By Milcah Tanimu
The late boxing legend, Muhammad Ali, renowned as “The Greatest,” is set to be posthumously inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2024, just ahead of the WrestleMania festivities scheduled for April 5 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This announcement comes via a report from Variety on Monday.
Muhammad Ali, a three-time World Heavyweight Boxing Champion and Olympic gold medalist, not only captivated global audiences with his prowess in the ring but also left an indelible mark as an activist, artist, and charismatic personality.
One of Ali’s iconic moments took place on June 26, 1976, during “The War of the Worlds,” an exhibition match against Antonio Inoki at the Nippon Budokan arena in Tokyo, Japan. The 15-round draw, held under specific rules, drew a crowd of 32,000 spectators and garnered substantial viewership through closed-circuit television, including 33,000 fans at Shea Stadium in Queens, New York. This event is often considered a precursor to modern mixed martial arts, highlighting Ali’s enduring influence beyond traditional boxing.
Despite retiring with an impressive boxing record of 56-5, including 37 knockouts, Ali continued his involvement in combat sports. Notably, he served as the special guest referee for the inaugural WrestleMania in 1984, overseeing the main event clash between Hulk Hogan & Mr. T and “Rowdy” Roddy Piper & “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff.
Ali’s memorable participation in the match, punctuated by his signature right-hand punch to Roddy Piper, not only restored order but also left an indelible mark on the event. Muhammad Ali passed away on June 3, 2016, at the age of 74, marking the end of an era. However, his legacy as one of the greatest athletes of all time continues to endure.
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