The WWE Hall of Fame is an annual tradition that honors some of the most influential figures in professional wrestling history. The event is a celebration of the past, present, and future of the industry, and it’s a must-watch for any wrestling fan. Lex Luger (inducted by Diamond Dallas Page)
One of the highlights of the evening was the induction of Lex Luger, a wrestler who needs no introduction. Luger’s journey from “The Total Package” to the man he is today is a testament to his perseverance and dedication to the sport. His acceptance speech was particularly moving, as he spoke candidly about his past struggles and the spiritual awakening that changed his life. Michelle McCool (inducted by The Undertaker)
Another emotional moment came when The Undertaker inducted his wife, Michelle McCool, into the Hall of Fame. This was a rare public display of his personal life, as The Undertaker showed his human side without his signature supernatural persona. McCool’s acceptance speech was a highlight, as she spoke about her journey from The Diva Search to becoming a cornerstone of women’s wrestling. The Legacy Wing inductions honored three influential figures who helped shape professional wrestling’s history. These individuals received a dedicated video package celebrating their contributions to the industry, with family members in attendance to accept recognition on their behalf.
- The Natural Disasters, consisting of Fred Ottman (Typhoon) and John Tenta (Earthquake), were inducted together.
- John Tenta, known for his larger-than-life persona in the ring and his gentle nature at home, was remembered by his family and colleagues.
- Fred Ottman, who joined the inducted couple, spoke about the deep bond between the team and revealed the emotional recollection of Tenta’s battle with cancer.
The Natural Disasters were inducted into the Hall of Fame, and their induction was a fitting tribute to their legacy. The ceremony also honored a specific match, the WrestleMania 13 Submission Match between “Stone Cold” Steve Austin and Bret “The Hitman” Hart.
- The match was inducted by CM Punk, who spoke with visible emotion about how this match influenced his own career and wrestling philosophy.
- Austin and Hart accepted the honor, with Austin acknowledging the match’s pivotal role in launching his “Stone Cold” persona.
- The physical representation of the induction—a split bust showing half of each man’s face—symbolized how their careers became forever intertwined through this iconic confrontation.
Austin vs. Hart WrestleMania 13 Submission Match (inducted by CM Punk)
The ceremony concluded with the induction of Triple H, presented by his longtime friend and D-Generation X partner Shawn Michaels. Michaels delivered a speech that balanced humor with sincere appreciation for their decades-long friendship and Triple H’s evolution from wrestler to WWE’s creative leader. Triple H (inducted by Shawn Michaels)
Triple H’s acceptance speech was comprehensive and emotional as he acknowledged the numerous individuals who influenced his career. From his beginnings with Killer Kowalski to his days with The Kliq, through DX and Evolution, to his current role guiding WWE’s creative direction, Triple H expressed gratitude to mentors, colleagues, friends, and family members who supported his journey. The 2025 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony provided a fitting prelude to today’s WrestleMania weekend festivities. NXT Stand and Deliver kicks off at 1PM Eastern, followed by the first night of WrestleMania 41 beginning at 7PM Eastern. Both events are available on Peacock in the United States and Netflix internationally. For a complete preview of this weekend’s WrestleMania 41 extravaganza, check out the comprehensive breakdown by my brother and colleague, Chad McMahon, right here on Bleeding Cool.
“I’m not just a wrestler, I’m a part of a legacy. I’m not just a legend, I’m a legend in the making.”
— Triple H, inductee of the WWE Hall of Fame, 2025
*
(World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.) is a professional wrestling promotion based in the United States. *
is an annual professional wrestling event produced by WWE. *
is a weekly professional wrestling television program produced by WWE. Highlights
* The WWE Hall of Fame ceremony was a heartwarming tribute to the legends of professional wrestling. * The inductees, including Lex Luger, Michelle McCool, and Triple H, were honored for their contributions to the industry. * The ceremony featured emotional induction speeches and heartfelt tributes to the inductees’ legacies. References:
* WWE (2025) WWE Hall of Fame 2025. * Bleeding Cool (2025) 2025 WWE Hall of Fame: A Night Honoring the Legends of Professional Wrestling.