What's the story?
WWE has announced that Hillbilly Jim will be inducted into the Hall of Fame by Jimmy Hart, who managed several of Jim's rivals over the years.
In case you didn't know...
In 1984, Hulk Hogan introduced Hillbilly Jim as one of his proteges. His first run with the company would last for seven years, often working as a fill-in for absent or departed Superstars. Jim recorded what was arguably the biggest win of his career in 1989 when he defeated Andre the Giant by disqualification.
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Also read: WWE News: Dudley Boyz confirmed for Hall of Fame
During his tenure with WWE, the Louisville native went on to feud with the likes of Greg Valentine, Honky Tonk Man and "The Earthquake" John Tenta, all of whom were managed by Jimmy Hart.
The heart of the matter
After their professional wrestling careers, Hart and Tenta reportedly struck a close friendship, The two stalwarts were even in the cast of the reality show "Legends House" which aired on the WWE Network and also featured Gene Okerlund, Howard Finkel, Jim Dungan and Pat Patterson.
What's next?
The Class of 2018 will be inducted into the Hall of Fame during WrestleMania weekend on April 06, 2018. The ceremony will air live on the WWE Network.
Author's take
Some fans may be perplexed by the fact that Hillbilly Jim is going into the Hall of Fame. However, the WWE Hall of Fame is intended to be a celebration of the careers of popular Superstars, unlike its equivalents from the world of sports.
Jimmy Hart is always engaging on the microphone, and his speech should be entertaining as long as he is given enough time.
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