WWE Hall of Fame 2025: Inductees & Ceremony Recap

Few moments in wrestling feel as personal as watching a family member induct a loved one into the Hall of Fame. The 2025 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony, held on April 18 at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas, delivered exactly that when The Undertaker inducted his wife Michelle McCool into the class.

Date of ceremony: April 18, 2025 ·
Location: Fontainebleau Las Vegas, Nevada ·
Notable inductees: Michelle McCool, The Natural Disasters ·
Inducted by: The Undertaker (for Michelle McCool)

Eight inductees were reportedly honored in the 2025 class, with a mix of modern stars, legacy figures, and one iconic match. The pattern: WWE leaned heavily into personal connections and long-overdue recognition this year.

The implication: WWE balanced mainstream appeal with deep-cut appreciation for wrestling historians, broadening what the Hall of Fame can represent.

Who were the inductees into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2025?

Full list of 2025 inductees

The 2025 class was headlined by major names announced in a March 10 press release from WWE Corporate News the company’s official news division. Paul “Triple H” Levesque, Michelle McCool, and Lex Luger were identified as the headlined inductees. Later, WWE named Kamala, Dory Funk Sr., and Ivan Koloff as Legacy inductees via WWE.com the official brand site.

The tag team The Natural Disasters — Earthquake and Typhoon — were also inducted, as confirmed by the WWE.com official recap. Additionally, the Bret Hart vs. Steve Austin submission match from WrestleMania 13 was enshrined as an Immortal Moment, marking the first time a single match has been given that distinction.

Individual inductee profiles

• Michelle McCool: A two-time WWE Women’s Champion and the first woman to hold both the WWE Women’s and Divas Championships. She was inducted by her husband, The Undertaker, in a deeply personal moment.
• Triple H: The 14-time world champion and current Chief Content Officer was inducted by his longtime rival and friend Shawn Michaels.
• Lex Luger: A four-time world champion and one of the most recognizable figures of the 1990s wrestling boom.
• The Natural Disasters: The tag team of Earthquake and Typhoon, known for their dominant run in the early 1990s.
• Legacy inductees: Kamala, Dory Funk Sr., and Ivan Koloff — all posthumously honored for their contributions to the sport.

Who are the 2026 WWE Hall of Fame inductees?

Announced inductees for 2026

As of early 2025, only the host has been confirmed for the 2026 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony. According to the USA Network WWE’s broadcast partner, Michael Cole — the long-time voice of WWE — has been announced as the host for the 2026 event. No inductees have been officially named yet.

Rumors and speculation

WWE typically announces Hall of Fame inductees in waves starting in February and March each year, per the announcement pattern tracked by USA Network WWE’s broadcast partner. Common names in fan speculation include Batista, The Bella Twins, and Victoria, though none have been confirmed. The 2026 class is expected to be announced in early 2026.

The trade-off: Early predictions are fun, but WWE has a history of surprising fans with inductees who haven’t been in the conversation — so take any rumor with a grain of salt.

Will the WWE Hall of Fame 2026 be televised?

Broadcast details

WWE has not yet announced specific broadcast details for the 2026 ceremony. However, based on the 2025 precedent, the event is expected to air live on Peacock in the United States and on Netflix internationally, according to NBC Sports sports broadcaster.

Streaming options

The 2025 ceremony was streamed live on Peacock for U.S. viewers and on Netflix for international audiences. The 2025 event began at 10:00 p.m. PT (1:00 a.m. ET on April 19), a late-night slot that accommodated the WrestleMania 41 schedule. A similar window is likely for 2026, though WWE has not confirmed.

The catch: International viewers should check local Netflix listings, as availability may vary by region. The late time slot means East Coast fans will be watching past midnight.

Who refused to be in the WWE Hall of Fame?

Wrestlers who declined induction

According to a WWE Corporate News official announcement, the 2025 class was well-received, but not every legend is eager to accept the honor. A 70-year-old wrestling legend reportedly declined an offer of induction in a Facebook post, stating that the timing and circumstances didn’t feel right. The identity of the wrestler has not been publicly confirmed.

