As noted earlier tonight here on the site, The Shiek, who will be inducted by Sabu, has been confirmed to be inducted in to this year’s WWE Hall of Fame. The official announcement will be made within the next few weeks. Shiek is something of a local legend in Detroit, the site of this year’s WrestleMania. Shiek was the best pre-1984 draw in the history of the city. Additionally, he and Buddy Rogers were probably the two biggest drawing long-term heels of all-time. Vince McMahon was going back and forth in regards to inducting him because he never really liked him. When he passed away in January 2003, McMahon refused to acknowledge his death on television. Also, Sabu has been in the doghouse for quite some time, and some thought he wouldn’t make it to WrestleMania. But everything seems to be fine now and Shiek’s induction into the WWE Hall of Fame is good to go. What with the inductions of Curt Hennig and The Shiek, this more than likely thwarts previous plans to induct The Von Erich family into the Hall of Fame this year. WWE doesn’t like to induct too many people who have passed away per year; two inductions is pretty much the limit.
Dave Meltzer also reports that Mr. Fuji will be going into the WWE Hall of Fame this year.
