Just 24 hours before WrestleMania 30, seven of WWE's greatest legends took their places among the immortals as they were inducted into the company's Hall of Fame 2014 class.
Former WWE champion The Ultimate Warrior headlined the class, some 24 years after defeating Hulk Hogan in the main event of WrestleMania VI. What would he have to say in what many considered the most anticipated Hall of Fame speech in years? Fans found out as he took to the stage to accept his honor.
Two of the smartest yet troubled performers in WWE history completed triumphant returns to glory as Jake "the Snake" Roberts and Razor Ramon were inducted. Lita, the most innovative and inspirational female performer in WWE history, joined longtime rival Trish Stratus in the Hall.
Legendary Puerto Rican wrestler and promoter Carlos Colon was inducted by his sons and nephew, and the late, great Paul Bearer took his place among the greatest managers in the industry.
The celebration of these legacies was an excellent way to cap off the pre-WrestleMania Sunday festivities.
Here is a look back at the greatest moments, quotes and highlights from the 2014 ceremony.
Recap
The Ultimate Warrior took his place among the great former WWE champions who were already enshrined in the Hall of Fame Saturday night with a lengthy speech that was equal parts motivational and rambling.
He spoke on the much talked-about The Self Destruction of the Ultimate Warrior DVD and how hurt he was by it but also spoke on respecting the industry and how that respect allowed him to stick around as long as he did.
Warrior injected humor into his speech, getting off a great line about WWE attorney Jerry McDevitt and the court case with the World Wildlife Foundation while also appearing humble at points.
His defense of "blowing up" on a nightly basis was hilarious, while his opening lines about his wife, mother and two daughters were touching.
The speech overstayed its welcome, but Warrior was always able to recapture the fans' attention. It was the most anticipated speech of the evening, and in that respect, he did not disappoint. His passion for the industry shined through, and his appreciation for what wrestling has given him was evident.
It was disjointed yet always entertaining speech from one of the most captivating performers of all time.
Highlights and Quotes
Former WWE champion The Ultimate Warrior headlined the class, some 24 years after defeating Hulk Hogan in the main event of WrestleMania VI. What would he have to say in what many considered the most anticipated Hall of Fame speech in years? Fans found out as he took to the stage to accept his honor.
Two of the smartest yet troubled performers in WWE history completed triumphant returns to glory as Jake "the Snake" Roberts and Razor Ramon were inducted. Lita, the most innovative and inspirational female performer in WWE history, joined longtime rival Trish Stratus in the Hall.
Legendary Puerto Rican wrestler and promoter Carlos Colon was inducted by his sons and nephew, and the late, great Paul Bearer took his place among the greatest managers in the industry.
The celebration of these legacies was an excellent way to cap off the pre-WrestleMania Sunday festivities.
Here is a look back at the greatest moments, quotes and highlights from the 2014 ceremony.
 |
| WWE Hall of Fame 2014: Grading Inductee Speeches, Top Highlights and More |
The Ultimate Warrior took his place among the great former WWE champions who were already enshrined in the Hall of Fame Saturday night with a lengthy speech that was equal parts motivational and rambling.
He spoke on the much talked-about The Self Destruction of the Ultimate Warrior DVD and how hurt he was by it but also spoke on respecting the industry and how that respect allowed him to stick around as long as he did.
Warrior injected humor into his speech, getting off a great line about WWE attorney Jerry McDevitt and the court case with the World Wildlife Foundation while also appearing humble at points.
His defense of "blowing up" on a nightly basis was hilarious, while his opening lines about his wife, mother and two daughters were touching.
The speech overstayed its welcome, but Warrior was always able to recapture the fans' attention. It was the most anticipated speech of the evening, and in that respect, he did not disappoint. His passion for the industry shined through, and his appreciation for what wrestling has given him was evident.
It was disjointed yet always entertaining speech from one of the most captivating performers of all time.
 |
The Ultimate Warrior |
- "That one more match thing isn't going to happen."— Warrior
- "I really can't believe Jerry McDevitt got his ass kicked by those Wildlife people." — Warrior on WWE getting the F out
- "I'm finally going to get some DDP Yoga."
- "I wish they could put the f'n F back in."
- "I was a good guy. I am a good guy."
- Warrior thanks the crew members who do all of the work behind the scenes to ensure that the show goes on
- "I think it would be appropriate to have a category in the Hall of Fame where we honor these people."
- "Vince says he's going to live forever."
- "I wouldn't be here this evening if it wasn't for all of you Ultimate Warrior fans."
- "Thank you, Warrior!" — Fans
- "Thank you for the life I have." — Warrior
- "It's an incredible thing when you can determine your success by how much you're willing to put into it."
- "They tried to reprogram your minds and rewrite history."
- "There's not a day that goes by that I don't think about the business."
- "It gave me everything I need to make my life work."
- "In this business there are few legitimate tough guys. The rest of us get to play that character."
- "A lot of different characters make this business work."
