Late boxing legend Muhammad Ali to be inducted into WWE Hall of Fame. Muhammad Ali, the iconic American boxer whose legacy transcends sport, is set to be posthumously inducted into the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Hall of Fame Class of 2024.
This long-awaited honor was confirmed by the WWE on Monday, with the induction ceremony slated for April 5 during WrestleMania 40 weekend in Philadelphia, as reported by ESPN.
Ali, who passed away in June 2016 at the age of 74, left an indelible mark on both boxing and entertainment.
Perhaps one of his most memorable moments in the realm of professional wrestling occurred during the inaugural WrestleMania event.
Serving as a special guest referee, Ali injected his charisma and athleticism into the electrifying atmosphere of the main event, where he intervened in the clash between Hulk Hogan, Mr. T, Roddy Piper, and Paul Orndorff.
Beyond his wrestling cameo, Ali’s influence extended to international stages. In 1976, he engaged in the historic “War of the Worlds” exhibition match against Japanese legend Antonio Inoki in Tokyo.
This groundbreaking event, characterized by its mixed-rules format, drew global attention and remains a cherished chapter in combat sports history.
The match, which ended in a 15-round draw, captivated an audience of approximately 33,000 spectators at Shea Stadium, former home of the New York Mets.
Ali’s induction into the WWE Hall of Fame marks a belated recognition of his impact on sports entertainment. While he secured his place in the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990, Ali’s influence transcended the confines of traditional boxing.
His storied career saw him capture the heavyweight championship three times, with standout victories including a sixth-round TKO over Sonny Liston in 1964 and an eighth-round KO of George Foreman in 1974.
Both triumphs were hailed as “Fight of the Year” by Ring Magazine, underscoring Ali’s enduring legacy as a pugilistic maestro.
Joining his erstwhile rival Inoki in the WWE Hall of Fame, Ali’s induction serves as a testament to his enduring impact on the worlds of sports and entertainment.
As late boxing legend Muhammad Ali to be inducted into WWE Hall of Fame , the memory of “The Greatest” will undoubtedly be celebrated and enshrined for generations to come.
Muhammad Ali was an American professional boxer and activist. Nicknamed “the Greatest”, he is regarded as one of the most significant sports figures of the 20th century and is often regarded as the greatest heavyweight boxer of all time. He held the Ring magazine heavyweight title from 1964 to 1970.
