WWE 2024 Hall of Fame Class Announced
The updated WWE Hall of Fame Class has been announced, with the induction ceremony taking place on the first night of WrestleMania 40. There have been 243 inductees across the WWE’s history, coming from individual wrestlers, Legacy inductees, group inductees, celebrities, and Warrior Awards. The WWE Hall of Fame serves as a place to respect the Superstars and their everlasting accomplishments. It is quite exclusive, to say the least, with only the best of the best receiving their recognition as an icon that excelled in pro wrestling.
This year, there are four inductees, all of which graced the WWE in different aspects. The first of which is a jack of all trades, Paul Heyman. One of the WWE’s greatest personalities who has made major impacts on sports entertainment has been through the ringer in the WWE. From partaking in the wrestling scene to commentating to promoting, producing, and helping behind the scenes, Heyman has done it all in the industry but made his name known best with his managing. Heyman started out managing guys like the Undertaker and Stone-Cold Steve Austin before they were headlining names. He has continued down the line, establishing huge partnerships with Brock Lesnar, CM Punk, and now the Bloodline and Roman Reigns, who headline this year’s WrestleMania. Heyman is one of the most entertaining minds to bless the WWE and has helped build Superstars with his showmanship on the microphone.
Next, is one of the best female wrestlers of all time, Bull Nakano. Constantly talked about being “ahead of her time,” Bull Nakano’s physicality and technique led to her star-studded career. As one of the biggest international wrestling stars, Bull Nakano claimed titles throughout Japan, Mexico, and America. In an interview with ESPN, she expressed her gratitude saying this was the “one thing [that] was missing” from her career. After retiring in 1997 and a long 27 years of waiting, the greatness of Bull Nakano will finally be honored at WrestleMania 40.
The third inductee is a duo that made headlines in the mid-80s, The U.S. Express. Composed of Mike Rotunda and Barry Windham, the pair captured the WWE Tag Team title on two separate occasions. These two debuted at the first-ever WrestleMania in 1985 and enjoyed major success as a TagTeam before accomplishing more on their own. It is not often that a duo gets inducted into the Hall of Fame together, but The U.S. Express’ greatness allows them to join an exclusive list that includes The Bushwhackers, the Hart Foundation, the Brisco Brothers, and the Dudley Boyz.
Finally, the last inductee is the definition of greatness, Muhammad Ali. Known by many as the greatest heavyweight boxing champion of all time, Ali will be recognized for his contributions to sports entertainment, not only for his fighting career. Ali had his stints of appearances with the WWE. For example, when he joined Gorilla Monsoon in the ring and was a special guest referee at the first-ever WrestleMania. With his greatness in his own ring, Ali helped popularize the WWE in their rise during the 1970s and 1980s. As the last of the inductees, Muhammad Ali will be inducted by his widow, Lonnie Ali.
These four legends highlight the WWE 2024 Hall of Fame Class. With new rumors of one more inductee on the horizon and the WWE potentially bringing back the Legend inductee, this may not be the last of the list. Until then, the first day of WrestleMania will open with the ceremony to kick off what could be one of the most momentous WrestleMania’s. It can be seen on Peacock on April 5th.
