Recap by: Matt ten-Hoeve, pwinsider.com

Michael Cole and Pat McAfee are the hosts of the WWE Hall of Fame 2025. Joe Tessitore narrates a video package about the Hall of Fame.

Cole talks about his journey in wrestling – starting out as a fan in the 1970s and 1980s. He’s now been in the WWE for 28 years and even had a match at WrestleMania. Cole’s biggest thrill, though, has been providing the soundtrack to moments in wrestlings. He’s humbled and honored to do so. Tonight, though, is the biggest honor of Cole’s career. McAfee agrees. He’s loved wrestling since stealing the PPVs as a kid. McAfee is excited to induct some legends tonight.

A video package airs for Lex Luger.

Lex Luger – Inducted by Diamond Dallas Page

Diamond Dallas Page is honored to induct someone into the WWE Hall of Fame for a second time. They aren’t celebrating the just impact that Lex Luger had on the business, but his rebirth. Luger was given every gift in the book when he was born and was a physical specimen. Luger was destined to be money in wrestling. Luger was a member of the Four Horsemen and carved out a legacy in the NWA, WCW, and WWE. DDP talks about the Lex Express and Luger slamming Yokozuna. DDP covers Luger leaving WWE for WCW in secret. Luger made waves and created memories during the Monday Night Wars. Luger’s hardest battles were outside of the ring, though, thanks to his lifestyle. Real strength isn’t what a person builds in the spotlight, though, it’s what a person does in the shadows. Luger found his purpose and realized it’s better to build people up instead of tearing people down. There’s always hope and tonight stands as proof.

Lex Luger comes out and STANDS at the podium. Luger says that there was a plan to walk for longer, but he took an unexpected bump yesterday. He’s standing for this no matter what, though. What a ride and journey. Luger never expected to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, but is thankful. Luger thanks DDP for being relentless. Luger thanks all of his other friends for sticking with him. Luger thanks the jail chaplain that helped him find god. Luger thanks the fans.

Luger tells a story about Pastor Steve, the jail chaplain. Luger never wanted to go to Walmart with him because he thought he was better than the store. Luger didn’t understand the fans at first. When he finally walked into Walmart, though, when he was feeling unlovable – fans recognized him and showed him so much love. It gave him hope. It changed him from a wrestler who wasn’t a fan to a fan of wrestling. Luger loves what wrestling is today and is proud of what WWE has become.

Luger’s mom would always ask him if he was going to go into the WWE Hall of Fame. She unfortunately passed away recently, but Lex Luger lets his mom know that he made it.

Pat McAfee picks apart Michael Cole acting like Triple H on an episode of RAW.

A video package airs for Kamala.

Kamala – Legacy Wing

Jean Harris, Kamala’s wife, is shown in the crowd. She stands and gives everyone a wave.

A video package airs for Michelle McCool.

Michelle McCool – Inducted by The Undertaker

The Undertaker says, “It’s Vegas. It’s Friday night. I’m here for a good time, not a long time.” He’s not here as the Phenom or the Deadman. Tonight, he’s just Mark…or a mark. He’s a husband and a father. He’s a man who gets to honor one of the greatest people in life and the wrestling business. Michelle McCool came to WWE with her working boots and something to prove. She went out and earned everything. McCool never wanted The Undertaker to speak on her behalf. He didn’t know what to say, so he said, “When I do speak, you better listen.” It was three months before he could eat solid food again. McCool was the first Divas Champion and the first person to hold the Divas Championship and Women’s Championship. She was in the great team, LayCool. McCool was a pioneer before the women’s evolution. The most amazing thing about McCool, though, is who she is when the camera isn’t rolling. She’s a woman of faith, a mother who leads with love, and the strongest person in their family. McCool picked The Undertaker up when he couldn’t pick himself up. She made him a better man, a better father, and a better person. McCool stepped away from the WWE at the top of her game so that she could be a mother, which was more important to her. Her fingerprints are still all over the women’s division today. Without McCool, many of the women would not have gotten the opportunities that they have now and they are smashing it now. McCool is more than a Hall of Famer – she’s a legend and The Undertaker’s best friend.

