WWE Hall of Fame logo since 2019
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| Formation | March 22, 1993 (30 years ago) |
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Members
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234 total inductees 124 Individual inductees 46 Legacy inductees 18 Group inductees (51 wrestlers) (−7 inducted in multiple categories) 12 Celebrity inductees 8 Warrior Award inductees |
| Website | WWE Hall of Fame |
The WWE Hall of Fame is a hall of fame which honors professional wrestlers and professional wrestling personalities maintained by WWE. Originally known as the “WWF Hall of Fame”, it was created in 1993 when André the Giant was posthumously inducted with a video package as the sole inductee that year. The 1994 and 1995 ceremonies were held in conjunction with the annual King of the Ring pay-per-view events and the 1996 ceremony was held with the Survivor Series event. After an eight-year hiatus and after the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) had been renamed to World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) in 2002, the promotion relaunched the Hall of Fame in 2004 and has held the ceremonies in conjunction with WrestleMania ever since. Since 2005, portions of the induction ceremonies have aired on television and since 2014, the entire ceremonies have aired on the WWE Network, which was extended to Peacock in 2021 after the American version of the WWE Network merged under Peacock that year.
As of 2022, there have been 234 inductees, with 124 wrestlers inducted individually, 46 Legacy inductees, 18 group inductions (consisting of 51 wrestlers within those groups), 12 celebrities, and 8 Warrior Award recipients. Eight wrestlers have been inducted twice (individually and as part of a tag team/group): Ric Flair, Shawn Michaels, Booker T, Bret Hart, Hulk Hogan, Scott Hall, Kevin Nash, and Sean Waltman (Waltman’s two inductions were both as a member of a group, D-Generation X and the New World Order). 59 members have been inducted posthumously.
History[edit | edit source]
The World Wrestling Federation (WWF) established the WWF Hall of Fame in 1993. It was first announced on the March 22, 1993 episode of Monday Night Raw where André the Giant, who had died nearly two months prior, was announced as the sole inductee.[1][2][3] In the proceeding two years, induction ceremonies were held in conjunction with the annual King of the Ring pay-per-view events. The 1996 ceremony was held with the Survivor Series event, for the first time in front of a paying audience as well as the wrestlers, after which, the Hall of Fame went on hiatus.[4]
In 2002, the WWF was renamed to World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and the promotion relaunched the now WWE Hall of Fame in 2004 to coincide with WrestleMania XX.[5] This ceremony, like its predecessors, was not broadcast on television, though highlights were shown at the WrestleMania event followed by the inductees appearing on the entrance stage in a condensed ceremony, which would become a Hall of Fame tradition from that point forward. The full version was released on DVD on June 1, 2004.[6] Beginning with the 2005 ceremony, an edited version of the Hall of Fame was broadcast on Spike TV (2005)[7] and on the USA Network (2006[8]–present[9]); these were aired on tape delay. Since 2005, the entire Hall of Fame ceremony has been packaged as part of the annual WrestleMania DVD release,[10] and from 2014, has been broadcast live on the WWE Network streaming service.[11] The 2021 ceremony, however, was pre-taped on March 30 and April 1 and aired on April 6. In addition to the WWE Network in international markets, the event also aired on Peacock in the United States after the American version of the WWE Network had merged under Peacock in March that year.[12]
Although a building has never been built to represent the Hall of Fame, WWE has looked into constructing a facility. In 2008, Shane McMahon, then-Executive Vice President of Global Media of WWE, stated that WWE had been storing wrestling memorabilia in a warehouse for years, with all items categorized and dated in case a facility is created.[13] Ric Flair stated in 2020 that WWE was in the process of creating a building for the Hall of Fame and that it would be in Florida in the Orlando area,[14] but plans had been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[15]
Specialty inductees[edit | edit source]
Celebrity wing[edit | edit source]
The “celebrity wing” of the Hall of Fame is dedicated to celebrities that have made memorable appearances on WWE programming, and/or have had longtime associations with WWE (or professional wrestling in general), who have been very successful in other fields.
Warrior Award[edit | edit source]
Dana Warrior presents the inaugural Warrior Award at the 2015 Hall of Fame ceremony
In 2015, WWE introduced the Warrior Award for those who have “exhibited unwavering strength and perseverance, and who live life with the courage and compassion that embodies the indomitable spirit of the Ultimate Warrior.”[16]
While WWE promotes Warrior Award recipients as Hall of Fame inductees,[17][18] they are not included in the Hall of Fame section at WWE.com[19] and an image gallery which shows “every WWE Hall of Famer ever” does not contain any recipient.[20]
The award was created following the Ultimate Warrior’s death. During his April 2014 Hall of Fame speech shortly before his death, he proposed that there be a special category called the “Jimmy Miranda Award” for WWE’s behind-the-scenes employees.[21][22] Miranda, who died in 2002, was part of the WWE merchandise department for more than 20 years.[23] Former WWE ring announcer Justin Roberts expressed disappointment at how WWE used portions of Warrior’s Hall of Fame speech to promote the award but left out Warrior’s intentions of honoring WWE’s off-screen employees.[24][25] WWE responded, “It is offensive to suggest that WWE and its executives had anything, but altruistic intentions in honoring Connor and his legacy with The Warrior Award”, adding that “moving forward the award will be given annually to acknowledge other unsung heroes among WWE’s employees and fans”.[26] Since 2019 all recipients have been either current or former WWE employees.[27]
Traditionally, Dana Warrior, the widow of the Ultimate Warrior, presents the award.
Legacy inductees[edit | edit source]
In 2016, WWE introduced a new category for the Hall of Fame called the “Legacy” wing. Inductees in this category are from several eras of wrestling history, going back to the early 20th century.[28] All but two inductees, Hisashi Shinma and MSG Network creator Joseph Cohen, have been inducted posthumously. Legacy inductees are recognized with a video package at the ceremonies.[29][30]
The Legacy wing also has some criticism around it, specifically regarding the abbreviated way of the inductions. Journalist Dave Meltzer said “this is the category they (WWE) use to honor people who, for whatever reason, they don’t feel are marketable names to the modern audience to put in their actual Hall of Fame”.[31] Promoter and manager Jim Cornette criticized the fact that recognizable names like Jim Londos or El Santo were part of a video package.[32] Legacy inductees are not announced before the ceremonies and families of posthumous inductees are not notified of their inductions. This practice has been criticized by family members of Legacy inductees Bruiser Brody and Ethel Johnson.[33][34]
Classes[edit | edit source]
Class of 1993[edit | edit source]
| WWF Hall of Fame (1993) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Promotion | WWF | ||
| WWE Hall of Fame chronology | |||
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WWF Hall of Fame (1993) was the inaugural class of the WWE Hall of Fame. During the March 22, 1993 episode of Monday Night Raw a video package announcing André the Giant’s induction was shown.[3] No ceremony took place, and André was inducted posthumously. In March 2015 a condensed version of the 1994 ceremony was added to the WWE Network.[35] Due to no original ceremony, the 1993 induction of André was discussed by Gene Okerlund and Renee Young as part of the 1994 commentary.
| Image | Ring name (Birth Name) |
Inducted by | WWE recognized accolades |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
André the Giant (André Roussimoff) |
None | One-time WWF World Heavyweight Champion One-time WWF World Tag Team Champion[3] |
Class of 1994[edit | edit source]
| WWF Hall of Fame (1994) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Promotion | WWF | ||
| Date | June 9, 1994 | ||
| City | Baltimore, Maryland | ||
| Venue | Omni Inner Harbor International Hotel | ||
| WWE Hall of Fame chronology | |||
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WWF Hall of Fame (1994) was the event that featured the introduction of the second class to the WWE Hall of Fame. The event was produced by the WWF on June 9, 1994, from the Omni Inner Harbor International Hotel in Baltimore, Maryland.
In March 2015 a condensed version of the ceremony was added to the WWE Network.[35] Due to the original ceremony only being partially recorded and not originally intended to air, Gene Okerlund and Renee Young host the program with added commentary.
| Image | Ring name (Birth Name) |
Inducted by | WWE recognized accolades |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arnold Skaaland | Shane McMahon | One-time WWWF United States Tag Team Champion and long-time manager of Bruno Sammartino and Bob Backlund in WWF[36] | |
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Bobo Brazil (Houston Harris) |
Ernie Ladd | Seven-time WWWF United States Heavyweight Champion One-time NWA United States Heavyweight Champion[37] |
 |
Buddy Rogers (Herman Rohde Jr.) |
Bret Hart | Posthumous inductee: One-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion and first WWWF World Heavyweight Champion[38] |
 |
Chief Jay Strongbow[39] (Luke Scarpa) |
Gorilla Monsoon | Four-time WWWF/WWF World Tag Team Champion[40] |
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“Classy” Freddie Blassie | Regis Philbin | Held over 30 NWA regional championships. Long-time manager in WWF[41] |
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Gorilla Monsoon (Robert Marella) |
Killer Kowalski | Two-time WWWF United States Tag Team Champion Former WWF announcer and onscreen President[42] |
| — | James Dudley | Vince McMahon | First African American to run a major arena in the United States[43] |
Class of 1995[edit | edit source]
| WWF Hall of Fame (1995) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Promotion | WWF | ||
| Date | June 24, 1995 | ||
| City | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | ||
| Venue | Marriott Hotel | ||
| WWE Hall of Fame chronology | |||
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WWF Hall of Fame (1995) was the event that featured the introduction of the third class to the WWE Hall of Fame. The event was produced by the WWF on June 24, 1995, from the Marriott Hotel in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The event took place the same weekend as King of the Ring.
In March 2015 a condensed version of the ceremony was added to the WWE Network.[35] Due to the original ceremony only being partially recorded and not originally intended to air, Gene Okerlund and Renee Young host the program with added commentary.
The 1995 class featured two posthumous inductees. Antonino Rocca was presented by his wife, and The Grand Wizard was represented by Bobby Harmon.
| Image | Ring name (Birth Name) |
Inducted by | WWE recognized accolades |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Antonino Rocca (Antonino Biasetton) |
Miguel Pérez | Posthumous inductee. One-time WWF International Heavyweight Champion Pioneer of the acrobatic wrestling style[44] |
 |
“Big Cat” Ernie Ladd | ”Cowboy” Bill Watts | Won several NWA regional titles, and was one of few professional wrestlers to have had a successful career in American football[45] |
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George “The Animal” Steele (William Myers) |
Pat Myers | One of professional wrestling’s first monster heels[46] |
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Ivan Putski (Józef Bednarski) |
Scott Putski | One-time WWF Tag Team Champion[47] |
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The Fabulous Moolah (Mary Ellison) |
Alundra Blayze | A three-time WWF Women’s Champion. Her first reign is recognized as lasting a record 28 years[48] The first woman to be inducted. In 1999 she won the Women’s title one more time. |
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The Grand Wizard (Irwin Roth) |
”Captain” Lou Albano | Posthumous inductee. Long-time heel manager in WWF[49] |
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Pedro Morales | Gorilla Monsoon | Savio Vega accepted the induction One-time WWWF World Heavyweight Champion whose reign lasted nearly three years The first WWF Triple Crown Champion[50] He was also the first Latino to win the world title[51] |
Class of 1996[edit | edit source]
| WWF Hall of Fame (1996) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Promotion | WWF | ||
| Date | November 16, 1996 | ||
| City | New York City, New York | ||
| Venue | Marriott Marquis | ||
| WWE Hall of Fame chronology | |||
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WWF Hall of Fame (1996) was the event which featured the introduction of the fourth class to the WWE Hall of Fame. The event was produced by the WWF on November 16, 1996, from the Marriott Marquis in New York City, New York. The event took place the same weekend as Survivor Series.
In March 2015 a condensed version of the ceremony was added to the WWE Network.[35] Due to the original ceremony only being partially recorded and not originally intended to air, Gene Okerlund and Renee Young host the program with added commentary.
Due to Vincent J. McMahon‘s death in 1984, he was posthumously inducted by the McMahon family.
| Image | Ring name (Birth Name) |
Inducted by | WWE recognized accolades |
|---|---|---|---|
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“Baron” Mikel Scicluna | Gorilla Monsoon | One-time WWWF World Tag Team Champion One-time WWWF United States Tag Team Champion[52] |
 |
“Captain” Lou Albano | Joe Franklin | One-time WWWF United States Tag Team Champion As a manager, he led 13 different tag teams to a record 17 tag team titles,[53] and four singles wrestlers to various championships His association with Cyndi Lauper was pivotal in turning professional wrestling into a mainstream phenomenon[54] |
 |
Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka | Don Muraco | One-time NWA United States Heavyweight Champion Two-time NWA World Tag Team Champion Two-time ECW Heavyweight Champion[55] |
 |
Johnny Rodz (John Rodriguez) |
Arnold Skaaland | Wrestled in WWF for nearly two decades[56] |
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Killer Kowalski (Edward Spulnik) |
Triple H | One-time WWWF World Tag Team Champion, held 17 NWA regional championships[57] |
 |
Pat Patterson (Pierre Clermont)[58] |
Bret Hart | One-time and first WWF Intercontinental Heavyweight Champion, one-time AWA World Tag Team Champion and held over 20 NWA regional championships Credited as the creator of the Royal Rumble match Patterson won the WWF Hardcore Championship in 2000 and the WWE 24/7 Championship in 2020[59] |
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Vincent J. McMahon | Shane McMahon | Posthumous inductee. Founder and longtime promoter of the World (Wide) Wrestling Federation[60] |
| Group | Inducted by | WWE recognized accolades |
|---|---|---|
| The Valiant Brothers | Tony Garea | One-time WWWF World Tag Team Champions First tag team to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame[61] |
| Jimmy Valiant (James Fanning) – four-time NWA Television Champion Johnny Valiant (John Sullivan) – became a manager in the WWF and AWA during the 1980s |
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| WWE Hall of Fame (2004) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
DVD cover featuring wrestlers inducted into the Hall of Fame class of 2004
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| Promotion | WWE | ||
| Date | March 13, 2004 | ||
| City | New York City, New York | ||
| Venue | The Hilton | ||
| WWE Hall of Fame chronology | |||
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WWE Hall of Fame (2004) was the event which featured the introduction of the 5th class to the WWE Hall of Fame. The event was produced by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) on March 13, 2004 from the Hilton Hotel in New York City, New York. The event was hosted by Gene Okerlund.
