On Monday night, former AWA World Heavyweight Champion Nick Bockwinkel was announced as the fourth inductee for the 2007 WWE Hall of Fame. The ring legend joins an accomplished class that already includes Dusty Rhodes, Mr. Perfect and Jerry "The King" Lawler. Bockwinkel told WWE.com he is honored to be included in this year's ceremony.

"Needless to say, this is a very gratifying experience for me," said Bockwinkel. "When you spend your life in a certain occupation, and put in as many years as I did, you like to be appreciated for your talent, skill and ability. It means even more when the people within your industry are the ones selecting you for the honor."

Bockwinkel's decades long career in sports-entertainment was seemingly inevitable. Nick followed in the footsteps of his father Warren, who at one time competed for Vince McMahon's grandfather, Jess. Nick told WWE.com that Detroit's WrestleMania weekend will be an opportunity to catch up with some old friends.

"I'm definitely looking forward to it," said Bockwinkel. "I can't wait to see my old comrades again. I still know a lot of people at WWE. It will be a very enjoyable weekend for me."