Michelle McCool comes out and jokes that The Undertaker told a few lies. McCool says that some of the biggest moments can just sneak up on a person. She thinks back to 2004 and getting a random 203 number from WWE Headquarters (for Tough Enough). She let it go to voicemail because she was scared of failing. Wrestling wasn’t just entertainment in her house – it was sacred. It was a form of bonding. In 2008, she decided to give WWE another try with the Diva Search. She got the call again and realized her life was about to change. What if she was enough just as she was?

Tonight is not just her story – it’s everyone’s story. Everyone is enough. Period. McCool talks about how having grit is not about feeling pain or not. It’s about fighting through pain and proving that there’s no quit. As long as someone fights, they are still in the game. McCool talks about how things weren’t always easy during the Divas Era. She was told to tone it down, but didn’t and was rewarded. Therefore, not every voice deserves attention. A person’s calling is bigger than other people’s commentary.

Lastly, failure isn’t fatal. McCool has been dealing with severe liver and kidney diseases for over 25 years. She was having wrestling hallucinations while in the hospital and wouldn’t stop talking about The Undertaker. During that time, though, she believed that her hard times would be temporary. McCool never believed she’d be in the Hall of Fame. Some of the biggest moments didn’t just happen in the ring, but outside of it – all the tours to see the troops and hanging out at the Special Olympics. McCool thanks the fans for all the support. She thanks the WWE. She thanks Sharmell, Natalya, Fit Finlay, John Cone, and Layla, among others. McCool suggests a LayCool reunion. It could be flawless. Lastly, McCool thanks her family and The Undertaker.

An AJ Styles vs. Logan Paul video package airs.

A video package airs for Dory Funk, Sr.

Dory Funk, Sr. – Legacy Wing

Dory Funk, Jr. and Stacy Funk (Dory Funk, Sr. ‘s granddaughter) are shown in the crowd and acknowledged.

A video package by Tom Rinaldi for Triple H airs.

Michael Cole points out that Jimmy Hart is in the crowd tonight. Hart was instrumental in the success of The Natural Disasters.

A video package airs for The Natural Disasters.

The Natural Disasters

Fred Ottman (Typhoon) and his son come out with John Tenta’s (Earthquake) family. John Tenta’s son, John, talks about finding his father on the floor with VHS tapes all around him. He was watching his own segment and cracking up. It was Earthquake entertaining John Tenta, just like he entertained all the fans. He is so proud to call John Tenta his father. The moment was bittersweet because it was his father looking back on his life – a life that was coming to an end. However, his father lived a full, happy life.

John Tenta’s daughter, Joanna, always admired her dad for always being himself. He never took himself too seriously – a person can be fierce and gentle at the same time. She’s been training to follow in his footsteps. She thanks Uncle Fred for being a great tag team partner and friend. She recalls Fred and John riding the Dumbo ride at Disney and laughing really hard.

Fred Ottman is grateful to have The Natural Disasters inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. Ottman had a great time with John Tenta and cherished all the moments they had. Ottman talks about getting the call to become Typhoon and teaming up with Earthquake. Ottman loved the idea. Sometimes tag teams don’t gel, but The Natural Disasters did.

Ottman recalls hearing about Tenta’s cancer coming back after being in remission. It broke Ottman’s heart. Tenta must be looking down now, though, smiling so big. Ottman misses Tenta and this induction is for him.

Some of the top Stunners of Stone Cold Steve Austin’s career are shown.

A video package airs for the WrestleMania 13 Match between Steve Austin and Bret Hart.

Immortal Moment: Steve Austin and Bret Hart – Inducted by CM Punk

CM Punk says he only has two minutes to talk about the two greatest, elite workers this business has ever seen. Nobody wants to hear from him anyway. They want to hear from Steve Austin and Bret Hart. People tend to speak in hyperbole with “best” and “worst.” Punk believes that the hyperbole should be saved for this match – it’s perfect. CM Punk is the best in the world, but this night is not about him. The match means a lot to him and a lot of wrestlers and fans. Punk shouts out Ken Shamrock for being a great referee in the match. Punk gives credit to the Chicago fans that were there live for the match. Punk only ever tried to walk in the shadow of giants. All he will continue to do is follow in the footsteps of legends. He’s been fortunate to have a lot of mentors in wrestling. Punk has lost a lot of them, but is thankful that Bret Hart and Steve Austin are here to be given their flowers.

