BY JITU JANGIR
The 2024 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony inducts its 25th class tonight, April 5th, at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The event precedes WrestleMania XL and will livestream on Peacock in the US and the WWE Network internationally following SmackDown.##
Among this year's inductees are wrestling veterans Paul Heyman, Bull Nakano, and The U.S. Express (Barry Windham and Mike Rotunda). The ceremony will also honor boxing legend Muhammad Ali and wrestler Thunderbolt Patterson. ##
WWE Hall of Fame 2024 Results April 5, 2024##
Peter Rosenberg welcomes the viewers to the Countdown to the Hall of Fame as the crew prepares the ring for the prestigious ceremony. He highlights the night's inductees, with Paul Heyman taking center stage. Kayla Braxton and Cathy Kelley then discuss the significance of the evening before Rosenberg reintroduces the 2024 class.##
Excitement is palpable as the hosts interview various WWE personalities. Trish Stratus reminisces about her own Hall of Fame induction and her special WrestleMania memories, particularly her first one. Natalya expresses her joy about the wrestling community coming together and celebrates those who paved the way for her family's legacy. She highlights Owen Hart vs. Bret Hart as her favorite WrestleMania match and voices her support for the upcoming "Brother vs. Brother" match.##
CM Punk, despite a long day, is enthusiastic about Paul Heyman's recognition. He reflects on the significance of WrestleMania XL, especially considering the uncertainty surrounding WrestleMania 2's existence. However, his excitement gets the better of him as he forgets the names of Seth and Drew during the interview.##
Michin anticipates AJ Styles settling his differences with LA Knight and rejoining The O.C. However, Nikki Cross interjects, expressing her eagerness to see Bull Nakano. The two engage in a playful debate about the winner of the Bayley vs. Iyo Sky match.##
Maxxine Dupree acknowledges the SmackDown crew and the electrifying atmosphere leading up to the weekend. She expresses her gratitude for female pioneers like Bull Nakano and Alundra Blayze who empowered today's generation of wrestlers.##
Shayna Baszler discusses her Bloodsport match from the night before. She eagerly awaits Bull Nakano, Muhammad Ali, and Paul Heyman's inductions. Keeping a close eye on the upcoming women's title match, she acknowledges Bayley's need to prove herself while recognizing Becky Lynch as a constant threat. While open to any future opponent, she wouldn't mind challenging a champion, perhaps Rhea Ripley.##
Charlotte Flair celebrates the inductions of Mike Rotunda and Paul Heyman, both instrumental figures in her career. She expresses her appreciation for her husband Andrade and details her enjoyable experiences at a Phillies game and The World. She looks forward to socializing with the VIPs.##
Grayson Waller, despite a rough day on SmackDown, maintains his signature charisma. He expresses his excitement for the legendary figures being inducted, particularly Ken Shamrock and the ECW representatives. He's particularly enthusiastic about Paul Heyman's induction and flaunts his stylish pink shoes.##
Peter Rosenberg chats with Bayley at ringside. She acknowledges her pre-match jitters but finds motivation in the surrounding energy. She admires Bull Nakano's confidence, a quality she has incorporated into her own persona.##
Bronson Reed, a huge Bull Nakano fan, highlights Paul Heyman's significant influence on him as both a fan and a mentee. He sets his sights on winning the Andre the Giant Battle Royal and keeps a watchful eye on the Intercontinental Title Match at WrestleMania.##
Montez Ford and Bianca Belair share their excitement for the weekend and their upcoming performance. They express their gratitude to the ever-supportive WWE fanbase. ##
The 2024 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony kicks off with a video package highlighting the legendary status of Hall of Famers and introducing the night's inductees. Corey Graves and Jackie Redmond welcome the audience and point out celebrities like Paul Levesque (Triple H) and Stephanie McMahon, CM Punk, and Rey Mysterio. ##
Roman Reigns Inducts Paul Heyman ##
As Paul Heyman's name is called, the crowd erupts in an ECW chant. A video package dedicated to Heyman's career precedes his induction. Roman Reigns steps forward as Heyman's inductor. Reigns acknowledges the difficulty of introducing "the best promo in the business." He shares a few anecdotes about Heyman's wisdom and guidance, crediting Heyman for believing in him even when Reigns himself doubted his abilities. Reigns declares that "the Tribal Chief" wouldn't exist without Heyman and inducts him into the Hall of Fame. ##
Heyman enters the ring to a roaring ECW chant. He embraces Rob Van Dam, Tommy Dreamer, and Bubba Ray Dudley before reaching the podium. Heyman acknowledges the chants of "You deserve it!" and takes a moment to absorb the atmosphere. He declares his lack of preparation, opting to feel the energy of the crowd. Heyman humorously recounts seeking advice from his son, who sits beside CM Punk.##
