Tag: WWE Hall Of Fame

Hulk Hogan vs. Andre The Giant at WrestleMania 3 Set for WWE Immortal Moment Honor at 2026 Hall of Fame

WWE is continuing its push to celebrate iconic matches, and this year’s Immortal Moment Award is going to one of the most legendary bouts in wrestling history. The company has officially announced that Hulk Hogan vs. Andre the Giant from WrestleMania 3 will be honored at the 2026 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony.

Often referred to as “the slam heard around the world,” the 1987 clash remains one of the defining moments not just of WrestleMania, but of WWE as a whole. Hogan’s body slam of Andre in front of a massive crowd at the Pontiac Silverdome became an enduring image that helped shape the company’s global boom period.

WWE introduced the Immortal Moment Award last year as a way to recognize classic matches that left a lasting impact on the business. The inaugural honor went to Bret Hart vs. “Stone Cold” Steve Austin from WrestleMania 13, and now Hogan vs. Andre joins that elite company.

Both competitors are already deeply etched into WWE history. Andre the Giant, who passed away in 1993 at the age of 46, was part of the very first Hall of Fame class that same year. This recognition marks another posthumous honor tied to his legacy. Hulk Hogan, who passed away last July following a heart attack, is now being associated with his third Hall of Fame recognition—having previously been inducted individually in 2005 and again in 2020 as a member of the nWo.

The match now becomes part of an already stacked WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2026. Other names announced include Stephanie McMahon, AJ Styles, Dennis Rodman, Demolition, Sycho Sid, and Bad News Brown, making this one of the more diverse and headline-worthy classes in recent memory.

This year’s Hall of Fame ceremony is set for Friday, April 16, immediately following SmackDown. The event will take place at the Dolby Live venue inside Park MGM in Las Vegas, adding even more spectacle to WrestleMania weekend.

With Hogan vs. Andre officially getting its flowers, WWE continues leaning into nostalgia while cementing the moments that helped define generations of fans. And when it comes to truly “immortal” matches, it’s hard to argue with this choice.

Bad News Brown Announced for WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2026, Legacy Induction

WrestleMania season always brings major announcements, and this year is no different. Paul “Triple H” Levesque revealed on Thursday that the late Bad News Brown will be honored as part of the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2026, entering under the Legacy wing.

Brown’s path to WWE was anything but ordinary. Before stepping into the world of sports entertainment, he made his mark as an Olympic athlete, capturing a bronze medal in judo at the 1976 Games. That legitimate combat background translated seamlessly into the ring, where he developed a reputation for being one of the toughest and most unpredictable competitors of his era.

After building momentum in Stampede Wrestling—where he squared off against names like Bret Hart—Brown arrived in WWE in 1988 and immediately stood out. His hard-hitting style, highlighted by a brutal enzuigiri, made him a threat to anyone who crossed his path. Just as notable as his in-ring ability was his lone-wolf attitude. Brown wasn’t interested in alliances, and he made that clear time and time again, even abandoning his own teams during Survivor Series matches.

Never shy about speaking his mind, Brown frequently demanded championship opportunities and took aim at both management and fellow Superstars. His confrontational nature even led to physical altercations with then-WWE President Jack Tunney, further cementing his reputation as a true wildcard.

One of his most memorable rivalries came against “Rowdy” Roddy Piper. Their issues boiled over during the 1990 Royal Rumble, where Brown retaliated against Piper’s elimination by dragging him out of the match, sparking a chaotic brawl. Around that same time, Brown also found himself entangled in a bizarre and unforgettable storyline with Jake “The Snake” Roberts, where his fear of snakes became a focal point leading into their SummerSlam showdown.

Following his loss to Roberts in 1990, Brown’s WWE run came to an end, but his impact remained. Known for his authenticity, intensity, and refusal to conform, he carved out a unique place in wrestling history.

Bad News Brown passed away in 2007, but his contributions to the business continue to be recognized. With this induction, he joins an already stacked 2026 class that includes Stephanie McMahon, AJ Styles, Demolition, Dennis Rodman, and Sycho Sid.

His legacy as one of WWE’s most hard-nosed and uncompromising performers is now officially cemented for generations to come.

Sid Eudy (AKA Sycho Sid) Announced For WWE Hall Of Fame 2026 Legacy Induction

WWE continues to round out its 2026 Hall of Fame class, and the latest addition brings a larger-than-life presence from wrestling’s past back into the spotlight. Sid Eudy—known to fans as Sycho Sid, Sid Justice, and Sid Vicious—has officially been announced for induction as part of this year’s Legacy Class.

The news was revealed by WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H, who highlighted Sid’s commanding aura and unforgettable intensity. Whether fans remember him from WWE or WCW, Sid’s reputation as a dominant force and main event-caliber star has long cemented his place in wrestling history.

