In a jaw-dropping revelation, ‘Triple H,’ the retired professional wrestler turned Chief Content Officer of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), took to his X/Twitter handle yesterday to announce the induction of boxing legend Muhammad Ali into the WWE Hall of Fame, Class of 2024. The news is like a punch in the gut, stirring up waves of nostalgia among avid fans and thrusting them back into the electrifying era when Ali’s charisma graced the wrestling arenas.
A Boxer Beyond Bounds
It’s been almost a decade since the world bid farewell to ‘The Greatest’ Muhammad Ali, boxing’s enduring symbol. Surprisingly, not many are aware of Ali’s deep-rooted connection with the world of wrestling. As per the LA Times, the induction ceremony is slated for April 5 during Wrestle Mania XL at Philadelphia’s Wells Fargo Center. Ali’s wife, Lonnie Ali, will have the honor of inducting him, surrounded by a few other luminaries in the class of 2024.
Triple H’s Tribute to ‘The Greatest’
In his announcement, ‘Triple H’ paid a heartfelt tribute to the legendary boxer. He spoke of a multitude styling themselves as great, but amidst the crowd, only one deserved the title of ‘The Greatest.’ “Many claims to be great, but only one man is ‘The Greatest’,” he declared. The Chief Content Officer emphasized how Ali surpassed the boundaries of his sport, becoming a global icon whose enduring impact touched millions worldwide. “@WWE is honored to induct ‘The Greatest’ Muhammad Ali into the #WWEHOF,” he concluded, igniting a flurry of emotional responses.
Many claim to be great, but only one man is “The Greatest”. Muhammad Ali transcended sport to become a global icon who captivated and impacted the world like no other.@WWE is honored to induct “The Greatest” Muhammad Ali into the #WWEHOF. pic.twitter.com/UIFSg9POgA
— Triple H (@TripleH) March 11, 2024
Ali’s Impact on Wrestling’s Popularity
While many credit Mike Tyson for a surge in WWE’s popularity in the late 1990s, Ali’s influence predates that era. Long before Ali’s association, he played a pivotal role in elevating wrestling’s popularity to unprecedented heights.
When the Legend Stepped into the Ring
In 1985, four years after his last professional boxing bout, Ali etched his name in wrestling history. As a special guest referee at the inaugural Wrestle Mania, he oversaw the headline fight between ‘Hulk Hogan’ and ‘Mr. T’ against ‘Roddy ‘Rowdy’ Piper’ and ‘Paul ‘Mr. Wonderful’ Orndorff.’ It was a spectacle that resonated through time, marking Ali’s first significant foray into wrestling.
The Prequel to Wrestle Mania
Ali’s connection with wrestling traces back nearly a decade earlier, in 1976. On June 1, he faced off against Japanese wrestler and martial artist Antonio Inoki in Tokyo’s Nippon Budokan Arena. Dubbed the ‘War of the Worlds,’ this bout is considered by many as the precursor to modern-day MMA. Interestingly, thousands in New York’s Shea Stadium watched the live telecast of this groundbreaking match.
Confronting ‘Gorilla Monsoon’ and Beyond
The road to Ali’s wrestling saga took an intriguing turn as he confronted ‘Gorilla Monsoon’ after the latter’s match in the WWWF (World Wide Wrestling Federation) at the Philadelphia Arena. This unexpected encounter added fuel to the brewing wrestling fever that Ali was about to unleash on the world.
Ali’s Ongoing Affection for Wrestling Legends
Muhammad Ali’s passion for wrestling extended beyond the ring. According to an X/Twitter post, Ali was a devoted fan of wrestling legends Classy Freddy Blassie and Gorgeous George, showcasing a side of the legendary boxer that many might not be familiar with.
This extraordinary revelation brings a mix of excitement, nostalgia, and curiosity as we eagerly await the grand induction of ‘The Greatest’ into the WWE Hall of Fame. Muhammad Ali’s impact on both boxing and wrestling remains an indelible mark on the history of sports entertainment.