By Mr. Mal Occhio
WRESTLER’S RAMBLINGS wrestling blog

The list of candidates is endless, really – but here are a few more from the mind of Mr. Mal Occhio who would deserve the duke as being among this year’s crop of WWE Hall of Famers at Wrestlemania XXIII in Detroit, MI. But where are all my faithful’s readers suggestions? Surely you have some opinion on these picks, guys and gals – don’t be shy! Leave me your comments at the bottom of this post by hitting the comments links. The evil eye sees all, and I know you’re still visiting! Well, that, and the fact that we have a hit counter for us administrators – but pay that no mind!! Mr. Mal Occhio is a better friend than enemy – get to commentin’ already!!!

OWEN HART – Sure, he didn’t have the red-hot popularity of the late, great Eddie Guerrero at the time of his death, but surely the family of Owen Hart deserve a day in the sun as well. Let’s not forget how talented of a performer Owen was – or how the WWE couldn’t be accused of exploiting his death given how many years have now passed. If not for a better-known brother named Bret, Owen could have been a bigger name in the industry. Whether in his Blue Blazer gimmick (especially early in his career) or as the later-day heel Owen (“I am NOT a nugget!) he was a real pro’s pro. Mr. Mal is still puzzled how such a polished performer like Owen managed to screw up that piledriver on Stone Cold Steve Austin (and subsequently, Austin’s career) but nonetheless, he remains a man who could work in any environment, as a heel or face, against any opponent, and put on a good match. Not too many people can say that.

GREG “THE HAMMER� VALENTINE – Few were more-respected in their day than Valentine, and as a second-generation wrestler, he more-than distinguished himself from legendary father Johnny (a victim, professionally-speaking, of the same crash that broke Ric Flair’s back). Valentine was a long-term WWE-employee as well, holding both the Intercontinental and tag titles along the way, not to mention having a well-known National Wrestling alliance career prior to lacing them up for Vinnie Mac. Valentine was a legitimate singles performer long-before his days teaming with Brutus Beefcake, not to mention the infamous tag tandem of Rhythm and Blues (and the dyed jet-black hair) with the Honky Tonk Man. He’s a definite Hall-of-Famer in Mr. Mal’s book.

THE WILD SAMOANS – Tag team champions, thy names are Afa and Sika: this crazy-haired duo held the WWF tag titles on three occasions; were two-time NWA World Tag Team Champions (Detroit version); Mid-South Wrestling Tag Team Champions three different times; Two-time Stampede International Tag Team Champions; one-time NWA Florida Tag Team Champions; Two-time GCCW Tag Team Champions; one-time IWA Tag Team Champions; one-time Mid-Southern Tag Team Champions and one-time NWA National Tag Team Champions – how are these guys not Hall-of-Famers? Not to mention the fact that they both now train future stars at their Wild Samoan Training Center (and whose progeny now inhabit rings around the world). Bring out the raw fish! Get them Samoans in the Hall in Motown!