Sid’s career spanned decades, with major success across multiple promotions. He captured the WWF Championship twice and also held the WCW World Heavyweight Title on two occasions, proving his ability to thrive at the very top in both companies during wrestling’s most competitive eras.

WrestleMania fans will especially remember his presence on the grandest stage. Sid headlined WrestleMania VIII against Hulk Hogan in 1992, and later returned to the main event scene at WrestleMania 13, where he faced The Undertaker. Those marquee matches, along with high-profile rivalries against stars like Bret Hart and Roddy Piper, helped define his legacy as a true main event attraction.

One of Sid’s most iconic moments came at Survivor Series 1996, where he defeated Shawn Michaels at Madison Square Garden to win the WWE Championship. The moment—complete with his unforgettable entrance and the electric crowd reaction—remains a standout highlight from the New Generation era.

After stepping away from the national spotlight, Sid continued wrestling for several years on the independent scene, including appearances in promotions like the NWA and Memphis Wrestling. He officially retired in 2017, bringing an end to a career that stretched roughly three decades.

In August 2024, the wrestling world lost Sid Eudy at the age of 63 following a battle with cancer. His passing was met with an outpouring of tributes from fans and peers alike, many of whom reflected on his imposing presence and unique charisma.

Now, with this Legacy induction, WWE is ensuring that Sycho Sid’s contributions to the business are remembered on one of its biggest platforms. He joins a 2026 Hall of Fame class that already includes names like AJ Styles, Stephanie McMahon, Demolition, and Dennis Rodman—making this year’s ceremony one of the more eclectic and star-studded lineups in recent memory.

Dennis Rodman Headed to WWE Hall of Fame as Part of Class of 2026

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

Demolition Finally Get Their Due: Ax & Smash Headed to WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2026

After years of speculation, fan campaigns, and lingering questions about their relationship with WWE, Demolition are officially headed to the Hall of Fame.

The Undertaker broke the news personally, revealing during a video call that Ax and Smash will be inducted as part of the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2026. “The Deadman” congratulated the legendary duo and told them the honor was “well deserved,” putting a stamp of approval on one of the most requested inductions in recent memory.

For longtime fans, this announcement feels long overdue.

Demolition was one of the most dominant tag teams of the late 1980s, carving out a legacy that stood the test of time. However, their absence from the Hall of Fame had been a glaring omission for years. Much of the delay was believed to stem from past legal tensions between the team and WWE, including their involvement in a CTE-related lawsuit against the company. That legal friction appeared to put any formal recognition on ice.

Things began to shift in 2025 when Ax and Smash signed a Legends Deal with WWE. The agreement fueled speculation that fences had been mended behind the scenes. Now, with the Hall of Fame induction confirmed, it’s clear that the relationship has officially been repaired.

The 2026 ceremony will also mark a significant milestone: it will be Demolition’s first appearance on WWE programming since the 1990s. For a generation of fans who grew up watching their destructive run, that return alone is bound to generate nostalgia.

Inside the ring, Demolition’s credentials speak for themselves. The team captured the WWE World Tag Team Championships three times between 1988 and 1990. Their first reign remains historic, lasting an incredible 478 days — a benchmark for tag team dominance during that era.

They weren’t just champions; they were cornerstones of a stacked tag division. Ax and Smash shared the ring with some of the best teams in wrestling history, engaging in memorable rivalries against Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard of The Brain Busters, Haku and Tama of The Islanders, and the powerhouse duo of The Legion of Doom. Those battles helped define tag team wrestling in the late ‘80s and solidified Demolition as one of WWE’s most iconic duos.

With their Hall of Fame induction now official, Demolition’s legacy is finally being recognized on the grand stage. It’s a fitting honor for a team that dominated an era and left an undeniable mark on tag team wrestling.

Longtime fans can finally check this one off the list — Ax and Smash are getting their moment.

Demolition joins Stephanie McMahon and AJ Styles in the WWE HOF Class of 2026.

WWE Releases Emotional Post-Raw Celebration Footage Following AJ Styles Tribute Show & HOF Announcement

WWE has released exclusive behind-the-scenes footage from AJ Styles’ emotional farewell on Monday Night Raw, giving fans an extended look at the heartfelt celebration that followed the cameras going dark.

The closing segment of Raw was already heavy with emotion, as “The Phenomenal One” addressed the crowd and reflected on a career that spanned the globe. But once the broadcast ended, the real floodgates opened.

In the nearly five-minute video shared by WWE, Styles shared deeply personal moments with friends and rivals from every chapter of his journey — from TNA to New Japan Pro-Wrestling to WWE.

