By Jake Barnett

WWE Hall of Fame Ceremony
Taped in Atlanta, Georgia.

[Q1] An introductory video aired putting over all of the greats in the WWE Hall of Fame. The narrator then introduced the Class of 2011 and we cut away to the ceremony. The crowd gae a standing ovation as Jerry Lawler was introduced as the host of the show.

Jerry said it will be a remarkable night. He then welcomed everyone to the 2011 Hall of Fame. He went on and said that this is the one night per year where WWE superstars, rookies, and legends get to celebrate the greatest moments in the Industry. He then gave compliment to the Road Warriors, and the show cut to the video that was edited for them that we've seen a couple of times now. This one contained some added content from current superstars talking about being Road Warriors fans.

After the video aired, the show narrator said that up next Dusty Rhodes will introduce the Road Warriors, and HBK will be inducted by Triple H...[C]

Back from the break, Jerry Lawler introduced Dusty Rhodes. The Dream's music hit and he entered the Arena to some great applause. I was not suprised, as this is Dusty country. Dusty said when you talk about power, you talk about The Road Warriors. He then said in his opinion The Road Warriors were the best tag team of all time. Dusty then said he felt the presence of Hawk in the arena, and they played "What a rush" over the arena speakers. He then finished by saying it was his pleasure to induct the mighty Road Warriors.

Animal and Paul Ellering entered to great applause...[C]

[Q2]A big LOD chanted welcomed Paul Ellering and Animal as we got back from break. He walked through all the title they'd won, and he said he'd give them all up just to have tonight. Ellering then thanked both Hawk and Animal for what they'd given him throughout his career and in life. He mentioned that this is what Hawk would have wanted, which is a celebration of life and his career. Animal then said that he and Hawk had a special bond, and that he will forever be indebted to him for the things they achieved together.

Ellering then broke out a Hawk action figure and placed it on the podium, and the crowd gave a standing ovation and another LOD chant. Ellering than said that he will be forever missed, and that they each played a special role in creating what was the most dominant tag team of a generation. Animal then did the "What a Rush" signature phrase of Hawk and then said it was for him...[C]

Barnett's Brief: The first of what will be many classic moments of the evening. Some very touching and real expressions of emotion from Ellering and Animal. I'm happy to see them get into the Hall of Fame, and its sad that we have to see so many posthumous inductions for folks that left the earth far too soon.

[Q3] Jerry Lawler made some cracks about Cleveland, and then introduced a video for Drew Carey.The video went through all of Carey's cameos in WWE, and his many accomplishments in Hollywood as well. Lawler then introduced Kane, who was uncharacteristically in a tuxedo. Kane then proceded to cut a funny promo on Drew Carey, and spoke about how he stole his spotlight in the Royal Rumble. He then smiled and went on to politely introduced Drew Carey.

Carey came out and said he was honored to be a part of the Hall of Fame. He gave a shout out to The Miz, who is also from Cleveland. He went out of his way to put over the WWE, and said he was humbled and honored to be a small part of the organization...[C]

Barnett's Brief: A good moment for Kane, who was very funny and had the crowd with him. Carey was very polite and humble, and really seemed to be honored to a part of the event.

A video aired of all the talents that did not make the live broadcast. Lawler then introduced a video for HBK, and called him Mr. Wrestlemania. A video contained HBK's voluminous accomplishments and had superstar comments throughout. His speech was hyped as next...[C]

[Q4] Lawler introduced Triple H, who came out to a huge pop and a standing ovation from the crowd in the arena. Triple H was flumoxed about what to say, so he started by cracking some jokes. He then moved on and spoke of the phenomenal respect he had for Shawn. He then said the comedy part of their act came most natural to them. Triple H then cracked more jokes about Shawn's hair and his assless chaps, and then got more serious.

He told Shawn that he loved him, and that he was the showstopper, the icon, the main event, and Mr. Wrestlemania. He then gave him another nickname, and called him Mr. Hall of Fame. Triple H then introduced Shawn Michaels, who came out to a huge standing ovation. Shawn's family was shown briefly, with his son and daughter visibly excited and crying for their Dad.

Shawn started and grilled Triple H because he ripped on him. He said that he is going into the Hall of Fame with no regets. He gave credit to God and his family for his happiness post wrestling. He said he loved them and thanked them for being so selfless in letting their Dad finish what he started. He thanked all the WWE Superstars for sharing some of the best times of his career with him. He then thanked the fans, and told them that the most important thing in his life was the fans and what they tought of him.

He then apologized for getting too emotional, but said that's what it was and if you're not down with that, he had two words for ya. The crowd chanted suck it, and then Shawn brought out Sean Waltman and Kevin Nash for a big group hug. The show closed with Shawn kissing his wife, followed by him posing on the stage for the fans.

Barnett's Brief: Great close to the show. Both Hunter and Shawn were humble, thankful, and genuine. Shawn thanking his family was a nice touch, and I'm glad he was able to make their sacrifices seem just as big as his. Overall, a lot of great moments on this show that are worth checking out if you didn't catch it when it aired.

If you have and questions, comments, or concerns, please contact me via e-mail or on twitter @barnettjake.

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