In 2004, WWE relaunched the Hall of Fame to coincide with WrestleMania XX.[1] This ceremony, like its predecessors, was not broadcast on television, however, it was released on DVD on June 1, 2004.[2] In March 2015 the ceremony was added to the WWE Network.[3]
Inductees[edit | edit source]
Individual[edit | edit source]
Celebrity[edit | edit source]
| Image | Recipient (Birth name) |
Occupation | Inducted by | Appearances |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Pete Rose | Baseball player | Kane | Appeared at WrestleManias XIV, XV, and 2000[16] |
WWE Hall of Fame (2005) was the event which featured introduction of the 6th class to the WWE Hall of Fame. The event was produced by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) on April 2, 2005, from the Universal Amphitheatre in Los Angeles, California. The event took place the same weekend as WrestleMania 21. The event was hosted by Gene Okerlund. A condensed version of the ceremony aired that evening on Spike TV.[1] In March 2015 the ceremony was added to the WWE Network.[2]
Aftermath[edit | edit source]
On July 24, 2015, WWE terminated their contract with Hulk Hogan, stating that they are “committed to embracing and celebrating individuals from all backgrounds”,[3] although Hogan’s lawyer said Hogan chose to resign.[4] A day prior, WWE removed virtually all references to Hogan from their website, including his entry from its WWE Hall of Fame page. The termination coincided with the publication by the National Enquirer and Radar Online of an anti-black rant made by Hogan on his controversial leaked sex tape in which he is heard expressing disgust with the notion of his daughter with any black man, referenced by repeated use of the racial slur “nigger“.[5][6] Hogan also admitted to being “a racist, to a point”.[6] However, no official statement about his removal had been made and he was still listed in the Hall of Fame entry of the official WWE encyclopedia released in October 2016.
On July 15, 2018, despite no prior official statements by the WWE declaring his removal from the Hall of Fame, Hogan was reinstated into the Hall of Fame, after his numerous public apologies over the past year, as well as volunteering work.[7]
Inductees[edit | edit source]
Individual[edit | edit source]
- Class headliners appear in boldface
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WWE Hall of Fame (2006)
| WWE Hall of Fame (2006) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Promotion | WWE | ||
| Date | April 1, 2006 | ||
| City | Rosemont, Illinois[1] | ||
| Venue | Rosemont Theatre | ||
| WWE Hall of Fame chronology | |||
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WWE Hall of Fame (2006) was the event which featured the introduction of the 7th class to the WWE Hall of Fame. The event was produced by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) on April 1, 2006 from the Rosemont Theatre in Rosemont, Illinois. The event took place the same weekend as WrestleMania 22. The event was hosted by Todd Grisham. The first two hours aired live on the WWE’s website, with the final hour airing live on the USA Network.[2] In March 2015 the ceremony was added to the WWE Network.[3]
Inductees[edit | edit source]
Individual[edit | edit source]
- Class headliners appear in boldface
Group[edit | edit source]
| Group | Inducted by | WWE recognized accolades |
|---|---|---|
| The Blackjacks | Bobby Heenan | One-time WWWF World Tag Team Champions[13] |
| Blackjack Mulligan (Robert Windham) – three-time NWA United States Heavyweight Champion and one-time NWA World Tag Team Champion Blackjack Lanza (John Lanza) – one-time AWA World Tag Team Champion |
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Celebrity[edit | edit source]
| Recipient (Birth name) |
Occupation | Inducted by | Appearances |
|---|---|---|---|
| William “The Refrigerator” Perry | Football player | John Cena | Participated in the WWF vs NFL battle royal at WrestleMania 2[1 |
WWE Hall of Fame (2007)
| WWE Hall of Fame (2007) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Promotion | WWE | ||
| Date | March 31, 2007 | ||
| City | Detroit, Michigan[1] | ||
| Venue | Fox Theatre | ||
| WWE Hall of Fame chronology | |||
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WWE Hall of Fame (2007) was the event which featured the introduction of the 8th class to the WWE Hall of Fame. The event was produced by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) on March 31, 2007 from the Fox Theatre in Detroit, Michigan. The event took place the same weekend as WrestleMania 23. The event was hosted by Todd Grisham. The ceremony aired later that evening on USA Network.[2] In March 2015 the ceremony was added to the WWE Network.[3]
Inductees[edit | edit source]
Individual[edit | edit source]
- Class headliners appear in boldface
Group[edit | edit source]
| Group | Inducted by | WWE recognized accolades |
|---|---|---|
| The Wild Samoans | Samu and Matt Anoaʻi | Three-time WWF Tag Team Champions[16] |
| Afa (Arthur Anoaʻi) Sika (Leati Anoaʻi) |
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WWE Hall of Fame (2008)
| WWE Hall of Fame (2008) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Promotion | WWE | ||
| Date | March 29, 2008 | ||
| City | Orlando, Florida[1] | ||
| Venue | Amway Arena | ||
| WWE Hall of Fame chronology | |||
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WWE Hall of Fame (2008) was the event which featured the introduction of the 9th class to the WWE Hall of Fame. The event was produced by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) on March 29, 2008 from the Amway Arena in Orlando, Florida. The event took place the same weekend as WrestleMania XXIV. The event was hosted by Gene Okerlund and Todd Grisham. The ceremony aired live on the WWE’s website, with the final hour airing live on the USA Network.[2] In March 2015 the ceremony was added to the WWE Network.[3]
Inductees[edit | edit source]
Individual[edit | edit source]
- Class headliners appear in boldface
| Image | Ring name (Birth Name) |
Inducted by | WWE recognized accolades |
|---|---|---|---|
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“The Nature Boy” Ric Flair (Richard Fliehr) |
Triple H | Two-time WWF World Heavyweight Champion First-ever and six-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion[4] Eight-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion[5] Recognized by WWE as a 16-time World Heavyweight Champion Six-time NWA/WCW/WWE United States Heavyweight Champion, three-time NWA World Tag Team Champion, One-time WWE Intercontinental Champion, three-time WWF World Tag Team Champion, 1992 Royal Rumble winner[6] |
 |
“High Chief” Peter Maivia (Fanene Maivia) |
The Rock | Posthumous inductee: Represented by his daughter Ata Maivia Johnson. Held more than a dozen NWA regional championships[7] |
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“Soulman” Rocky Johnson | One-time WWF World Tag Team Champion, half of the first black WWF World Tag Team Championship winning duo with Tony Atlas[8] | |
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Mae Young | Pat Patterson | First ever and one-time NWA United States Women’s Champion[9] One-time NWA Women’s World Tag Team Championship[10] |
| — | Eddie Graham (Edward Gossett) |
Dusty Rhodes | Posthumous inductee: Represented by his son Mike Graham. Promoter and booker for Championship Wrestling from Florida, held over 30 NWA regional championships including 18 in CWF[11] |
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Gordon Solie (Francis Labiak) |
Jim Ross | Posthumous inductee: Represented by his five children. Commentator, announcer and promoter for Championship Wrestling from Florida, later worked for WCW[12] |
Group[edit | edit source]
| Image | Group | Inducted by | WWE recognized accolades |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
The Brisco Brothers | John “Bradshaw” Layfield | Three-time NWA World Tag Team Champions, held over a dozen regional NWA tag team championships |
| Jack Brisco (Freddie Brisco) – two-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion.[13] Gerald Brisco (Floyd Brisco) – one-time NWA World Junior Heavyweight Champion, two-time WWF Hardcore Champion Brisco won the WWE 24/7 Championship in 2020.[14] |
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WWE Hall of Fame (2009)
| WWE Hall of Fame (2009) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
The WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2009 and their inductors
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| Promotion | WWE | ||
| Date | April 4, 2009 | ||
| City | Houston, Texas[1] | ||
| Venue | Toyota Center | ||
| WWE Hall of Fame chronology | |||
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WWE Hall of Fame (2009) was the event which featured the introduction of the 10th class to the WWE Hall of Fame. The event was produced by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) on April 4, 2009 from the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. The event took place the same weekend as WrestleMania 25. The event was hosted by Jerry Lawler and Todd Grisham. The ceremony aired later that evening on the USA Network.[2] In March 2015 the ceremony was added to the WWE Network.[3]
Inductees[edit | edit source]
Individual[edit | edit source]
- Class headliners appear in boldface
| Image | Ring name (Birth Name) |
Inducted by | WWE recognized accolades |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Stone Cold Steve Austin[4] (Steven Anderson) |
Vince McMahon | Six-time WWF Champion 1996 King of the Ring A record three-time Royal Rumble winner (1997, 1998, 2001)[5] |
 |
Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat (Richard Blood) |
Ric Flair | One-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion Four-time NWA/WCW United States Heavyweight Champion One-time WWF Intercontinental Heavyweight Champion[6] |
 |
“Cowboy” Bill Watts | Jim Ross | Former wrestling promoter in the mid-south United States One-time WWWF United States Tag Team Champion and held over 20 NWA regional championships[7] |
 |
Howard Finkel | Gene Okerlund | WWE ring announcer since 1977 and first employee hired by the WWE in 1975[8] Credited with inventing the term Wrestlemania and also giving Ricky Steamboat his “Dragon” ringname |
 |
Koko B. Ware (James Ware) |
The Honky Tonk Man | Held several NWA regional championships[9] |
Groups[edit | edit source]
| Image | Group | Inducted by | WWE recognized accolades |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
The Funks | Dusty Rhodes | Held several tag team championships, including the NWA International Tag Team Championship on three occasions[10] |
| Terry Funk – one-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion, two-time ECW World Heavyweight Champion and one-time WWF Tag Team Champion. Dory Funk Jr. – one-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion |
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The Von Erichs | Michael Hayes | Noted wrestling family that spent many years wrestling in World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW) Various combinations of the family held several NWA regional and WCCW tag team championships, including the WCCW World Tag Team and World Six-Man Tag Team Championship[11] |
| Fritz Von Erich (Jack Adkisson) – Posthumous inductee: Founder and longtime owner of WCCW, one-time AWA World Heavyweight Champion and 16-time NWA American Heavyweight Champion (later renamed the WCCW World Heavyweight Championship). Kevin Von Erich (Kevin Adkisson) – Six-time NWA American/WCCW World Heavyweight Champion. David Von Erich (David Adkisson) – Posthumous inductee: Eight-time NWA Texas Heavyweight Champion. Kerry Von Erich (Kerry Adkisson) – Posthumous inductee: One-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion, nine-time NWA American/WCCW World Heavyweight Champion. Wrestled in WWF as “The Texas Tornado” where he was a one-time WWF Intercontinental Champion. Mike Von Erich (Michael Adkisson) – Posthumous inductee: One-time NWA American Heavyweight Champion. Chris Von Erich (Chris Adkisson) – Posthumous inductee: Wrestled and worked several backstage jobs for WCCW |
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WWE Hall of Fame (2010)
| WWE Hall of Fame (2010) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Promotion | WWE | ||
| Date | March 27, 2010 | ||
| City | Phoenix, Arizona[1] | ||
| Venue | Dodge Theatre | ||
| WWE Hall of Fame chronology | |||
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WWE Hall of Fame (2010) was the event which featured the introduction of the 11th class to the WWE Hall of Fame. The event was produced by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) on March 27, 2010 from the Dodge Theatre in Phoenix, Arizona. The event took place the same weekend as WrestleMania XXVI. The event was hosted by Jerry Lawler. A condensed one-hour version of the ceremony aired on the USA Network that same evening.[2] In March 2015 the ceremony was added to the WWE Network.[3
Inductees[edit | edit source]
Individual[edit | edit source]
- Class headliners appear in boldface
| Image | Ring name (Birth Name) |
Inducted by | WWE recognized accolades |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
“The Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase | Ted DiBiase Jr. Brett DiBiase |
Four-time Mid-South North American Heavyweight Champion Creator and two-time holder of the non-sanctioned Million Dollar Championship Three-time WWF World Tag Team Champion 1988 King of the Ring.[4] In 2019, Dibiase would win the 24/7 Championship |
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Antonio Inoki (Kanji Inoki) |
Stan Hansen | Founder of New Japan Pro-Wrestling Two-time WWWF/WWF World Martial Arts Heavyweight Champion One-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion[5] |
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Wendi Richter | Roddy Piper | Two-time WWF Women’s Champion One-time AWA Women’s Champion Two-time NWA Women’s World Tag Team Champion[6] |
| Maurice “Mad Dog” Vachon | Pat Patterson | Five-time AWA World Heavyweight Champion[7] | |
 |
Gorgeous George (George Wagner) |
Dick Beyer | Posthumous inductee: Represented by his ex-wife Betty Wagner[8] One-time holder of the Boston version of the AWA World Heavyweight Championship Portrayed as a flamboyant, arrogant, charismatic villain, George is credited with helping establish wrestling on television in the 1940s and 1950s[9] |
| Stu Hart | Bret Hart | Posthumous inductee: Represented by Bret Hart and all Stu’s other living children Smith, Bruce, Keith, Wayne, Ellie, Georgia, Alison, Ross and Diana. Established Stampede Wrestling in Calgary 1948, and ran it until 1984. Ran “The Dungeon” wrestling school and trained numerous WWE wrestlers. Patriarch of the Hart family.[10] |
Celebrity[edit | edit source]
| Image | Recipient (Birth name) |
Occupation | Inducted by | Appearances |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Bob Uecker | Actor Baseball announcer |
Dick Ebersol | Guest interviewer/ring announcer at WrestleMania III and IV[11] |
WWE Hall of Fame (2011)
| WWE Hall of Fame (2011) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Promotion | WWE | ||
| Date | April 2, 2011 | ||
| City | Atlanta, Georgia[1][2] | ||
| Venue | Philips Arena | ||
| WWE Hall of Fame chronology | |||
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WWE Hall of Fame (2011) was the event which featured the introduction of the 12th class to the WWE Hall of Fame. The event was produced by WWE on April 2, 2011 from the Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. The event took place the same weekend as WrestleMania XXVII. The event was hosted by Jerry Lawler. A condensed one-hour version of the ceremony aired on the USA Network the following Monday, before Raw, Originally The Fabulous Freebirds were supposed to be inducted at this event but got moved to the 2016 event [3] In March 2015 the ceremony was added to the WWE Network.[4]
Inductees[edit | edit source]
Individual[edit | edit source]
- Class headliners appear in boldface
| Image | Ring name (Birth Name) |
Inducted by | WWE recognized accolades |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
“The Heartbreak Kid” Shawn Michaels (Michael Hickenbottom) |
Triple H | Three-time WWF World Heavyweight Champion One-time World Heavyweight Champion Three-time WWF Intercontinental Champion One-time WWF European Champion Two-time Royal Rumble winner (1995, 1996) First WWE wrestler to achieve the “Grand Slam“[5] |
 |
“Hacksaw” Jim Duggan[6] | Ted DiBiase | Winner of the first Royal Rumble match in 1988 One-time WCW United States Heavyweight Champion[7] One-time and final WCW World Television Champion |
| “Bullet” Bob Armstrong (Joseph James) |
Scott, Brad, and Brian Armstrong | Held several NWA regional championships[8] | |
 |
Sunny[9] (Tamara Sytch) |
WWE Divas | Billed by WWE as the first Diva[10]AOL Most Downloaded Woman in 1996 [11] |
 |
Abdullah the Butcher (Lawrence Shreve) |
Terry Funk | A hardcore legend known for appearing in a number of wrestling territories, holding a variety of regional championships[12] |
Group[edit | edit source]
| Group | Inducted by | WWE recognized accolades |
|---|---|---|
| The Road Warriors | Dusty Rhodes | Two-time WWF Tag Team Champions One-time AWA World Tag Team Champions Four-time NWA National Tag Team Champions One-time NWA International Tag Team Champions Three-time NWA World Six-Man Tag team Champions One-time NWA World Tag Team Champion[13] |
| Road Warrior Hawk (Michael Hegstrand) – Posthumous inductee: Two-time IWGP Tag Team Champion (without Animal) Road Warrior Animal (Joseph Laurinaitis) – One-time WWE Tag Team Champion (without Hawk) “Precious” Paul Ellering – Long-time manager in the AWA, NWA, and WWF. Inducted alongside the Road Warriors, who he managed for much of his career[14] |
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WWE Hall of Fame (2012)
| WWE Hall of Fame (2012) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
The WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2012 and their inductors
|
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| Promotion | WWE | ||
| Date | March 31, 2012 | ||
| City | Miami, Florida[1] | ||
| Venue | American Airlines Arena[2] | ||
| WWE Hall of Fame chronology | |||
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WWE Hall of Fame (2012) was the event which featured the introduction of the 13th class to the WWE Hall of Fame. The event was produced by WWE on March 31, 2012 from the American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. The event took place the same weekend as WrestleMania XXVIII.[3] The event was hosted by Jerry Lawler. A condensed one-hour version of the ceremony aired on the USA Network the following Monday, before Raw.[4] In March 2015 the ceremony was added to the WWE Network.[5]
Event[edit | edit source]
Mil Máscaras was inducted by Alberto Del Rio.
