WWE Hall of Fame

The WWE Hall of Fame is a group of noteworthy former professional wrestlers and other performers and employees of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) during its existence. WWE management selected individuals to receive this honor annually from 1993-1996, and revived the practice in 2004 in honor of the company's 20th WrestleMania event. It was created in 1993 originally to honor André the Giant, who had died earlier that year. Since (living) recipients appear at a Hall of Fame acceptance event, receiving the award depends on the candidate being on good terms with WWE. Because of this, several notable absences exist, including Bruno Sammartino, the longest reigning WWE Champion, who, as recently as 2005, refuses to be inducted, Bret Hart, who has historically refused (though over time it seems he may reconsider), and The Ultimate Warrior, who has flatly refused claiming it would sully his reputation to accept. Although the Hall in theory includes those with the most important WWE careers, the inductees also include some who made their biggest mark outside of WWE, such as Harley Race.