2012 WWE Hall of Fame inductors
Every year, a myriad of legendary Superstars, Hollywood celebrities and sports-entertainment icons descend upon the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony to honor the new class of inductees. From Wade Boggs' tribute to his friend Mr. Perfect in 2007 to Doink the Clown’s off-the-wall induction of George “The Animal” Steele in '95, an inductor’s presentation always sets the tone for the WWE Hall of Famer’s acceptance.
So who will induct the class of 2012? Read on to find out, and then check out WWE: Hall of Fame 2012 - The Music on iTunes.
Christian to induct Edge
One of the most decorated tag teams in WWE history will be reunited at the 2012 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony when Christian arrives in Miami to honor his lifelong pal, Edge.
Forming a friendship in middle school over a shared love of WWE, the future World Tag Team Champions attended WrestleMania VI in Toronto’s SkyDome together. More than a decade later, the duo stole the show at WrestleMania X-Seven where they won the tag titles in an exhilarating TLC Match. The team captured those championships a total of seven times before moving on to amazing singles careers. ( WATCH)
Over time, the two Superstars have had their share of differences, but Edge and Christian have always gone back to being best friends. And just as they stood side by side at last year’s WrestleMania, they’ll stand side by side on the stage of the American Airlines Arena . . . for the benefit of those with flash photography.
Alberto Del Rio to induct Mil Mascaras
For one night only, Alberto Del Rio will not be the center of attention.
On March 31, The Mexican Aristocrat will take a momentary break from praising himself in order to praise his uncle, Mil Mascaras, the legendary masked wrestler and an inductee into the 2012 WWE Hall of Fame.
An international star since the 1960s, Mascaras' popularized the exotic masks and high-flying maneuvers of Mexican lucha libre across the globe. Blazing a trail from Japan’s Tokyo Dome to New York City’s Madison Square Garden, The Man of a Thousand Masks made it possible for competitors like Rey Mysterio and Sin Cara to make an impact on a global scale. ( WATCH) Who knows if Del Rio would have become the first Mexican-born WWE Champion were it not for the contributions of his uncle?
Growing up idolizing his mysterious relative, the priviliged Superstar will express that same childhood wonder when he inducts Mil Mascaras. The WWE Universe can expect to see a side of Del Rio not seen before.
Dusty Rhodes to induct The Four Horsemen
Arguably the greatest faction in the history of sports-entertainment, The Four Horsemen and their manager, JJ Dillon, will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame by one of their most storied rivals, Dusty Rhodes.
From the moment The Horsemen were formed, The American Dream was at odds with them. Through countless brutal matches and tense interviews, the working class competitor from the rough streets of Florida and the aggressive, first-class faction waged war. ( WATCH) At one point during their heated rivalry, the devious Horsemen went as far as breaking Rhodes’ arm in a gas station parking lot.
Still, despite their years of differences, Dusty Rhodes will pay tribute to Ric Flair, Arn Anderson, Barry Windham, Tully Blanchard and JJ Dillon when they ride into the WWE Hall of Fame.
Triple H & Shawn Michaels to induct Mike Tyson
Clearly, Shawn Michaels has gotten over the events of WrestleMania XIV.
That night in Boston, The Showstopper thought Mike Tyson was on his side going into his WWE Title defense against “Stone Cold” Steve Austin. Instead, “Iron” Mike ended up counting the 1-2-3 when Austin beat Michaels, then kayoed HBK when the legendary Superstar got lippy. ( WATCH)
The men put their differences aside years later when they teamed up with Triple H to take down Chris Jericho on Raw. They’ll be on the same side again on the eve of WrestleMania XVIII, when D-Generation X sends Mike Tyson into the WWE Hall of Fame.
JBL to induct Ron Simmons
On Saturday, March 31, Ron Simmons will take his rightful place in the WWE Hall of Fame. Presenting Simmons for induction that night will be his longtime tag team partner, John Bradshaw Layfield.
JBL joined forces with Simmons (then known as Faarooq) in 1998 as The Undertaker’s personal henchmen, The Acolytes. The powerhouses ran roughshod over WWE’s tag team ranks, using pure strength and brute force to steamroll over the competition.
Later, JBL and Faarooq ditched The Deadman in order to enjoy the simpler things in life — beer, money and fighting. With little more than a poker table and a door frame, The Acolytes Protection Agency — more commonly recognized by the WWE universe as The APA — offered security to Superstars who needed it (and had the cash). ( WATCH)
Now, JBL will present his partner and friend for enshrinement among sports-entertainment’s greatest at the 2012 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony. (And we're sure he'll tell the WWE Universe in attendance one or two stories that will have Simmons shaking his head and uttering, "Damn!")
The Usos to induct Yokozuna
Members of the storied Anoa'i wrestling family, including Rikishi and The Wild Samoans, will be in Miami when The Usos posthumously induct Yokozuna into the WWE Hall of Fame the night before WrestleMania XXVIII.
Perhaps the most impressive bloodline in all of sports-entertainment, the Anoa'i family lineage begins with WWE Hall of Famer "High Chief" Peter Maivia and includes such heavy hitters as Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Umaga and The Tonga Kid. Still, no Anoa'i was as powerful as Yokozuna. ( WATCH)
A former WWE Champion, the mighty Superstar carried on his family's proud tradition and led the way for future competitors like Rikishi and his sons, Jimmy & Jey Uso. The three men will share the stage to honor their fallen uso (Samoan for "brother") with Yokozuna's wife and children also in attendance. Expect a huge show of praise for a big man.
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