Since WrestleMania 28 weekend, much has been debated about WWE. It’s no surprise. After all, it’s what we do as fans, and more specifically as writers here on Bleacher Report.
Every topic, from Daniel Bryan’s 18-second loss to Sheamus for the World Championship, to Brodus Clay dancing with his gang of mommas, to Triple H and Undertaker trying to destroy each other in Hell in a Cell—yes, this year’s big event had a little something for everybody.
Another topic being talked about is the Hall of Fame, which of course took place the night before WrestleMania.
This year’s Hall of Fame class, much like the Mania card, featured an assorted collection of stars from different eras of WWF/WWE. Ron Simmons, Mil Mascaras, Yokozuna, Edge, the Four Horsemen, and, of course, Mike Tyson. Again, something for everybody.
Since the event took place, there have been the usual columns appearing online that represent opposing viewpoints. It’s the same old song and dance, folks, and it happens every year.
Everybody say it with me: Is the WWE Hall of Fame worth it, or not?
We go through this every year, don’t we? As legendary WWE Superstars stand on the stage and accept their rings, the debate rages endlessly.  
Is the Hall worth the time, the pageantry, all of the pomp and circumstance? In the end, does it really even matter? For some fans, the answer is an emphatic no.
A main point of contention for these fans is that Vince McMahon is basically the only guy making the call as to who gets inducted. There is no committee. There are no votes being cast by writers like myself, or by fans like all of us.
One guy. That’s it.
So, why does it matter, they ask. How could the hall possibly mean anything to anyone knowing it’s really just a popularity contest? In other words, who is and who is not, on Vince’s good or bad side?
A good example of this is Ole Anderson, one of the original Four Horsemen. By all rights, Ole should have been inducted along with Ric Flair, Arn Anderson, Tully Blanchard, Barry Windham and JJ Dillon.
His contributions to the group are without question. He was one of the toughest men in the business, and he is the one who made it possible for Arn to get a start as an Anderson. He helped make the Horsemen not only respected, but feared.
But, he’s not in. Why? The truth is, Ole is not a shy man. He did not care for Vince, his family, or his company. And, he was very vocal about it. So, guess what, Ole?
You're out.
The late Randy Savage, another example, is a definite fan favorite. Aguy who is a WWE legend, in every sense of the word. His charisma, his character, and his ring work all dictate that he should be in. Let’s face it, he deserves to be in.
However, according to rumors that he himself had alluded to for years, Savage had a major falling out with Vince long ago. And, depending on what you believe, Stephanie McMahon may, or may not, have been a part of it. So, guess what, Randy?
You’re out.
Vince’s obvious favoritism for one Superstar over another, combined with the celebrities he has allowed to be included over the years, and the fact that there is no tangible, physical Hall of Fame, are all reason enough for critics to conclude that it’s all a complete waste of time.
Then, there’s the other side of the argument—the one in which the Hall of Fame is not only worth the fans’ attention, it is necessary for the company’s legacy.
Why? Because WWE is it. TNA exists, Ring of Honor exists, the NWA exists. So do a lot of other promotions, and many of them do a fine job of presenting talented workers and innovativing storylines.
Respect is shown, and given, on a nightly basis for the business by promotions all over the country, and they deserve credit for the hard work they’re putting in.  
But, on the worldwide stage, WWE is professional wrestling. For better or worse, Vince McMahon is the most recognized wrestling promoter in the world, and his company is the one who destroyed all competition and sucked up everyone else into their massive media machine.
They are the end all be all. Period.
WWE has to have a Hall of Fame. They owe it to the fans and to the talent who have worked not only in Vince McMahon’s ring, but in others, making history and inspiring future generations of wrestlers.
These men and women deserve recognition for their efforts. If they do not get it from the single biggest, most important pro-wrestling company that the business has ever seen, then where else will they get it?
A plaque presented by a smaller promotion in other Hall of Fames around the country are not to be looked down upon. Recognition is recognition. Any public display of gratitude to a wrestler for his work is special, and always appreciated by the man or woman receiving the honor.
But, for the majority of fans, and for the rest of the world outside the business, WWE is the king. Their desire to create a Hall of Fame, and their ability to promote it, emphasizing its importance, is commendable. I, as a fan, believe that WWE is doing the right thing for the business.
No, it’s not perfect. Vince is in total control and he does call all the shots on who gets in and who doesn’t. There is no denying that fact. But, it is his company, and like it or not, if he does not like someone, or perhaps has a negative history with someone, then that person is not likely to get in.
Does it mean I approve? Not at all. But again, it’s all we have. And instead of spending so much time focusing on who isn't in, perhaps we as fans should focus on who is in the hall.
Ask Ric Flair if it’s important to him. How about Shawn Michaels? Ricky Steamboat? Harley Race? How about Eddie Guerrero’s family? Do they feel the Hall of Fame is a waste of time? Do any of the men and women inducted to the hall think it’s meaningless?
We as fans spend so much time going to bat for the wrestlers that we love to watch. We support them, we defend them, and we want to see them respected for what they do in the business. What better way than a public celebration of their careers?
You can probably tell which side I fall on in this little debate. How about you?