Browsing: Hall

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Rob Van Dam is one of the most uniquely athletic performers in wrestling history. To this day, it’s hard to find anyone who moves like him.Â

Being part of the heyday of ECW, Van Dam has taken a plethora of nasty bumps in his career. “The Whole F’n Show” went live on his YouTube channel and was asked about some of his least favorite moves to take in the ring.Â

“I will say that one of the most painful finishing moves is, and I’ve said this on here before, but the Alabama Slammer, one of my least favorite moves to take. Patriot used to do it to me in Japan, and Bob Holly, of course. You’re up there and you’re just waiting to take this back bump and hope that you don’t bounce the back of your head off the mat, and there’s so much momentum going with it as you can see. You know, it’s not a very soft bump to take.”

Van Dam’s co-host then asked if a chokeslam was also on his list of least favorite moves to take.Â

“I mean it’s similar in the way that your body is moving kind of backwards, you know, like you’re up and your feet are out and then you’re going back, you could easily hit the back of your head on the mat, and often do, bounce off. Sometimes you can land flat or you could land, you know, more vertical and just land on the back of your shoulders and your head, like boom. Like so a lot of variables with that one, but I wouldn’t say that it’s just easy to take.”

Rob Van Dam also gave an update on his recent gruesome injury where he fractured both of his heels during an independent wrestling appearance.Â

If you use any quotes from this article, please credit the Rob Van Dam YouTube Channel and provide a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for transcription.

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Nikki Bella will be in action on Raw.

This past Monday’s episode of Raw featured a singles match between Judgment Day’s Roxanne Perez and the Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer. Raquel Rodriguez was naturally at the ringside, and she tried to help her tag team partner. In the end, however, Vaquer managed to pick up the victory.

The Judgment Day stars attacked the Women’s Champion after the bout, which led to Nikki Bella making her surprise return to TV. The WWE Hall of Famer sent Rodriguez to the floor before turning her attention on Perez. Stephanie got up at that point as well and the two women then cleaned the house.

WWE then announced on this week’s SmackDown that Bella will in action on Monday, squaring off against Roxanne in a singles match. This isn’t the only match announced for the show as Alexa Bliss & Charlotte Flair will be defending their tag team titles against Bayley & Lyra Valkyria on Raw as well.

The show on Monday will serve as the go-home episode for the November 1 Saturday Night’s Main Event. Apart from the announced bouts, it will feature a face-off between CM Punk and Jey Uso before their World Championship match. You can check out the updated card for SNME here.

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One of pro wrestlingâ€s most infamous icons, Abdullah The Butcher, has been hospitalized at the age of 84, according to his longtime booking agent Steve Stasiak.

Known as “The Madman from Sudan,†Abdullah built a reputation as one of the most feared brawlers in the world. But now, heâ€s reportedly battling severe health issues. Stasiak took to social media to alert fansabout the situation and ask for support.

“Wrestling legend Abdullah The Butcher has been hospitalized at 84. The Wild Man from the Sudan is battling serious health issues. One of wrestlingâ€s most feared figures, Abdullah helped shape the sport from Japan to Puerto Rico to Georgia and beyond. Send your prayers, love, and strength his way tonight.â€

Abdullah The Butcher was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2011, cementing his legacy as a global force in pro wrestling. His violent, no-rules style left a mark across territories including Canada, Texas, Puerto Rico, Japan, and even a short stint in WCW during the early 1990s.

But Abdullahâ€s story took a controversial turn in the 2010s. Independent wrestler Devon Nicholson accused him of infecting him with Hepatitis C after an unsanctioned blade job during a 2007 match in Canada. Nicholson took the matter to court and won a multi-million dollar judgment in 2014. The judgment was later upheld in Georgia, where Abdullah was residing at the time.

Despite the controversy surrounding his later years, Abdullah remains one of wrestlingâ€s most recognizable names—a figure known for wild brawls, brutal matches, and his undeniable influence on hardcore wrestling.

Our thoughts are with Abdullah The Butcher as he fights through this serious health scare. We wish him strength and recovery in this difficult time.

