Lonestar Hall of Fame

Professional wrestling has a rich history in Texas. Throughout time, the business has found great success in the lone star state. Many of wrestling's biggest stars were either born here or developed their careers in Texas.

The night before Wrestlemania, it's tradition to recognize those who have laid the foundation for today's success. This year, it's no surprise that a majority of the inductees are products of Texas. They've all sold out arenas in Abilene and the Big Country.

"Stone Cold" Steve Austin - Austin is Texas through-and-through. He was born in Austin, grew up near Houston, and trained as a wrestler in the Dallas area. He spent the early part of his career battling the Von Erichs and Chris Adams before competing in WCW, ECW, and eventually WWE. As part of WWE, he was a six-time world champion and helped bring the business to new heights. His fued with WWE owner Vince McMahon garnered some of cable television's highest ratings. Austin is widely regarded as one of the most important wrestling figures of all-time.

Terry Funk & Dory Funk Jr.- The Funk brothers are no strangers to Abilene. The pair was born and raised in Amarillo and made regular stops in the Big Country throughout their careers. Dory was an NWA world champion who may have been most successful as a wrestling trainer. He helped develop current stars like Edge, Christian, Jeff and Matt Hardy, as well as Kurt Angle. Terry Funk remains one of the most popular names in wrestling. Even at 64 years young, Funk will step into the ring and perform. He developed a cult following in his late 50s while wrestling for ECW.

The Von Erichs - Prior to the WWE's rise to the apex of wrestling and the birth of Hulkamania, the Von Erichs may have been wrestling's biggest and brightest stars. Fritz Von Erich was a fairly successful wrestler turned promoter who started World Class Championship Wrestling from the famous Sportatorium in downtown Dallas. His biggest starts were his sons: Kerry, David, Kevin, Mike, and Chris. The Von Erichs managed to win world titles, sell out Texas Stadium, and "wow" crowds across the country. However, they're best known for their tragic end. David died in 1984 from an illness. Mike, Kerry, and Chris all committed suicide. Kevin Von Erich is the sole survivor of the Von Erich sons.

These Texans will be inducted into the HOF alongside other notable names like Ricky Steamboat, Bobo Brazil, Bill Watts, Koko B. Ware, and legendary ring announcer Howard Finkel. The festivities occur this Saturday from Houston's Toyota Center.