Late boxing legend Muhammad Ali, fondly remembered as “The Greatest,” is set to be posthumously inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2024 ahead of this year’s WrestleMania festivities in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on April 5. This announcement was made by the foreign news outlet Variety on Monday.
Ali, a three-time World Heavyweight Boxing Champion and Olympic gold medalist, captured the hearts of audiences worldwide with his remarkable skills and charismatic personality. Beyond his accomplishments in the boxing ring, Ali’s impact extended far beyond sports, as he was renowned for his activism, artistry, and larger-than-life persona.
One of Ali’s memorable moments in sports history occurred on June 26, 1976, when he participated in “The War of the Worlds,” an exhibition match against Antonio Inoki at the Nippon Budokan arena in Tokyo, Japan. This unique event, held under special rules, ended in a 15-round draw, captivating a large audience of 32,000 spectators and garnering significant viewership via closed-circuit television, including 33,000 fans at Shea Stadium in Queens, New York. Many consider this event as a precursor to modern mixed martial arts, highlighting Ali’s enduring influence.
Even after retiring from professional boxing with an impressive record of 56 wins and 5 losses, including 37 knockouts, Ali remained connected to combat sports. He famously served as the special guest referee for the inaugural WrestleMania event in 1984, overseeing the main event between Hulk Hogan & Mr. T and “Rowdy” Roddy Piper & “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff. Ali’s memorable intervention during the match, delivering his iconic right-hand punch to Piper, restored order and left an unforgettable impression on the event.
Although Ali passed away on June 3, 2016, at the age of 74, his legacy as one of the greatest athletes of all time continues to inspire generations. His upcoming induction into the WWE Hall of Fame serves as a fitting tribute to his enduring impact on sports and entertainment.