Do you think Abdullahâ€s legacy should be defined by his in-ring career or his controversial legal battles? Let us know in the comments below.

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Wrestling legend and WWE Hall of Famer Abdullah the Butcher has reportedly been hospitalized.

Booking agent Steve Stasiak posted from his Book Pro Wrestlers X and Facebook accounts that Abdullah is suffering from unspecified “serious health issues.”

Stasiak wrote:

“Wrestling legend Abdullah The Butcher has been hospitalized at 84. The Wild Man from the Sudan is battling serious health issues. One of wrestlingâ€s most feared figures, Abdullah helped shape the sport from Japan to Puerto Rico to Georgia and beyond. Send your prayers, love, and strength his way tonight.“

Abdullah was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2011. He was a global star as a special attraction across territories from Canada, to Puerto Rico, to Detroit, to World Class in Texas, to Japan. His most prominent national run in America came in an ill-fated WCW stint in 1991 and 1992.

After his legendary career as a wrestling attraction, Abdullah’s legacy became tainted.

In 2011, Abdullah was accused of infecting independent wrestler Devon Nicholson with Hepatitis C by cutting him with a blade without his consent during an indie match in Canada in 2007.

Nicholson sued Abdullah in an Ontario court and won a multi-million dollar judgement in 2014. The Fulton County court in Georgia ruled that the Canadian judgement would be upheld as Abdullah then lived in Atlanta.

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An F4WOnline Editor since 2019, Ethan has been covering wrestling and MMA since 2011. He has hosted The Wrestling Life Podcast since 2014, and is a former Baltimore Sun TV/Tribune Media contributor. He is also a Baltimore Ravens and Baltimore Orioles fan.

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SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)…

SHOW SUMMARY:In our latest episode of Alan4L’s ProWres Paradise, PWTorch columnist Alan4L compares and contrasts the recent big shows in Sumo Hall presented by New Japan and Pro Wrestling Noah featuring a few excellent matches, title changes, interesting (questionable) booking, and some rising stars amidst the usual frustrations that both companies offer. The shows provided a great opportunity to see where the two promotions stand against each other, and we took advantage of it – including an impromptu wrestler draft! From there, Alan gives his analysis on AEW’s tremendous WrestleDream event and how that has formed his initial FSM 50 thoughts. Who are the front runners for the wrestler of the year? Listen and find out! Plus, we go back to April 27, 1987 and what might well be the greatest day in wrestling history as fans in Memphis, Tokyo, and Osaka were treated to some incredible scenes from the likes of Inoki, Lawler, Nagayo, Dump, and more.

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Mickie James has already cemented her legacy after being inducted into the TNA Hall of Fame at Bound for Glory, but the big question fans keep asking is whether sheâ€ll one day take her place in the WWE Hall of Fame. As it turns out, James isnâ€t stressing over it.

While speaking on Busted Open Radio, James admitted the honor would be flattering, but it isnâ€t something she feels she needs to validate her career.

“Of course itâ€s nice. Of course itâ€s nice. I think we all like that appreciation back from the company, to say, ‘Hey, what you did mattered, and we value you.†And it is like that tip of the hat, like, ‘We know that you put in your licks. We know you took some s**, and we know this, that, and the third, but we actually appreciate you and respect you.†But Iâ€m still fulfilled.â€*

James also revealed she was recently asked if she could pull off one more WWE run. Her answer left no doubt that she still has gas in the tank.

“But I was having a conversation with someone, and they were like, ‘Oh, could you do one more run?†And I was like, ‘Hell yeah, I could do one more run. I got it in me, you know?†And they were like, ‘Oh, what do you have to prove?†And I go, ‘You know what? Iâ€ve been really blessed. I think I set out and achieved all my goals.†I donâ€t really have anything else to prove. I think Iâ€ve proved everything that I could prove. If anything, it would be like, ‘Oh, I can still go with these girls.†But you know, I can—I can whoop them all.â€

Her words prove that legacy isnâ€t measured by plaques or ceremonies. Itâ€s about the grind, the impact, and the love you carry for the business. Even if WWE never gives her that Hall of Fame nod, Mickie James has already shown that her place in wrestling history is undeniable.

