First things first in welcoming readers for the inaugral installment of Dave's Rants (the name says it all, folks). The format is simple, one Sunday I'll rant on any number of topics, mostly regarding wrestling of the classic nature.

The next Sunday I will review a vintage pay-per-view from one of the last three decades. As the Road to Wrestlemania is unwinding in frront of us, one of my favorite annial wrestling occurences is looming: the Hall of Fame inductions. I make no bones about having more fondness for wrestling of the past than the contemporary version, which makes a salute to the best representatives of take the nostalgia my cup of coffee. I love the idea of the Hall of Fame, and would like to see Vince McMahon take the idea even further . One of thoughts is something that will never happen, which is legitamizing the Hall by inducting certain legends  regardless of their relationship with Vince. Yes, it is nice to hear an induction speech (unless it's the Iron Sheik's) but more important to eliminate ridiculous oversights i.e. Bruno Sammartino. Thus, this week's Rant will focus on my ten suggestions for those deserving of the Hall of Fame, but for one reason or another aren't there. In no particular order, I will start with:

Bob Backlund: Personally, I would rather be intimate with a barbed wire bat than watch a collection of Backlund matches. I can't decide what was worse, his "whitest of white-meat baby-face" gimmick in the late 70's and 80's or his annoying uber-judgemental predecessor to CM Punk's character. But the facts are this: the guy had impeccable technical ability and the second longest title reign from 77 to 83 in WWE history. Truth is Backlund's act worked then but translates poorly to today's era and whether I dig the guy or not I have to admit he is worthy of the Hall.

Road Warriors: The first of several tag teams, the Road Warriors made the list because they are the best team ever. Period.

Bruno Sammartino: Bruno is the most obvious oversight of the Hall and will probably never accept induction due to laundry list of beefs with McMahon. It is unfortunate because what Austin was to the 90's and Hogan was to the 80's is what Bruno was to the 60's and 70's. I mean, the guy actually was able to help Larry Zybysko get over and that takes talent.

Jim Cornette: For my money, the best manager in history. His '80's work with the NWA is the epitome of what a great manager should be: someone who brings increased heat whithout distracting from in-ring happenings. It's a shame that he will never get in the Hall due to his outspoken, but often accurate, criticisms of WWE.

Fabulous Freebirds: You can't be Batman without the Joker, and last year's induction of the Von Erichs featured almost as many clips of the 'Birds as it did the Von Erichs. Michael Hayes, Terry Gordy, and Buddy Roberts weren't just great heels, they were the closest thing to rock stars the sport had seen to that point. Bonus points for revolutionizing ring entrances with the first use of music.

Jake "The Snake" Roberts: Jake is a textbook example of wasted potential, which is a testament to his immense talent that he also qualifies as a Hall of Famer. One of the ten best talkers of all  time.

Randy "Macho Man" Savage: No one but Savage could have reached the heights he did during Hogan's stranglehold on the WWF. For my money, Savage (along with Roddy Piper) was the best performer of the 1980's WWF.

Midnight Express: I have to go with the Stan Lane incarnation over the Dennis Condrey version, because as great as Bobby Eaton was he should never be the most charismatic man in a tag team.

Ron Simmons: The WWE has had the admirable intention to honor diverse stasrs of ethnicit  y, especiall in recent years. But there are several deserving stars (none named Koko Ware) not inducted. My opinion is the first African-American world champion belongs in the Hall of Fame a year ago.

Arn Anderson: The most underrated performer of the last 25 years. Anyone who claims he had no charisma should listen to old '80's NWA promos. He's the man who assigned his faction the Four Horseman nickname. Plus, his ring work, especially tag team, is golden.

Well, that concludes my thoughts on Hall of Fame inclusions. No doubt some will agree and probably more will not. I am cool with that and welcome any respectful comments at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .