The Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame is a professional wrestling hall of fame that recognizes people who make significant contributions to the sport. It was founded in 1996 by Dave Meltzer, editor of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. The Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame is not contained in a building, and there are no ceremonies for inductions. Inductees include wrestlers, managers, promoters, trainers, and commentators. On five occasions, tag teams have been inducted rather than the individual members of the team. This first occurred in 1996, when The Dusek Family, The Fabulous Kangaroos, and the Road Warriors entered the hall. The Fabulous Freebirds and The Midnight Express have also been inducted as a group.
Meltzer began the Hall of Fame by choosing a list of 120 inaugural inductees in 1996. Since then, wrestlers from past and present, others employed in the professional wrestling industry, and wrestling journalists and historians have been selected by Meltzer to cast secret ballots to determine annual groups of inductees. Voting criteria include the length of time spent in wrestling, historical significance, ability to attract viewers, and wrestling ability. Inductees must have at least 15 years of experience in the wrestling business or be over 35 years old and have 10 years of experience. To gain membership in the hall, potential inductees must receive 60% support on the ballots from their geographic region. There are 191 inductees, including the five tag teams.
In 2008, a recall vote was held asking if 2003 inductee Chris Benoit, who killed his wife and son before committing suicide in June 2007, should remain in the hall. To have Benoit removed, Meltzer required that 60% of voters must agree with the proposal. Although the majority voted for Benoit's removal, they only represented 53.6% of the votes, falling short of the number required. Benoit remains on the list of inductees.
Read more about Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall Of Fame: Inductees
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