The Undertaker Announces Stephanie McMahon as First Inductee into WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2026 at Wrestlepalooza

Indianapolis, IN—Wrestlepalooza delivered not only blockbuster matches but also a truly unforgettable moment of nostalgia and respect. Following the high-stakes mixed tag bout featuring CM Punk & AJ Lee against Seth Rollins & Becky Lynch, the WWE Universe was treated to a surprise appearance by none other than The Undertaker.

A Legendary Entrance

After a commercial break, the familiar gong of The Undertaker’s classic theme echoed through Gainbridge Fieldhouse, sending chills down the crowd. But then, in a fitting callback to his early 2000s persona, the music shifted into a version of “American Bad Ass” as The Deadman rode down the ramp on his Harley Davidson motorcycle.

The crowd reaction was deafening, with fans on their feet reliving one of wrestling’s most iconic entrances. The Undertaker circled the ring before parking, soaking in the energy of Indianapolis before making his way to the front row.

Sharing the Spotlight with Stephanie McMahon

At ringside, Stephanie McMahon was seated in one of the premium front-row seats, applauding the entrance. In a rare sight, The Undertaker hopped the barricade and joined her in the crowd, mic in hand.

“I’m not used to being on this side of the barricade,” Taker quipped, drawing a knowing laugh from fans. He then turned serious, delivering a heartfelt announcement: Stephanie McMahon will be the first inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2026.

The arena erupted into a massive ovation as Stephanie’s eyes welled with emotion. For longtime fans, it was a full-circle moment — recognition for her decades of contributions both in front of the camera during the Attitude Era and behind the scenes as one of WWE’s most influential executives.

A “Pop” That Mattered

As Stephanie embraced the announcement, chants of “Thank you, Steph!” filled the building. It’s worth noting that this segment arrived amid a running joke popularized by former "WCW World Heavyweight Champion" and wrestling personality Vince Russo, who’s taken to calling Triple H the “King of Pops” for what he considers cheap pops aimed at social media traction.

But this moment stood apart. It was genuine, emotional, and celebrated a woman who has been a foundational piece of WWE’s history.

Wrestling.news | Backstage Take

This segment will be remembered as one of the night’s defining moments. The Undertaker’s presence lent weight, and Stephanie McMahon’s Hall of Fame inductee announcement felt overdue. Fans may debate Triple H’s fondness for nostalgia pops, but this was no throwaway segment — it was a fitting salute to a figure whose legacy stretches back to the Attitude Era and beyond.

Expect WWE to lean heavily into Stephanie’s induction storyline as WrestleMania season approaches. For fans who grew up watching her as an on-screen villain and later respected her business leadership, this moment will resonate for months to come.

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