Please credit Ringside News if you use the above transcript in your publication.

Do you think Mickie James deserves a WWE Hall of Fame induction? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.

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The official induction ceremony for the International Volleyball Hall of Fame (IVHF) Class of 2025 has been held, celebrating some of the sportâ€s most remarkable figures whose careers have left a lasting impact on volleyball worldwide.

The Class of 2025 inductees include:

• Dimitar Karov (Bulgaria) – Male Indoor Player
• Ivan Miljković (Serbia) – Male Indoor Player
• Rosa García Rivas (Peru) – Female Indoor Player
• Francesca Piccinini (Italy) – Female Indoor Player
• Laura Ludwig (Germany) – Female Beach Player
• Kent Steffes (USA) – Male Beach Player
• Jürgen Wagner (Germany) – Coach
• Barry Couzner (Australia) – ParaVolley
• Guillermo “Willy†Paredes (Argentina) – Referee

In addition to these inductees, the IVHF Special Awards recognized key contributors whose dedication and influence have advanced volleyball far beyond the court:

• Joop Alberda – Mintonette Medallion of Merit
• Professional Association of Volleyball Officials (PAVO) – Court of Honor Award
• Peter Diamond – Mayoral Award of Excellence
• Paul Sunderland – Award for Media Excellence
• Elegant Affairs – William G. Morgan Award

As volleyballâ€s highest distinction, induction into the International Volleyball Hall of Fame symbolizes not only elite performance but also enduring contribution to the sportâ€s growth and spirit.

Following this yearâ€s ceremony, the Hall now proudly honors 185 players, coaches, referees, and leaders from 27 countries, solidifying its role as a beacon celebrating the gameâ€s global legacy.

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Shawn Michaels’ former tag team partner has reignited debate over WWE Hall of Fame criteria, pointing squarely at contractual disputes and legal action rather than in-ring accomplishments.

According to WWE legend Marty Jannetty, the pivotal moment wasnâ€t a lack of championship gold or classic bouts, but a medical funding request followed by his participation in a wrestler concussion lawsuit. Jannetty is one half of The Rockers, alongside Shawn Michaels, the high-flying tandem that never officially held WWF Tag Team gold despite memorable victories and spotlights at WrestleMania and the Royal Rumble.

During a recent appearance on Hannibal TV, Jannetty said,

You know, a lot of fans keep asking why Iâ€m not in the Hall of Fame. They say I should be, especially as part of The Rockers. Honestly, I donâ€t know the exact reason, but I think it might have something to do with when I joined a lawsuit against WWE about CTE. I really didnâ€t want to be part of it, but I felt like they treated me wrong over my ankle issues.”

The former WWE star added:

I asked them to cover surgery for my ankles. My doctor, whoâ€s a friend, wasnâ€t even charging me — the only cost wouldâ€ve been the hospital fee. I told them it would cost way less than sending people to rehab. At that time, guys like Scott Hall, Sunny, and Jake Roberts had all been to rehab many times, and each stay cost about $30,000 a month. I said, instead of sending me to rehab, just help me fix my ankles, because thatâ€s why I was taking so many pain pills.â€

Jannetty then joined a class-action suit alleging Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) claims against the company, a case that included dozens of former wrestlers and was appealed to the US Supreme Court.

Medical and Law Issues Faced by Shawn Michaels’ Former WWE Tag Team Partner

Jannetty detailed his discussion with WWE executive Anne Russo, recalling her concession that his request was reasonable, yet her concern that it would set a precedent. He said,

I told Anne Russo, who was in charge then, that the amount they made last quarter was enough to cover my surgery. It wouldnâ€t even hurt them financially because it was money they earned from my past work. She told me I had a good point, but if they did that for me, theyâ€d have to do it for everyone else, and it would ‘open the floodgates.’” (H/T: Ringside News)

Jannettyâ€s brother, he added, was outraged that merchandise and archived footage bearing his likeness continued to generate revenue, yet the company balked at addressing injuries sustained under its banner. Fans and peers have since rallied behind Jannetty, arguing that performer welfare and contributions, tag team classics on pay-per-views, and innovative top-rope maneuvers warrant Hall of Fame recognition.

