Stan ‘The Lariat’ Hansen Is The Latest Inductee Into The WWE Hall Of Fame

The latest member of the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2016 has been announced, and, if we can be biased, is one of their best selections ever. Former AWA World Heavyweight Champion and four-time Triple Crown Heavyweight Champion Stan ‘The Lariat’ Hansen will join Sting, The Godfather, The Fabulous Freebirds, Jacqueline and The Big Boss Man as one of this year’s inductees.

Known primarily in the states as the man who broke Bruno Sammartino’s neck, Hansen traveled the world for decades as one of wrestling’s biggest personalities and best performers. You can watch him put on a five-star match with Kenta Kobashi, and you can watch him bodyslam Andre the Giant. That’s a big career.

If you aren’t familiar with Hansen, go to YouTube, type in “Stan Hansen promo” and watch literally any clip of him speaking to a camera on a wrestling show. Here’s one of him putting the fear of God into a young Jim Ross, and here’s one of him throwing David Sammartino under the bus. Once you’re done falling in love with this giant redneck who constantly looks like he’s pooping from the mouth, watch his matches and realize he’s one of the greatest of all time. It doesn’t get any better than Hansen and Bruiser Brody vs. The Funks.

Congratulations to The Lariat.