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Ranking The WWE Hall Of Fame Class Of 2021 Speeches

Note: Originally published to eWrestlingNews.com


The WWE Hall of Fame inductions have come and gone. While we may have had shortened speeches and combined induction ceremonies, we got to see some awesome moments to recap (and cap off) the careers of legendary men in the wrestling industry. With that in mind, it's time to rank to the 2021 WWE Hall of Fame induction speeches. These speeches will be ranked based on personality, length, and our general interest in what they had to say. Let's start off with number seven!


Author's Note: I will not be ranking the Legacy inductions for the 2021 Class as they are done via video package and there is no Hall of Fame induction/acceptance speech for these individuals. Nevertheless, the careers of Dick The Bruiser, Pez Whatley, Buzz Sawyer, Ethel Johnson, and Paul Boesch are preserved in the WWE Hall of Fame forever.


 


#7: Ozzy Osbourne

Discussing the validity of Osbourne's deservingness to grace the WWE Hall of Fame would leave us with a tired and repetitive argument. While that subject has been debated to death by professional wrestling fans as of late, I would hate to reiterate the same tired points. Somehow, despite making only two appearances in the WWE, the powers that be believe Osbourne deserves to be placed in the company's hall of fame. I could have shown him some grace and understanding if only he seemed interested in the ordeal.


Ozzy Osbourne's induction speech was the definition of disinterest. Despite being one of the most charismatic men in the music industry to date, Ozzy Osbourne said nothing of note in his speech. Osbourne's backyard pre-recorded fiasco involved a thank you to Vince McMahon and the wrestling universe in a 30-second post. Due to a lack of substance, Osbourne places at the bottom of this list.

 

#6: Rich Hering


Despite not being an on-screen talent for World Wrestling Entertainment, Rich Hering played a pivotal role in the evolution of WWE from its roots as a northeastern wrestling territory to the international phenomenon it has become today. Hering has worked with the WWE for over 50 years and currently serves as Senior Vice President of Government Relations and Risk Management. I fully believe Hering is deserving of the Warrior Award.


However, his speech would make me feel otherwise. Admittedly, this is not a man being recognized for his charisma, but rather his behind-the-scenes work. Nevertheless, Hering's speech was very uninteresting and consisted solely of thank you jargon. Rich Hering lands at number six on this list because he seemed a tad bit more interested than Ozzy Osbourne.


 

#5: The Great Khali


In our opinion, The Great Khali deserves to be in the WWE Hall of Fame, despite what anyone else may say about him. (I would put him in the Hall of Fame for that video that goes viral on Twitter every two weeks of him crushing the head of Rey Mysterio on a mid-2000's SmackDown episode.) The Great Khali is a former world champion and one of the most recognizable performers in the industry. I have a full understanding of why Khali is in the WWE Hall of Fame, and I respect it.


The Great Khali's speech, however, was nothing to write home about. Khali was not capable of making it to the induction ceremony. Due to this, he gave his speech from the comfort of (what is presumably) his own home. Khali spoke a combination of English and his native language. He thanked the fans, his family, and his country for their eternal support. This was a fine speech, but it lost a lot of its impact due to his inability to attend the Hall of Fame ceremony in person. This speech isn't bad, it just didn't feel special.


 

#4: Molly Holly


It's been known for years that Molly Holly was a sure-fire WWE Hall of Famer, and this induction solidified that notion. Molly Holly was a trailblazer for women in this industry and has been cited by many current talents as the reason they began this journey to wrestling stardom. This former WWF Women's Champion had a very solid Hall of Fame induction speech.


Molly Holly has a very clear and present speaking voice, and I enjoyed listening to her speech. Holly started with a quip about how "only two people have had their head shaved at WrestleMania - one is her, and one is Vince McMahon." That was a very clever joke, and I appreciated the reference. Holly's speech was significantly shortened, and she posted a longer (and more enjoyable version) of her speech on social media. However, we're ranking the edition broadcasted during the induction ceremony. Other than making a couple of quips, she mainly made a litany of thank-yous that were followed up... even more thank-yous.