Ron Simmons was inducted by his former tag team partner as part of The Acolytes Protection Agency, John Layfield. The two shared stories of being on the road together, and Simmons discussed what it was like to be the first black World Heavyweight Champion.
Yokozuna was inducted by his nephews, The Usos, Jimmy Uso and Jey Uso. The Usos discussed their “Uncle Rodney” and their confusion as kids as to why he was dressed as a sumo wrestler and was throwing salt. Due to Yokozuna’s death in 2000 he was posthumously inducted by his cousin Rikishi and his family.
The Four Horsemen were next inducted by Dusty Rhodes. Although through the years there were more members, the only ones inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame were “Nature Boy” Ric Flair, Barry Windham, “The Enforcer” Arn Anderson, Tully Blanchard and J. J. Dillon.[6] With this induction Ric Flair became the first person to be inducted twice (an accolade he alone held until 2019 when Shawn Michaels, Bret Hart, and Booker T were all inducted again). Flair was under contract with rival promotion TNA at the time, but they and WWE made a deal so Flair could attend the event in person; the deal saw Christian go the other way for one night later in the year.
Mike Tyson was inducted by D-Generation X members Shawn Michaels and Triple H.
The final inductee was Edge who was inducted by his childhood friend Christian. The two shared stories of coming up through the Canadian wrestling system and their time together in the WWE.
Inductees[edit | edit source]
Individual[edit | edit source]
- Class headliners appear in boldface
| Image | Ring name (Birth Name) |
Inducted by | WWE recognized accolades |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Edge[7] (Adam Copeland) |
Christian | Four-time WWE Champion A record Seven-time World Heavyweight Champion Five-time WWF/E Intercontinental Champion One-time WCW United States Champion Winner of the inaugural Money in the Bank ladder match Two-time Royal Rumble winner (2010, 2021) 2001 King of the Ring winner He held the WWF/World and WWE Tag Team Championships a combined 14 times, more than any other wrestler[8] |
 |
Mil Máscaras[9][10] (Aaron Arellano) |
Alberto Del Rio | Mexican luchador. Máscaras was the first masked wrestler to perform in Madison Square Garden[11] |
 |
Ron Simmons | John “Bradshaw” Layfield | Recognized by WWE as the First Black World Heavyweight Champion having won the WCW World Heavyweight Championship once Wrestled in WWF/E as “Faarooq” where he was a three-time WWF Tag Team Champion with Bradshaw as The APA[12] |
 |
Yokozuna (Rodney Anoaʻi) |
Jimmy Uso and Jey Uso | Posthumous inductee: Represented by his cousin Rikishi Two-time WWF World Heavyweight Champion Two-time WWF Tag Team Champion 1993 Royal Rumble winner[13] |
Group[edit | edit source]
| Image | Group | Inducted by | WWE recognized accolades |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
The Four Horsemen[14] | Dusty Rhodes | One of the top stables of the 1980s, they reached their peak in 1988 when the four members controlled all three major NWA Championships, (World, United States and Tag Team)[15] |
| “Nature Boy” Ric Flair (Richard Fliehr) – First two-time inductee. Previously inducted in 2008 for his individual career. Barry Windham – One-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion, one-time NWA United States Heavyweight Champion, one-time WCW World Television Champion, four-time NWA/WCW World Tag Team Champion, two-time WWF Tag Team Champion, and won over 20 NWA regional titles. “The Enforcer” Arn Anderson (Martin Lunde) – Four-time NWA/WCW World Television Champion, five-time NWA/WCW World Tag Team Champion, and one-time WWF Tag Team Champion. Tully Blanchard – One-time NWA United States Champion, three-time NWA World TV Champion, two-time NWA World Tag Team Champion, and one-time WWF Tag Team Champion. J. J. Dillon (James Morrison) – Long-time manager in the NWA, former WCW onscreen commissioner |
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Celebrity[edit | edit source]
| Image | Recipient (Birth name) |
Occupation | Inducted by | Appearances |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Mike Tyson[16][17] | Professional boxer | D-Generation X (Shawn Michaels and Triple H) |
Special guest referee at Wrestlemania XIV Raw guest host in 2010[18] |
WWE Hall of Fame (2013)
| WWE Hall of Fame (2013) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Promotion | WWE | ||
| Date | April 6, 2013 | ||
| City | New York City, New York | ||
| Venue | Madison Square Garden | ||
| WWE Hall of Fame chronology | |||
|
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WWE Hall of Fame (2013) was the event which featured the introduction of the 14th class to the WWE Hall of Fame. The event was produced by WWE on April 6, 2013 from Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York.[1] The event took place the same weekend as WrestleMania 29.[2] The event was hosted by Jerry Lawler. A condensed one-hour version of the ceremony aired on the USA Network the following Tuesday.[3] In March 2015 the ceremony was added to the WWE Network.[4]
Background[edit | edit source]
After leaving the WWF (now WWE), Sammartino became an outspoken critic of the path on which Vince McMahon has taken professional wrestling. He particularly criticised the use of steroids and “vulgar” storylines.[5][6][7] In 2013, Sammartino accepted an invitation for induction into the Hall of Fame, after having declined several times in prior years. He finally accepted the offer to join because he was satisfied with the way the company had addressed his concerns about the direction of the business.[8] In April 2018, Sean Waltman announced on his podcast, that should Sammartino not have accepted the invitation to be inducted, D-Generation X would have been inducted.[9]
Event[edit | edit source]
Mick Foley was inducted by his long time friend Terry Funk. The two discussed all their times on the road together which included time at WWE, World Championship Wrestling and Extreme Championship Wrestling. Foley also said that he had regrets from his career. The main one was that he never beat Chris Jericho. Jericho then ran up on the stage, laid down, and told Foley to pin him. Foley originally acted like he couldn’t and was walking away when he ran back and dropped an elbow on Jericho. He then pinned Jericho and CM Punk counted the one-two-three, jokingly giving Foley his first victory over Jericho.
Bob Backlund was inducted by Maria Menounos.
Trish Stratus was inducted by Stephanie McMahon. During Stratus’ speech she announced that she was expecting her first child, a son, later in 2013.[10]
Vince McMahon inducted businessman and future U.S. president Donald Trump. Vince spoke of Trump and their working relationship during WrestleMania IV and WrestleMania V, as well as the “Battle of the Billionaires” at WrestleMania 23.
Booker T was inducted by his brother Stevie Ray, whom he had teamed together with for many years as Harlem Heat. Booker T later admitted during an interview with John Layfield, on his show Legends with JBL on the WWE Network, that prior to him asking Stevie Ray to induct him, that the brothers had not spoken in nearly 5 years.[11]
The final inductee of the evening was Bruno Sammartino who was inducted by Arnold Schwarzenegger. Although Sammartino saw great success in New York City during his career,[12] this event marked Sammartino’s return to the WWE after 25 years.[13] It was just the second time in Hall of Fame history that Vince McMahon would be seen on camera, after 2009 when he inducted Stone Cold Steve Austin.
Aftermath[edit | edit source]
Sammartino appeared on the October 7, 2013, episode of Raw and received a birthday greeting in his hometown of Pittsburgh.[14] On March 28, 2015, Sammartino inducted Larry Zbyszko into the Hall of Fame class of 2015.[15]
Inductees[edit | edit source]
Individual[edit | edit source]
- Class headliners appear in boldface
| Image | Ring name (Birth Name) |
Inducted by | WWE recognized accolades |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Mick Foley[16][17] | Terry Funk | Wrestled using various ring names, namely Cactus Jack, Mankind and Dude Love Three-time WWF Champion Eight-time WWF Tag Team Champion Two-time ECW World Tag Team Champion One-time WCW World Tag Team Champion First WWF Hardcore Champion[18] |
 |
Bob Backlund | Maria Menounos | Two-time WWWF/WWF World Heavyweight Champion One-time WWF Tag Team Champion[19] |
 |
Trish Stratus[20] (Patricia Stratigeas) |
Stephanie McMahon | A record Seven-time WWF/E Women’s Champion One-time WWF Hardcore Champion. Three-time WWE Babe of the Year Voted Diva of the Decade during the Raw 10th Anniversary special[21] |
 |
Booker T (Robert Huffman) |
Stevie Ray | Five-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion One-time World Heavyweight Champion A record six-time WCW World Television Champion A record 11-time WCW World Tag Team Champion (10 of which came with his brother Stevie Ray as Harlem Heat) 2006 King Of The Ring winner[22] |
 |
Bruno Sammartino[23] | Arnold Schwarzenegger | Two-time WWWF World Heavyweight Championship/WWWF Heavyweight Championship Holds the records for longest consecutive and cumulative reigns of seven and 11 years, respectively[24] |
Celebrity[edit | edit source]
| Image | Recipient (Birth name) |
Occupation | Inducted by | Appearances |
|---|---|---|---|---|
.jpg) |
Donald Trump[25] | Businessman Reality TV host/Producer, 45th President Of The United States |
Vince McMahon | Hosted WrestleMania IV and WrestleMania V at Trump Plaza. Won the “Battle of the Billionaires” at WrestleMania 23 Briefly “owned” Raw in 2009[26] |
WWE Hall of Fame (2014)
| WWE Hall of Fame (2014) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Promotion | WWE | ||
| Date | April 5, 2014 | ||
| City | New Orleans, Louisiana | ||
| Venue | Smoothie King Center | ||
| WWE Hall of Fame chronology | |||
|
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WWE Hall of Fame (2014) was the event which featured the introduction of the 15th class to the WWE Hall of Fame. The event was produced by WWE on April 5, 2014 from the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana.[1] The event took place the same weekend as WrestleMania XXX.[2] The event aired live on the WWE Network,[3] and was hosted by Jerry Lawler. A condensed one-hour version of the ceremony aired the following Monday after Raw, on the USA Network.[4]
It was reported by some news outlets that the 2014 class of the WWE Hall of Fame was the most highly anticipated class yet.[5]
Event[edit | edit source]
Due to the launch of the WWE Network shortly before WrestleMania XXX, this event featured the first ever “Red Carpet” event as a one-hour pre-show prior to the start of the event. The pre-show was hosted by Michael Cole, Maria Menounos, and Renee Young.
After Lita was inducted by Trish Stratus she shared a number of stories about how she started in professional wrestling from Mexico until eventually winding up in the WWE. One story Lita told was how she first met Arn Anderson and her desire to meet Rey Mysterio. Lita expressed that Anderson helped her meet Mysterio in exchange for a Miller Lite. Lita stated she never fulfilled that promise and wanted to now, at which point Stratus return with three Miller Lites, which Lita, Anderson and Mysterio shared.[6]
Jake “The Snake” Roberts was inducted by Diamond Dallas Page. During both of their speeches, the two spoke about Roberts’ issues with alcoholism and how he spent many months living with Page attempted to rehab.[7] Roberts credited DDP Yoga with saving his life. Roberts concluded by thanking his kids for giving him a second chance after all he had put their family through over the years.
Mr. T was inducted by Gene Okerlund into the Hall of Fame. He praised mothers, and encouraged respect of mothers. He went long. [8]
Paul Bearer was posthumously inducted by Kane. During the induction, Kane shared several stories about traveling with Bearer and about their relationship. Due to Bearer’s passing in March 2013 his induction was accepted in his honor by his sons Daniel and Michael Moody. Also The Undertaker made his appearance and pays respect to his manager, Paul Bearer.
Razor Ramon (Scott Hall) was inducted into the Hall of Fame by fellow The Outsider member Kevin Nash. Hall, similar to Roberts, spoke of his person issues with alcohol, and thanks Page for saving his life. Following the introduction two were joined on stage by fellow Kliq members, Triple H, Shawn Michaels and Sean Waltman.
Carlos Colón was introduced by his two sons Carlito, Eddie, and nephew Orlando Colón. Carlito before delivering his speech said that the WWE cut the amount of time he had to speak down, and it made him feel like he never really left the WWE.
The Ultimate Warrior was the final inductee into the 2014, inducted by Linda McMahon. At the end of the Warrior’s speech he announced that he had signed a long-term contract that would allow him to serve as an ambassador for the WWE for several years to come.