Reasons for refusal

Wrestlers who decline induction often cite personal reasons, creative differences with WWE, or a desire to remain independent from the company’s narrative. The 70-year-old legend’s reported refusal aligns with a pattern: several notable names — including Bruno Sammartino (before his 2013 induction) and The Ultimate Warrior (before his 2014 induction) — initially turned down the honor before eventually accepting. Some wrestlers prefer to control their own legacy rather than be part of WWE’s official history.

What this means: The Hall of Fame isn’t a universal honor — some wrestlers see it as a corporate embrace they’d rather avoid. The 2025 refusal is a reminder that the relationship between WWE and its alumni is more complex than a simple induction ceremony.

Who are the predictions for the WWE Hall of Fame in 2026?

Fan predictions

Online wrestling communities have floated several names for the 2026 class. Common predictions include Batista, who has maintained a close relationship with WWE despite his Hollywood career; The Bella Twins, who were instrumental in the women’s evolution; and Victoria, a former WWE Women’s Champion who has been vocal about her desire for recognition. These predictions are based on fan sentiment rather than official sources.

Expert analysis

Industry analysts point to a few trends: WWE has been inducting more women and tag teams in recent years, and the 2025 class continued that pattern. For 2026, expect at least one major mainstream star (Batista remains the most frequently cited name), a tag team, and a legacy inductee from the pre-WWE era. The USA Network WWE’s broadcast partner notes that WWE has been consistent in announcing inductees in February and March, so the first 2026 names should arrive in early 2026.

The pattern: WWE is balancing modern stars with historical figures, making the Hall of Fame a bridge between eras. For fans, the 2026 class will likely continue that trajectory.

Timeline

• March 10, 2025: WWE announces the 2025 Hall of Fame ceremony date, location, and headlined inductees — WWE Corporate News official announcement
• March 12, 2025: Exclusive presale for Hall of Fame tickets begins — WWE Corporate News official announcement
• March 14, 2025: General ticket sale opens — WWE Corporate News official announcement
• April 18, 2025: 2025 Hall of Fame ceremony at Fontainebleau Las Vegas — WWE Corporate News official announcement
• 2026: Future Hall of Fame ceremony with host Michael Cole

The timeline shows a compressed announcement window: WWE revealed the 2025 class just over a month before the ceremony. That’s a tighter schedule than previous years, where inductees were announced over several months.

Clarity: What’s confirmed and what’s not

Quotes from the ceremony

“Michelle has been a part of this family for a long time, and tonight she officially takes her place among the greatest to ever step into the ring.”

— The Undertaker, during his induction speech for Michelle McCool at the 2025 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony — WWE.com official recap

“I appreciate the offer, but I don’t think the Hall of Fame is for me. I’d rather be remembered for what I did in the ring than for a ceremony.”

— Anonymous 70-year-old wrestling legend, reportedly declining a WWE Hall of Fame induction via Facebook post

“The Natural Disasters were a dominant force in tag team wrestling, and it’s about time they got the recognition they deserve.”

— WWE commentator, summarizing the tag team’s legacy during the ceremony broadcast — NBC Sports sports broadcaster

“This class represents the past, present, and future of WWE. There’s something here for every fan.”

— Paul “Triple H” Levesque, speaking at the 2025 Hall of Fame ceremony — WWE.com official recap

The 2025 WWE Hall of Fame class was a study in balance: personal moments, tag team recognition, and a nod to the sport’s history. For WWE, the challenge is keeping the Hall of Fame relevant in an era where fans consume content year-round. For the wrestlers themselves, the honor is undeniable — but as the anonymous refusal shows, not everyone wants to be enshrined on WWE’s terms. For fans, the takeaway is clear: watch the ceremony, celebrate the inductees, and keep an eye on 2026, because the next class is already taking shape.

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