The WWE has made some interesting choices for this year’s Hall of Fame Class, which will be enshrined the night before WrestleMania XL in Philadelphia, PA. So far, Paul Heyman, Bull Nakano, and The U.S. Express have been named to the class. These wrestling figures don’t pop out to casual wrestling fans, but this latest WWE announcement adds one of the most iconic figures in boxing and the world: Muhammad Ali.
Ali was involved with the WWE during his time, whether in the ring or as a guest at one of their events. Other legendary boxers like Joe Frazier, Mike Tyson & Floyd Mayweather have followed in Ali’s footsteps, being a part of the WWE or Wrestling in some capacity. This induction is way past due, but given that WrestleMania XL is looking to be the biggest ever, it is only fitting that ‘The Greatest’ is inducted this year.
Here is the press release by the WWE, which officially announces Ali as part of its Hall of Fame Class of 2024.
As reported by Variety, Muhammad Ali will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2024.
One of the most iconic figures in sports history, the three-time World Heavyweight Boxing Champion and Olympic gold medalist was known around the world for his charisma, his confidence, and his ability to back it up inside the ropes.
Known simply as “The Greatest”, Ali’s influence transcended sports as his work as an activist, artist, and personality established him as one of the most renowned figures in the entire world.
Although best known as a boxer, Ali made a great impact in the sports-entertainment world.
On June 26, 1976, Ali competed in “The War of the Worlds” which was an exhibition match against WWE Hall of Famer Antonio Inoki inside the Nippon Budokan arena in Tokyo, Japan.
The match, which was competed under specific rules, resulted in a 15-round draw in front of 32,000 fans in the crowd. The bout was also broadcast on closed-circuit television to nearly 33,000 fans inside Shea Stadium in Queens, New York.
The event was a huge success and brought in countless new fans to the industry while also being viewed as a precursor to modern mixed martial arts. Both Ali and Inoki became friends after the event with Inoki even using Ali’s theme music and catchphrases as his own.
After retiring from the boxing ring with a career record of 56-5 with 37 knockouts, Ali returned to the squared circle where he served as the special guest referee for the inaugural WrestleMania in 1984 during the main event between Hulk Hogan & Mr. T and “Rowdy” Roddy Piper & “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff.
Ali’s defining moment in the match came when he punched Piper with his signature right hand – a move that restored order to the bout.
Ali sadly passed away on June 3rd, 2016, at 74, but his legacy as one of the greatest athletes persists, and his work to modernize and globalize professional wrestling helped seamlessly blend the world of sports and entertainment.