Aftermath[edit | edit source]
Although The Ultimate Warrior announced he signed a long-term contract with the WWE, his appearance at Raw the following Monday would be his final WWE appearance. Warrior died on April 8, 2014 in Scottsdale, Arizona.[9] According to reports, Warrior clutched his chest and collapsed at 5:50 p.m. while walking to his car with his wife outside of their hotel in Arizona. He was rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead at age 54.[10] Warrior’s colleagues said Warrior appeared frail during WrestleMania weekend, and said that he was sweating profusely and breathing heavily backstage.[11]
Following his death, the WWE created the Warrior Award, with the first award given at the 2015 Hall of Fame ceremony. The Warrior Award for those who have “exhibited unwavering strength and perseverance, and who lives life with the courage and compassion that embodies the indomitable spirit of the Ultimate Warrior.”[12]
Inductees[edit | edit source]
Individual[edit | edit source]
- Class headliners appear in boldface
| Image | Ring name (Birth Name) |
Inducted by | WWE recognized accolades |
|---|---|---|---|
.jpg) |
The Ultimate Warrior (James Hellwig/Warrior) |
Linda McMahon | One-time WWF World Heavyweight Champion Two-time WWF Intercontinental Heavyweight Champion |
 |
Jake “The Snake” Roberts (Aurelian Smith Jr.) |
Diamond Dallas Page | Credited as the inventor of the DDT, held several regional championships[13] |
 |
Lita[14] (Amy Dumas) |
Trish Stratus | Four-time WWF/WWE Women’s Champion In 2023, she also won the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship |
 |
Paul Bearer[15] (William Moody) |
Kane | Posthumous inductee: Represented by his sons Michael and Daniel Longtime manager in WCCW (as Percy Pringle III) and in WWE (as Paul Bearer) most notably managing The Undertaker, Mankind and Kane[16] |
.jpg) |
Carlos Colón (Carlos Colón González) |
Carlito, Eddie, and Orlando Colón | Promoter of World Wrestling Council (WWC) in Puerto Rico 26-time WWC Universal Heavyweight Champion[17] |
 |
Razor Ramon (Scott Hall) |
Kevin Nash | Four-time WWF Intercontinental Champion Two-time WCW United States Heavyweight Champion Seven-time WCW World Tag Team Champion 1997 World War 3 winner[18] |
Celebrity[edit | edit source]
| Image | Recipient (Birth name) |
Occupation | Inducted by | Appearances |
|---|---|---|---|---|
.jpg) |
Mr. T[19] (Lawrence Tureaud) |
Actor | Gene Okerlund | Headlined the first WrestleMania, co-headlined the second, and made appearances and wrestled in WCW (including a match at Starrcade in 1994)[20] |
WWE Hall of Fame (2015)
| WWE Hall of Fame (2015) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
.jpg)
The 2015 WWE Hall of Fame set
|
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| Promotion | WWE | ||
| Date | March 28, 2015 | ||
| City | San Jose, California | ||
| Venue | SAP Center[1] | ||
| WWE Hall of Fame chronology | |||
|
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WWE Hall of Fame (2015) was the event which featured the introduction of the 16th class to the WWE Hall of Fame. The event was produced by WWE on March 28, 2015, from the SAP Center in San Jose, California.[2] The event took place the same weekend as WrestleMania 31.[3] The event aired live on the WWE Network, and was hosted by Jerry Lawler. A condensed one-hour version of the ceremony aired the following Monday after Raw, on the USA Network.[4]
Event[edit | edit source]
Due to the launch of the WWE Network shortly before WrestleMania XXX, this event featured the second ever “Red Carpet” event as a one-hour pre-show prior to the start of the event. The pre-show was hosted by Michael Cole, Maria Menounos, Byron Saxton and Renee Young.
Rikishi was inducted by his sons The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso). The Usos spoke about what it was like growing up with their father’s rear end being the focus on TV. Following induction, the three recreated the Too Cool dance, including Jimmy doing The Worm on stage.
Larry Zbyszko was inducted by Bruno Sammartino.
Alundra Blayze was inducted by Natalya. Blayze’s husband was in attendance, the first time she saw him in nearly a year due to his active role in the military. During Blayze’s speech she asked Natalya to come back out so she could make an old wrong right. Natalya brought with her a metal trashcan which she places beside Blayze. Blayze then pulled several gags out before pulling the WWF Women’s Championship belt out of the garbage, which she had throw in the garbage twenty years earlier on Monday Nitro.
Following The Ultimate Warrior‘s death in April 2014,[5] WWE introduced the Warrior Award, in 2015, for those who have “exhibited unwavering strength and perseverance, and who lives life with the courage and compassion that embodies the indomitable spirit of the Ultimate Warrior.”[6] The first Warrior Award was given to Connor Michalek and presented by Warrior’s wife Dana, as well as Daniel Bryan. The award was accepted by Connor’s father Steve.[7]
The Bushwhackers were inducted by John Laurinaitis.
Tatsumi Fujinami was inducted by Ric Flair, during the induction speech Flair spoke about the matches the two had over the years in Japan.
Randy Savage was inducted by long time friend/foe from both WWE and WCW, Hulk Hogan. Due to Savage’s death in 2011 he was inducted posthumously, and his award was accepted on his behalf by his brother Lanny Poffo.
Arnold Schwarzenegger was inducted by Triple H.
Kevin Nash was the final inductee, inducted by longtime friend Shawn Michaels. Following the induction they were joined on stage by fellow members of The Kliq, Scott Hall, Sean Waltman and Triple H.
Inductees[edit | edit source]
Individual[edit | edit source]
- Class headliners appear in boldface
Tag team[edit | edit source]
| Image | Group | Inducted by | WWE recognized accolades |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
The Bushwhackers[32][33][34] | John Laurinaitis | Known as the Sheepherders prior to joining WWE, they won over 20 regional tag team championships in the AWA, NWA, UWF, and Stampede Wrestling during their 40 year career[35] |
Celebrity[edit | edit source]
| Image | Recipient (Birth name) |
Occupation | Inducted by | Appearances |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Arnold Schwarzenegger[36][37][38] | Actor, 38th Governor of California |
Triple H | Has made numerous appearances on WWE programming[39] |
Warrior Award[edit | edit source]
| Recipient (Birth name) |
Presented By | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Connor “The Crusher” Michalek[40][41][42] | Dana Warrior Daniel Bryan |
Posthumous recipient/inductee: Represented by his father Steve and brother Jackson. Eight-year-old WWE fan who died of cancer. “Connor’s Cure” cancer charity fund established in his honor by Triple H and Stephanie McMahon, run by Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation[6] |
WWE Hall of Fame (2016)
| WWE Hall of Fame (2016) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
.jpg)
The 2016 WWE Hall of Fame set
|
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| Promotion | WWE | ||
| Date | April 2, 2016 | ||
| City | Dallas, Texas | ||
| Venue | American Airlines Center | ||
| WWE Hall of Fame chronology | |||
|
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WWE Hall of Fame (2016) was the event which featured the introduction of the 17th class to the WWE Hall of Fame. The event was produced by WWE on April 2, 2016 from the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. The event took place the same weekend as WrestleMania 32.[1] The event aired live on the WWE Network, and was hosted by Jerry Lawler. A condensed one-hour version of the ceremony aired the following Thursday on USA Network, after SmackDown.[2]
Event[edit | edit source]
Due to the launch of the WWE Network shortly before WrestleMania XXX, this event featured the third ever “Red Carpet” event as a one-hour pre-show prior to the start of the event. The pre-show was hosted by Michael Cole, and Maria Menounos.
The Godfather was inducted by his long-term friend whom he often traveled the road with, the members of The Acolytes Protection Agency, John “Bradshaw” Layfield and Ron Simmons.
Stan Hansen was inducted by his overseas partner and rival Vader.
Jacqueline was inducted by The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray Dudley and D-Von Dudley).
In 2016, WWE introduced a new category for the Hall of Fame called the “Legacy” wing. Inductees under this new category feature wrestlers from the early years of professional wrestling, primarily during the early part of the 20th century.[3] All inductees in 2016 are inducted posthumously and were recognized with a video package at the ceremony.[4] Those inducted in the 2016 legacy category were Mildred Burke, Frank Gotch, George Hackenschmidt, Ed “Strangler” Lewis, Pat O’Connor, Lou Thesz and “Sailor” Art Thomas.
The Fabulous Freebirds were the group inductee into the Hall of Fame. Representing them were Michael Hayes, Terry Gordy (represented by his son, Ray Gordy), Buddy Roberts (represented by his son Buddy Roberts Jr.), Jimmy Garvin. The Freebirds were inducted by The New Day members Big E, Kofi Kingston, and Xavier Woods. Following their induction Hayes sang their song Badstreet U.S.A.
Big Boss Man was inducted by Slick. Due to his passing in 2004, his induction was accepted by his wife Angela and his daughters Lacy and Megan.
Snoop Dogg was inducted by John Cena. Snoop Dogg spoke about what it was like growing up a fan of professional wrestling, and gave what an honor it is to see his cousin Sasha Banks now wrestling for WWE.
Following The Ultimate Warrior‘s death in April 2014,[5] WWE introduced the Warrior Award, in 2015, for those who have “exhibited unwavering strength and perseverance, and who lives life with the courage and compassion that embodies the indomitable spirit of the Ultimate Warrior.”[6] Joan Lunden became the second recipient of The Warrior Award. The Ultimate Warrior‘s wife Dana inducted Lunden and spoke of her recent return to the public eye and openly discussing her breast cancer diagnosis in addition to becoming a spokeswoman for Susan G. Komen.
Sting was the final inductee and was inducted by Ric Flair. Sting spoke about what a long journey it was to come to WWE, and how proud he was to finally be in WWE. Sting then announced that he wanted to retire in WWE and used the opportunity to officially announce his retirement.[7] Despite this, Sting later debuted in rival promotion All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in late 2020, coming out of retirement, and competed in his first match in over five years at AEW’s Revolution pay-per-view on March 7, 2021.[8][9]
Inductees[edit | edit source]
Individual[edit | edit source]
- Class headliners appear in boldface
Group[edit | edit source]
.jpg)
Celebrity[edit | edit source]
| Image | Recipient (Birth name) |
Occupation | Inducted by | Appearances |
|---|---|---|---|---|
.jpg) |
Snoop Dogg[25] (Calvin Broadus Jr.) |
Rapper | John Cena | Master of Ceremonies for the Playboy BunnyMania Lumberjill match at WrestleMania XXIV and accompanied Sasha Banks to the ring for her match at WrestleMania 32. Raw guest host in 2009 and guest star in 2015[26] |
Warrior Award[edit | edit source]
| Image | Recipient (Birth name) |
Presented By | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
.jpg) |
Joan Lunden[27][28] (Joan Blunden) |
Dana Warrior | Long-time former co-host of Good Morning America. Returned to the public eye in recent years for openly discussing her breast cancer diagnosis. Spokeswoman for Susan G. Komen for the Cure[29] |
Legacy[edit | edit source]
WWE Hall of Fame (2017)
| WWE Hall of Fame (2017) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Promotional poster featuring wrestlers inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2017
|
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| Promotion | WWE | ||
| Date | March 31, 2017 | ||
| City | Orlando, Florida | ||
| Venue | Amway Center | ||
| WWE Hall of Fame chronology | |||
|
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WWE Hall of Fame (2017) was the event which featured the introduction of the 18th class to the WWE Hall of Fame. The event was produced by WWE on March 31, 2017 from the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida.[1] The event took place the same weekend as WrestleMania 33.[2] This was the first time the Hall of Fame ceremony was not held the night before WrestleMania instead NXT TakeOver: Orlando was held the night before WrestleMania. The event aired live on the WWE Network,[3] and was hosted by Jerry Lawler. A condensed one-hour version of the ceremony aired the following Monday after Raw on the USA Network.[4]
Background[edit | edit source]
On January 16, 2017, WWE announced that Angle would be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.[5] As a celebrated amateur wrestler, Angle had an aversion to professional wrestling, considering it “beneath” him.[6] He was offered a 10-year contract with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) following the 1996 Olympics,[7] but talks fell apart when he told company chairman Vince McMahon that he would be unwilling to lose any matches.[8] Angle’s opinion of professional wrestling changed when he began watching the WWF’s Monday Night Raw in 1998: he observed “world class athletes doing very athletic things”, and developed an admiration for Stone Cold Steve Austin‘s talents as an entertainer.[7] Angle later conceded that his negative attitude toward the industry was misguided and “stupid”.[6] Angle was signed to a five-year deal by August 1998, following a three-day tryout.[9] On August 25, 2006, Angle was granted an early release from his WWE contract because of health reasons.[10][11] Angle stated in the Kurt Angle: Champion documentary DVD that he asked for his release from WWE because he could not take time off and was working hurt, severely on some occasions. He also stated that when he quit, WWE lost their top talent, as he was at the very top of the payroll.[12] Following his release, Angle did not reappear on any WWE programming until his Hall of Fame induction.
Event[edit | edit source]
Due to the launch of the WWE Network shortly before WrestleMania XXX, this event featured the fourth “Red Carpet” event as a one-hour pre-show prior to the start of the event. The pre-show was hosted by Michael Cole, and Maria Menounos.
In 2016, WWE introduced a new category for the Hall of Fame called the “Legacy” wing. Inductees under this new category feature wrestlers from the early years of professional wrestling, primarily during the early part of the 20th century.[13] All inductees in 2017 were inducted posthumously and were recognized with a video package at the ceremony.[14] Those inducted in the 2017 legacy category were Martin “Farmer” Burns, June Byers, Haystacks Calhoun, Judy Grable, Dr. Jerry Graham, Luther Lindsay, Joseph “Toots” Mondt, Rikidōzan, and Bearcat Wright.
Following The Ultimate Warrior‘s death in April 2014,[15] WWE introduced the Warrior Award, in 2015, for those who have “exhibited unwavering strength and perseverance, and who lives life with the courage and compassion that embodies the indomitable spirit of the Ultimate Warrior.”[16] As is the normal case, his widow Dana Hellweg presented the award. The 2017 inductee was Eric LeGrand. LaGrand was recognized for being a former Rutgers University football player. After LeGrand was paralyzed in 2010, rather than letting it defeat him, he became a motivational speaker.
Theodore Long was inducted by his long time travel-mates The APA (John “Bradshaw” Layfield and Ron Simmons). During the induction ceremony Layfield and Simmons shared memories of Long on the road, and how he never was willing to pay for anything, and how much money he owed them.
Diamond Dallas Page was inducted by his former boss Eric Bischoff. During his induction speech, Page spoke about how much Dusty Rhodes, who had died two years prior, meant to him, and helped guide his career.
Natalya inducted her best friend Beth Phoenix. The two shared stories of how their careers started and how much the other meant to them and how it got them both where they are too. Phoenix went to introduce her husband however she was interrupted by Tony Chimel who offered to help her, and then announced Edge.[17] Phoenix also shared stories about Edge and stories of them from before they retired.