It was a very sweet speech, but you could tell she didn't get everything in that she truly wanted to. The rushed nature places this speech at number four on our list.


 

#3: Rob Van Dam


Rob Van Dam is one of the most electrifying entertainers in professional wrestling history. The slow-talking, high-riding former WWE Champion has had an illustrious career spanning across every major company in the past twenty years. As one of my favorite wrestlers in the history of professional wrestling, I was honored to watch an idol of mine enter the WWE Hall of Fame.


Rob Van Dam's speech felt very personal, even if it was confusing at times. Rob Van Dam talked about some of the early stages of his career and thanked the fans for making it all possible. After speaking on his past successes, Mr. Monday Night launched into a somewhat confusing discussion on individuality, yin and yang, and spirituality that landed him at the forefront of self-actualization. Rob Van Dam says that he is one individual, but that his Hall of Fame induction was for "all of us." Rob Van Dam ends his speech by referring to himself as "The Whole Damn Show" (that's not how I remember it.)


 

#2: Eric Bischoff


Eric Bischoff is one of the most controversial, confusing, and scintillating characters in the world of professional wrestling. Bischoff has worked every angle of this business. Whether it was working backstage in World Championship Wrestling, as on-screen General Manager on RAW, or booking for both sides of the war, Easy E is one of the greatest personalities in this industry to date. Does Eric Bischoff belong in the WWE Hall of Fame? Is water wet? (Okay, don't answer that.)


Bischoff began his speech by being told he only had three minutes to speak. Wait a second... did he just say three minutes?! Yeah, he totally did! Eric Bischoff's speech was an honest and humble one. He began his speech discussing working for Verne Gagne in AWA before transitioning to WCW, then to WWE. The former WCW President spoke highly of Vince McMahon, the talent he's interacted with, and his family. He said that he "stood on the shoulders of giants," and that is why he is where he is today. He thanked all who were involved in his career. Bischoff is an incredible speaker, and I enjoyed every aspect of this speech. However, it wasn't exactly up to par with our headline Hall of Famer...


 

#1: Kane


The Mayor of Knox County, Tennessee is one of the most incredible WWE performers of all time. I don't believe anyone can disagree with the fact that Glenn Jacobs is one of the most recognizable athletes in sports-entertainment history. Whether he was Kane, Dr. Isaac Yankem, or Unabomb, Glenn Jacobs had a passion for professional wrestling and tried everything in his power to make this dream become a reality... and he did exactly that.

The former world champion headlined the 2021 Hall of Fame class, and for good reason.


Kane is an eloquent speaker (which is something we didn't get to see much of when he was in character.) Kane recapped highlights from his career. He spoke on his relationships with different members of the roster. Jacobs even thanked his kayfabe brother The Undertaker and his kayfabe father Paul Bearer. Kane's speech was emotional and captivating. Jacobs described how his biggest regret was all of the missed moments with his family, but the support he received from his fans and family while on the road were what kept him going.

The Big Red Monster made a litany of thank yous, and reminded us that Kane had one more thing to say before summoning his signature fiery pyro.


Kane's speech was arguably the best speech of the entire 2020 and 2021 Class ceremonies, respectively. Watching his career highlighted in such a fashion reminded me just how fitting of a send-off this truly was for Mayor Glenn Jacobs.


If you missed it, check out our rankings of the 2020 WWE Hall of Fame Class speeches. Stay tuned to eWrestlingNews for more wrestling news, rumors, and results.


 

Did I miss something? Do you agree/disagree with a take of mine? Let me know in the comments below or reach out on Twitter @BladeJobPW!


Thank you for reading! Find me on social media below!


Walker "WalkurLIVE" Stewart

Co-Founder, Writer, Podcast Host


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