Tag: Kamala

Legendary Superstars Kamala, Dory Funk Sr., and Ivan Koloff Will Enter The WWE Hall Of Fame As The 2025 Legacy Inductees

With WrestleMania 41 just around the corner, WWE continues to build anticipation—not just for the in-ring action, but for one of the most emotional nights of the year: the Hall of Fame induction ceremony. While names like Triple H, Michelle McCool, Lex Luger, and the legendary tag team of The Natural Disasters (Typhoon & Earthquake) were already confirmed for the Class of 2025, WWE has now revealed three more legends who will join this year’s prestigious lineup.

In an announcement made Wednesday, WWE confirmed that Kamala, Dory Funk Sr., and Ivan Koloff will be honored as Legacy inductees for the 2025 class. Their addition brings this year’s total inductees to eight. And for the first time ever, a match will be inducted into the Hall of Fame as well—Bret Hart vs. “Stone Cold” Steve Austin from WrestleMania 13, a bout often hailed as one of the greatest in WWE history.

Remembering Kamala, The Ugandan Giant

Few characters in wrestling history were as instantly recognizable—or as feared—as Kamala. With his tribal war paint, imposing presence, and unpredictable demeanor, Kamala was a standout villain during WWE’s golden era in the late ’80s and early ’90s. Iconic battles against the likes of The Undertaker and Hulk Hogan helped cement his legacy. But behind the menacing persona was a performer who fans came to love over time—a gentle giant who left a lasting impression on the business.

Dory Funk Sr.: A Pioneer and Promoter

Dory Funk Sr. may not have the mainstream name recognition of some of his contemporaries, but his fingerprints are all over wrestling history. A highly respected amateur wrestler in the NWA during the 1950s and ’60s, Funk Sr. went on to become one of wrestling’s most influential promoters. Based in Amarillo, Texas, he built the Western States Sports territory into a key developmental hub, nurturing future legends like Harley Race, Bruiser Brody, and, of course, his own sons—Dory Funk Jr. and the hardcore icon Terry Funk.

Ivan Koloff: The Man Who Shocked the Garden

Ivan Koloff’s legacy is etched in one historic moment: January 18, 1971, when he ended Bruno Sammartino’s nearly eight-year WWE Championship reign at Madison Square Garden. That jaw-dropping upset forever changed the landscape of professional wrestling. Known for his rugged, powerhouse style and fierce intensity, Koloff played the role of foreign heel to perfection during a politically charged era in wrestling. His place in the Hall of Fame has been long overdue, and this induction finally gives “The Russian Bear” his due.

The WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most well-rounded groups in recent memory, blending iconic performers, pioneering figures, and unforgettable moments. With WrestleMania 41 looming large, fans now have even more to celebrate as the legends of the past take their rightful place in wrestling immortality.

Kamala Reportedly Considered for WWE Hall of Fame 2025 Induction

WWE is reportedly considering the late James “Kamala” Harris for induction into the Hall of Fame Class of 2025, according to WrestleVotes. While WWE has yet to make an official announcement, the legendary “Ugandan Giant” could soon be honored among the all-time greats.

A Unique and Unforgettable Legacy

Kamala first arrived in WWE in 1984, making an immediate impact as a fearsome, face-painted competitor with a mysterious aura. With his imposing presence and unique character, he quickly became a top adversary for WWE Champion Hulk Hogan and continued his feud with Andre the Giant, carrying over their battles from Mid-South Wrestling. His initial WWE run was brief, but he returned in 1986 for another rivalry with Hogan before departing again in 1987 due to a pay dispute.

After bouncing between promotions, Kamala had a notable WWE run from 1992 to 1993, feuding with the likes of Randy Savage and The Undertaker. He later made sporadic WWE appearances in the early 2000s and even had a surprising match in Ring of Honor in 2006, challenging Bryan Danielson for the ROH World Championship. His career also included a brief stint in WCW as a member of Kevin Sullivan’s Dungeon of Doom.

A Warrior in and out of the Ring

Despite his success in wrestling, Kamala’s later years were marked by significant health struggles. Complications from high blood pressure and diabetes ultimately led to both of his legs being amputated. He sadly passed away in August 2020 at the age of 70 due to cardiac arrest, compounded by diabetes and COVID-19.

Hall of Fame Class of 2025

If Kamala’s induction is confirmed, he will join an already impressive class that includes Triple H, Michelle McCool, and Lex Luger. The ceremony is set to take place on Friday, April 18, 2025, at Fontainebleau Las Vegas during WrestleMania Week. The Natural Disasters are expected to be announced shortly.

Kamala’s contributions to wrestling, from his unforgettable character work to his rivalries with some of WWE’s biggest names, make him a deserving candidate for Hall of Fame recognition. Fans will now wait for WWE’s official word on whether “The Ugandan Giant” will finally take his place among wrestling’s legends.

Wrestling Legend Kamala Passes Away At Age 70

Former WWE star Kamala (James Harris) has passed away yesterday at age 70.

The word of his passing first came from WWE Hall of Famer Koko B. Ware.

The cause of Kamala’s death has been reported by Jason King from Bleacher Report.

King shared on Twitter that he reportedly spoke with Kamala’s wife, who revealed that her husband went into cardiac arrest and passed away yesterday afternoon.

Also according to Jason King, Kamala had tested positive on Wednesday for COVID. He was then hospitalized on Wednesday night.

https://twitter.com/JasonKingBR/status/1292650848288485376

Kamala made his WWE debut in 1984 and would make his RAW in-ring debut in 1993. During his WWE career, he feuded with Jake “The Snake” Roberts, Hulk Hogan, and The Undertaker.

He also wrestled in such promotions as Mid-South Wrestling, WCW, USWA, WCCW, and NWA Tri-State.

In recent years, Kamala had a number of health issues including a battle with diabetes that required his legs to be amputated. In 2015, he released an autobiography called “Kamala Speaks.”

Kamala was inducted in the Texas Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2012.

WWE has released the below statement about his passing.

WWE is saddened to learn that James Harris, known to WWE fans as Kamala, has passed away at age 70.Under the frightening face paint of Kamala, the 6-foot-7, 380-pound Harris battled the greatest Superstars in sports-entertainment history, including Hulk Hogan, The Undertaker and Andre the Giant.

He terrorized opponents and thrilled audiences in Mid-South, World Class Championship Wrestling, WCW and WWE until 2006.

WWE extends its condolences to Harris’ family, friends and fans.

Source: Wrestling Inc.