The WWE Hall of Fame ceremony returned this weekend with a star-studded class of 2025, held at Las Vegas’ lavish Fontainebleau BleauLive Theater. Among the inductees was Michelle McCool, whose recognition has sparked discussions regarding her legacy and the influence of her marriage to WWE icon The Undertaker.
Kurt Angle, a fellow wrestling legend, spoke out in support of McCool's induction, dismissing speculation that her honor is merely a product of her marriage. "Michelle had a great career, she had an excellent career," Angle stated during an interview with Bill Apter on Sportskeeda WrestleBinge. "I think she deserves it. Whether she’s married to The Undertaker or not, she’s had a Hall of Fame career, and I think they’re right to induct her into the Hall of Fame. That’s an easy one. She’s that good."
McCool's journey in WWE began in 2004, and she quickly made her mark as the inaugural Divas Champion, later becoming a two-time WWE Women’s Champion. Her contributions to the women's division, particularly her role in the "LayCool" tag team with Layla, helped redefine the landscape of women's wrestling. The duo, often characterized as "mean girls," left a significant imprint on the Divas era, showcasing their talent and charisma.
As part of the 2025 Hall of Fame class, McCool joined other notable inductees including Triple H, Lex Luger, and the tag team The Natural Disasters, consisting of Earthquake and Typhoon. The ceremony also celebrated the first-ever "Immortal Moment" award, which was presented to the legendary match between “Stone Cold” Steve Austin and Bret Hart at WrestleMania 13, a bout that symbolized a pivotal moment in wrestling history.
During the induction ceremony, McCool was introduced by her husband, Mark Calaway, famously known as The Undertaker. Calaway, who emphasized that he was there as her husband and not as his character, praised McCool for her relentless pursuit of her WWE dreams and her significant influence on the modern women's division. "Michelle has always been an inspiration, not just to me but to countless others in the industry," he remarked.
In her own speech, McCool reflected on her career and the challenges she faced, particularly during the Divas era when women often received limited time in the ring. "Don’t let the noise around you drown out the truth inside you because your calling is bigger than their commentary," she advised, encouraging aspiring wrestlers to persevere despite obstacles.
McCool's induction also sparked conversations about her recent replacement of Mickie James on the WWE series LFG. Sources close to A&E indicated that Calaway played a role in this decision, stating he would only return for the second season if McCool was involved. This development has added another layer to the discussions surrounding McCool’s career and her relationship with The Undertaker.
The 2025 Hall of Fame ceremony celebrated a remarkable class of inductees, highlighting the diverse contributions of each individual. Triple H, inducted by his lifelong friend Shawn Michaels, was recognized not just for his 14-time world champion status but also for his role as WWE’s Chief Content Officer, where he has significantly shaped the company's creative direction.
Lex Luger, known as “The Total Package,” received his long-overdue induction, acknowledging his impactful career despite never winning a world title in WWE. His emotional acceptance speech, delivered by mentor Dallas Page, resonated with many, as Luger has overcome significant health struggles in recent years.
The Natural Disasters, represented by Typhoon (Fred Ottman), were celebrated for their dominance in the 1990s tag team division, while the Legacy Wing welcomed Kamala, Dory Funk Sr., and Ivan Koloff, honoring their contributions to wrestling history.
As the ceremony unfolded, McCool’s presence and the stories shared about her journey underscored the importance of representation and resilience in the wrestling world. Despite not having wrestled regularly for 14 years, McCool has made appearances in various Royal Rumble matches and the all-women's event WWE Evolution, proving that her legacy continues to inspire.
With the WWE Hall of Fame 2025 class bridging generations and celebrating the innovators, rebels, and storytellers of wrestling, fans were reminded of the rich history that shapes the industry today. From Triple H’s corporate brilliance to McCool’s groundbreaking achievements, these legends have left an indelible mark on the world of sports entertainment.
The excitement surrounding this year's Hall of Fame induction reflects the ongoing evolution of wrestling, as new talents emerge and veterans like McCool are honored for their contributions. As the wrestling community continues to grow, the stories and legacies of these inductees will inspire future generations.
As the ceremony concluded, the message was clear: the Hall of Fame is not just about honoring past achievements; it's about celebrating the ongoing journey of wrestling and the impact these legends have made on the sport.