“Ravishing” Rick Rude was inducted by Ricky Steamboat. Due to Rude’s passing in 1999, Rude’s induction was posthumously accepted by his widow Michelle and his two surviving children, daughter Merissa and son Rick Rood, Jr.
The Rock ‘n’ Roll Express members Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson were inducted by Jim Cornette. Cornette shared stories of managing them during their early years. Gibson and Morton discussed what it was like to travel with each other for so many years, and discussed how they are as close as brothers.
Kurt Angle was the final member to be inducted, with his induction being done by John Cena (who had debuted against Angle back in 2002). This event marked Angle’s return to the WWE after an over 10-year absence (most of which he spent working with rival promotion TNA). Angle roasted himself during his speech, referencing many of his old bits, including singing “I’m Just a Sexy Kurt” (his version of Shawn Michaels’ theme) and finished by chugging two bottles of milk (a Stone Cold Steve Austin-inspired taunt he had previously done once in 2001 as part of his milk-based re-enactment of Austin giving The Corporation a beer bath in 1999).
Aftermath[edit | edit source]
On the April 3 episode of Raw after WrestleMania, Angle made his first WWE appearance in nearly 11 years after Mr. McMahon appointed Angle as the new general manager of Raw.[18] On October 20, WWE announced Angle’s in-ring return after 11 years, replacing Roman Reigns due to medical issues and teaming with Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins to face The Miz, Cesaro, Sheamus, Braun Strowman, and Kane in a 5-on-3 handicap Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match at TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs.[19]
Inductees[edit | edit source]
Individual[edit | edit source]
- Class headliners appear in boldface
_2.jpg)
Tag team[edit | edit source]
| Image | Group | Inducted by | WWE recognized accolades |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
The Rock ‘n’ Roll Express[42][43][44] | Jim Cornette[45] | Four-time NWA World Tag Team Champions (Mid-Atlantic Version) Four-time NWA World Tag Team Champions Ten-time SMW Tag Team Champions[46] |
| Ricky Morton (Richard Morton) Robert Gibson (Ruben Gibson) |
|||
Warrior Award[edit | edit source]
| Image | Recipient (Birth name) |
Presented By | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Eric LeGrand[47][48] | Dana Warrior | Former Rutgers University football player LeGrand was paralyzed during the 2010 game against Army. He has gone on to become a renowned motivational speaker.[49] |
Legacy[edit | edit source]
WWE Hall of Fame (2018)
| WWE Hall of Fame (2018) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
 |
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| Promotion | WWE | ||
| Date | April 6, 2018 | ||
| City | New Orleans, Louisiana | ||
| Venue | Smoothie King Center | ||
| WWE Hall of Fame chronology | |||
|
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WWE Hall of Fame (2018) was the event that featured the introduction of the 19th class to the WWE Hall of Fame. The event was produced by WWE on April 6, 2018 from the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. The event took place the same weekend as WrestleMania 34. The event aired live on the WWE Network, and was hosted by Jerry Lawler. The following night, a condensed one-hour version of the ceremony aired on USA Network.[3]
Background[edit | edit source]
On January 15, 2018, ESPN announced that Goldberg would be inducted as the headliner of the WWE Hall of Fame.[4] Goldberg, after a successful run with World Championship Wrestling, signed a one-year contract with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) in March 2003, debuting on the March 31 episode of Raw.[5] Goldberg would go on to face Lesnar at WrestleMania XX, however fans knew this would be the final WWE match for both Goldberg and Lesnar, and thus gave largely negative reactions throughout the performance.[6][7] During the episode of WWE 24 featuring Goldberg, he admitted that he did not have the right attitude while in the WWE, which caused him to leave on bad terms.[8] After a twelve-year absence, Goldberg appeared on the October 3, 2016 episode of SportsCenter, where he contemplated a return to WWE,[9] which eventually occurred on an episode of Raw, two weeks later.[10] Goldberg’s return would include a run with the WWE Universal Championship,[11][12] and ended after his match with Lesnar at WrestleMania 33.[13][14] Goldberg appeared the following night on Raw Talk (which aired on the WWE Network after the Raw broadcast) to wish the fans farewell, but ultimately did not rule out a return in the future.[15]
On February 19, 2018, WWE announced that Jeff Jarrett would be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame on April 6,[16] an announcement that was met with “widespread surprise” due to the circumstances of Jarrett’s departure from the promotion in 1999 and his role in founding Impact Wrestling.[17] Jarrett left the WWF in October 1999, right after WWF head writer Vince Russo resigned from the WWF in order to join WCW.[18] Jarrett’s contract expired on October 16, 1999, one day before his scheduled match with Chyna at No Mercy.[19] Jarrett wrestled at No Mercy nonetheless, losing the Intercontinental Championship to Chyna.[20] Chyna later alleged that Jarrett and Russo had colluded in order to delay Jarrett’s title defense until after Jarrett’s contract had expired, and that Jarrett had subsequently made a deal with WWF Chairman Vince McMahon for $300,000 in order to wrestle without a contract.[19] In 2006, Jarrett asserted that he had been paid only what he was owed by the WWF.[21][22][23][24] In a 2008 interview for a TNA special, Jarrett stated that not only were his negotiations cordial and in good faith, but that he also got stock options in WWF’s IPO, which occurred two days after he left.[25]
Event[edit | edit source]
Due to the launch of the WWE Network shortly before WrestleMania XXX, this event featured the fifth “Red Carpet” event as a one-hour pre-show prior to the start of the event. The pre-show was hosted by Byron Saxton, and Maria Menounos. Renee Young and Charly Caruso conducted interviews from the red carpet.
The event itself had kicked off with an image stating it was in memory of Johnny Valiant, who died two days earlier. Valiant was struck at 5:30 a.m.[26] and killed by a pickup truck in Ross Township. He was taken to Allegheny General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.[27]
The first inductees were The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray Dudley and D-Von Dudley), who were inducted by Edge and Christian. Edge and Christian discussed why they were chosen to induct The Dudley Boyz, and how their team and The Hardy Boyz would not exist without the Dudleys. During the Dudleys speech, Bubba Ray told D-Von he is only supposed to say “testify”, to which D-Von responded that he is now a producer and Bubba Ray needs to step back. They both thanked their families, including a reference to Mr. T‘s long speech at the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony. They continued by saying they are the first Extreme Championship Wrestling act to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, and thanked their fellow ECW wrestlers. They invited Edge, Christian and The Hardy Boyz on stage with them, as Bubba Ray said it was thanks to the six of them together that they are where they are today. Their music then played signalling it was time to wrap up, and they finished by putting the producer through a table.
Lawler next introduced Hillbilly Jim by stating he was already in the Denim Overalls Hall of Fame and the Moonshine Hall of Fame. Jimmy Hart came out to induct Jim, stating they have been friends for 39 years, and he never would have worked for the WWE if it were not for him. Jim talked about the story of how he got involved in wrestling, and thanked Jim Ross, Dale Mann, Archie Gouldie, Stu Hart, Jerry Lawler, Jerry Jarrett and Pat Patterson for giving him the opportunities they did. Jim went on to say he was accepting this honor on behalf of his mother, family and most of all the fans. Jim finished by talking about his friends Johnny Valiant, André the Giant, Lord Alfred Hayes, Gorilla Monsoon, Bobby Heenan, Freddie Blassie, Lou Albano, Jimmy Snuka, Randy Savage, and Roddy Piper; who all meant so much to him but are no longer around to see his induction.
In 2016, WWE introduced a new category for the Hall of Fame called the “Legacy” wing. Inductees under this new category feature wrestlers from the early years of professional wrestling, primarily during the early part of the 20th century.[28] All inductees in 2018 were inducted posthumously and were recognized with a video package at the ceremony.[29] A video montage was run next for the legacy inductees, which were Stan Stasiak, El Santo, Jim Londos, Sputnik Monroe, Boris Malenko, Dara Singh, Hiro Matsuda, Rufus R. Jones, Cora Combs, and lastly Lord Alfred Hayes.
Ivory was the next inductee, inducted by Molly Holly. Holly discussed all that Ivory has done in the ring and out, and called out Lilian Garcia to introduce Ivory. Ivory spoke about her road stories and how the women’s movement has progressed over the years. Ivory compared being inducted to getting married as you only do it once (while poking fun at Ric Flair), and went on to say she has never been married, so she is treating this as her wedding. While describing how it would relate to her wedding, Ivory was cut off by the Right to Censor music when her descriptions got too sexual. Ivory finished by thanking her family and the fans.
Kid Rock was next inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, Celebrity Wing, by Triple H. Triple H talked about how Kid Rock was the voice of the attitude era, and all he provided to the WWE over the years. Kid Rock started by saying Vince McMahon does not like getting thanked, so he wanted to send a big thank you to McMahon for all he did. Rock spoke briefly about his involvement in the WWE and finished by talking about his former bandmate Joe C.
Lawler said the next inductee Jeff Jarrett, means a lot to him, as he helped train him during their times in Memphis. Road Dogg came out to induct Jarrett, and discussed their times on the road. Jarrett discussed his career and times in groups such as The Four Horsemen and the New World Order. Jarrett said there are two people who have meant a lot to him that he had to thank, and emotionally thanked both Road Dogg and Owen Hart. After telling some stories on the road, Jarrett thanked Karen Jarrett, his kids, his father Jerry Jarrett, and his grandmother Christine. Jarrett ended by reciting a poem which he had recited during his first wrestling appearance. Following Jarrett’s speech, Road Dogg came out and the two sang their song With My Baby Tonight.
Following The Ultimate Warrior‘s death in April 2014,[30] WWE introduced the Warrior Award, in 2015, for those who have “exhibited unwavering strength and perseverance, and who lives life with the courage and compassion that embodies the indomitable spirit of the Ultimate Warrior.”[31] The 2018 inductee was Jarrius “JJ” Robertson, a double liver transplant survivor.
Mark Henry was next inducted by Big Show. Henry discussed his family and what made him come into wrestling. Henry then transitioned into his Sexual Chocolate persona, talking to Stephanie McMahon before turning to his wife, and thanked Mae Young and Chyna for helping make the character. Henry went on to talk about the great times he had with the Nation of Domination, and talked about his relationship with each of the members. He then went on to plead with Martha Hart, the widow of Owen Hart, to please allow Owen to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Henry then changed his jacket to the jacket he wore during his previous false retirement, and challenged AJ Styles and Roman Reigns, before removing the jacket and thanking everyone.
Paul Heyman came out to induct Goldberg, and after announcing him cameras followed Goldberg to the stage from the locker room, similar to his entrances on Monday Nitro, while the people in attendance chanted his name. Goldberg stated that much like his matches his speech will be short. Goldberg started by stating he was the first WCW and WWE Champion to be Jewish and to have a bar-mitzvah. Goldberg went on to thank those who helped train him and made him look good in the ring, as well as his family, and for their support during his return to the ring. Goldberg finished by thanking the fans, sharing a Stephanie McMahon story, and discussing the respect he had for Sting and Diamond Dallas Page.
Inductees[edit | edit source]
Individual[edit | edit source]
- Class headliners appear in boldface
| Image | Ring name (Birth Name) |
Inducted by | WWE recognized accolades |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Goldberg[32] (William Goldberg) |
Paul Heyman[33] | One-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion Two-time WCW United States Heavyweight Champion One-time WCW World Tag Team Champion One-time World Heavyweight Champion One-time WWE Universal Champion Recognized as having a 173–0 undefeated streak in WCW. In 2020, Goldberg won the Universal title once. |
 |
Ivory[34] (Lisa Moretti) |
Molly Holly[35] | Three-time WWF Women’s Champion |
 |
Jeff Jarrett[36] | Road Dogg[37] | Four-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion Three-time WCW United States Heavyweight Champion Six-time WWF Intercontinental Champion One-time WWF European Champion One-time WWF Tag Team Champion Credited by WWE for promoting shows that gave future WWE Superstars like AJ Styles, Bobby Roode, and Eric Young their first major exposure |
 |
Hillbilly Jim[38] (James Morris) |
Jimmy Hart[39] | 30+ year association with WWE as a wrestler, manager, and ambassador |
 |
Mark Henry[40] | Big Show[41] | One-time World Heavyweight Champion One-time ECW Champion One-time WWF European Champion |
Tag team[edit | edit source]
| Image | Group | Inducted by | WWE recognized accolades |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
The Dudley Boyz[42] | Edge and Christian[43] | Eight-time WWF/World Tag Team Champions One-time WWE Tag Team Champions Eight-time ECW Tag Team Champions One-time WCW Tag Team Champions |
| Bubba Ray Dudley (Mark LoMonaco) – 10-time WWF/E Hardcore Champion | |||
Celebrity[edit | edit source]
| Image | Recipient (Birth name) |
Occupation | Inducted by | Appearances |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Kid Rock[44] (Robert Ritchie) |
Singer | Triple H | Performed live at several WWE events (Monday Night Raw in 2000, WrestleMania 25 in 2009, and Tribute to the Troops in 2012) Provided entrance themes for The Undertaker (“American Bad Ass“) and Stacy Keibler (“Legs“) Numerous songs used as official pay-per-view themes |
Warrior Award[edit | edit source]
| Recipient (Birth name) |
Presented By | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jarrius “JJ” Robertson | Dana Warrior | Double liver transplant survivor |
Legacy[edit | edit source]
| Image | Ring name (Birth name) |
WWE recognized accolades |
|---|---|---|
| — | Boris Malenko (Lawrence Simon)[45] |
Held numerous regional NWA championships Father of wrestlers Dean and Joe Malenko |
| — | Cora Combs (Cora Svonsteckik)[45] |
Four-time NWA United States Women’s Champion |
 |
Dara Singh[45] | Held the Indian version of the World Heavyweight Championship Held numerous Pehlwani championships |
_(cropped).jpg) |
El Santo (Rodolfo Guzmán Huerta)[45] |
Inaugural NWA World Welterweight Champion Starred in 52 films and is considered a folk hero in Mexican culture |
| — | Hiro Matsuda (Yasuhiro Kojima)[45] |
Two-time NWA World Junior Heavyweight Champion Trained Hulk Hogan, Lex Luger, and numerous other wrestlers |
 |
Jim Londos (Christos Theofilou)[45] |
One-time World Heavyweight Wrestling Champion |
.jpg) |
Rufus R. Jones (Carey Lloyd)[45] |
One-time World Negro Heavyweight Champion Held numerous regional NWA championships |
.jpg) |
Sputnik Monroe (Rosco Merrick)[45] |
Credited with ending segregation at sporting events in Memphis, Tennessee |
.jpg) |
Stan Stasiak (George Stipich)[45] |
One-time WWWF Heavyweight Champion |
 |
Lord Alfred Hayes (Alfred Hayes)[45] |
Long-time WWF employee |
WWE Hall of Fame (2019)
| WWE Hall of Fame | |||
|---|---|---|---|
 |
|||
| Promotion | WWE | ||
| Date | April 6, 2019 | ||
| City | Brooklyn, New York | ||
| Venue | Barclays Center | ||
| WWE Hall of Fame chronology | |||
|
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The 2019 WWE Hall of Fame was a professional wrestling event produced by WWE that featured the introduction of the twentieth class into the WWE Hall of Fame. It took place on April 6, 2019 from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York,[1][2] as part of WrestleMania 35 weekend. The event aired live on the WWE Network.
