Jim Ross believes Cyndi Lauper deserves to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, citing her role in helping bring professional wrestling to a wider audience during the 1980s.
Speaking on the latest episode of Grilling JR, Jim Ross said Cyndi Lauper’s involvement during WWE’s national expansion makes her a clear candidate for the honour.
“Cyndi Lauper belongs in the WWE Hall of Fame,” Ross said. “Cyndi brought a lot of publicity, a lot of awareness to WWE, to a brand new audience, that MTV audience. She had distinct contributions to WWE, and I think she should be in the Hall of Fame as a result of that.”
Lauper played a key role in WWE’s crossover into mainstream pop culture during the mid-1980s, a period known as the Rock ‘n’ Wrestling Connection. Her appearances alongside manager Captain Lou Albano helped introduce WWE programming to MTV viewers and expand the company’s reach beyond its traditional fan base.
She was also involved in the inaugural WrestleMania in 1985 at Madison Square Garden, taking part in several high-profile segments that helped elevate the event’s cultural significance.
Jim Ross’ Podcast Host, Conrad Thompson, Said Cyndi Lauper Will Be In Las Vegas During WrestleMania Weekend
Discussion around a potential Hall of Fame induction resurfaced recently after Cyndi Lauper appeared on The Drew Barrymore Show, where the topic was briefly mentioned. Conrad Thompson, Jim Ross’ co-host on Grilling JR, noted that Lauper will already be in Las Vegas for a residency that begins shortly after WrestleMania 42, potentially making the timing ideal for an induction.
Ross also addressed a previous WWE Legends Roundtable appearance where he was reportedly less supportive of the idea, saying he does not recall opposing Lauper’s inclusion.
“I gave the reasons that I believe she has earned the right,” Ross said. “Because she did make significant contributions at a key time in the growth and expansion of World Wrestling Entertainment.”
WrestleMania 42 will take place in Las Vegas on April 18 and 19, with the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony traditionally held during the same weekend.
