WWE Hall Of Fame Surprise Nixed, Road Dogg Having Heart Surgery

A major surprise for the WWE Hall of Fame has been nixed. Also, “Road Dogg” Jesse James is having surgery following a heart attack last week.

WWE Hall Of Fame Surprise Nixed

13 months ago, WWE was in the process of announcing their 2020 Hall of Fame inductees. Then, COVID became a pandemic and some tough choices had to be made.

WrestleMania weekend had to be altered, with several aspects canceled altogether. That included the Hall of Fame being postponed, which was the first time in 16 years.

After tons of speculation, WWE is moving forward with the sacred event this year. They will combine the 2020 and 2021 classes, minus Batista.

Last year, it was announced that the NWO would join. With the stable being so large, only the biggest names would be recognized.

That would see Hulk Hogan, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall and Sean Waltman get their second ring. Many were wondering why Eric Bischoff was not included, but WWE had a secret plan.

They were going to surprise Bischoff and induct him during the actual acceptance speech. Instead, he gets his own slot as part of the 2021 class.

Waltman did not like the idea of Bischoff getting his own induction and discussed the original plan while on Busted Open Radio.

Original NWO Induction Plan

“I am very glad they are putting Eric Bischoff into the WWE Hall of Fame,” said Waltman. “Speaking of that, we were actually going to surprise him last year.”

“He was actually going to go in with us. I am glad that they didn’t try to do that because a person should know ahead of time.” 

“Not just show up and go, ‘Hey, by the way, come on up here and get your ring.”

The original idea would have been different. But, most agree Bischoff earned his own spot.

Before joining WWE, he made their lives a living hell as the President of WCW. He tried everything, and almost succeeded, in putting WWE out of business.

We all know how the story went. WWE won the war and purchased their competition in January 2001.

Bischoff even signed with WWE and might best be known as the first RAW General Manager.

March 18th 2001:

WCW airs it’s last ever PPV.

March 18th 2021:

Eric Bischoff announced for WWE Hall of Fame pic.twitter.com/Y7LMe6Yjqs

— Wrestling Jebus (@WrestlingJebus) March 18, 2021

This year’s WWE Hall of Fame goes down April 6 and will be conducted virtually with no fans. There is no doubt it will be unique, but it is great to see stars recognized for their accomplishments.

Road Dogg Having Heart Surgery

Source: Wrestling Observer Twitter

As reported over the weekend, “Road Dogg” Jesse James suffered a heart attack. It occurred as he he was heading home late Thursday following some work in Orlando, Florida.

He has been at the hospital for a few days now as the doctors were checking several things out. Now that his kidneys came back clear, the next step is cardiac catheterization. 

His wife, Tracy James, posted the following update on Facebook.

“Just an update. Doc just came in. Kidneys came back clear and a heart cath is scheduled for Monday and they will determine then what’s to be done. Please continue to pray for him and his doctors. And our family. Thank y’all and we love y’all! — with Bg James.”

It seems doctors will know more once the operation is done. 

The WWE Hall of Famer turns 52 years old this May. The retired wrestlers currently works as a producer for WWE.

James has been very open about his past with abusing drugs and alcohol. Following time in rehab, James started living a healthy lifestyle.

Wrestle Newz will continue to monitor the situation. In the meantime, we send our best wishes to Dogg for a speedy and healthy recovery.