Steve Austin has been officially announced as the first member of the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2009. Former wrestler and Mid-South and UWF promoter Bill Watts has also revealed to friends in an email that he has accepted the WWE invitation to enter the Hall of Fame. Who will be next?

WWE has shown that it likes to induct performers from there area where WrestleMania is being held. There is no shortage of wrestlers from the Texas area who are worthy of the honor. Here's short list of some of the wrestlers with history in the Lone Star state who warrant consideration.

The Funks: Terry and Dory Jr. should be slam dunk candidates. The native Texans are true legends in the industry and there shouldn't be any debate over whether they belong in the Class of 2009. They didn't have a lengthy run with the WWF/WWE, but they did have a run as a tag team. Sorry, but I don't think Jimmy Jack Funk will be inducted with his storyline brothers.

The Von Erichs: Some fans will split hairs when it comes to whether the entire family should be inducted, but I'm all for it. Their triumphs and tragedies are part of wrestling history. Kevin Von Erich has worked with WWE in the past, and it would be nice to see Lacey Von Erich, who was under a WWE developmental deal at one time, stand up with her uncle to induct the entire family.

The Freebirds: It would be fitting if the Von Erichs and the Freebirds were inducted on the same night. The two names are synonymous with one another and their feud in the World Class promotion is legendary. It's possible the Michael Hayes incident that took place during WrestleMania 24 weekend will stand in the way, but I hope it doesn't. I'm not condoning Hayes's behavior, but the boys from Bad Street belong in the WWE Hall of Fame based on what took place during their active careers.

Ted DiBiase: I can't believe the Million Dollar Man hasn't been named to the HOF yet. He was such a successful character for WWE, and the fact that one of his sons is on the active roster can't hurt. DiBiase went to West Texas State University and was a big name in the Mid-South promotion. Throw in his behind the scenes contributions and he should be a slam dunk candidate. Whether WWE gets around to it this year or saves his induction for a less crowded year remains to be seen.

Tully Blanchard: The first member of the Four Horsemen was inducted last year, so now it's time to get the rest of the group in. I'd be fine with Blanchard and Arn Anderson being inducted together. Just get them in. I suppose they could save Tully and Arn for a future induction held in a more traditional Crockett stronghold. Tully is a native Texan and belongs in the Hall, but politics could hold him back given that he quit WWE in 2006 following a confrontation with JBL, who claimed that Tully treated him poorly when he broke into the business.

Danny Hodge: WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has lobbied for his fellow Oklahoman's cause and rightfully so. Although I never had the chance to see him work, Hodge's accomplishments speak for themselves and he's a legendary figure.

Randy Savage: Don't get your hopes up. Savage has no real ties to Texas, but he belongs in the Hall. Unfortunately, apparent personal issues between him and Vince McMahon have stood in the way. Too bad.

Mike Tyson: I'm not saying he belongs in the HOF, but it could generate some media attention (not necessarily the good kind) to induct him into the celebrity wing. The timing makes some sense if only because he worked with Austin.

Shawn Michaels and Undertaker: Both men are native Texans and they've both had Hall of Fame careers, but I don't get the sense that WWE plans to induct them this year. Ric Flair was the only active wrestler inducted. HBK is a more likely candidate than Taker, who doesn't even sit in front of the cameras for the ceremony. In other words, I doubt Taker would be open to the idea of accepting the honor while he's still an active wrestler.

Am I missing any? Send me your list of WWE Hall of Famer candidates to dotnetjason@gmail.com for a possible mailbag article.

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