Why Ray Stevens' WWE Hall of Fame Induction Was Nixed

Dave Meltzer of The Wrestling Observer Newsletter was first to report that Ray Stevens was a likely candidate to be inducted into the 2015 WWE Hall of Fame class.

He was well known in the San Francisco area during the “territory days,” so Meltzer believed that he would be a “shoe-in” for induction.

Stevens was a seven-time AWA United States Heavyweight Champion, as well as an AWA Tag Team Champion with Pat Patterson.

While an induction may take place in the future, there doesn’t appear to be plans for him to receive his honor over WrestleMania 31 weekend any longer.

The latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter notes that his nixed induction is apparently just a case of “the card being subject to change.”

It also may have something to do with headline induction “Macho Man” Randy Savage being deceased. WWE could be looking to avoid inducting two superstars who aren’t alive.

Former WWE Women’s Champion Alundra Blayze was revealed to be the latest Hall of Fame inductee during the March 2 edition of “Monday Night Raw.”

She joins Savage, The Bushwackers, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Rikishi as the only confirmed names.

Kevin Nash is also expected to be inducted this year.

Editor’s Note

It’s a shame about Stevens. Patterson was reportedly pushing really hard for him backstage. It seems like a fairly deep class, and I can understand WWE’s apparent reluctance to honor two deceased superstars. Stevens will get in eventually, though.,

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