Is the sanctity of the WWE Hall of Fame being lessened by having too many inductees? Eric Bischoff believes so.
During 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. Established in 1993, the Hall of Fame has seen a steady increase in the number of inductees over the years. However, there are some who believe that this abundance of inductees is diminishing the sanctity and significance of the Hall of Fame.
One such individual is Eric Bischoff, a former professional wrestling promoter and an inductee of the 2021 class. In a recent episode of his podcast, “Strictly Business,” Bischoff expressed his concerns about the growing number of inductees in the WWE Hall of Fame. He believes that having too many people being inducted takes away from the specialness and entertainment value of the event.
Bischoff reminisced about how he enjoyed the Hall of Fame ceremonies more in the past. He felt that the earlier ceremonies were more focused and made to feel special. However, he feels that the current trend of inducting numerous individuals has made the event less enjoyable for both the audience and those who have to sit through it.
According to Bischoff, a three-hour Hall of Fame ceremony is not ideal. He believes that the event should have an ideal time frame to maintain its significance and impact. He expressed his concern that the Hall of Fame has become more of a checkbox for WWE, rather than a meaningful recognition of individuals who have dedicated their lives to the sport.
One aspect that Bischoff highlighted was the emotional aspect of the Hall of Fame speeches. He emphasized that the most real thing in wrestling is the emotion it creates, especially for those who have dedicated their lives to the sport. Being recognized by their peers in front of friends, family, and a live audience is a moment that cannot be replicated or surpassed.
Since its inception, the WWE Hall of Fame has seen a total of 239 individuals being inducted. While this number may seem impressive, it raises questions about the selection process and the criteria for induction. Some argue that the Hall of Fame should be reserved for only the most deserving and influential figures in the industry, ensuring that the honor remains truly special.
In conclusion, the WWE Hall of Fame is a revered institution that recognizes the contributions of individuals who have left an indelible mark on professional wrestling. However, there are concerns that the increasing number of inductees is diluting the significance and impact of the Hall of Fame. Eric Bischoff, a Hall of Fame inductee himself, has expressed his belief that having too many people being inducted takes away from the specialness and entertainment value of the event. It remains to be seen whether WWE will address these concerns and take steps to preserve the sanctity of the Hall of Fame for future generations.