| WWE Hall of Fame (2014) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Promotion | WWE | ||
| Date | April 5, 2014 | ||
| City | New Orleans,Louisiana | ||
| Venue | Smoothie King Center | ||
| WWE Hall of Fame chronology | |||
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WWE Hall of Fame (2014) was the event which featured the introduction of the 15th class to theWWE Hall of Fame. The event was produced byWWE on April 5, 2014, from theSmoothie King Center inNew Orleans, Louisiana.[1] The event took place the same weekend asWrestleMania XXX.[2] The event aired live on theWWE Network,[3] and was hosted byJerry Lawler. A condensed one-hour version of the ceremony aired the following Monday afterRaw, on theUSA Network.[4]
It was reported by some news outlets that the 2014 class of the WWE Hall of Fame was the most highly anticipated class yet.[5]
Due to the launch of theWWE Network shortly beforeWrestleMania XXX, this event featured the first ever "Red Carpet" event as a one-hour pre-show prior to the start of the event. The pre-show was hosted byMichael Cole,Maria Menounos, andRenee Young.
AfterLita was inducted byTrish Stratus she shared a number of stories about how she started in professional wrestling from Mexico until eventually winding up in the WWE. One story Lita told was how she first metArn Anderson and her desire to meetRey Mysterio. Lita expressed that Anderson helped her meet Mysterio in exchange for a Miller Lite. Lita stated she never fulfilled that promise and wanted to now, at which point Stratus return with three Miller Lites, which Lita, Anderson and Mysterio shared.[6]
Jake "The Snake" Roberts was inducted byDiamond Dallas Page. During both of their speeches, the two spoke about Roberts' issues with alcoholism and how he spent many months living with Page and attempting to rehab.[7] Roberts creditedDDP Yoga with saving his life. Roberts concluded by thanking his kids for giving him a second chance after all he had put their family through over the years.
Mr. T was inducted byGene Okerlund into the Hall of Fame.[8]
Paul Bearer was posthumously inducted byKane. During the induction, Kane shared several stories about traveling with Bearer and about their relationship. Due to Bearer's passing in March 2013 his induction was accepted in his honor by his sons Daniel and Michael Moody. AlsoThe Undertaker made his appearance and pays respect to his manager, Paul Bearer.
Razor Ramon (Scott Hall) was inducted into the Hall of Fame by fellowThe Outsider memberKevin Nash. Hall, similar to Roberts, spoke of his person issues with alcohol, and thanks Page for saving his life. Following the introduction two were joined on stage by fellowKliq members,Triple H,Shawn Michaels andSean Waltman.
Carlos Colón was introduced by his two sonsCarlito,Eddie, and nephewOrlando Colón. Carlito before delivering his speech said that the WWE cut the amount of time he had to speak down, and it made him feel like he never really left the WWE.
The Ultimate Warrior was the final inductee into the 2014, inducted byLinda McMahon. At the end of the Warrior's speech he announced that he had signed a long-term contract that would allow him to serve as an ambassador for the WWE for several years to come.
Although The Ultimate Warrior announced he signed a long-term contract with the WWE, his appearance atRaw the following Monday would be his final WWE appearance. Warrior died on April 8, 2014, in Scottsdale, Arizona.[9] According to reports, Warrior clutched his chest and collapsed at 5:50 p.m. while walking to his car with his wife outside of their hotel in Arizona. He was rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead at age 54.[10] Warrior's colleagues said Warrior appeared frail during WrestleMania weekend, and said that he was sweating profusely and breathing heavily backstage.[11]
Following his death, the WWE created the Warrior Award, with the first award given at the2015 Hall of Fame ceremony. The Warrior Award for those who have "exhibited unwavering strength and perseverance, and who lives life with the courage and compassion that embodies the indomitable spirit of the Ultimate Warrior."[12]
| Image | Recipient (Birth name) | Occupation | Inducted by | Appearances |
|---|---|---|---|---|
.jpg) | Mr. T[19] (Lawrence Tureaud) | Actor | Gene Okerlund | Headlined the firstWrestleMania, co-headlined thesecond, and made appearances and wrestled inWCW (including a match atStarrcade in 1994)[20] |
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