WWE announced on Monday that the legendary boxer Muhammad Ali will be joining the WWE Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2024, according to Variety.com. This recognition comes from  his involvement in professional wrestling, which was inspired by wrestlers like Gorgeous George and led to his iconic exhibition match against Antonio Inoki in 1976.

Ali’s Impact on Professional Wrestling

Ali’s influence on professional wrestling extends beyond his in-ring appearance. He served as the special guest referee for the main event of the inaugural WrestleMania in 1985, and later participated in a sports diplomacy mission in North Korea, where he was the guest of honor at the Collision in Korea pay-per-view event.

Legacy and Impact

Muhammad Ali’s legacy as one of the greatest athletes of all time persists, and his contributions to modernizing and globalizing professional wrestling are undeniable. WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque praised Ali, saying, “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.”

Induction Ceremony

The WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2024, which includes Ali, Paul Heyman, Bull Nakano, and The U.S. Express (Barry Windham and Mike Rotunda), will be inducted on April 5 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia as part of WrestleMania 40 weekend.
This recognition is a testament to Ali’s enduring impact on the world of sports and entertainment, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of athletes and performers.