Background[edit | edit source]
On February 18, 2019, WWE announced their first inductees to the 2019 Hall of Fame class, D-Generation X.[3] Although other members have been part of the group, only Triple H, Shawn Michaels, Chyna, Road Dogg, Billy Gunn and X-Pac will be included as part of the induction.[4] D-Generation X originally had been planned to be inducted into the 2013 Hall of Fame class,[5] but plans were scrapped after Bruno Sammartino agreed to be inducted. With D-Generation X’s induction, Michaels will join Ric Flair as a two-time inductee, having been inducted individually in 2011.[6] Following Chyna’s death in 2016, many industry stalwarts, such as Stone Cold Steve Austin and[7] Mick Foley, spoke out in favor of Chyna being included in the Hall of Fame,[8] but she had been repeatedly excluded until 2019 due to her venture into pornography following the end of her professional wrestling career.[9]
On February 26, 2019, The Honky Tonk Man was announced as the first individual inductee for the 2019 Hall of Fame ceremony.[10] On April 5, 2019, it was announced that former Money Inc. manager Jimmy Hart would induct The Honky Tonk Man.[11]
On March 3, 2019, Torrie Wilson was announced as the first female individual inductee for the 2019 Hall of Fame ceremony.[12] She was inducted by fellow former women’s wrestler Stacy Keibler.
On March 11, 2019, Harlem Heat (Booker T and Stevie Ray) were announced.[13] With Harlem Heat’s induction, Booker T will join Michaels and Flair as a two-time inductee, having been inducted individually in 2013.[14] Prior to Booker T asking Stevie Ray to induct him, the two had not talked in five years.[15]
On March 18, 2019, it was announced that WWE’s Senior Director of Talent Relations Sue Aitchison would be the recipient of the 2019 Warrior Award.[16] Aitchison is credited with WWE’s relationship with the Make-A-Wish Foundation[17] and WrestleMania Reading Challenge program.[18]
On March 25, 2019, it was announced that the original Hart Foundation (Bret Hart and Jim Neidhart) would be inducted into the Hall of Fame.[19] With the Hart Foundation’s induction, Hart joined Booker T, Michaels and Flair as a two-time inductee, having been individually inducted in 2006.[20]
Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake was announced as the final individual inductee for the 2019 Hall of Fame ceremony.[21] On April 4, 2019, it was announced that he would be inducted by Mega-Maniacs teammate Hulk Hogan (Hogan’s third time as inductor, having previously inducted “Mean” Gene Okerlund in 2006 and “Macho Man” Randy Savage in 2015).
Inductees[edit | edit source]
Individual[edit | edit source]
| Image | Ring name (Birth Name) |
Inducted by | WWE recognized accolades |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
The Honky Tonk Man[10] (Wayne Farris) |
Jimmy Hart[11] | One-time and longest reigning WWF Intercontinental Heavyweight Champion, a record 454 days |
 |
Torrie Wilson | Stacy Keibler | A “key figure in WCW’s invasion of WWE” and “a pivotal member of the WWE women’s division” who “helped blaze a trail for women in sports-entertainment“.[22] Two-time Playboy Cover Girl and Golden Thong Award winner[23] |
 |
Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake[21] (Edward Leslie) |
Hulk Hogan[24] | One-time WWF Tag Team Champion |
Group[edit | edit source]
- Class headliners appear in boldface
| Image | Group | Inducted by | WWE recognized accolades |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
D-Generation X | None | One of the leading factions of the Attitude Era, they are credited as having “[pushed] the envelope as to what was accepted on TV.” Different versions of the group existed into the 2010s, with The New Age Outlaws (Road Dogg and Billy Gunn) and Triple H and Shawn Michaels having held the WWF/World and WWE Tag Team Championship as part of the faction[4] |
| Shawn Michaels (Michael Hickenbottom) – Two-time inductee. Previously inducted in 2011 for his individual career.}} Triple H (Paul Levesque) –|Nine-time WWF/E Champion, inaugural and five-time World Heavyweight Champion, five-time WWF Intercontinental Champion. Won the 1997 King of the Ring, 2002 and 2016 Royal Rumble matches.}} Chyna (Joan Laurer) — Posthumous inductee: First woman to participate in the Royal Rumble match and King of the Ring tournament. Two-time WWF Intercontinental Champion (the only woman to win the title). One-time WWF Women’s Champion. Recognized by WWE as a trailblazer and inspiration to many future female wrestlers. Billy Gunn (Monty Sopp) – 10-time WWF Tag Team Champion, one-time WWE Tag Team Champion, one-time WWF Intercontinental Champion, one-time WWF Hardcore Champion, 1999 King of the Ring winner.}} Road Dogg (Brian James) – Five-time WWF Tag Team Champion, one-time WWE Tag Team Champion, one-time WWF Intercontinental Champion, one-time WWF Hardcore Champion.}} X-Pac (Sean Waltman) – Two-time WWF European Champion, two-time WWF Light Heavyweight Champion, two-time WCW Cruiserweight Champion, four-time WWF Tag Team Champion, one-time WCW World Tag Team Champion.}} |
|||
.jpg)  |
Harlem Heat[25] | None | 10-time WCW World Tag Team Champions |
| Booker T (Robert Huffman) – Two-time inductee. Previously inducted in 2013 for his individual career. Stevie Ray (Lash Huffman) – One-time WCW Television Champion. |
|||
 |
The Hart Foundation[26] | None | Two-time WWF Tag Team Champions |
| Bret Hart – Two-time inductee. Previously inducted in 2006 for his individual career. Jim Neidhart – Posthumous inductee: Represented by his daughter Natalya. One-time NWA Southern Heavyweight Champion. |
|||
Warrior Award[edit | edit source]
| Recipient (Birth name) |
Presented By | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sue Aitchison[27] | Dana Warrior John Cena[28] |
Longtime WWE employee, spearheaded many of WWE’s charitable programs, including its partnership with the Make-A-Wish Foundation |
Legacy[edit | edit source]
| Image | Ring name (Birth name) |
WWE recognized accolades |
|---|---|---|
 |
Bruiser Brody[29] (Frank Goodish) |
Held numerous regional NWA championships |
 |
Wahoo McDaniel[29] (Edward McDaniel) |
Five-time NWA United States Heavyweight Champion (Mid-Atlantic version) Four time NWA World Tag Team Champion (Mid-Atlantic version) |
 |
Luna Vachon[29] (Gertrude Vachon) |
Part of the Vachon wrestling family One-time USWA Women’s Champion |
| S. D. Jones[29] (Conrad Efraim) |
Three-time NWA Americas Tag Team Champion | |
 |
Professor Toru Tanaka[29] (Charles Kalani Jr. ) |
Inaugural WWWF International Tag Team Champion Three-time WWWF World Tag Team Championship |
 |
Primo Carnera[29] | Held numerous regional NWA championships Former boxing World Heavyweight Champion |
| Joseph Cohen[29] | Media executive whose accomplishments included developing two of WWE’s eventual broadcast partners, MSG Network and USA Network (part of Comcast now, a WWE television partner) First living inductee into the Legacy wing |
|
 |
Hisashi Shinma[29] | Longtime Japanese professional wrestling promoter Former on-screen authority of the WWWF and the WWF Second living inductee into the Legacy wing |
 |
Buddy Rose[29] (Paul Perschmann) |
Held numerous regional NWA championships |
| Jim Barnett[29] | Longtime wrestling promoter Former owner of the Indianapolis National Wrestling Alliance territory, Australia’s World Championship Wrestling, and Georgia Championship Wrestling |
WWE Hall of Fame (2021)
| WWE Hall of Fame | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Promotional poster featuring various WWE Hall of Famers
|
|||
| Promotion | WWE | ||
| Date | March 30 and April 1, 2021 (aired April 6, 2021) |
||
| City | St Petersburg, Florida | ||
| Venue | Tropicana Field | ||
| WWE Hall of Fame chronology | |||
|
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The 2021 WWE Hall of Fame was a professional wrestling event produced by WWE that featured the induction of the 21st and 22nd classes to the WWE Hall of Fame. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 Hall of Fame ceremony did not occur—as a result, the originally announced Class of 2020 was inducted alongside the Class of 2021 at the 2021 induction ceremony. The event was taped on March 30 and April 1, 2021, at the WWE ThunderDome, hosted at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida, and aired on April 6 on Peacock in the United States and the WWE Network internationally. Jerry Lawler served as the host for the Class of 2020 portion of the show while Corey Graves and Kayla Braxton were the hosts for the Class of 2021 portion.
Background[edit | edit source]
The 2020 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony was originally scheduled to take place on April 2, 2020, from the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida, as part of WrestleMania 36 week, and would have aired live on the WWE Network. However, the event was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[1] On August 27, 2020, it was announced that the 2020 Class would be inducted alongside the Class of 2021 during WrestleMania 37 week; WrestleMania 37 itself was relocated to Tampa from its original location of Los Angeles, California.[2] It was later confirmed that the 2021 ceremony would take place at the WWE ThunderDome at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. The event was pre-taped on March 30 and April 1 to air on April 6 on Peacock‘s WWE Network channel in the United States and on the standard WWE Network internationally.[3] Fan reactions for the ThunderDome’s virtual fans were also filmed ahead of time.[4] There were no inductors for the Hall of Fame recipients. Instead, Jerry Lawler, Corey Graves, and Kayla Braxton hosted the show—with Lawler hosting the 2020 portion of the show and Graves and Braxton hosting the 2021 portion—and short video packages were played before the inductees made a short speech, which was limited to five minutes.[5][6][7]
The first inductees for the 2020 Class of the WWE Hall of Fame were announced on December 9, 2019. The first of these was the New World Order (nWo). The members recognized for this induction were “Hollywood” Hulk Hogan, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, and Sean Waltman. This induction made each of these members two-time inductees, with Hogan, Hall, and Nash previously being inducted for their individual careers and Waltman being previously inducted as part of D-Generation X in 2019, which also made Waltman the first back-to-back inductee.[8] The next inductees were announced during Alexa Bliss‘ segment of “A Moment of Bliss” on the February 21, 2020, episode of SmackDown, where she announced that The Bella Twins (Brie Bella and Nikki Bella) would be inducted into the 2020 Class.[9][10] This was followed up on the March 3 episode of WWE Backstage, where it was announced that John “Bradshaw” Layfield would be inducted.[11] On the March 12 episode of the WWE After the Bell podcast, host Corey Graves revealed that The British Bulldog would be inducted posthumously, while on March 16, WWE and Yahoo! Japan announced that Japanese wrestler Jushin “Thunder” Liger would be inducted.[12] On March 30, 2021, William Shatner was announced as an inductee into the Celebrity Wing of the Hall of Fame; Shatner was announced as part of the Class of 2020 instead of 2021 as he was originally intended to be inducted in 2020.[13] On March 31, Fightful Select reported that Titus O’Neil received the 2020 Warrior Award during the 2021 induction ceremony as he was also originally intended to be inducted in 2020.[14]
On March 10, 2021, Molly Holly was announced as the first inductee into the Class of 2021. Her announcement as the first inductee was made on WWE The Bump by her former tag team partner, The Hurricane.[15] Eric Bischoff was announced as the next inductee into the 2021 Class during the WWE After the Bell podcast on March 18.[16] According to Sean Waltman, the original idea was to induct Bischoff as a surprise member of nWo in 2020.[17] On March 24, Kane and The Great Khali were announced as the next inductees into the 2021 Class, with Kane’s announcement made by The Undertaker on WWE The Bump and Khali’s made by Ranjin Singh on WWE Now India.[18][19] On March 23, Fightful‘s Sean Ross Sapp reported that Rob Van Dam (RVD) would be inducted as part of the 2021 Class.[20] Sabu, who worked with RVD in both Extreme Championship Wrestling and WWE, also affirmed this report.[21] RVD’s induction was officially confirmed by WWE via Fox Sports on March 29.[22] On April 4, Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter reported that Ozzy Osbourne was inducted as the 2021 celebrity inductee.[23] On April 6, it was confirmed that long-time WWE employee Rich Hering would receive the 2021 Warrior Award.[24]
On December 9, 2019, Batista had been announced as an inductee into the 2020 Class of the Hall of Fame.[25] Prior to the 2021 event, however, his induction was retracted. Fightful Select reported that WWE wanted Batista to be inducted “when a full crowd can enjoy it.”[26] Batista himself posted to Twitter, confirming his removal, citing previous obligations as a reason for why he could not attend the 2021 event. He also said that WWE honored his request to induct him at a future ceremony.[27][28][29]
Inductees[edit | edit source]
2020[edit | edit source]
Individual[edit | edit source]
| Image | Ring name (Birth Name) |
WWE recognized accolades |
|---|---|---|
.jpg) |
John “Bradshaw” Layfield[30] | One-time WWE Champion One-time Intercontinental Champion One-time United States Champion Three-time WWF Tag Team Champion One-time European Champion 18-time Hardcore Champion 2013 Slammy Award winner for Favorite Web Show of the Year (with Michael Cole and Renee Young) Longtime commentator and creator of WWE’s Tribute to the Troops series. |
 |
The British Bulldog (David Smith)[31] |
Posthumous inductee: Represented by his ex-wife Diana, his son Harry and his daughter Georgia One-time WWF Intercontinental Champion Inaugural, two-time and longest reigning WWF European Champion Two-time WWF Hardcore Champion Two-time WWF World Tag Team Champion. |
 |
Jushin “Thunder” Liger (Keiichi Yamada)[32] |
Accepted via video message 11-time IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion One-time WCW Light Heavyweight Champion Considered by WWE to be one of the most revolutionary competitors in sports-entertainment history. |
Group[edit | edit source]
- Class headliners appear in boldface
| Image | Group | WWE recognized accolades |
|---|---|---|
.jpg)  .jpg)  From top left to bottom right: “Hollywood” Hulk Hogan, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, and Sean Waltman |
New World Order[33] | One of the most famous stables in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) during the Monday Night Wars, generally believed to be the primary catalyst behind WCW Monday Nitro‘s success and 83 consecutive ratings victories over WWF Monday Night Raw.”Hollywood” Hulk Hogan and Kevin Nash each held the WCW World Heavyweight Championship (Hogan is the longest reigning champion) while part of the stable, while Scott Hall was a two-time WCW United States Heavyweight Champion.
