Over the past month, we have seen not one, but TWO #WWELegends removed from the #WWE Hall of Fame (#HulkHogan and #JimmySuperflySnuka). Hogan as you all know was fired, and removed from the Hall of Fame for making racist comments in private, while being recorded without his knowledge or consent. Snuka has recently been removed after being arrested for the alleged murder of his girlfriend back in 1982. In the US you are innocent until PROVEN guilty. However in the WWE it seems to see things the other way around.
Aside from the countless WWE wrestlers who had been arrested for drug or alcohol related issues, there are several WWE Superstars who have committed similar (or worse) charges than the two legends mentioned. These wrestlers are either in the WWE Hall of Fame, and/or affiliated with the company in some form or fashion.
PS Michael Hayes:
Michael Hayes has had several issues, while being head of WWE’s Creative. Aside from giving alcohol to a #WWEDiva who had just returned from A.A. rehab. Hayes has used racial slurs to not one but two WWE Staff members. In 2008 Hayes used the “N Word” against WWE Wrestler: Mark Henry. While Hayes was suspended, it was with pay. So essentially he was given a vacation for his actions.
Then one year later he called former writer, and Indian-American: David Kapoor a “Sand N***er”. Not only was Haynes not fired, but he was inducted into the 2009 WWE Hall of Fame!
#RicFlair:
While Ric Flair is one of the greatest wrestlers of our time, He has also had one of the most controversial life styles behind the curtain. Aside from his countless money and marriage issues, Flair’s drinking problem has also gotten him in some hot water over the years.
In 2002, during the infamous “plane ride from hell” where there was several WWE Superstars and Officials, including a 53 year old Ric Flair. Flair strolled around the plane, in nothing but one of his wrestling robes! Not only was Flair flashing himself on the plane, swinging his penis around, but he grabbed several women’s hand, and placed it on his crotch! It did not stop there; as Flair reportedly sexually assaulted a woman in the back of the Galley. To avoid embarrassment, Flair settled out of Court.
Then there was the all to popular launch of the WWE2K14, where a drunken Flair slurred his words, swore several times, and even made a reference to TNA during the public presentation. Although it was clearly
Flair’s fault, the WWE decided to blame Jim Ross for the situation.
Despite all of the situations mentioned above. Ric Flair has been inducted to the WE Hall of Fame not once, but twice.
Pat Patterson:
Although Pat Patterson is currently retired from the WWE, it’s no big secret that he had sexually harassed several male superstars during the early WWF years. There were even reports that the first time IC Champion sexually molested a few minors who worked on setting up the ring in the early years. Vince McMahon was brought on to an episode of Donahue, where several former employees addressed the situation. However, McMahon refused to acknowledge any of the accusations. Not only did Patterson stay on the WWE’s payroll, he was also inducted into the Hall of Fame!
Stone Cold Steve Austin:
There is no doubt that Stone Cold Steve Austin is one of the most influential wrestlers of our time, as well as the face of the Attitude Era. However even the Rattlesnake has had some legal issues in his past. In 2002, Austin was arrested for domestic abuse to his former wife of 3 years : “Debra”. Debra told Fox News: “He jumped on me. He’s on my back with his knee in my back, pounding me in the back and in my face. I thought I was going to die.”
Booker T:
Back in 1987, the 5 time WCW Champion was arrested for multiple counts of armed robbery. Booker was forced to serve time in prison for his actions. Despite using the “N Word” several times in WCW, the WWE hired him, and eventually inducted him into the Hall of Fame.
Scott Hall:
Scott Hall’s battle with Drugs & Alcohol has been well documented, but that’s not why he is on this list. Before signing with the WWF/WWE, he worked as a bartender at a strip club in Orlando, FL. One night Hall threw out a drunken customer for harassing one of the strippers. Outside the club, that customer started smashing windows of several cars. One which belonged to Hall, This caused a fight between the two. However the drunken customer was carrying a gun. Hall wrestled the man to the ground, and eventually got a hold of the gun, where he shot the man in the head.
Hall was charged with second degree murder, but on grounds of insufficient evidence, the charges were later dropped.
Vince McMahon:
Aside from McMahon using the “N Word” during an episode of RAW, McMahon was bought up on federal charges for possession and distribution of illegal steroids back in 1987. Although Kevin Walcholz, aka “Nailz” testified that McMahon not only provided the steroids, but he encouraged wrestlers to use the illegal drugs. Hulk Hogan however testified for McMahon, saying that despite he used the drugs, McMahon never told him to use it. McMahon was eventually acquitted, however to this day, there is still questions regarding McMahon’s involvement.
These are just a few examples of the hypocrisy WWE has shown over the years. Some would say the WWE is trying to learn from their past mistakes. I say its all about the politics! -Rick Head.
