2015 Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame - Panel Discussion

[Robareid]

To my mind it depends if you look at the portfolio of matches he was a part of or your perceived level to his in-ring work.

[miles]

I don't remember if you guys mentioned it in the podcast, but how do you feel about referees being elected?

[Rich Kraetsch]

I would probably never vote a referee. I know they have an instrumental job in the entire performance but I can't imagine the Value of Replacement Referee for anyone would be big enough for them to be HOF worthy. To me, Finkel was so special at his job that when you hear others try to replicate or replace him you can clearly tell the difference. Is the different between Earl Hebner and Mike Chioda enough to say Hebner is a WON HOF? I'd say no.

[BoxingRobes]

Mean Gene, I think is very quantifiable in regards to his contribution to wrestling.

I'm not sure we can do the same for FINK...I just don't know how we logically get him there and I haven't seen a good argument for him. I mean, I get it...no one has been able to put it into words yet, though.

The fact that a ref is best when they are essentially invisible make the inclusion of a ref based on the voting base seems like a reach. I think the current/former wrestlers currently voting would give us good idea, but its only one portion of voters.

[Jeff Hawkins]

Need to apologize for Rob's embarrassing performance re: Orton. Disgraceful

Slaughter and Koloff are both on my hypothetical ballot. Slaughter's Carolina, AWA drawing and cultural icon status puts him over the top. Leaning yes on JYD.

wait on Lesnar and AJ.

Danielson's a no brainer on workrate.

and all that said. Sting is a better candidate than Orton

[Jeff Hawkins]

Slaughter in the Carolinas.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=P ... 41A3B9850C

[ceftaxias]

I would probably never vote a referee. I know they have an instrumental job in the entire performance but I can't imagine the Value of Replacement Referee for anyone would be big enough for them to be HOF worthy. To me, Finkel was so special at his job that when you hear others try to replicate or replace him you can clearly tell the difference. Is the different between Earl Hebner and Mike Chioda enough to say Hebner is a WON HOF? I'd say no.

Can we petition to get the ZERO1 announcer on the ballot then? That guy's announcing workrate smokes Howard's.

[dj22319]

I would probably never vote a referee. I know they have an instrumental job in the entire performance but I can't imagine the Value of Replacement Referee for anyone would be big enough for them to be HOF worthy. To me, Finkel was so special at his job that when you hear others try to replicate or replace him you can clearly tell the difference. Is the different between Earl Hebner and Mike Chioda enough to say Hebner is a WON HOF? I'd say no.

Can we petition to get the ZERO1 announcer on the ballot then? That guy's announcing workrate smokes Howard's.

I think u missed Rich's point.