So far, the WWE Hall of Fame represents two sides of the pro wrestling spectrum: Macho Man Randy Savage, one of the most beloved and decorated performers in the history of the industry, and Arnold Schwarzenegger, an actor who got a replica title for being on Smackdown once. According to reports from PWInsider, the next inductee appears to be a lock and is a little more Macho than Arnold: ‘The Crippler’ Ray Stevens.
No, not that Crippler. No, not THAT Ray Stevens.
If you aren’t familiar with his work, The Crippler had a 42-year career in the business. He held the then-WWWF United States Championship in 1967, is a 2-time NWA United States Heavyweight Champion and held tag team championships around the world, including 3 NWA Tag Team Champion runs and 4 in the AWA. He’s one of those guys who’ll never get a spotlight DVD highlighting his importance to wrestling as pop culture, but his work is deeply respected and his influence is undeniable.
Here are a few clips to get you acquainted. (Try not to fall in love with Nick Bockwinkel, by the way.)
