‘Ravishing’ Rick Rude
We get a great video package of the late, great, Rick Rude, featuring compliments from Chris Jericho, Shawn Michaels, John Cena, and more. Lawler introduces the next inductor: Ricky ‘The Dragon’ Steamboat.
Steamboat talks about being inducted into the Hall of Fame eight years ago and continues to wear his Hall of Fame ring every day of his life. “They broke the mold with that guy,” said Steamboat about Rick Rude. He talks about Rude becoming an WWE Intercontinental, WCW United States and WCW World Heavyweight Champion. Steamboat talks about Rude being a very strong man and how you could even feel how strong he was when you tied up with him. He talks about Rude’s role as part of D-Generation X back in 1997. Steamboat tells a story about giving Rude a suplex, hooking his legs on top of a steel cage and Rude doing sit ups against the cage to have fun with him.
Steamboat introduces Rick Rude’s family (wife, son and daughter) to the stage. Rude’s son cuts a promo referencing the infamous “sweat hogs” line. The fans love the charismatic son of Rick Rude. He talks about Rude outside of wrestling; a man who liked to fish, hunt, and, most of all, spend time with his family. He pays tribute to his younger brother that passed away and thanks the fans for all the support. Rude’s son finishes his speech thanking WWE for placing his father among the greats in the Hall of Fame.
