Here is a closer look at the 2004 inductees.

Name: Jesse Ventura
Nickname: The Body
Biggest WWF/E accomplishment:: One of the best announcers in federation history

While Ventura was a top-level draw during his in-ring career, particularly in the AWA, "The Body" will always be remembered as one of the best colour commentators to hit the airwaves for the WWF, as well as in WCW. Ventura has always been closely associated with wrestling, and has frequently re-appeared on WWF programming since he left the company, including a guest referee job at Summerslam a couple years back.

Name: Sergeant Slaughter
Nickname: 'Sarge
Biggest WWF/E accomplishment:: Heavyweight Champion

Slaughter has been one of the biggest names in wrestling for many years, and will be remembered by different age groups for different reasons. Older fans will remember Slaughter as the original American hero, a man who fought against foreign wrestlers such as the Iron Shiek. Some younger fans will recall his role as an Iraqi sympathizer during the Gulf War, while even younger fans will talk about his role as WWF commissioner. Still an occasional performer in the ring, it looks like Sarge will be entertaining more crowds for years to come.

Name: Don Muraco
Nickname: Magnificent Muraco, The Rock
Biggest WWF/E accomplishment:: Intercontinental Champion (2x)

Whether wrestling Jimmy Snuka in cage matches or performing in "Fuji Vice", Muraco was one of the most entertaining wrestlers of the 1980s. The original Rock was just that - a mountain of a man who used his power game to defeat opponents of all sizes. Muraco touched a lot of fans with his hard-hitting style, and was truly one of the best wrestlers of his era.

Name: Greg Valentine
Nickname: The Hammer
Biggest WWF/E accomplishment:: Tag Team Champion (2x)

Aptly nicknamed "The Hammer" Valentine was one of the hardest hitters in wrestling history. Most often accompanied by Jimmy Hart to ringside, Valentine was one of the most decorated superstars of his generation, holding the Intercontinental title on one occasion and teaming with Brutus Beefcake and The Honky Tonk Man for Tag-Team Championship runs. Still occasionally active on the indie scene, Valentine is definitely deserving of this honour.

Name: Tito Santana
Nickname: El Matador
Biggest WWF/E accomplishment:: Intercontinental Champion

Santana was one of the more complete packages of his generation. His move arsenal included the figure-four leglock and the "El Paso De Muerte", better known as the "Flying Jalapeno" thanks to Bobby Heenan. Santana is a rarity in the wrestling world, as he spent his entire career as a face in the WWF. He would always get a pop out of audiences, whether he was flying solo or teaming with Rick Martel in the Strike Force.

Name: Bobby "The Brain" Heenan
Nickname: The Brain, Weasel
Biggest WWF/E accomplishment:: Managed several wrestlers to championships

The self-professed "manager of champions", Heenan is as legendary around the ring as he was in the broadcast booth. Many consider his pairing with hall-of-famer Gorilla Monsoon the greatest announcing duo of all-time. Heenan's quick wit and knack for saying the wrong things at the right time made him a guy you couldn't help but love. Heenan's induction is a mere formality, as many fans already think of "The Brain" as the best manager in wrestling's history.

Name: Billy Graham
Nickname: Superstar
Biggest WWF/E accomplishment:: Heavyweight Champion (WWWF)

Graham is arguably the greatest living legend in WWF history. Superstar was one of the flashiest superstars of his time, adorning himself with the kind of pageantry that woud later be used by Ventura, Hulk Hogan and Scott Steiner. His wrestling career, which included stints in the AWA and NWA, would be a ten-month title-run as WWWF champion. After his in-ring career was finished, he would manage Muraco and spend time in the commentator's booth.

Name: Harley Race
Nickname: The King
Biggest WWF/E accomplishment:: First WWF king

While WWF fans may question this selection, there is no doubt that Race deserves this honour. A multi-time NWA champion, Race is likely best remember for his numerous bouts with Ric Flair. His WWF stint was brief, though in the time he was in the Fed, he showed fans just how good he was, even though he was already at the tail-end of his career. Following his in-ring time, Race spent time in WCW as a manager. He is still involved in the wrestling business today as a promoter.

Name: John Studd
Nickname: Big John Studd
Biggest WWF/E accomplishment:: 1989 Royal Rumble winner

Few will ever forget the legendary figure of John Studd. In the days of giants, Studd stood amongst the biggest, at times towering over his opponents. While he never held a major title in the WWF, Studd was one of the most hated villains in WWF history. His feuds with Andre the Giant and Hulk Hogan are still remembered today, especially his Wrestlemania I "body-slam" bout against Andre. Studd will be inducted posthumously, as he passed away in 1995 due to liver cancer.

Name: Junkyard Dog
Nickname: JYD
Biggest WWF/E accomplishment::

Some wrestlers don't need a title to get over with the fans. This was the case with JYD, who simply got over by being a strong worker and a fan-friendly likeable guy. The Dog would often fill arenas based on his charisma alone, and his time in the WWF and NWA will never be forgotten. The Junkyard Dog is being inducted posthumously, as he passed away in 1998.

Name: Pete Rose
Nickname: Charlie Hustle
Biggest WWF/E accomplishment::
Banned from Major League Baseball, Rose will finally enter a hall-of-fame. Rose is best known in the wrestling world for three consecutive Wrestlemania appearances, in which he took tombstone after tombstone from Kane as well as a stink-face form Rikishi. The all-time hit leader in baseball has shown himself to be one of the better celebrities who have taken part in WWF events.

-- compiled by Jon Waldman