While WWE has not officially commented on these specific allegations, the conversation has rekindled scrutiny of induction standards and corporate responsibility for long-term athlete health.

MORE: Shawn Michaels Pushed WWE To Sign Wrestling Prodigy

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The St. Louis Blues announced their Hall of Fame class of 2026, which features Alexander Steen, Barret Jackman and Al Arbour.

The announcement of the class was made in front of the Enterprise Center crowd during the first period of Wednesday’s game against the Chicago Blackhawks.

The team will officially induct the players into the Blues Hall of Fame on Monday, Jan. 12, during a ceremonial dinner at the downtown Missouri Athletic Club. The inductees will then be honored prior to the game when the Blues host the Carolina Hurricanes the following evening at 7 p.m. at Enterprise Center.

Steen, the Blues’ soon-to-be general manager, played 12 seasons with the organization, scoring 195 goals and 496 points in 765 games. The Winnipeg, Man., native won a Stanley Cup with the Blues, playing as a depth forward with veteran leadership later in his career. Steen ranks fourth in Blues history in games played, sixth in assists and points, and 10th in goals. He is also one of five players in franchise history to dress in at least 90 playoff games.

Jackman played 13 seasons with the Blues, skating in 803 games and scoring 28 goals and 181 points. Jackman was a first-round pick (17th overall) of the Blues in the 1999 NHL Draft. Jackman leads all defensemen and ranks second in franchise history overall in games played, while his 1,026 penalty minutes are fourth. In 2002-03, Jackman was named to the NHL All-Rookie Team and became the first player in franchise history to earn the Calder Trophy. Jackman was named the Director of Alumni earlier this season.

Arbour, the first captain in Blues history and was a member of the original Blues team in 1967-68 after being drafted from Toronto in the 1967 expansion draft. Arbour spent four seasons with the Blues, leading them to the Stanley Cup Final in each of the team’s first three campaigns. The Sudbury, Ontario, native was a 1969 NHL All-Star and finished fifth in voting for the Norris Trophy that season. Arbour also served as head coach of the Blues for parts of three seasons (1970-71 to 1972-73), leading them to the NHL Semi-Finals in 1971-72.

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By Ella Jay

Oct. 19, 2025 1:41 pm EST

TNA

Last weekend, TNA Wrestling honored three Knockouts with Hall of Fame inductions, two of whom were Angelina Love and Velvet Sky of The Beautiful People. During a recent interview with “Velvet Ropes,” Sky opened up about the dreamlike feeling of accepting her respective place as a part of the 2025 TNA Hall of Fame class.

“It’s so surreal to me,” she said. “It’s very humbling. I mean, you get into wrestling hoping to get your name out there, hoping to be noticed by one of the major TV companies. It’s like that was good enough for me, just making it to TNA, being recognized and doing what I did with Angelina’s Beautiful People. Then taking it a step further and having this honor be like the highest honor of one’s career and getting inducted into the TNA Hall of Fame and having our legacy forever be cemented in TNA history is like what is this life? It’s amazing and I’m just so humbled and so grateful.”

With the additions of Lacey Von Erich, Madison Rayne, and Billy Gunn, The Beautiful People dominated the late 2000s and early 2010s in TNA Wrestling. Together, the group enjoyed one reign as Knockouts Tag Team Champions. Individually, Love earned six reigns as Knockouts Champion, while Sky held the title for two runs.

Per Love and Sky’s request, TNA executive Tommy Dreamer inducted them into the Hall of Fame during the ceremony, held right before the Bound For Glory pay-per-view on October 12. In the case of Mickie James, her own HOF induction was preceded by an emotional speech from Lisa Marie Varon, known to TNA fans as Tara.

If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit “Velvet Ropes” with a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.

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