WWE Turns Down The Godfather’s Request for Undertaker’s Hall of Fame Induction
In an unexpected twist, WWE Hall of Famer The Godfather, recognized for his colourful persona and simple effect inside the wrestling world, revealed that his request to have The Undertaker induct him into the WWE Hall of Fame was rejected with the aid of WWE.
This revelation came throughout an interview with Chris Van Vliet, wherein The Godfather shared insights into the behind the scenes international of WWE and his near dating with The Undertaker. Both guys have spent years running together in WWE, fostering a deep friendship behind the scenes. Many believed this relationship would make The Undertaker, actual call Mark Calaway, the proper person to induct The Godfather into the prestigious Hall of Fame.
The Request That WWE Denied
The Godfather’s induction into the WWE Hall of Fame became a enormous moment in 2016. Fans of his numerous personas, from Papa Shango to his portrayal of a charismatic and boisterous pimp, anticipated an similarly impactful induction ceremony. When it got here to figuring out who would deliver the induction speech, The Godfather had one name in mind—The Undertaker.
“I asked for Taker,” The Godfather revealed, during his interview. “They were like, ‘Well, at this point, we can’t use him.’” The Godfather expressed his initial sadness, however he later prevalent WWE’s choice. Instead of The Undertaker, the WWE proposed Ron Simmons and John “Bradshaw” Layfield, different legends with enormous histories with The Godfather, as alternative inductors.
While it was a sadness for The Godfather now not to have The Deadman present at the podium, he took it all in stride. “I was like, ‘Oh, that’s cool. I’m cool with them. They know a lot about me,'” he stated, relating to Simmons and Layfield, who have each been deeply ingrained in WWE’s history and his personal career.
The Phenom’s WrestleMania Appearance
Interestingly, The Undertaker become nonetheless very plenty gift during WrestleMania weekend in 2016, taking part in a Hell in a Cell healthy towards Shane McMahon at WrestleMania 32, simply sooner or later after The Godfather’s induction. Despite the conflict in scheduling, The Godfather frequent that WWE had other plans for the enduring Phenom during that essential time, which possibly influenced the selection now not to have him induct The Godfather.
Fast forward to 2022, while Mark Calaway, recognised for his 30-yr-lengthy mythical profession, become subsequently inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame himself, capping off a profession defined by loyalty, resilience, and mystique.
The Undertaker’s Role in Future Inductions
Although The Undertaker wasn’t present for The Godfather’s second in the Hall of Fame spotlight, Calaway’s induction in 2022 proved he remains one of the most celebrated figures in expert wrestling. His go back to the Hall of Fame stage in 2024 to induct Muhammad Ali cemented his role not only as a image of greatness within the squared circle but additionally as a significant discern in honoring other legends. The Godfather may not have had his desire granted in 2016, but The Undertaker’s presence inside the Hall of Fame has most effective grown stronger in the years that accompanied.
This story shines a mild at the in the back of-the-scenes choices that WWE makes for its Hall of Fame ceremonies, decisions that aren’t constantly clear to the audience. The Godfather’s initial unhappiness changed into ultimately mitigated by using his attractiveness of WWE’s route, however it leaves enthusiasts wondering—why wasn’t The Phenom chosen?