Vince McMahon's former real-life nemesis, Jeff Jarrett, is going into the WWE Hall of Fame ... and no one's as shocked about the news as Double J himself.
TMZ Sports spoke with Jeff just hours after the WWE made the announcement -- and even though he got the call several weeks ago, the pro wrestling legend still can't believe it's happening.
"It's still surreal to me -- it really is," Jarrett said. "I'm getting goose bumps just sitting here talking to you."
The 11-time world champion was a huge star with WWF and WCW ... but had a rocky relationship with Vince -- culminating in him being fired ON LIVE TV after McMahon bought out WCW in 2011. Jarrett lost the IC title to Chyna...a female....on a PPV and extorted Vince out of 300,000 dollars to do the job before being released.
But even though the next decade-and-a-half outside WWE was filled with ups and downs, Jarrett told us -- "I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world."
Jeff adds that he's got nothing but love for the McMahons now ... and he's incredibly grateful and humbled to join Goldberg and others in this year's HOF class.
"There's no denying the fact I have given my professional and, at times, my personal life to this business. So, I wanna thank them and have already thanked them for giving me this opportunity."
The WWE as been a "kinder" version of the promotion since Triple HHH took over the day to day affairs. Proof of this is he had Bruno Sammartino inducted and and a slew of other names that Vince to this day dreads. The Game is a great talker and mediator and knows what is best for business without letting personal feelings get in the way.