Undertaker welcomes Muhammad Ali into WWE Hall of Fame, the Rock receives People’s Championship

The Undertaker began his induction with Ali’s infamous catchphrase, “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.”
Pop Culture & Art | April 06, 2024

Legendary boxer Muhammad Ali was posthumously honoured and inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2024 in a ceremony on April 5th. The Undertaker opened with Ali’s signature line, "Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee. His hands can't hit what his eyes can't see," later revealing he had "always just wanted to say that.”

Courtesy: X

Ali’s wife, Yolanda “Lonnie” Ali, was also present at the ceremony. About her late husband, she said, “Muhammad loved people, all people. And they loved him right back. He loved the roar of the crowd. An incredible self-promoter, [that was] something he learned early in his career from WWE Hall of Famer Gorgeous George.”

She then referenced professional wrestler, Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, who asked Ali for permission to use his “People’s Champion” title back in 1998, after which she revealed she was presenting Johnson with a People’s Championship belt.

 

Despite some booing from the audience, The Rock came to the ring and thanked her for the honour. He recalled his initial encounter with Ali during his time with the Nation of Domination, emphasising that it was “out of respect” for Muhammad that he identified himself as "The People's Champion."

Many are also confused at Ali’s induction into the WWE Hall of Fame – considering his sport was boxing and not wrestling. However, the renowned boxer made three significant appearances at WWE events during his lifetime.

In 1976, he danced around Gorilla Monsoon after a match, leading to Monsoon quickly ending the bout with an airplane spin.

His next appearance was as a guest referee at the inaugural WrestleMania in 1985, where he famously punched Roddy Piper, aiding Hulk Hogan and Mr. T to victory.

Ali's final WWE appearance occurred in 1994 at Halloween Havoc, where he presented a title belt to Hogan after his win against Ric Flair, marking a reunion with the wrestler he assisted at WrestleMania a decade earlier.

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