Hall and Nash, also known as The Outsiders, held the WCW World Tag Team Championship six-times. Sean Waltman, then known as “Syxx”, was a one-time WCW Cruiserweight Champion and was also co-champion during one of The Outsiders’ WCW World Tag Team Championship reigns under the Freebird Rule. |
| “Hollywood” Hulk Hogan (Terry Bollea) – Two-time inductee. Previously inducted in 2005 for his individual career. Kevin Nash – Two-time inductee. Previously inducted in 2015 for his individual career. Scott Hall – Two-time inductee. Previously inducted as “Razor Ramon” in 2014 for his individual career. Sean Waltman – Two-time inductee. Previously inducted as “X-Pac” in 2019 as a member of D-Generation X. |
||
 Nikki (left) and Brie (right) Bella |
The Bella Twins[9] | 2013 Diva of the Year Slammy Award winners (won jointly).Gained fame as mainstream celebrities after starring in the WWE produced reality shows Total Divas and spin-off Total Bellas. |
| Nikki Bella (Stephanie Garcia-Colace) – Two-time and longest reigning WWE Divas Champion, 2015 Diva of the Year Slammy Award winner. Brie Bella (Brianna Danielson) – One-time WWE Divas Champion, 2013 and 2014 Couple of the Year Slammy Award winner (with Daniel Bryan). |
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Celebrity[edit | edit source]
| Image | Recipient (Birth name) |
Occupation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
William Shatner[13] | Actor | Accepted via video message Made numerous appearances on WWE programming, including serving as a Raw guest host in 2010 and a narrator for the WWE Network reality series Breaking Ground. |
Warrior Award[edit | edit source]
| Image | Recipient(Birth name) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
 |
Titus O’Neil (Thaddeus Bullard Sr.)[14] |
Global Ambassador of WWE One-time WWE Tag Team Champion One-time and inaugural 24/7 Champion. Warrior Award recipient in honor of his charitable work, especially in his hometown of Tampa, Florida. |
Legacy[edit | edit source]
2021[edit | edit source]
Individual[edit | edit source]
- Class headliners appear in boldface
| Image | Ring name (Birth Name) |
WWE recognized accolades |
|---|---|---|
 |
Molly Holly (Nora Benshoof)[15] |
Two-time WWE Women’s Champion One-time WWF Hardcore Champion. |
 |
Eric Bischoff[16] | Former Senior Vice President of World Championship Wrestling (WCW), who led WCW to an 83-consecutive week ratings win over WWE (then WWF) during the Monday Night Wars Also one-time WCW Hardcore Champion First General Manager for WWE’s Raw brand Creator of the Elimination Chamber match and Raw Roulette (wrestlers spun a roulette wheel to determine the stipulation of their match; used six times over the course of 2002–2013). |
 |
Kane (Glenn Jacobs)[18] |
One-time WWF Champion One-time World Heavyweight Champion One-time ECW Champion Two-time WWF/WWE Intercontinental Champion One-time WWF Hardcore Champion One-time WWE 24/7 Champion Two-time WWE Tag Team Champion Nine-time World Tag Team Champion One-time WCW Tag Team Champion SmackDown‘s 2010 Money in the Bank winner Two-time Slammy Award winner (“Best Family Values” in 2010 for beating up Jack Swagger and “Match of the Year” in 2014 for the Survivor Series elimination match) Most cumulative Royal Rumble match eliminations at 46 (with 11 of them coming in 2001, which was the single-Rumble record for thirteen years) Most Royal Rumble match appearances at 20. |
 |
The Great Khali (Dalip Singh Rana)[19] |
Accepted via video message One-time World Heavyweight Champion, which made him the first Indian world champion in WWE 2008 Slammy Award winner for “Damn!” Moment of the Year (hosting the Kiss Cam on the November 7 episode of SmackDown). |
 |
Rob Van Dam (Robert Szatkowski)[22] |
One-time WWE Champion One-time ECW World Heavyweight Champion Six-time WWF/WWE Intercontinental Champion Four-time WWF/E Hardcore Champion One-time WWE European Champion (and the last Hardcore and European Champion) One-time WWE Tag Team Champion Two-time World Tag Team Champion One-time ECW World Television Champion Two-time ECW World Tag Team Champion 2006 Money in the Bank winner. |
Celebrity[edit | edit source]
| Image | Recipient (Birth name) |
Occupation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Ozzy Osbourne (John Osbourne)[23] |
Musician | Accepted via video message Made multiple appearances for WWE, notably appearing at WrestleMania 2, performing at a SmackDown taping in 2007, and serving as a guest co-host of Raw in 2009. |
Warrior Award[edit | edit source]
| Recipient (Birth name) |
Notes |
|---|---|
| Rich Hering[24] | Senior Vice President of Government Relations and Risk Management More than 50 years working for WWE, he helped expand the company from a regional to a worldwide promotion. |
Legacy[edit | edit source]
WWE Hall of Fame (2022)
| WWE Hall of Fame | |||
|---|---|---|---|
 |
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| Promotion | WWE | ||
| Date | April 1, 2022 | ||
| City | Dallas, Texas | ||
| Venue | American Airlines Center | ||
| WWE Hall of Fame chronology | |||
|
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The 2022 WWE Hall of Fame was a professional wrestling event produced by WWE that featured the induction of the 23rd class into the WWE Hall of Fame. The ceremony took place on April 1, 2022, at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, the night preceding WrestleMania 38. It aired live at 10pm Eastern Time on Peacock in the United States and the WWE Network internationally, immediately after the airing of WWE’s regular Friday night program, SmackDown. The event was headlined by the induction of The Undertaker into the WWE Hall of Fame.
Background[edit | edit source]
The 2022 WWE Hall of Fame was scheduled to be held on April 1, 2022, at the American Airlines Center in Dallas Texas, the night before WrestleMania 38. The ceremony was announced to take place live at 10pm Eastern Time, immediately after the airing of WWE‘s Friday night program, SmackDown. It aired on Peacock in the United States and the WWE Network in international markets. On February 18, 2022, The Undertaker was announced as the first individual inductee for the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2022.[1] The news was responded to with extensive praise from WWE fans, the professional wrestling community, and media outlets alike.[2]
In the week following the heavily publicized Undertaker inductee news, media outlets observed that many WWE fans had advocated for the idea of The Undertaker to be the sole inductee for the Class of 2022, reasoning that his legend status in the company would warrant such an honor.[3] The solo dedication was also publicly endorsed by fellow Hall of Famer Bubba Ray Dudley, Class of 2018, sharing as well of his opinion that such an event would be an entertainment draw and sell out the arena.[4]
The character of “The Undertaker” was created by WWE Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Vince McMahon, who made a rare media appearance on The Pat McAfee Show on March 3, where he announced that he would be inducting The Undertaker into the WWE Hall of Fame. In praising The Undertaker both inside and outside of character in a heartfelt message, McMahon elaborated that this induction would be one of the most difficult endeavors of his life because of his longtime history with The Undertaker, what they had been through together, and how close they had been behind the scenes.[5] Reacting to the heavily publicized announcement from McMahon, The Undertaker issued a Twitter response later that same day, which read:
After over 30 years of long roads traveled, countless hours of TV, and one hell of a ride together… couldn’t think of anyone better to put me in the #WWEHOF than @VinceMcMahon. One final ride together, old-timer!!![6]
— The Undertaker
On March 7, Bleacher Report and WWE announced that Vader would be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2022 posthumously.[7] On March 14, Complex.com and WWE announced that Queen Sharmell would be inducted into the Class of 2022.[8] The announcement of Sharmell’s induction was met with widespread mixed reactions as fans either reacted positively to the news while others criticized the choice citing her lack of credentials within WWE and World Championship Wrestling (WCW).
On March 25, FoxSports.com and WWE announced that former WWE wrestler Shad Gaspard would be receiving the Warrior Award posthumously, with his wife Siliana and son Aryeh accepting the award.[9] On March 28, David Shoemaker of The Ringer and WWE announced that The Steiner Brothers (Scott Steiner and Rick Steiner) would be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2022.[10] For the first time in 6 years, no Legacy Wing inductions took place.
With an unprecedented induction that displayed his various Deadman genres on mannequins, Calaway made a 137-minute speech that opened with a 10-minute, emotional standing ovation from the live audience that brought Calaway to tears. Calaway’s speech, hailed by media outlets as matchless and beyond compare, shared his collection of life philosophies for success.[11]
Inductees[edit | edit source]
Individual[edit | edit source]
- Class headliners appear in boldface
| Image | Ring name (Birth name) |
Inducted by | WWE recognized accolades |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
The Undertaker (Mark Calaway)[1] |
Vince McMahon | Four-time WWF/WWE Champion Three-time World Heavyweight Champion One-time WWF Hardcore Champion Six-time WWF Tag Team Champion One-time WCW Tag Team Champion 2007 Royal Rumble winner 15-time Slammy Award winner Tuwaiq Mountain Trophy winner Widely known for The Streak, a series of 21 victories at WrestleMania, with an overall record of 25–2, and being the longest tenured WWE wrestler, totaling 30 years. |
 |
Vader (Leon White)[12] |
Jesse White | Posthumous inductee: represented by his widow Debra and his son Jesse. Three-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion One-time WCW United States Heavyweight Champion 1993 Battlebowl winner. |
 |
Queen Sharmell (Sharmell Sullivan-Huffman)[13] |
Booker T | 1991 Miss Black America Former Nitro Girl, and manager in WCW and WWE, most famously of her husband, Booker T. |
Group[edit | edit source]
| Image | Ring names (Birth name) |
Inducted by | WWE recognized accolades as a team |
|---|---|---|---|
 Scott (left) and Rick (right) posing with a fan. |
The Steiner Brothers[10] | Bron Breakker | Two-time WWF Tag Team Champions Two-time IWGP Tag Team Champions Seven-time WCW World Tag Team Champions One-time WCW United States Tag Team Champions. |
| Scott Steiner (Scott Rechsteiner) – One-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion, two-time WCW World Television Champion, and two-time WCW United States Heavyweight Champion. Rick Steiner (Robert Rechsteiner) – Three-time WCW World Television Champion, one-time WCW United States Heavyweight Champion, one-time WCW World Tag Team Champion (without Scott), and one-time WCW United States Tag Team Champion (without Scott). |
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Warrior Award[edit | edit source]
| Image | Recipient (Birth name) |
Presented by | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Shad Gaspard[14][15] | Dana Warrior | Posthumous recipient: represented by his widow Siliana and his son Aryeh. Former WWE wrestler in the Cryme Tyme tag team with JTG; Gaspard sacrificed himself to save his son from drowning in 2020. |
WWE Hall of Fame (2023)
| WWE Hall of Fame | |||
|---|---|---|---|
 |
|||
| Promotion | WWE | ||
| Date | March 31, 2023 | ||
| City | Los Angeles, California | ||
| Venue | Crypto.com Arena | ||
| WWE Hall of Fame chronology | |||
|
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The 2023 WWE Hall of Fame is an upcoming professional wrestling event to be produced by WWE that will feature the induction of the 24th class into the WWE Hall of Fame. The ceremony will take place on March 31, 2023, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California, the night preceding WrestleMania 39. It will air live at 10pm Eastern Time on Peacock in the United States and the WWE Network internationally, immediately after the airing of WWE’s regular Friday night program, SmackDown.
Background[edit | edit source]
The 2023 WWE Hall of Fame is scheduled to be held on March 31, 2023, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California, the night before WrestleMania 39. It will air live at 10pm Eastern Time on Peacock in the United States and the WWE Network internationally, immediately after the airing of WWE’s regular Friday night program, SmackDown. On March 10, 2023, Rey Mysterio was announced as the first individual inductee for the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2023.[1] On March 15, 2023, The Great Muta was announced as the second individual inductee for the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2023 by Ric Flair.[2] On March 20, 2023, Andy Kaufman, known for his feud with Jerry “The King” Lawler, was announced as the third inductee.[3] On March 27, 2023, Stacy Keibler was announced as the fourth inductee.[4] On March 29, 2023, Tim White was announced to receive the Warrior Award.[5]
Inductees[edit | edit source]
Individual[edit | edit source]
- Class headliners appear in boldface
| Image | Ring name (Birth name) |
Inducted by | WWE recognized accolades |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Rey Mysterio (Óscar Gutiérrez)[1] |
Konnan[6] | One-time WWE Champion Two-time World Heavyweight Champion Two-time WWE Intercontinental Champion Two-time WWE United States Champion Eight-time WCW/WWE Cruiserweight Champion Four-time WWE Tag Team Champion One-time WWE SmackDown Tag Team Champion Three-time WCW World Tag Team Champion One-time WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team Champion 2006 Royal Rumble winner. |
 |
The Great Muta (Keiji Muto)[2] |
Ric Flair | Four-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion Three-time Triple Crown Heavyweight Champion One-time GHC Heavyweight Champion One-time NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion One-time NWA Television Champion One-time WCW World Tag Team Champion 1992 BattleBowl winner Popularized or innovated moves such as the Shining Wizard, Moonsault, Muta Lock, and Asian Mist. |
 |
Stacy Keibler (Stacy Ann-Marie Keibler)[4] |
Nitro Girl Search winner (1999) WWE Babe of the Year (2004) Manager/valet for numerous wrestlers in WCW and WWE. |
Celebrity[edit | edit source]
| Image | Recipient (Birth name) |
Inducted by | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
.jpg) |
Andy Kaufman (Andrew Geoffrey Kaufman)[3] |
Jerry Lawler | Posthumous inductee: A comedian and actor who rose to fame in the late 1970s and early 1980s as a star of the TV series Taxi, Kaufman became involved in wrestling by promoting himself as the “Inter-Gender Wrestling Champion of the World”, where he would wrestle against women. This would lead to a feud with Jerry Lawler in the Continental Wrestling Association (CWA). As part of the feud, Lawler famously slapped Kaufman in the face during an interview on Late Night with David Letterman. Considered by WWE as one of the first celebrities to cross over into wrestling.[7] |
Warrior Award[edit | edit source]
| Image | Recipient (Birth name) |
Inducted by | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tim White (Timothy Rhys White)[5] |
Dana Warrior | Posthumous recipient: Former referee and producer for WWE Backstage assistant for André the Giant. |
Future class[edit | edit source]
| Category | Inductee | Inducted by |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | Batista[231] | TBD |
Ceremony dates and locations[edit | edit source]
The induction of Bret Hart into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2006
WWE Hall of Fame 2009 ceremony
Reception[edit | edit source]
Omissions and refused inductions[edit | edit source]
2013 headliner Bruno Sammartino previously refused to accept an inductionIn 2012, The Post and Courier columnist Mike Mooneyham noted that the Hall has garnered criticism due to the inductions of questionable performers, and the omissions of major names within the industry.[251] Bob Backlund declined induction multiple times,[252] and The Ultimate Warrior wrote that he refused the honor in 2010;[253] they were eventually inducted in 2013 and 2014, respectively. Randy Savage was long recognized as being noticeably absent;[254] Chris Jericho said that the Hall achieved a level of legitimacy by inducting Savage in 2015.[255] Mick Foley long described Vader as “the most glaring and obvious omission from the #WWEHOF”;[256][257] this was later corrected when he was posthumously inducted as part of the Class of 2022.[222] Chyna is also a topic of conversation of whether or not she should be inducted due to the nature of her post-WWE career, Ultimately, she was posthumously inducted as a member of D-Generation-X in 2019, although fans, family and fellow wrestlers have since started petitioning for her solo posthumous induction.
