Boxing Legend’s Impact on Professional Wrestling Recognized
Summary
– Muhammad Ali joins the prestigious WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2024, as exclusively reported by Variety.
– The induction ceremony is scheduled for April 5 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and will be live-streamed on Peacock.
– Ali, renowned for his boxing career, had notable interactions with professional wrestling, including an exhibition match against Antonio Inoki and serving as a special guest referee at WrestleMania I.
Renowned boxing legend Muhammad Ali is set to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2024, adding another illustrious name to the prestigious roster. As reported exclusively by Variety, Ali’s induction ceremony is slated for April 5 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with the event live-streamed on Peacock.
While Ali is primarily celebrated for his unmatched achievements in boxing, his impact on professional wrestling is also noteworthy. In 1976, he engaged in an exhibition match against Japanese wrestling legend Antonio Inoki, showcasing his crossover appeal to wrestling audiences. Furthermore, Ali’s involvement extended to the world of WWE when he appeared at a WWWF event, challenging Gorilla Monsoon.
Ali’s connection with professional wrestling reached its pinnacle when he served as a special guest referee for the main event of WrestleMania I in 1985, adding to the grandeur of the inaugural WrestleMania event. Additionally, Ali was honored as the guest of honor at the controversial “Collision in Korea” pay-per-view event in North Korea in 1995.
Beyond his sporting achievements, Ali’s legacy is characterized by his unwavering commitment to social activism, exemplified by his refusal to be drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. His influence transcended sports, leaving an indelible mark on society.
Although Muhammad Ali passed away in 2016 at 74, his legacy continues to resonate. He joins other esteemed inductees in the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2024, including Paul Heyman, Bull Nakano, and the U.S. Express tag team (Mike Rotunda and Barry Windham).
