The energy in Las Vegas is electric. WrestleMania week has arrived, and anticipation is building for the spectacular events to come. Fans from around the globe have descended upon Sin City, eager to witness the clashes of titans like Oba Femi, CM Punk, Cody Rhodes, and Rhea Ripley.
But before the main event, a tradition unfolds – the honoring of wrestling legends. This year’s WWE Hall of Fame induction ceremony promises to be particularly poignant, recognizing icons like Stephanie McMahon and the phenomenal AJ Styles for their indelible contributions to the sport.
The ceremony, once a standalone event, now follows SmackDown, a fitting prelude to the “Showcase of the Immortals.” Whispers suggest The Undertaker himself will bestow honors upon McMahon, while the possibility of John Cena recognizing AJ Styles adds another layer of excitement.
For dedicated fans in the UK, the Hall of Fame ceremony will begin bright and early on Saturday, April 18th, at 5:00 AM. The event has moved to Dolby Live at Park MGM, a short distance from the T-Mobile Arena where SmackDown will be held.
This year, fans won’t need a subscription to witness the celebration of wrestling history. The ceremony will be streamed live and available on demand, completely free, via YouTube. It’s a chance to witness the recognition of those who shaped the industry.
While Netflix now serves as the primary home for WWE content in the UK, certain broadcasts remain outside that agreement. The Hall of Fame falls into this category, ensuring global accessibility for fans eager to celebrate these legends.
The 2026 class is a diverse and compelling group. Alongside McMahon and Styles, Demolition (Ax and Smash) will be inducted, alongside Dennis Rodman in the celebrity wing. Sid (known as Sid Justice, Sid Vicious, and Psycho Sid) and Bad News Brown will be honored as legacy inductees.
A truly iconic moment will also be enshrined: Hulk Hogan’s legendary battle against Andre the Giant from WrestleMania III. This match, a defining moment in wrestling history, will forever be immortalized in the Hall of Fame.
For AJ Styles, this induction marks the end of an extraordinary career. He officially retired after a hard-fought match against GUNTHER at the Royal Rumble in January, acknowledging that his body had reached its limit.
Styles had hinted at retirement for some time, admitting his body was pleading for rest. Despite the physical toll, he continued to deliver captivating performances, culminating in a final appearance at the Royal Rumble – the same event where he first captivated WWE audiences in 2016.
Though his in-ring days are over, Styles isn’t leaving the wrestling world. He’s transitioned to a role behind the scenes, utilizing his vast experience to scout and nurture the next generation of WWE superstars, ensuring the future of the sport remains bright.