Several familiar faces from Styles’ TNA days joined him in the ring, including Frankie Kazarian, Drake Maverick (formerly Rockstar Spud), Bobby Roode, and Abyss. Maverick and Kazarian now work behind the scenes as WWE producers, but on this night, it was about celebrating their longtime friend. During an embrace with Roode, Styles jokingly told him, “You got me good, dude,” referencing the surprise announcement of Roode’s upcoming WWE Hall of Fame induction. Roode insisted he had no advance knowledge of the honor.

The tribute also featured a rare WWE appearance from Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows, who had been released from the company in February 2025. The duo, who teamed with Styles in both WWE and NJPW, stood alongside him once again. Other former Bullet Club members in attendance included Finn Bálor, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, and Cody Rhodes — highlighting the massive influence Styles had across promotions. At one point, Bálor and Styles shared a classic “Too Sweet” gesture, bringing things full circle.

Among Styles’ WWE peers, the emotion was palpable. Cathy Kelley, Stephanie Vaquer, Michin, and Asuka were visibly moved during the sendoff. Earlier in the night, Cody Rhodes and Sami Zayn even lifted Styles onto their shoulders in a symbolic tribute to his impact on the business.

Styles’ final match came at the 2026 Royal Rumble, where GUNTHER — dubbed “The Career Killer” — forced him to pass out to a sleeper hold in a physically grueling contest. Prior to that, Styles revisited one of his most storied rivalries when he faced Shinsuke Nakamura at Saturday Night’s Main Event. In a poetic touch, Nakamura was seen capturing photos of Styles’ farewell on Raw, documenting the final chapter of a shared legacy that dates back to their NJPW days.

From TNA standout to global superstar, AJ Styles’ career has touched nearly every major corner of the wrestling world. WWE’s post-Raw footage makes one thing clear: his influence goes far beyond championship reigns and five-star matches.

For one night, the wrestling world — across generations and promotions — stood together to celebrate The Phenomenal One.

AJ Styles Gets Emotional Raw Farewell, Leaves Gloves In The Ring, Named As An Inductee For WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2026

Monday night’s episode of WWE Raw delivered an unforgettable send-off for one of the most influential performers of the modern era. AJ Styles closed the show in an emotional main event segment that not only celebrated his legendary career but also confirmed his place in WWE history — as the first announced inductee into the 2026 WWE Hall of Fame class.

A Night Built Around “The Phenomenal One”

Throughout the broadcast, WWE paid tribute to Styles with a series of video packages highlighting his journey from international standout to WWE Champion and locker room leader. Several WWE Superstars offered words of appreciation, reflecting on his impact inside and outside the ring.

The tribute extended beyond the current roster. In attendance were longtime friends and former allies from multiple chapters of Styles’ career. TNA legends Frankie Kazarian and Christopher Park — the latter appearing in his iconic Abyss persona — were present for the occasion. Former WWE and NJPW stars Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows, known collectively with Styles as The Good Brothers and members of Bullet Club and The OC, also showed up to support their longtime teammate. Even Omos, Styles’ former tag team partner, made a rare appearance for the celebration.

It was a gathering that underscored just how wide Styles’ influence stretches across the wrestling world.

An Emotional Goodbye

When Styles made his entrance for the final segment, the crowd immediately filled the arena with chants of “Thank you, AJ.” Clearly overwhelmed, Styles soaked in the moment before delivering a heartfelt promo that traced the arc of his career — from his early days to becoming one of WWE’s most respected performers.

In classic AJ fashion, he mixed humor with sincerity, joking that he would have worn a suit for the occasion, but the last time he did that he ended up fighting Cody Rhodes.

As the moment grew more emotional, Styles removed his jacket and laid it in the center of the ring. He followed by placing his signature gloves on the mat — a symbolic gesture long associated with retirement in pro wrestling. With his family watching from ringside, Styles offered one final “thank you” and “I love you” before the locker room emptied onto the stage. Paul “Triple H” Levesque joined the group in applauding Styles, creating a powerful scene of respect from peers and executives alike.

The Undertaker Delivers A Final Surprise

Just as it appeared the night was coming to a close, the familiar gong echoed through the arena. The lights went out, and when they came back up, The Undertaker emerged on his motorcycle.

In a fitting bit of theatrics, The Deadman asked Styles if he was really planning to leave his gear in the ring and simply walk away. He then revealed there was still “unfinished business” — announcing that AJ Styles will be the first inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2026.

The surprise announcement brought fresh tears to Styles’ eyes as he embraced Undertaker. Moments later, his family joined him in the ring to celebrate the milestone, closing the show on a note of gratitude and legacy.

A Career Worthy of Immortality

Styles’ WWE run alone includes multiple world championships, show-stealing matches at WrestleMania, and leadership roles in groups like The OC. But his Hall of Fame nod also represents decades of influence across TNA, NJPW, and beyond — cementing him as one of the most well-traveled and respected performers of his generation.

