE Tag Team Champions and one as WCW Tag Team Champions.
Ten years later, the 17-time tag team champions returned to WWE to compete with a new generation of Superstars, introducing teams like The New Day and The Usos to their brand of hardcore wrestling … and a few tables. Though they left WWE again in 2016, the WWE Universe never forgot them, as evidenced by the raucous reception they received at Raw 25 when Bubba Ray & D-Von arrived to put Heath Slater through a table with a thunderous 3D.
And now, The Dudley Boyz will take their rightful place in sports-entertainment history on what is sure to be an incredible night.
Tickets for the 2018 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, taking place Friday, April 6, during WrestleMania 34 Week in New Orleans, are available now on Ticketmaster.
Bill Goldberg was set to go into the WWE Hall of Fame this year in New Orleans, first reported by freelance writer Brad Shepard. The Wrestling Observer Newsletter has now confirmed that Goldberg will be the headliner of the 2018 class.
The Dudley Boyz were also on the original list of names reported and it’s possible WWE announces their induction during the RAW 25th Anniversary show on January 22nd as they were recently confirmed for that event. Besides Goldberg and The Dudleys, other names reported but unconfirmed as of this writing are Ivory and Bam Bam Bigelow, plus Kid Rock going into the Celebrity Wing.
Goldberg’s induction should be announced soon, possibly as early as Monday’s RAW, as tickets for the ceremony go on sale Friday, January 19th at 11am EST. The online pre-sale will begin next Wednesday via Ticketmaster.
The 2018 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony will take place on Friday, April 6th at 7:30pm EST from the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. No word yet on a special broadcast for the USA Network but it will air on the WWE Network in its entirety.