Welcome to the Hall of Fame, Hillbilly Jim!

   If you grew up in the 80's like I did and watched professional wrestling, you may remember larger than life performers, especially in the WWF.  Obviously, names like Hulk Hogan, Andre the Giant, and "Macho Man" Randy Savage were up there.  There was a cast of colorful characters back then, such as the Junkyard Dog, Iron Sheik, and Rowdy Roddy Piper.  You'd have George "The Animal" Steele, Nikolai Volkoff, and Big John Studd, among others, entertaining the fans.  One such character was Hillbilly Jim.  In kayfabe, he was a member of the audience and watched as Hulk Hogan was attacked by members of the Heenan Family.  This bushy bearded big man in overalls jumped the rails and saved the Hulkster.  From then on, he was known as Hillbilly Jim and he hailed from Mudlick, Kentucky.  Much like Hogan, Jim was a mountain of a man, standing well over 6'6 and weighing over 300lbs.  Hogan took a liking to Jim and trained him for in-ring action.

   Hillbilly Jim was immensely popular with people of all ages.  He was a gentle giant and was just a good natured human being.  His theme song was the very catchy "Don't Go Messin' With a Country Boy," which was a spot on description of his character.  It was one of many songs featured on the WWF's Wrestling Album, along with classics like JYD's "Grab Them Cakes" and Jimmy Hart's "Eat Your Heart Out, Rick Springfield." Hillbilly Jim would always get the crowd on their feet and they'd happily clap along with him. Soon, other members of the Hillbilly clan soon made their way to the WWF. There was Cousin Junior, Cousin Luke, and Uncle Elmer, known for his legitimate marriage on an episode of Saturday Night's Main Event, that was disrupted by Roddy Piper.

   Hillbilly Jim was a very popular performer, and even though he was a lower card act, he almost always stood among the more legendary wrestlers, often teaming with Hogan or Andre against Bobby "The Brain" Heenan's men. Hillbilly got his WrestleMania moment when he battled King Kong Bundy and the two men were seconded by midget wrestlers.  At the 1988 Survivor Series, he was one of the men selected to be on the Mega Powers' team, along with Koko B. Ware and Hercules.  That year, they took on Twin Towers, the Million Dollar Man, Red Rooster, and Haku.  Hillbilly was always around and in prominent roles, despite not having an impressive win/loss record.  He always made sure fans went home happy.

   He retired from the ring in the early 90's and by 1992, he became a member of the panel for Prime Time Wrestling. He came back in 1995 and soon after started managing the Godwinns. The two hog farmers came to the ring with him to the tune of his theme song.  He was even around when they won the WWF World Tag Team Titles.  After the Godwinns turned heel in 1997, he left the company.  He came back years later for WrestleMania XVII's Gimmick Battle Royal, of course adorned in his famous overalls.

   It was just announced that he will be the latest to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. Already, I started to see many people scoff at this idea, likening it to when Koko B. Ware or the Bushwhackers got inducted.  There is no criteria set for the Hall of Fame and you didn't necessarily have to be a main event performer or World Champion. Besides, it's a little different than the Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame.  In the grand scheme of things, if you are making a big stink about him in the Hall of Fame, that's pretty sad, as there are many things in the real world people should be more concerned with.  Also, since there is a "Celebrity Wing" of the Hall of Fame including people that did absolutely nothing in wrestling like Drew Carey, Hillbilly Jim doesn't come off that bad by comparison.  At least he was a wrestler!  And a popular one at that!  

   I have been lucky enough to represent my company TagMeADate.com, the first and only dating site for wrestling fans, at different events and conventions.  One of the people I got to meet in person a year ago was Hillbilly Jim, himself.  I have to say, he couldn't have been nicer!  He was awesome to meet, very personable and humble.  As you can see in the picture, he's a massive individual and is still in great shape.  He now has become the last of the cast members of WWE Legends House to get a Hall of Fame ring.  Congratulations, Hillbilly Jim!  Welcome to the Hall of Fame!

If you have any further thoughts on this topic, let me know in comments.  Heck, let us all know on The WAR Report podcast, every Tuesday at 7PM EST on YouTube, brought to you by tagmeadate.com, the first and only dating site for wrestling fans.  Go to askthewarreport@gmail.com or #askthewarreport.  For TagMeADate members, our Android and Apple apps are vastly approaching so stay tuned!
https://tagmeadate.com/