WWE 2023 Hall of Fame Notes: Dominik walks out on Rey speech, Jerry Lawler appears via video

April 1, 2023 John Kleinchester NEWS, Show Reports
Photo Courtesy: WWE

March 31, 2023
Crypto.com Arena – Los Angeles, CA

By: John Kleinchester

Hosts: Corey Graves and Kayla Braxton

Backstage Interviewers: Byron Saxton and Maria Menounos

 

First Inductee: Stacy Keibler 

Inducted By: Mick Foley and Torrie Wilson

Stacy started her speech by saying “it’s good to be home!” and showed a photo of herself holding a sign that said, “Thank You Bret” as a fan in the crowd at an episode of WCW Nitro. Stacy said she “was a superfan first and I will ALWAYS be a superfan!”

Second Inductee: Andy Kaufman (accepted by his family)

Inducted By: Jerry Lawler and Jimmy Hart

A healthy-looking Jerry Lawler sent in a video from home sending his love for Andy Kaufman and announced Jimmy Hart to induct Andy Kaufman live. Hart told stories about Andy refusing to sign fans’ autographs and getting attacked by fans. Andy Kaufman’s family came out to accept the award and said that Andy didn’t get into wrestling as a gag, but because he was a lifelong fan. 

Third Inductee: The Great Muta

Inducted By: Ric Flair

The video package featured footage of Shinsuke Nakamura’s involvement in his retirement match. During Ric Flair’s induction speech, he called Asuka a badass. Flair said that Muta was the greatest Japanese wrestler he’s ever been in the ring with and that Muta invented the moonsault, not Shawn Michaels. 

Muta’s speech was short as he explained he didn’t speak English but said it was a great honor to be inducted and thanked WWE. He capped his brief speech off by spitting the infamous green mist and the cameras cut to Asuka marking out.

Warrior Award Inductee: Tim White (accepted by his brothers Tom and Pat)

Inducted By: JBL and Ron Simmons

Ron Simmons said that any time Tim White needed a new wall or TV at his bar in Providence, RI, Tim would suggest to the writers that the APA should come to the bar and break a wall or TV. JBL added that Tim replaced a broken jukebox with a brand-new digital one. The award was accepted by Tim’s brothers Tom and Pat.

Fourth Inductee: Rey Mysterio

Inducted By: Konnan

When Konnan came down to the ring to induct Rey Mysterio, the camera lingered on a surly Dominik Mysterio not standing. Konnan talked about bringing Rey to AAA, ECW, and WCW and how it took convincing at each promotion to get him booked. He also credited Rey with saving his life when he was on his deathbed. Konnan said that Rey was a real family man and that he wished he could have been adopted by him. “Maybe I could replace Dominik,” he said to which the camera cut to Dom & Rhea and they sat there stone-faced. Konnan concluded with “I call Rey the scarecrow, why? Because he’s outstanding in his field.”

Rey shook hands and hugged multiple Superstars on the stage all while Dominik, Rhea, and Damien Priest sat looking away. As Rey began his speech, the trio stood up and walked out and into the back. Rey simply responded, “I’ll take care of business tomorrow”. 

Rey told stories about struggling to be booked as a teenager as well as seeing Andre the Giant in person. Rey got emotional talking about how when he was struggling on the road waiting for AAA to begin his wife (then girlfriend) Angie would send him money so he could pursue his dream. 

He said that there would be no Rey Mysterio without Psicosis and that the match that put him on the map was Halloween Havoc 1997. Rey thanked WWE for breaking the mold of what a Superstar should look like and for allowing him to introduce his family to the WWE Universe. He said he and his wife had a saying… “We always thank God first and then Konnan second”. 

WWE Hall of Fame Speech Times:

  • Stacy Keibler – 9:54
  • Andy Kaufman (via his family) – 2:43
  • The Great Muta – 1:03
  • Tim White (via his brothers) – 2:22
  • Rey Mysterio – 28:52
About John Kleinchester 197 Articles
New Jersey born and raised. Wrestling fan since Lex slammed Yokozuna on the deck of the USS Intrepid. Favorite Wrestler of all time is Owen "The Rocket" Hart.
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