My 2026 Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame Ballot

On the privilege of casting my first ballot, the responsibility of preserving wrestling history, and the candidates I believe deserve recognition.

Nov 05, 2026

This year, I had the privilege of participating as a voter in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame. Ive long respected the work Dave Meltzer has done to chronicle pro wrestling, preserve its history, and encourage thoughtful discussion about the people who shaped the industry. For decades, the Observe has been an invaluable resource for wrestlers, journalists, historians, and fans alike, and I’m grateful to have been invited to contribute to that ongoing conversation.

It’s a responsibility I didn’t take lightly. As I was casting the ballot, I was reminded of the years of voting for various awards and honors as a sportswriter. It was a careful decision when looking at facts and figures, discussing with other voters, and leaving those who I may consider favorite wrestlers off my ballot.

The Hall of Fame considers drawing power, excellence in one’s field, and historical significance, with particular attention to the lasting impact of a candidate’s career. I spend considerable time researching the candidates, revisiting their accomplishments, and weighing their contributions against those standards. I approached the ballot with an appreciation for the responsibility of historical recognition, especially when it comes to performers whose accomplishments risk being overlooked or forgotten.

Below are the candidates who earned my vote for the 2026 class.