WWE Hall of Fame 2014: Paul Bearer Named First Inductee

It's hardly been a month since WrestleMania weekend, and the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony, but it seems Vince McMahon has already selected his first HoF inductee of 2014. The Sun in the UK is reporting that WWE has confirmed Paul Bearer will head the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2014.

Paul Bearer, whose actual name is William Moody, passed away March 5, 2013. His death was the primary focus of the feud between CM Punk and The Undertaker that led to WrestleMania 29. Paul Bearer was referenced in every segment, and in plenty of controversial ways, so it's nice to see WWE quickly showing him the respect he deserves.

His career with the WWF began along with the Undertaker in 1990. They were together off-and-on for over a decade. Paul Bearer eventually brought Undertaker's brother, Kane, onto the scene in 1997. Paul worked the independent wrestling scene while not with WWE, and did some great work early in his career as Percival Pringle III with Florida Championship Wrestling.

There's not much else confirmed, but it would be nice to see Undertaker and Kane do a joint induction for Bearer. He's one of the most popular characters in the history of wrestling, and was a integral part of getting both Taker and Kane over. You don't really see Kane or Undertaker at Hall of Fame events, but WWE might just make the exception for the WWE Hall of Fame 2014 induction.

One of the greatest characters the business has ever known, William 'Paul Bearer' Moody deserves all the accolades, respect, and adoration the world has to offer. Who will join him in the class of 2014?