The latest inductee announced to the 2024 WWE Hall of Fame class is boxing and global icon Muhammad Ali, the company announced Monday.
Ali, who died in 2016 at the age of 74, is third inductee of this year’s class, joining Paul Heyman and Bull Nakano.
‘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,’ WWE said in a statement. ‘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.’
Why is Muhammad Ali going into WWE Hall of Fame?
Even with all of his accolades in and out of the boxing ring, Ali also made notable impact in the professional wrestling world.
In the very first WrestleMania in 1985, Ali served as the special guest referee for the main event tag team match between Hulk Hogan and Mr. T vs. ‘Rowdy’ Roddy Piper & ‘Mr. Wonderful’ Paul Orndorff. By the time of the event, Ali had already retired as an accomplished boxer.
As the match was erupting in chaos, Ali delivered an iconic moment when he punched Piper with his signature right hand. Hogan and Mr. T would win the match in the showcase that would become WWE’s flagship event.
In addition to his achievement in professional wrestling, Ali also competed in ‘The War of the Worlds’ match against wrestler Antonio Inoki in Tokyo, Japan in 1976. The match was fought under special mixed rules and is seen as the precursor to what modern mixed martial arts is today. The 15-round bout would end in a draw.
Now, Ali will join Inoki as a WWE Hall of Famer.
‘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,’ WWE said.
The 2024 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony will take place during WrestleMania weekend, with the inductions occurring on April 5 at at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia after ‘Smackdown.’