The WWE Hall of Fame has announced its latest class of inductees, and this time, it’s not just the usual suspects making the cut. The 2025 class of Legacy inductees includes three pro wrestling legends who will be honored for their contributions to the sport. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the inductees and what made them significant to the world of professional wrestling.

The Newcomers to the Legacy Wing

WWE began inducting some legendary wrestlers and contributors into the “Legacy Wing” of its Hall of Fame in 2016. No Legacy inductees have been added since 2021, but the concept is returning this year. This year’s additions will be Kamala, Dory Funk Sr., and Ivan Koloff, who will be the 47th, 48th, and 49th members of the Legacy Wing, respectively.

• Initial Legacy inductees were primarily top stars from the early days of wrestling, including Lou Thesz, George Hackenschmidt, Ed “Strangler” Lewis, Mildred Burke, Judy Grable, and June Byers, as well as international icons like Rikidozan and El Santo.
• More recent inductees were a mix of modern and older wrestlers, such as Bruiser Brody, Luna Vachon, Wahoo McDaniel, and “Dr. Death” Steve Williams.

Getting to Know the Inductees

Kamala: The Ugandan Giant

Kamala was an active professional wrestler from the late 1970s into the mid 1990s, competing in numerous promotions, including WWE, WCW, Mid-South Wrestling, and World Class Championship Wrestling. For much of his career, Kamala was a monster heel, going by the nickname “The Ugandan Giant.” During his stints in WWE, he had memorable matches and rivalries against top stars such as Hulk Hogan and The Undertaker. Kamala’s legacy extends beyond his in-ring performances. The man behind the character, Jim Harris, passed away in 2020 at the age of 70. Harris was a key figure in shaping Kamala’s persona, and his influence can still be felt in the character’s enduring popularity.

Dory Funk Sr.: The NWA Champion

Dory Funk Sr. is perhaps best known to modern wrestling fans as the father of legendary wrestlers and WWE Hall of Famers Terry Funk and Dory Funk Jr. However, Funk Sr. was a major star in his own right throughout the 1940s and 1950s, holding the NWA North American Heavyweight Championship based in Amarillo, Texas, on 17 occasions. Funk Sr. was a versatile wrestler who excelled in various styles and promotions. After retiring as a competitor, he went on to become a successful pro wrestling promoter in his adopted home state of Texas. Unfortunately, Funk Sr. passed away at the age of 54 in 1973.

Ivan Koloff: The Russian Bear

Ivan Koloff, the Russian Bear, authored one of the most shocking and significant moments in pro wrestling history back in 1971. He beat Bruno Sammartino for the WWE Championship at Madison Square Garden in New York City, ending Sammartino’s seven-plus-year reign as WWE champion. To this day, Sammartino’s 2,803 uninterrupted days as champion remain the most in WWE history. Koloff dropped the title to Pedro Morales less than one month later, but that one triumph over Sammartino cemented his place in wrestling history forever. Koloff’s legacy extends beyond his championship reign. He was a three-time NWA Mid-Atlantic heavyweight champion and a one-time NWA Canadian heavyweight champion, holding the WWE Championship once.

The Significance of the Inductees

These three inductees will be honored as part of the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2025 induction ceremony in Las Vegas on April 18. As the 47th, 48th, and 49th members of the Legacy Wing, Kamala, Funk, and Koloff will join some of the most significant pioneers in professional wrestling history.

The Legacy of the Inductees

These three inductees will be inducted posthumously, with Kamala, Funk, and Koloff all passing away before their induction. However, their legacies live on, and their contributions to the world of professional wrestling will be honored at the WWE Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

“Kamala, Dory Funk Sr., and Ivan Koloff were trailblazers in their own right, leaving an indelible mark on the sport. Their achievements and contributions will be remembered for generations to come.” – WWE Hall of Fame Committee

Conclusion

The WWE Hall of Fame class of 2025 has been announced, and this year’s additions are sure to bring new excitement and recognition to the sport. As we look to the future, it’s essential to remember the contributions of legends like Kamala, Funk, and Koloff, who paved the way for future generations of professional wrestlers. Their legacies will be honored at the WWE Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Las Vegas on April 18, and we can’t wait to see them shine in the Legacy Wing.