Hillbilly Jim proved his trademark overalls, lucky horseshoe and the bear hugs he used to squeeze opponents into submission were hall of fame material. On April 6 the WWE will induct the big country wrestler from Kentucky into its 2018 class.
The achievement has been a long time coming for the Louisville grappler, whose real name is James Morris and who made his WWE debut back in 1984. He will be honored alongside the likes of Goldberg, The Dudley Boyz, Ivory and Jeff Jarrett, Newsweek reported.
News of the WWE Hall of Fame induction left Hillbilly Jim stunned, like one of those body slams in the old days.
“I didn't have that on my mind whatsoever,” he told Bleacher Report. “For a moment or two, I was knocked back on my heels. Basically, I was speechless. It was a whole lot for me to digest quickly.”
He added that he wanted fans to enjoy the induction.
“I'm a representative of you. That's exactly what this is all about. This is part of your legacy.”
Hillbilly Jim decided to retire from WWE in 1990 but remained involved with the company by co-hosting “Prime Time Wrestling,” Sky Sports reported.
He made an appearance during a gimmick battle royal at WrestleMania X-7 and now he will return to the stage at WrestleMania 34, Cageside Seats reported.
Morris also happens to be a member of the Kentucky Blues Society and has been the driving force behind a country and Southern rock radio show for the last 13 years, Bleacher Report noted.
Speaking about this, he credited wrestling for the success of his radio show.
“I don't have my Sirius XM radio show because I'm Jim Morris,” he said. “I've got it because I'm Hillbilly Jim. And this business gave me Hillbilly Jim. This company gave me Hillbilly Jim.”
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