The wrestling world buzzed after The Undertaker made a shocking appearance at Wrestlepalooza, riding his signature motorcycle into the arena.
The Deadman announced Stephanie McMahon as the first inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2026 and confirmed he would personally do the honors.
In a moment that caught everyone off guard, The Phenom sat beside McMahon to deliver the news directly. “We have known each other for quite a long time. Are you ready?.. It is my esteemed honor to be able to induct you as the first member of the Class of 2026 WWE Hall of Fame,” he said.
He elaborated on his decision, citing McMahon’s impact on the business since taking a full-time corporate role in 1998. “It’s an incredible moment. So well deserved. Her contributions to the WWE, I mean, they’re just too numerous to even begin to list.”
McMahon’s journey saw her evolve from an innocent on-screen figure in 1999 to one of the Attitude Era’s top heels, forming the McMahon-Helmsley Regime with Triple H. She captured the WWE Women’s Championship in 2000, holding the title for 146 days.
The Undertaker, inducted by Vince McMahon in 2022, also highlighted their personal bond. “Stephanie has just always been there with a smile on her face. You know, what an ear. If you need someone to listen to something, someone to bounce ideas off of… She’s done just about everything, every role that’s in this industry, and she’s done it at a very high level. And our friendship is even better than that.”
Her career reflects that versatility, from stints as on-screen ECW owner and SmackDown General Manager to high-ranking executive roles, ultimately becoming co-CEO and Chairwoman before resigning in 2023.