Dot Net reader Agahzi attended the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony and passed along updates from the building. We had a technical problem last night and I wasn't aware that the full report wasn't showing, so I'm bumping it back to the top of the page. My apologies.

Pat Patterson presented Mad Dog Vachon: Pat said he can't wait for WrestleMania tomorrow. He's pulling for Shawn Michaels, who he sees as the greatest ever. Pat told a story about Mad Dog before introducing him. Vachon recalled having over 13,000 matches. Paterson stepped in asked where he got his nickname.

Vachon told a story about a promoter in Oregon giving him the name. Patterson had Vachon tell the story about when he was on a flight to Minnesota and tried to open a plane door in flight. Patterson kept stepping in to lead Vachon into telling stories. Maurice seemed to get lost so Patterson immediately stepped in to close.

Lawler introduced Jim Ross, who stood up to a standing ovation.

Roddy Piper presented Wendi Richter: Piper did five minutes of stand-up before introducing Wendi. She looks good. She gave her speech and closed with "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun."

Stu Hart induction: A video was shown on Stu Hart's career with footage of the Dungeon and quotes from Jim Neidhart, Billy Graham, and the Hart children. Lawler introduced Bret to a huge pop. The rest of the Hart family came out behind him. Natalya looked teary eyed in the crowd. Bret talked about how honest Stu was as a promoter. His handshake and his word meant something.

Bret also talked about Stu always being willing to give people a second chance. Bret mentioned Owen Hart, who received a nice 30-second applause. Had Bret not started speaking again, an Owen chant would have erupted and almost did. He told a story about Stu's sense of humor. Wrestlers always had a place to stay when Stu was around. He talked about missing Stu and Stampede. The crowd loved it, this was good stuff. Great moment. "My father's heart will live forever especially since he's in the WWE Hall of Fame."

Powell's POV: I was told by someone else in the building that Bruce Hart wore shades and had a toothpick in his mouth throughout the induction. "Classless," said the observer. Back to Agahzi's report...

From all the way up here I can see Michael Hayes in his yellow suit. Batista was shown the screen to boos. Antonio Inoki is up next.

Stan Hansen inducts Antonio Inoki: Jerry Lawler introduced Stan Hansen. By the way, my buddy made a beverage run. Bottles of Aquafina water are $4.50 each. Ron Simmons: DAMN!!! Hansen talked about how hard it was to work your way up the ranks in Japan. He said Inoki wasn't just an athlete, he was a household name in Japan. Hansen talked about Inoki having his similar pride for pro wrestling. He emphasized the term pro wrestling. He talked about how Inoki had a hand in starting MMA. Inoki used his international fame to do good in such places as Iraq and India. He told a few long long stories before introducing Inoki.

Inoki apologized for his broken English. He said his induction's timing is perfect as he had his first match in 1960, 50 years ago. He then spoke in Japanese and had a translator translate. The translator was soft spoken but he said it's an honor to be inducted and he talked about wrestling Muhammad Ali and building a friendship with him. He has every fist pump and count 1, 2, 3!

Bob Uecker inducted by Dick Ebersol: Ebersol told a story about how Vince McMahon had trouble getting Uecker for WrestleMania 3. Ebersol and Uecker were old friends. Vince, Uecker, and Jesse Ventura flew to Arizona and had Uecker meet them at the hotel bar. Two hours and a lot of beer later, they convinced Bob to do it. He said Uecker never knew Andre the Giant was going to choke him. Ebersol then introduced Bob Uecker.

Uecker said Inoki stole his speech. Uecker told a joke about he and his father playing catch with a deflated football. He talked about not being a good baseball player. He cracked one liners left and right. He talked about working with Andre and how he didn't know Andre was going to choke him. He said he got Andre in a step over toe hold but the camera missed it. He talked about how his mom washed wrestler's underwear to make extra cash. He said he tried on Dick The Bruiser's tights. He talked about how wrestlers are strong and athletic and he admires the punishment they take.

A WrestleMania video was shown.

After the Gorgeous George's video plays, Jerry Lawler introduces Dick Beyer in full mask. A long speech from Beyer. They brought out Gorgeous George's first wife. They had someone speak with/for her.

A great video on Ted DiBiase's career was shown.

Ted DiBiase inducted by Ted Jr. and Brett DiBiase. Jerry Lawler introduced Ted and Brett Dibiase. Brett started to put himself over. Ted interrupted and said it was "about dad tonight." They talked about playing with their dad's action figures. Ted took over and talked about his dad being the greatest villain ever. Brett talked about his father being a man of principle and a man of his word. Ted said he's proud to follow in his dad's footsteps. They stepped away and Lawler introduced The Million Dollar Man.

Ted came out with the Million Dollar Belt. He said being inducted into the HOF was priceless. He said it was humbling to be recognized by his peers. He talked about trying to follow in his dad's footsteps, and finally getting the call from WWE. He recalled being presented with the idea of the Million Dollar Man character and how in order to keep up with character he was forced to fly first class and ride in limos. "Tough job but somebody has to do it".

He said WWE gave him a pile of cash and sent he and his wife out to New York to paint the town red. He thanked Dick Murdoch, The Briscoes, Dusty Rhodes, Terry Funk, and Harley Race. He talked about Harley being the guy who tried to save his dad's life when he died in the ring. He thanked his wife for her patience and tolerance. He thanked God.

He told a story about Virgil and how he abused him on TV. He talked about the time they flew into Atlanta and he and Virgil forgot the belt at the airport. He raced back to the airport and luckily it was recovered. He gave words of encouragement to the young superstars of WWE. He told them to be passionate and persevere. He thanked the fans and said everyone has a price!!! Great close. Money fell from the rafters.

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