By Lee Stevens, PWTorch specialist

When Koko B. Ware was revealed as the latest member of the Class of 2009, several Torch readers complained that "The Birdman" didn't deserve a spot alongside the all-time greats. While the induction of the wrestler who spent plenty of time with "Frankie" has ruffled a few feathers, a small detail of the announcement has slipped by without much complaint. The man who will induct him deserves it more.

The Honky Tonk Man will have the duty of introducing Koko B. Ware to the Hall of Fame in April, which is an honor in itself, but not the one he's earned. As Santino Marella reminded us last year with his "Honk-a-meter," the Honky Tonk Man still holds the record for the longest title reign in Intercontinental history.

His 64 weeks with the belt ranks higher than all five of Edge's reigns, all six of Jeff Jarrett's and even higher than Chris Jericho's eight times as champion. In fact, only two men have held the Intercontinental belt for a longer collective period of time. Both Pedro Morales and Don Muraco held the title twice for a combined higher total and both are in the Hall of Fame.

This certainly isn't an oversight at the level of Bruno Sammartino or Randy Savage and you could make credible arguments for other wrestlers who have yet to receive the call. Honky Tonk Man has held titles in the WWF, NWA, AWA and Stampede Wrestling and, at the very least, deserves more recognition than being the opening act for Koko B. Ware. I certainly don't want to make a case for one man, simply by diminishing another.

I've already made my case for Ware, and I don't blame him for accepting the invitation. I just hope that the WWE will soon "shake, rattle and roll" an invite to "the greatest Intercontinental Champion of all-time."

During his title run, he would often be accompanied to the ring by Peggy Sue who was often portrayed by the late Sherri Martel, a member of the Class of 2006. The 2005 induction ceremony saw his manager Jimmy Hart enter the Hall of Fame.

Honky Tonk Man would later form a tag team called Rhythm and Blues with Greg Valentine, who was inducted into the Hall in 2004. He has been surrounded by legends, but he has yet to join them in the Hall of Fame.

Next year, WrestleMania will be held in Arizona and the "Man from Memphis" now resides in Phoenix. It seems like a perfect fit. He's cool. He's cocky. He's a Hall of Famer.

We suggest these recent related articles...

WWE NEWS: Superstars SPOILERS - Results from Chicago Raw

WWE NETWORK: Monday, Oct. 12 Schedule - Raw pre-show, Sting DVD preview

WWE NEWS: Lana & Rusev reportedly engaged - follow the interesting 2015 timeline