Is the sanctity of the WWE Hall of Fame being lessened by having too many inductees? Eric Bischoff believes so.
During a recent edition of his “Strictly Business” podcast, Bischoff, an inductee of the 2021 class, spoke about WWE’s annual celebration of those who have come before. He said,
“I enjoyed the Hall of Fame’s earlier. Much more than I enjoy them now. Because, in a way, at least, my impression was that that night was more focused. And it was made to feel special. There were some issues along the way. I think having too many people takes some fun out of it, making it less special and less entertaining in the long run for the people who have to sit through it, watch it, or sit out in the audience. It’s just that everything has an ideal time.”
“I think a three-hour Hall of Fame is not ideal. But that said, it did feel more special to me previously than it does now. It almost feels like, okay, let’s check the Hall of Fame box because that’s what we do. And it’s so meaningful to speak for myself, man. I was very emotional. Up there, and it wasn’t even a live crowd there. It was just me and production people and friends in the back.
“But for those, you watch some of these Hall of Fame speeches, and the emotion is so real. The most real thing in wrestling is the emotion that wrestling creates. And especially when it comes to somebody who spent their lifetime, or the majority of their life, dedicated to the sport. And to have that moment where your peers recognize you in front of friends, family, and a live audience, and it doesn’t get any better.”
The WWE Hall of Fame was created in 1993 with Andre the Giant being that year’s sole inductee. Since then, 239 total individuals have been inducted.
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The WWE Hall of Fame is a prestigious honor bestowed upon individuals who have made significant contributions to the world of professional wrestling. However, there has been a growing concern among some fans and industry insiders that the sanctity of the Hall of Fame is being diminished by the sheer number of inductees.
One person who shares this sentiment is Eric Bischoff, a former wrestling executive and member of the 2021 Hall of Fame class. In a recent episode of his podcast, “Strictly Business,” Bischoff expressed his thoughts on the matter. He stated that he enjoyed the Hall of Fame ceremonies more in the past because they felt more focused and special.
Bischoff believes that having too many inductees takes away from the significance of the event and makes it less entertaining for both the audience and those involved. He argues that everything has an ideal time, and a three-hour Hall of Fame ceremony may not be ideal. He suggests that the event should be condensed to maintain its specialness and keep the audience engaged.
One aspect that Bischoff emphasizes is the emotional impact of the Hall of Fame speeches. He acknowledges that wrestling is an industry that generates intense emotions, and being recognized by one’s peers in front of friends, family, and a live audience is a truly special moment. Bischoff believes that these emotional moments are the most genuine aspect of professional wrestling and should be cherished.
Since its inception in 1993, the WWE Hall of Fame has grown significantly, with a total of 239 individuals being inducted to date. While this demonstrates the vast number of talented individuals who have contributed to the industry, it also raises questions about the exclusivity and significance of the honor.
In conclusion, Eric Bischoff’s comments shed light on a growing concern within the wrestling community regarding the WWE Hall of Fame. While it is important to recognize and honor deserving individuals, there is a need to strike a balance between inclusivity and maintaining the specialness of the event. Perhaps a more selective approach or a shorter ceremony could help preserve the sanctity of the Hall of Fame and ensure that it remains a truly meaningful experience for both inductees and fans alike.