That’s only part one of my two-part problem with this issue.
As noted, if time was tight due to people going over, why did they still have time for segments like Hornswoggle and El Torito running around on stage, goring Jerry “The King” Lawler in the balls?
Why did they still have time for a “Bad News Barrett” segment from Wade Barrett?
And finally, regardless of the timing issues, what was the purpose of having goofy “comedy” segments on a night and during a ceremony where the theme is supposed to center around honoring the legends of the professional wrestling business?
Ahhh, whatever!
Ultimate Warrior’s Speech
Allow me to begin by pasting a message I wrote on my official Facebook page (
Facebook.com/MattBooneWZR) immediately following Ultimate Warrior’s acceptance speech on Saturday night:
“I gotta say, I was actually pretty pleasantly surprised at Ultimate Warrior’s speech. It wasn’t as completely retarded, or nonsensical as I expected it to be. It was actually a really heartfelt speech, and I really am impressed. Really good job from Ultimate Warrior.”
As I re-read that, I feel like someone should bitch-slap me off of my high-horse. That wasn’t my intentions when writing it, but from a spectator point-of-view, I’ll be the first to say that it comes off that way.
Insecure b.s. aside, I really did think Ultimate Warrior gave a very surprisingly good speech on Saturday night. While I can’t speak for anyone but myself, I know I expected — as noted in the above excerpt — a nonsensical, incoherent, “Ultimate Warrior promo” type of speech.
To my great surprise, Warrior came off as articulate, passionate and very sincere when discussing the professional wrestling business. He seemed very honored to be there, and made many great points throughout the duration of his speech, which by the way, was another very long one.
Trust me. I had to do live coverage during the WWE Hall Of Fame, and certain speeches seemed like they would never end.
Certain speeches I didn’t want to end either, like Scott Hall’s, unfortunately those weren’t the ones that went long.
But I digress …
Warrior did a great job. Of course he had his “Warrior” type moments where he would babble and seem “Warrior-like,” but for the most part he really surprised me with how genuine he came across, and how serious he treated the whole presentation. All-in-all I would say he might have had the best speech, and as the “main eventer,” may have been the legitimate highlight of the night.
Closing Notes
At the end of the day, and trust me when I say it’s been an unbelievably long one, and one that felt as such long before the ceremony even began (WrestleMania weekend is insanity for those who work in the “internet wrestling community”) the 2014 WWE Hall Of Fame broadcast had its’ share of good moments and bad, but for the most part was an entertaining three-and-a-half hours.
I’ve never been shy in stating that the WWE Hall Of Fame ceremony is easily the biggest highlight for myself as a fan each year, even more so than WrestleMania itself. While I obviously haven’t seen WrestleMania XXX yet, I expect that this year will be no different.
As always, I’m curious to hear what you guys think. What were your “lasting impressions” coming out of the 2014 WWE Hall Of Fame ceremony? Leave your feedback in the “Comments” section below. You can also do this guy a favor and add me as a friend for in-depth pro wrestling and MMA coverage at Facebook.com/MattBooneWZR.
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