Bruno Sammartino, the longest-reigning WWWF World Heavyweight Champion, was once critical of the Hall of Fame. Sammartino disapproved of celebrity inductees such as Pete Rose and William Perry, and said of the ceremony: “What’s the point to a Hall of Fame? Is it a building I can actually go to? No. Give me a break”.[258] Sammartino declined previous induction offers, before accepting in 2013. Paul Levesque (Triple H) said that it was important for Sammartino to be inducted from a “legitimacy standpoint” and ESPN said that his induction was an opportunity to legitimize the Hall of Fame.[259] After being announced as an inductee, Sammartino said he considered the Hall to be legitimate.[260]
In December 2021, Jeff Hardy was released from WWE. On March 8, 2022, the day that Hardy’s no-compete clause expired, WWE reached out to Hardy and offered him an inductee spot to the WWE Hall of Fame (2022) ceremony. Jeff Hardy declined the offer because he was offended, felt like it wasn’t time yet and he wanted Matt Hardy to be inducted alongside him.[261]
Quality of inductees[edit | edit source]
Koko B. Ware‘s 2009 induction remains controversialRic Flair has stated there are several wrestlers in the Hall of Fame that didn’t deserve it, but he didn’t name names.[262] Koko B. Ware, who worked as an undercard wrestler in WWF, is often billed as a controversial inductee since he was selected before wrestlers such as Randy Savage or Bruno Sammartino.[263][264][265][266][267] Caleb Smith of Slam Wrestling questioned how Ware was inducted, but former WWWF World Heavyweight Champion Ivan Koloff never was before his 2017 death.[268] 411Mania writer Steve Cook defended his Hall of Fame status since he was very popular with fans and some of his losses were historic, while Kevin Pantoja described him as “the floor for inductees”.[269]
Superstar Billy Graham publicly slammed the hall and demanded that WWE remove him from it, due to the 2011 induction of Abdullah the Butcher. Graham wrote: “It is a shameless organization to induct a bloodthirsty animal such as Abdullah the Butcher into their worthless and embarrassing Hall of Fame and I want the name of Superstar Billy Graham to be no part of it”.[270] In 2018, Bret Hart, who headlined the 2006 ceremony, criticized the omissions of several wrestlers, primarily Dynamite Kid and his brother Owen, as well as the inductions of the likes of The Rock ‘n’ Roll Express and The Fabulous Freebirds, who experienced little success in WWE. Hart said he would not go to another ceremony until WWE inducts “proper, deserving candidates”.[271] However, Hart attended the 2019 ceremony as he was inducted for a second time as part of The Hart Foundation.[30] Hart also asked WWE to remove Goldberg from the Hall of Fame, stating that “he got in there for hurting everybody he worked with” (which included himself in 1999).[272] In 2021, after the January 6 United States Capitol attack, Mick Foley asked Vince McMahon to remove Donald Trump from the Hall of Fame though it ultimately did not occur.[273]
Dave Scherer of PWInsider has questioned how WWE can sustain the 2004–present Hall of Fame model, due to legends being rapidly inducted. He wrote: “There are only so many people that they can have headline a class. They really need to make more new stars to ensure that they can keep filling arenas for the ceremony”.[274] 411Mania’s Ryan Byers said WWE standards are “weird” since several inductees have Hall of Fame careers, but others “made it in for political reasons, longstanding loyalty to the promotion”.[275]
Praise and criticism[edit | edit source]
Owen Hart’s widow, Martha Hart, responded to calls for him to be inducted by stating: “They don’t even have a Hallway of Fame. It doesn’t exist. There’s nothing. It’s a fake entity. There’s nothing real or tangible. It’s just an event they have to make money. They put it on TV and have a celebration, and it’s just so ridiculous. I would never even entertain it. It’s garbage.”[276] Sabu also criticized the Hall of Fame, saying “I’d only do it because I need the money… I don’t consider it a real Hall of Fame”.[277]
Others have offered praise for the Hall of Fame. World Wrestling Council promoter and 26-time WWC Universal Heavyweight Champion Carlos Colón Sr. said that his 2014 induction was a “realization of a dream”.[278] Arn Anderson, who was inducted in 2012 as part of The Four Horsemen, said that the induction was the “pinnacle of [his] wrestling life”.[279] 2015 Hall of Fame headliner Kevin Nash stated that two things in the professional wrestling business are real: “When you win your first championship and when you get inducted into the Hall of Fame”. Nash claimed this is a sentiment to which colleague Ric Flair also subscribes.[280] During his 2013 induction, future U.S. president Donald Trump said that the honor meant more than “having the highest ratings in TV, being a best-selling author or getting a spot on the Hollywood Walk of Fame“.[281]
See also[edit | edit source]
Contents
WWE Hall of Fame (2024)
| WWE Hall of Fame | |||
|---|---|---|---|
 |
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| Promotion | WWE | ||
| Date | April 5, 2024 | ||
| City | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | ||
| Venue | Wells Fargo Center | ||
| WWE Hall of Fame chronology | |||
|
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The 2024 WWE Hall of Fame was a professional wrestling event produced by WWE that featured the induction of the 25th class into the WWE Hall of Fame. The ceremony took place on April 5, 2024, at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the night preceding WrestleMania XL. It was livestreamed at 10 pm Eastern Time on Peacock in the United States and the WWE Network internationally, immediately after the airing of WWE’s regular Friday night program, SmackDown. Paul Heyman, Bull Nakano, The U.S. Express (Barry Windham and Mike Rotunda), Lia Maivia, Muhammad Ali, and Thunderbolt Patterson were among the inductees.
During the ceremony, The Rock received a “People’s Championship” from Lonnie Ali.[1]
Background[edit | edit source]
The 2024 WWE Hall of Fame was scheduled to be held on April 5, 2024, at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the night before WrestleMania XL Night 1. It was scheduled to be livestreamed at 10 p.m. Eastern Time on Peacock in the United States and the WWE Network in most international markets, airing immediately after WWE’s regular Friday night program, SmackDown.[2]
On March 4, 2024, manager and former promoter Paul Heyman was announced as the first inductee.[3] WWE had proposed the induction to Heyman in the past, but he declined, arguing he was an active worker. However, he accepted in 2024 due to WrestleMania taking place in Philadelphia, the home of his previous company, Extreme Championship Wrestling, the assets of which WWE acquired in 2003.[4] The next day, WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H announced former WWF Women’s Champion, Bull Nakano, as the second inductee.[5] On March 8, The U.S. Express (Barry Windham and Mike Rotunda) were announced as the next inductees.[6] On March 11, Muhammad Ali was announced as an inductee into the Celebrity Wing.[7] On March 13, Thunderbolt Patterson was announced as the fifth inductee.[8] On April 1, Lia Maivia was announced as the sixth inductee.[9]
Former WWE Champion and WWE Universal Champion Bray Wyatt (Windham Rotunda), who passed away in August 2023 at the age of 36, was a fan favourite to be inducted in this class. WWE instead decided to induct the U.S. Express, as they felt the Rotunda family were still mourning Windham’s passing and such an induction would be premature under those circumstances.[10]
This is the third straight year the WWE Hall of Fame has not inducted any new inductees into the Legacy Wing. This is the first year since its introduction that there was no recipient of the Warrior Award.
Inductees[edit | edit source]
Individual[edit | edit source]
- Class headliners appear in boldface
| Image | Ring name (Birth name) |
Inducted by | WWE recognized accolades |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Paul Heyman[11] | Roman Reigns | Former manager and commentator for the American Wrestling Association and World Championship Wrestling Owner and operator of the former Extreme Championship Wrestling promotion, which was founded in Philadelphia (host city of WrestleMania XL) Former on-screen general manager of WWE’s SmackDown brand Former color commentator for Monday Night Raw Manager of Brock Lesnar, Big Show, CM Punk, Rob Van Dam, Kurt Angle, Steve Austin, Rick Rude, Arn Anderson, Roman Reigns and The Bloodline stable, amongst others. |
 |
Bull Nakano (Keiko Aoki)[12] |
Alundra Blayze | One-time WWF Women’s Champion 1994 Slammy Award winner for Most Devastating Recognized as having won women’s championships in Japan, Mexico, and the United States. |
.jpg) |
Thunderbolt Patterson (Claude Patterson)[8] |
Scott Spears[13] and The New Day (Big E, Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) |
A fixture in various National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) territories from the 1960s through the 1980s Recognized as having won championships across North America. |
| Lia Maivia[9] | The Rock[9] | Posthumous inductee: Represented by her grandson Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson One of wrestling’s first female promoters. Ran Polynesian Pro Wrestling (PPW), a territory of the NWA in Hawaii in the mid-1980s. Her promotion ran a show called Polynesian Pacific Pro Wrestling on the Financial News Network. |
Group[edit | edit source]
| Image | Ring names (Birth name) |
Inducted by | WWE recognized accolades as a team |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
The U.S. Express[14] | Bo Dallas and Mika Rotunda | Two-time WWF Tag Team Champions |
| Barry Windham – Two-time inductee. Previously inducted in 2012 as a member of The Four Horsemen. Mike Rotunda, also known as Irwin R. Schyster (Lawrence Rotunda) – Three-time NWA World Television Champion (Mid-Atlantic version), one-time NWA World Tag Team Champion (Mid-Atlantic version) (without Barry), and three-time WWF Tag Team Champion (without Barry). |
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Celebrity[edit | edit source]
| Image | Recipient (Birth name) |
Inducted by | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Muhammad Ali (Cassius Clay Jr.)[15][16] |
The Undertaker | Posthumous inductee: Represented by his widow Yolanda. Three-time World Heavyweight Boxing Champion Olympic Gold Medalist Competed in “The War of the Worlds” against Antonio Inoki, a match dubbed by WWE as “MMA‘s first big fight” Special guest referee in the WrestleMania I main event. Guest of honor in the Collision in Korea event. |
References[edit | edit source]
- ^ “The Rock receives the People’s Championship from Lonnie Ali: 2024 WWE Hall of Fame highlights”. WWE YouTube. April 5, 2024. Retrieved April 5, 2024.
- ^ Wells Fargo Center [@WellsFargoCtr] (November 8, 2023). “Three huge events have been added to @WWE WrestleMania Week in Philadelphia! Friday Night Smackdown & 2024 WWE Hall of Fame Friday, April 5 NXT Stand & Deliver Saturday, April 6 Monday Night RAW Monday, April 8 All three events right here at Wells Fargo Center! Combo Tickets for all three events on-sale next Friday, November 17” (Tweet). Retrieved November 12, 2023 – via Twitter.
- ^ Quiles Jr., Fernando (March 4, 2024). “Paul Heyman Earns WWE Hall of Fame Induction During WrestleMania 40 Weekend”. Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on March 9, 2024. Retrieved March 5, 2024.
- ^ Rodríguez, David González (March 5, 2024). “Paul Heyman already received the opportunity to join the WWE Hall of Fame before”. Solowrestling.com (in Spanish). Archived from the original on March 11, 2024. Retrieved March 11, 2024.
- ^ Raimondi, Marc (March 6, 2024). “Bull Nakano to be inducted into WWE Hall of Fame”. ESPN. Archived from the original on March 7, 2024. Retrieved March 7, 2024.
- ^ Bateman, Oliver Lee; Douglass, Ian (March 8, 2024). “Exclusive: The U.S. Express to Be Inducted Into the 2024 WWE Hall of Fame”. The Ringer. Archived from the original on March 8, 2024. Retrieved March 8, 2024.
- ^ Otterson, Joe (March 11, 2024). “Muhammad Ali to Be Inducted Into WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2024 (EXCLUSIVE)”. Variety. Archived from the original on March 11, 2024. Retrieved March 11, 2024.
- ^ Jump up to:a b WWE.com Staff (March 13, 2024). “Thunderbolt Patterson to be inducted into WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2024”. WWE. Archived from the original on March 20, 2024. Retrieved March 20, 2024.
- ^ Jump up to:a b c “Lia Maivia to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2024”. WWE. Archived from the original on 2024-04-02. Retrieved 2024-04-02.
- ^ “Bray Wyatt’s absence from WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2024 explained”. Digital Spy. 2024-03-28. Archived from the original on 2024-04-09. Retrieved 2024-04-09.
- ^ WWE.com Staff (March 4, 2024). “Paul Heyman to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2024”. WWE. Archived from the original on March 5, 2024. Retrieved March 5, 2024.
- ^ WWE.com Staff (March 6, 2024). “Bull Nakano to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2024”. WWE. Archived from the original on March 6, 2024. Retrieved March 6, 2024.
- ^ Star, Marion (March 26, 2024). “Marion resident to present former pro wrestler for WWE Hall of Fame induction”. MSN. Retrieved March 26, 2024.
- ^ WWE.com Staff (March 8, 2024). “The U.S. Express to be inducted into WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2024”. WWE. Archived from the original on March 8, 2024. Retrieved March 8, 2024.
- ^ WWE.com Staff (March 11, 2024). “Muhammad Ali to be inducted into WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2024”. WWE. Archived from the original on March 11, 2024. Retrieved March 11, 2024.
- ^ Otterson, Joe (March 11, 2024). “Muhammad Ali to Be Inducted Into WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2024 (EXCLUSIVE)”. Variety. Archived from the original on March 11, 2024. Retrieved March 11, 2024.