The official announcement on Monday that financier Donald Trump would be the latest inductee into the much maligned WWE Hall of Fame set the wrestling world ablaze with much of the rumbling leaning toward the negative.
After seemingly solidifying the intent of the HOF by finally getting the elusive Bruno Sammartino to agree to be honored this latest induction announcement seems to have undone what the Sammartino announcement had accomplished.
Trump has helped the WWE in a number of ways including financially with early WrestleMania ventures as well as taking part in a "Hair v. Hair" match where Trump managed against McMahon and the loser had their head shaved. The match at WrestleMania 23 saw a ton of build on network TV including appearances on the Today Show as well as numerous mentions in major print media and while not a main event match (Bobby Lashley v. Umaga) by any means it did generate a buzz about the event as a whole.
Sammartino was thought to be the last important hold out for the WWE and the Hall of Fame in their search to be accepted as legitimate and to get the respect some feel is deserved. Many feel that even though Sammartino is finally "getting his due" others feel that he sold out for a "major payday" well and above what most legends receive as well as help to finish producing and distributing a movie based on his life.
The "Celebrity Wing" of the Hall of Fame has always been one of controversy due to the seemingly mindless inclusions that feature former baseball player Pete Rose, Bob Uecker, former NFL great William Perry and game show host and comedian Drew Carey. The inclusion of Trump, while well within the mysterious "guidelines" for inclusion easily undermine the Sammartino induction.
The WWE Hall of Fame is rarely without some form of controversy with some former inductees selling or giving away their coveted rings including "SuperStar" Billy Graham, Abdullah the Butcher and troubled former Diva Tammy "Sunny" Sytch saying she is looking for a buyer.
The announced class for 2013 currently includes Sammartino, Trump, former World Champion Bob Backlund, Mick Foley and Trish Stratus.
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