Heyman expresses gratitude for being able to work in the world of professional wrestling. He highlights the significance of being chosen first by Paul Levesque for this year's Hall of Fame class. He acknowledges Levesque's leadership and their newfound working relationship. Heyman shouts out Stephanie McMahon, crediting her for being a strong woman and playfully suggests she "married the wrong Paul." ##
Heyman delivers a heartfelt message to his children, emphasizing the importance of pursuing one's dreams and living a life worthy of respect. He gets emotional while expressing his love for his late parents and his admiration for the legendary Dusty Rhodes.##
Donning his signature ECW attire, Heyman launches into a passionate speech about the revolutionary impact of ECW. He emphasizes ECW's role in reviving professional wrestling and disputes claims that the concept of extreme wrestling is dead. Heyman asserts that the spirit of ECW lives on in the matches, ideas, and fan enthusiasm.##
Heyman concludes his speech with a message of resilience. He emphasizes that only individuals can limit themselves from achieving their dreams. He highlights his current work with Roman Reigns and the future of the industry, mentioning promising stars like Bron Breakker, Rhea Ripley, and Carmelo Hayes. Heyman signs off with his trademark "Ladies and Gentlemen..." and a final message - he's not finished yet. The ECW theme plays as Heyman exits the stage, handing his jacket and cap to his children. ##
Bull Nakano is inducted into the Hall of Fame. A video package of her career is shown. Superstars talk about the impact she had on them. Alundra Blayze inducts Nakano. She says Nakano was a revolution and a pioneer. Nakano thanks Alundra and says she is happy to be inducted. She talks about her time in WWE and thanks Madusa and the WWE Universe. ##
The 2024 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony honored both boxing legend Muhammad Ali and wrestler Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. A video package showcased Ali's boxing achievements, mic skills, activism, and even his WrestleMania I involvement. The Undertaker inducted Ali, praising his iconic quotes, dominance in the ring, and humanitarian efforts. ##
Lonnie Ali, Ali's widow, then delivered a heartfelt speech detailing his life and passion, crediting him as the original "global sports entertainer" and highlighting his influence on The Rock. The Rock himself received a custom "People's Championship" belt from Lonnie Ali, sharing a story about Ali's approval of the nickname. He acknowledged the mixed crowd reaction before thanking them and exiting the stage. ##
The 2024 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony inducts The U.S. Express, Barry Windham and Mike Rotunda.##
A video package highlights their careers, including their tag team run and later singles careers.##
Taylor Rotunda (Bo Dallas) and Mika Rotunda induct the team. They acknowledge Windham Rotunda's (Bray Wyatt) absence but assure the audience he's present in spirit.##
They praise The U.S. Express for their teamwork, in-ring dominance, and lasting impact on future wrestlers.##
Windham and Rotunda take the stage. Mike thanks the audience and mentions the special significance of Philadelphia, where he competed years ago.##
He shares their wrestling origin story, including influences like Dusty Rhodes and The Destroyer. Barry adds details about their personal lives and early careers.##
Mike reflects on WrestleMania I and the evolution of WrestleMania over the years. He expresses his wish for his son, Windham Rotunda, to be there and leads the crowd in a tribute to him with Bray Wyatt's theme music. ##
The New Day's Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston introduce Big E for their first reunion in a WWE ring in a long time. They dedicate the moment to Thunderbolt Patterson, a man known for his charisma and oratory skills.##
The New Day credit Patterson for advocating for equal and fair pay, challenging bigotry, and paving the way for their success. They lead the crowd in a chant for Patterson.##
A video package highlights Patterson's gift for connecting with fans and his lasting influence on the wrestling industry.##
Steve Spears, a wrestling fan, takes the stage to honor Patterson. He compares Patterson's impact to Jackie Robinson's in baseball and shares a story about Patterson overcoming racism.##
Patterson delivers an emotional speech. He thanks God and a few key figures in his career, emphasizing the importance of treating others with respect. He exits the stage with a call for kindness. ##
The Rock congratulates the 2024 WWE Hall of Fame inductees before inducting his grandmother, Lia Maivia.##
He credits Maivia for being a trailblazer who opened doors in the male-dominated wrestling industry. The Rock highlights Maivia's success promoting events during a time of territorial competition, attracting stars like Dusty Rhodes.##
He acknowledges his respect for Dusty Rhodes but emphasizes that his upcoming WrestleMania match against Cody Rhodes is "personal."##
The Rock thanks everyone on behalf of his family, including his mother Ata Johnson, before exiting and ending the show. ##
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