Tag: WWE Hall Of Fame

WWE Hall Of Fame 2026 Preview

WWE is set to celebrate one of its biggest nights of the year as the 2026 Hall of Fame induction ceremony takes over Las Vegas tonight. With a mix of modern-era stars, legendary teams, and historic moments, this year’s class brings together multiple generations of wrestling history under one roof.

The ceremony will stream at midnight ET (9 p.m. PT) on ESPN Unlimited in the United States, while international fans can tune in via YouTube. Michael Cole and The Miz are slated to guide viewers through the evening as hosts, a pairing that should balance polish with personality.

Headlining the class is Stephanie McMahon, whose influence on WWE stretches far beyond her on-screen appearances. From her days as a villainous authority figure to her real-life roles as Chief Brand Officer, Chairwoman, and Co-CEO, McMahon has been a constant presence in WWE’s evolution over the past two decades. Interestingly, McMahon has admitted she initially questioned whether she was worthy of the honor, a sentiment that adds a personal layer to her induction.

Joining her is AJ Styles, who officially wrapped up an iconic 28-year career earlier this year at the Royal Rumble. Styles’ WWE run alone cements his legacy, with multiple WWE Championship reigns and the distinction of being both a Triple Crown and Grand Slam Champion. His induction was revealed in a memorable moment on Raw when The Undertaker personally delivered the news, adding extra weight to an already emotional milestone.

Tag team fans will see Demolition finally get their due. Ax and Smash dominated WWE’s tag division in the late ’80s, racking up three title reigns and holding the championships for a combined 698 days. Their 478-day reign remains one of the most impressive stretches in tag team history, and their inclusion in this year’s class feels long overdue.

The celebrity wing welcomes Dennis Rodman, whose involvement in pro wrestling during the late ’90s helped blur the lines between sports and sports entertainment. Rodman’s appearances alongside Hulk Hogan and the nWo in WCW made him a key figure during the height of the Monday Night War, bringing mainstream attention to the industry.

This year’s Legacy wing honors two names with very different, but equally impactful, careers. Sid Eudy—known as Sycho Sid and Sid Vicious—will be inducted posthumously. A powerhouse performer, Sid captured world championships in both WWE and WCW and remained one of the most imposing figures of his era. He passed away in 2024. Joining him is Bad News Brown (Allen Coage), an Olympic bronze medalist in judo whose legitimate combat background gave him a unique edge during his WWE run. Brown is perhaps best remembered for his WrestleMania IV battle royal victory and his no-nonsense persona. He passed away in 2007.

Rounding out the night is this year’s Immortal Moment Award, which goes to Hulk Hogan vs. Andre the Giant from WrestleMania III. The iconic bodyslam in front of over 93,000 fans at the Pontiac Silverdome remains one of the most replayed and celebrated moments in wrestling history. With this recognition, Hogan becomes a three-time Hall of Famer, while Andre earns his second induction.

With a lineup that blends corporate influence, in-ring excellence, and unforgettable moments, the 2026 Hall of Fame ceremony looks poised to deliver both nostalgia and emotion—hallmarks of WWE at its best.

WWE HOF

WWE is set to celebrate one of its biggest nights of the year as the 2026 Hall of Fame induction ceremony takes over Las Vegas tonight. With a mix of modern-era stars, legendary teams, and historic moments, this year’s class brings together multiple generations of wrestling history under one roof.

The ceremony will stream at midnight ET (9 p.m. PT) on ESPN Unlimited in the United States, while international fans can tune in via YouTube. Michael Cole and The Miz are slated to guide viewers through the evening as hosts, a pairing that should balance polish with personality.

Headlining the class is Stephanie McMahon, whose influence on WWE stretches far beyond her on-screen appearances. From her days as a villainous authority figure to her real-life roles as Chief Brand Officer, Chairwoman, and Co-CEO, McMahon has been a constant presence in WWE’s evolution over the past two decades. A former WWF Women’s Champion, she’ll be inducted by The Undertaker—fitting, given their shared history during some of WWE’s most memorable storylines. Interestingly, McMahon has admitted she initially questioned whether she was worthy of the honor, a sentiment that adds a personal layer to her induction.

Joining her is AJ Styles, who officially wrapped up an iconic 28-year career earlier this year at the Royal Rumble. Styles’ WWE run alone cements his legacy, with multiple WWE Championship reigns and the distinction of being both a Triple Crown and Grand Slam Champion. His induction was revealed in a memorable moment on Raw when The Undertaker personally delivered the news, adding extra weight to an already emotional milestone.

Tag team fans will see Demolition finally get their due. Ax and Smash dominated WWE’s tag division in the late ’80s, racking up three title reigns and holding the championships for a combined 698 days. Their 478-day reign remains one of the most impressive stretches in tag team history, and their inclusion in this year’s class feels long overdue.

The celebrity wing welcomes Dennis Rodman, whose involvement in pro wrestling during the late ’90s helped blur the lines between sports and sports entertainment. Rodman’s appearances alongside Hulk Hogan and the nWo in WCW made him a key figure during the height of the Monday Night War, bringing mainstream attention to the industry.

This year’s Legacy wing honors two names with very different, but equally impactful, careers. Sid Eudy—known as Sycho Sid and Sid Vicious—will be inducted posthumously. A powerhouse performer, Sid captured world championships in both WWE and WCW and remained one of the most imposing figures of his era. He passed away in 2024. Joining him is Bad News Brown (Allen Coage), an Olympic bronze medalist in judo whose legitimate combat background gave him a unique edge during his WWE run. Brown is perhaps best remembered for his WrestleMania IV battle royal victory and his no-nonsense persona. He passed away in 2007.

Rounding out the night is this year’s Immortal Moment Award, which goes to Hulk Hogan vs. Andre the Giant from WrestleMania III. The iconic bodyslam in front of over 93,000 fans at the Pontiac Silverdome remains one of the most replayed and celebrated moments in wrestling history. With this recognition, Hogan becomes a three-time Hall of Famer, while Andre earns his second induction.

With a lineup that blends corporate influence, in-ring excellence, and unforgettable moments, the 2026 Hall of Fame ceremony looks poised to deliver both nostalgia and emotion—hallmarks of WWE at its best.

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.