Whether this marks the official end of his in-ring career remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: AJ Styles’ impact on the industry is undeniable.

And come 2026, “The Phenomenal One” will officially take his place among the immortals.

As of Now John Cena Not Expected for 2026 WWE Hall of Fame Induction — Stephanie McMahon Tapped as Headliner

John Cena may be officially retired, but fans hoping to see him resurface through a WWE Hall of Fame induction might need to be patient a little longer.

According to a recent report from WrestleVotes Radio on Fightful Select, Cena is currently not listed internally for the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2026. Despite his legendary status and career-ending match against Gunther last year, there’s no indication that WWE is planning to induct him in the upcoming class.

Instead, the report suggests that Stephanie McMahon is penciled in as the headline inductee for 2026. Notably, her induction is said to include an “Immortal Moments” component, highlighting her long-running influence on WWE both on-screen and behind the scenes. If accurate, it would make her the centerpiece of the ceremony rather than a traditional in-ring legend.

Cena, meanwhile, has remained largely out of the WWE spotlight since his retirement. After completing a brief media run, his only public appearance tied to wrestling was at a FAN EXPO event in January. With WrestleMania season approaching, some fans speculated that WWE might use the Hall of Fame as a way to bring him back into the fold — but that doesn’t appear to be the case for now.

It’s also worth noting that leading into his final match with Gunther, Cena reportedly wasn’t eager to frame the bout as a career retrospective. That mindset could play a role in WWE holding off on honoring him just yet, allowing more time before fully celebrating his legacy.

There’s little doubt that John Cena will eventually take his place in the WWE Hall of Fame. The question now isn’t if, but when — and based on the latest backstage chatter, 2026 likely won’t be that moment.

Report: John Cena Expected To Headline 2026 WWE Hall of Fame Class Alongside Stephanie McMahon

We’re still months away from WrestleMania season, but the 2026 WWE Hall of Fame conversation is already heating up—much earlier than usual. Stephanie McMahon was announced back in September as the first official inductee, and for a while she seemed like the obvious headliner. But according to the latest backstage buzz, she may be sharing that spotlight with one of WWE’s most iconic names.

On Wrestling Observer Radio, Bryan Alvarez revealed that chatter behind the scenes at Monday’s WWE Raw pointed toward John Cena being lined up as the marquee inductee for the 2026 class. While nothing is confirmed, Alvarez noted that the idea was circulating heavily among those backstage.

“As of Monday night, the belief is the headliner would be John Cena,” Alvarez said. “Maybe things change, but that was certainly the discussion. With Stephanie already announced, Cena and Stephanie would be the two biggest names if that’s what ends up happening.”

If this comes together, the induction would take place during WrestleMania weekend in 2026—and honestly, the timing couldn’t be more fitting.

Cena’s Hall of Fame case has been locked in for years. Between his unprecedented run as WWE’s franchise star for two decades, his crossover success in mainstream entertainment, and his still-strong relationship with the company, it was always just a matter of when WWE would pull the trigger.

Now the “when” lines up perfectly with Cena’s current farewell tour. He’s set to wrestle his final match on the December 13 edition of Saturday Night’s Main Event in Washington, D.C., officially closing the in-ring chapter of his career. Having him headline the Hall of Fame just a few months later would tie his retirement story together in classic WWE fashion.

If Cena is indeed added to the 2026 class, WWE will be stacking WrestleMania weekend with two of the most influential figures of the last 25 years—one a trailblazing executive, the other the face of an entire era.

We’ll keep you updated as WWE begins rolling out official announcements for the 2026 Hall of Fame.

The Undertaker Surprises Stephanie McMahon At Wrestlepalooza With 2026 WWE Hall of Fame Announcement

The Undertaker surprised Stephanie McMahon announcing her as the first inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2026

At Wrestlepalooza on September 20, 2025, The Undertaker, sporting his “American Badass” persona, appeared at Wrestlepalooza on his motorcycle. The Undertaker pulled up ringside, taking a seat next to McMahon. The Undertaker and McMahon started riffing on their long-standing friendship. He asked McMahon, “Are you ready?” evoking the spirit of D-Generation X and her husband, Triple H. The Undertaker proceeded to announce that McMahon would be the first person inducted into next year’s Hall of Fame class.

McMahon has not worked for WWE in an official capacity since 2023, when it was announced she would be leaving her role as co-CEO of WWE as Vince McMahon returned to the fold and later negotiated the merger with Endeavor to create TKO. She has since appeared in sporadic appearances, mostly those of a broadcasting or guest attending role, though she started her “What’s Your Story?” podcast on ESPN+ in partnership with WWE and Fanatics earlier this year. 

The 2026 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony takes place during the week of WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas