3 Ups & 5 Downs From WWE Hall Of Fame 2019
Downs...
5. A Hall Of Fame Ring Too Far
Since the initial ceremony within the confines of a smoky function room at Baltimore's Omni Inner Harbor International Hotel back in 1994, WWE's Hall of Fame proceedings have gradually devolved from an intimate, distinguished get-together of ex-pros into a glitz and glamour gala suited for a tourist crowd and, crucially, television.
For all it's wonderful that legends of the business (admittedly, a rapidly dwindling pool) get to be honoured in front of one last big crowd, the arena setting has arguably diminished the dignity of the Hall of Fame, thanks to regular crowd interjections - sometimes heckles - and nods to 'sports entertainment' - Jeff Jarrett's execrable rendition of 'With My Baby Tonight' springs to mind.
The decision to host 2019's edition within a modified ring, whilst undoubtedly easing the burden on production - especially with NXT's switch to Friday - was another kick to the propriety of the presentation. Oh, and yes: we got another song.