6 Wrestlers Who Turned Down WWE Hall Of Fame

6. Honky Tonk Man

Though Honky Tonk Man was eventually inducted into the Hall of Fame (class of 2019), he rejected the honour of a place in 2010’s class.

Honky was involved in the 2009 ceremony, inducting his former training partner Koko B. Ware. However, he was keen to state afterwards that he was there purely for Ware and “didn't care about being around the rest of the people”. He also pointed out he made no money from the appearance due to being “screwed on the rent-a-car and several other things”.

Honky declined the 2010 induction due to already being booked and contracted to appear at Wizard World Comic Book Convention.

In a 2018 interview, Honky was critical of the Hall of Fame concept referring to it as a “TV show” rather than a Hall of Fame. He compared it critically to Super Bowl honours, commenting “it's not like you get a big $35,000 diamond ring”.

Honky’s personal concern was that if inducted they would make him appear in gimmick, and go out in his jumpsuit gear, rather than be himself. However, when inducted he would somewhat relent, appearing in an iconic jumpsuit.