Stan "The Lariat" Hansen Added to WWE Hall of Fame 2016 Class

Stan 'The Lariat' Hansen will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2016, the sports [...]

By ComicBook.com Staff

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(Photo: WWE)

Stan "The Lariat" Hansen will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2016, the sports entertainment company announced. The pro wrestler spent most of his career in Japan, but bounced back and forth between wrestling leagues there and in the states during his extensive 25 year career, from 1976-2001.

With his brute force and dirty fighting style, Hansen's clothesline became his signature Lariat take down. The move became a standard variation of the clothesline still used by wrestlers today.

One of Hansen's arch-rivals in Japan, Antonio Inoki, was inducted to the WWE HOF in 2010, introduced by Hansen.

"To think I can become a member of the great group [of performers in the WWE HOF] is just an honor," Hansen told Yahoo! Sports Japan. He still loves meeting with fans, and has great memories of his 20 years in Japan, saying there are "a lot of promising competitors in New Japan Pro Wrestling" league there. Several up-and-comers in that league were recently signed by the WWE, so they're clearly paying attention, as well.

Hansen also said he'd like an ambassador-style role within the organization, "to spread the good news of the WWE to the world. I hope I have something to give back."

Hansen joins previously announced 2016 inductees Sting, Jacqueline, Big Boss Man, The Godfather, and the Fabulous Freebirds. The Hall of Fame ceremony occurs the night before Wrestlemania in April.

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