With Triple H taking full control of the WWE Hall of Fame selections, he should choose legendary journalist and historian Bill Apter as a well-deserved inductee
Name a huge star in professional wrestling and they probably all have one thing in common: They all know Bill Apter. The venerable journalist – who has been in the middle of the action for half a century – has made an impact on the industry that is unquestionable. And that’s why he should unquestionably be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame during WrestleMania 40 weekend.
It’s A Whole New Game Now
With the news that Triple H is now in charge of who does (and doesn’t) get to take a walk across that stage on WrestleMania weekend, a lot of deserved names will likely become part of WWE’s hallowed ground. There have been several folks who have been shut out or frozen out – for a multitude of reasons – that he may bury the hatchet with, just for the sake of posterity.
It’s yet just another positive of The Game being put in charge of the promotion’s overall vision going forward. A LOT of old baggage can now finally be put aside. And, love him or hate him? Paul Levesque seems to be the kind of guy who knows the true definition of ‘what’s best for business‘. So, many fans and observers expect that names like Demolition and Rick Martel will finally get an invitation to immortality.
Triple H is a true wrestling historian, and that’s why he should acknowledge the greatest keeper of the game’s past, Bill Apter, with a special Hall of Fame induction. In 2024, in Philadelphia, and quite frankly… not too far from where the veteran journalist currently resides.
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Bill Apter: A Trusted Source And Confidant
For so many years, Apter was the face of the Pro Wrestling Illustrated family of magazines. It was a series so instrumental to the growth of the industry that it literally made some performers’ careers. Being featured in a glossy, ‘Bill Apter cover shot’ with the right pose or the right amount of blood? It told as much of their story in print, as they did in the ring.
Over several decades, Apter has worked as a writer, photographer, editor, and podcaster. But he is so much more. He has been a friend and close confidant to wrestlers of multiple generations. Seen as a ‘keeper of secrets’, most acknowledge him as a peer and a brother by old school wrestlers – while younger generations view him as a revered father figure, of sorts.
His soft touch, warm demeanor, and genuine love for the game have earned him the nickname, ‘Uncle Willie’, by many in the industry. And even though he was never the Editor-in-Chief of those periodicals? He was so recognized and respected that they were fondly referred to as the Apter Mags by those in the know.
A Personality Beyond The Pages
That’s why Bill Apter’s reach in wrestling extends far beyond basic journalism. He’s a fan and trusted friend to so many, that he’s woven into the very fabric of its mythology. For goodness sake, he’s the guy who introduced Andy Kaufmann to Jerry Lawler. In fact? If it wasn’t for Apter, we would have never gotten the famous slap on the set of David Letterman’s show! and possibly… no Man on the Moon!
That’s why it seems only fitting that the man be recognized with a ring. One that is befitting of a man who spun fables like Aesop and told tales like O Henry. Not only because it would mean so much to Bill Apter, now 78, but also for the performers, fans, and followers that he helped to inspire.
Triple H carries the same torch for wrestling’s past as Uncle Willie does. Perhaps that torch could light a flame to worthy Hall of Fame induction in 2024. Then, we can move on to WrestleMania 40 in Philly, and Bill will see you… at the matches!
Ryan K Boman is the author of the 2023 book, Pop Music & Peanut Butter: A Collection of Essays about Embracing Life with Laughter & Love. Follow him on social media @RyanKBoman
