March 31, 2023
Crypto.com Arena โ Los Angeles, CA
Hosts: Corey Graves and Kayla Braxton
Backstage Interviewers: Byron Saxton and Maria Menounos
First Inductee: Stacy Keibler
Inducted By: Mick Foley and Torrie Wilson
Stacy started her speech by saying “it’s good to be home!” and showed a photo of herself holding a sign that said, “Thank You Bret” as a fan in the crowd at an episode of WCW Nitro. Stacy said she “was a superfan first and I will ALWAYS be a superfan!”
"I was a superfan first and I will ALWAYS be a superfan!"
What an incredible journey it's been for @StacyKeibler! #WWEHOF pic.twitter.com/DuslZukQu0
— WWE (@WWE) April 1, 2023
Second Inductee: Andy Kaufman (accepted by his family)
Inducted By: Jerry Lawler and Jimmy Hart
A healthy-looking Jerry Lawler sent in a video from home sending his love for Andy Kaufman and announced Jimmy Hart to induct Andy Kaufman live. Hart told stories about Andy refusing to sign fans’ autographs and getting attacked by fans. Andy Kaufman’s family came out to accept the award and said that Andy didn’t get into wrestling as a gag, but because he was a lifelong fan.
There was never a rivalry quite like @JerryLawler vs. @ndykaufman!
Great to see you King, looking great! ๐ #WWEHOF pic.twitter.com/LkZ2Ana0gk
— WWE (@WWE) April 1, 2023
"Andy saw the beauty in this world and that's why he ignored all the people who told him to stop wrestling." ๐ฅน
The late @ndykaufman's family joins us for his #WWEHOF induction. pic.twitter.com/DzUiiMGxLY
— WWE (@WWE) April 1, 2023
Third Inductee: The Great Muta
Inducted By: Ric Flair
The video package featured footage of Shinsuke Nakamura’s involvement in his retirement match. During Ric Flair’s induction speech, he called Asuka a badass. Flair said that Muta was the greatest Japanese wrestler he’s ever been in the ring with and that Muta invented the moonsault, not Shawn Michaels.
"He is the greatest Japanese wrestler I've ever been in the ring with." ๐@RicFlairNatrBoy recounts his first meeting with The Great Muta as he inducts him into the #WWEHOF. pic.twitter.com/HdBEetjZGe
— WWE (@WWE) April 1, 2023
Muta’s speech was short as he explained he didn’t speak English but said it was a great honor to be inducted and thanked WWE. He capped his brief speech off by spitting the infamous green mist and the cameras cut to Asuka marking out.
HE DID THE THING! ๐คฎ
Congratulations to The Great Muta, a much deserved addition into the #WWEHOF! ๐๐๐ pic.twitter.com/c74Tv7X0hl
— WWE (@WWE) April 1, 2023
Warrior Award Inductee: Tim White (accepted by his brothers Tom and Pat)
Inducted By: JBL and Ron Simmons
Ron Simmons said that any time Tim White needed a new wall or TV at his bar in Providence, RI, Tim would suggest to the writers that the APA should come to the bar and break a wall or TV. JBL added that Tim replaced a broken jukebox with a brand-new digital one. The award was accepted by Tim’s brothers Tom and Pat.
What does Ron Simmons have to say about the APA getting back together?
Can you guess? ๐๐#WWEHOF pic.twitter.com/XkE7vG0qyD
— WWE (@WWE) April 1, 2023
The late Tim White's brothers accept the #WWEHOF Warrior Award on his behalf in an emotional speech celebrating his life and career. ๐ pic.twitter.com/PcKwUiqMRN
— WWE (@WWE) April 1, 2023
Fourth Inductee: Rey Mysterio
Inducted By: Konnan
When Konnan came down to the ring to induct Rey Mysterio, the camera lingered on a surly Dominik Mysterio not standing. Konnan talked about bringing Rey to AAA, ECW, and WCW and how it took convincing at each promotion to get him booked. He also credited Rey with saving his life when he was on his deathbed. Konnan said that Rey was a real family man and that he wished he could have been adopted by him. “Maybe I could replace Dominik,” he said to which the camera cut to Dom & Rhea and they sat there stone-faced. Konnan concluded with “I call Rey the scarecrow, why? Because he’s outstanding in his field.”
Uh oh. @DomMysterio35 didn't like that one from @Konnan5150… ๐ฌ#WWEHOF pic.twitter.com/vWJVvi1isR
— WWE (@WWE) April 1, 2023
Rey shook hands and hugged multiple Superstars on the stage all while Dominik, Rhea, and Damien Priest sat looking away. As Rey began his speech, the trio stood up and walked out and into the back. Rey simply responded, “I’ll take care of business tomorrow”.
EVERYBODY is on their feet for @reymysterio!
Well, almost everybody… ๐#WWEHOF pic.twitter.com/UY4aeoaFOq
— WWE (@WWE) April 1, 2023
Welp, @DomMysterio35's out.
So disrespectful. This is @reymysterio's night. ๐#WWEHOF pic.twitter.com/SSjJnnU17R
— WWE (@WWE) April 1, 2023
Rey told stories about struggling to be booked as a teenager as well as seeing Andre the Giant in person. Rey got emotional talking about how when he was struggling on the road waiting for AAA to begin his wife (then girlfriend) Angie would send him money so he could pursue his dream.
An incredibly emotional moment as @reymysterio recounts the sacrifices his wife made to support him and his dream. ๐ญ
Thank you, Angie. โฅ๏ธ#WWEHOF pic.twitter.com/E7AhMlOwLf
— WWE (@WWE) April 1, 2023
He said that there would be no Rey Mysterio without Psicosis and that the match that put him on the map was Halloween Havoc 1997. Rey thanked WWE for breaking the mold of what a Superstar should look like and for allowing him to introduce his family to the WWE Universe. He said he and his wife had a saying… “We always thank God first and then Konnan second”.
.@reymysterio thanks the WWE Universe for making his name immortal! ๐๐๐
Thank YOU, Rey. #WWEHOF pic.twitter.com/AgDlc46aQe
— WWE (@WWE) April 1, 2023
WWE Hall of Fame Speech Times:
- Stacy Keibler – 9:54
- Andy Kaufman (via his family) – 2:43
- The Great Muta – 1:03
- Tim White (via his brothers) – 2:22
- Rey Mysterio – 28:52