NBA legend Dennis Rodman has officially been announced for the Class of 2026.
The news was first reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania, confirming that the five-time NBA Champion will be recognized for his contributions to the wrestling world—specifically his unforgettable run during the height of WCW’s popularity in the late ‘90s.
Rodman, known as much for his larger-than-life personality as his dominance on the court, became a major part of WCW programming in 1997 when he aligned himself with the New World Order. Dubbed “Rodzilla,” he quickly became a headline attraction, stepping into the ring alongside Hulk Hogan in a high-profile tag team match against Lex Luger and The Giant at Bash at the Beach.
His commitment to wrestling didn’t stop at cameo appearances. During the 1998 NBA Finals, Rodman made headlines by skipping a Chicago Bulls practice after Game 3 to appear live on WCW Monday Nitro, where he and Hogan launched an attack on Diamond Dallas Page. That crossover momentum carried into another marquee match, as Rodman teamed with Hogan to face Karl Malone and DDP at Bash at the Beach 1998—a rare moment where NBA and wrestling worlds collided on a major stage.
Rodman continued his in-ring run with a notable singles bout against “Macho Man” Randy Savage at Road Wild 1999, further cementing his place in wrestling pop culture history.
Now, decades later, WWE is recognizing that impact. Rodman joins an already stacked 2026 Hall of Fame class that includes Stephanie McMahon, AJ Styles, and the legendary tag team Demolition.
The ceremony is set to take place on Friday, April 17, in Las Vegas as part of the WrestleMania 42 festivities, and Rodman’s induction is sure to bring a dose of attitude-era chaos and nostalgia to the celebration.
photo credit to WWE
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