With WrestleMania 38 right around the corner, that also means a tradition like no other returns. The WWE Hall of Fame, which takes place right before WrestleMania, will be on April 1 from inside the American Airlines Center in Dallas.
Over the years, WWE has inducted a who’s who of legends into its Hall of Fame. Andre the Giant was the first inductee in 1993. The list of wrestlers who have joined him includes Gorilla Monsoon, Trish Stratus, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, Mae Young, Bret Hart, Pat Patterson, Alundra Blayze, Hulk Hogan, George "The Animal Steele," Ric Flair and more. Last year saw the 2020 and 2021 classes join together as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
With WrestleMania taking place in Texas, it is only fitting that the event is headlined by The Undertaker. Who else will be joining Undertaker in the Hall of Fame? Who received The Warrior Award? Are there a few surprises that made it in?
The Sporting News breaks down the WWE Hall of Fame 2022 class.
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The Undertaker
Undertaker made his pro wrestling debut in 1987. He joined WCW in 1989 as "Mean Mark" Callous, but ultimately made his way to WWE in 1990. Debuting at that year's Survivor Series, the mysterious figure quickly became an iconic member of WWE's roster. Whether a good or a bad guy, Undertaker always remained consistent in the ring.
During his WWE career, Undertaker won the WWE title four times, the World Heavyweight title three times, the Tag Team title seven times and the Hardcore title once. Undertaker won the Royal Rumble in 2007 and at one point had a record of 21-0 at WrestleMania. He is now 25-2 at the event.
The Undertaker ended up officially retiring in 2020. His last match was at WrestleMania 36, beating AJ Styles in a Boneyard match. He has adapted over the years from the silent figure to the Ministry of Darkness to The American Badass. Whichever way you remember Undertaker, it proves his character will always stand the test of time.
Vader
Leon White, known to fans as Vader, is considered one of the greatest and most athletic heavyweight athletes in wrestling history. He was agile for a man his size. Vader performed somersaults off the top rope with ease.
Vader was well known in Japan, winning the IWGP Heavyweight Title three times and the Triple Crown Heavyweight title for All Japan Pro Wrestling two times. While in WCW, Vader feuded with Ric Flair, Hulk Hogan and Sting. He also is known for being in a match where Mick Foley lost his ear in Germany in 1994. Vader helped make history as Ron Simmons pinned him for the WCW World Heavyweight Title.
Joining WWE in 1996, Vader was a true force, competing against Shawn Michaels, Kane, Goldust and The Undertaker. He continued to use his speed and power to put on great matches during a time of change for the company.
Vader died in 2018 following heart surgery after battling pneumonia. Fans have been waiting for it to be Vader(s) Time in the WWE Hall of Fame, and now the big man will finally be honored for his accomplishments in wrestling.
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Queen Sharmell
Winning the 1991 Miss Black America pageant, Sharmell joined WCW in the late '90s as a Nitro Girl. Primarily a dancer, Sharmell and the Nitro Girls would eventually get involved in various storylines in WCW.
Joining WWE after the end of WCW, Sharmell would become the valet of husband Booker T. She helped him win various titles in WWE, including the United States Title, the World Heavyweight Title and the King of the Ring tournament. Sharmell would join Booker in Impact Wrestling years later. Her presence helped Booker T become a major threat wherever they went.
The Steiner Brothers
Rick and Scott Steiner are considered among the most accomplished tag team wrestlers of all time. Amateur wrestlers from the University of Michigan, Scott was an NCAA Division I All-American, while Rick created the record for the fastest pin in school history at 15 seconds.
In 1989, Rick and Scott joined the world of pro wrestling. They would end up winning tag team gold everywhere they went, becoming NWA/WCW, NWA Mid-Atlantic, WWE and IWGP Tag Team Champions.
Scott would turn heel around 1997/1998 and attack Rick, changing into the "Big Poppa Pump" persona we know today. The former won the WCW World Heavyweight Title and would feud with his brother occasionally. Scott joined WWE and Impact Wrestling in the late 2000s, with Rick joining him in Impact not long after. Both have wrestled in recent years, showcasing their hard-hitting style and wrestling ability.
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The Steiner legacy continues in WWE, with Rick's son using the name Bron Breakker in NXT.
Warrior Award: Shad Gaspard
Known for being a member of Cryme Tyme, Shad Gaspard will forever be known as a true family man.
Shad, who died in 2020, will be the recipient of The Warrior Award. Per WWE, The Warrior Award is presented to an individual "who exhibits unwavering strength and perseverance, and who lives life with the courage and compassion that embodies the indomitable spirit of The Ultimate Warrior."
In May 2020, Shad was swimming with his son in Venice Beach, Calif., when they were caught in a strong current. Shad made sure his son was saved by a rescue team before he was. When they went back for Shad, he was submerged by another wave. WWE will honor him for his act of courage.
While with WWE, he entertained fans with JTG. Shad also performed in Japan and across the Indies and even appeared in a few movies. Since his death, he has been honored by Dave Meltzer and multiple other wrestling entities.