Bret Hart and Steve Austin come out. CM Punk presents them with a trophy/statue of their heads (split in half and placed together) to commemorate the match.

Bret Hart says that it’s a huge honor to be the first person with three Hall of Fame rings. Hart knew right away that the match with Austin was the best match he ever had. Hart quotes a famous painter, “Art is a wound turned to light.” He feels that’s a perfect statement for the match. Hart feels that he always got along well with Austin, but he also had trust and respect with him. That’s what means the most to him now.

Steve Austin says that he’s talked about this match so much. Blowing smoke up their asses tonight seems like overkill. When he got the finish that night, he wasn’t sure about it. He doubted it. Austin feels like the match was basic and simple, but that’s what can make a match great. Austin thanks Ken Shamrock, but is pissed that Shamrock looked better than both him and Hart. Austin also thanks the commentators of the match – Vince McMahon, Jim Ross, and Jerry Lawler. They laid down the soundtrack of what Austin and Hart did. It was a great time in Austin’s life. Watching the video packages makes Austin emotional, so it’s time to drink a beer.

A Jade Cargill vs. Naomi video package airs.

An Ivan Koloff video package airs.

Ivan Koloff – Legacy Wing

Renae Koloff, Ivan Koloff’s wife, is shown in the crowd. She stands and gives everyone a wave.

It’s time to celebrate The Game!

A video package airs for Triple H. “Nothing Else Matters” by Metallica plays over the video.

Triple H – Inducted by Shawn Michaels

Shawn Michaels jokes that he hopes everyone is enjoying the 2025 Ass kissing…I mean Hall of Fame. He says that if he doesn’t show up for NXT tomorrow, that joke didn’t go over well. Michaels is honored to induct his best friend into the Hall of Fame. He lists Triple H’s accolades and talks about the Kliq. Triple H just wanted to be a professional wrestler. He didn’t think he was the chosen one and didn’t have a diabolical plan. Triple H had to prove his worth. But what about marrying the boss’ daughter? All he did was fall in love with a woman who fell in love with him. The accomplishments would be the same, no matter what, because Triple H was always willing to outwork everyone. Speaking of Stephanie – Michaels is sure that there have been times that she’s wondered about his and Triple H’s relationship. Michaels’ wife has wondered, as well. Michaels says, hand to god, the only times they’ve ever kissed was on live television.

Triple H does everything in life with sincere, genuine intent. He has genuine relationships with his parents, his family, and his friends. When it comes to Michaels, it was a decision to be Michaels’ friend. Shawn would like to think that Triple H learned a bit from him – mostly what not to do. Michaels always knew that Triple H would do great things, but he doesn’t know why he stayed Michaels’ friend for so long. It was a bad decision and had opportunities to drop Michaels. Instead, Triple H stayed his friend despite not knowing that Michaels was going to turn it around to become a great, humble, adorable person.

Michaels talks about how he’s not bitter at all about everyone thinking the second iteration of DX was better before talking about NXT. Triple H built it from the ground up because he wanted a place where young wrestlers could grow. Now, the WrestleMania card is close to being all NXT alumni. Michaels talks about getting the call to visit NXT. It went from 2 hours a day a couple times a week to a non-stop job…but he wouldn’t change it for the world. Well, maybe he would change the emails that he gets at 1 AM that start with “Per Paul.” WHO’S PAUL?! Paul should know that Michaels doesn’t read emails at 1 AM because he goes to bed at 9 PM. Paul, the boss, is a big pain in his ass.

Michaels gets it now. Triple H is just getting Shawn back for the 90s. Just like in the 90s, though, Triple H didn’t leave Michaels, so Michaels isn’t leaving him. Michaels points to Kevin Nash and Sean Waltman and shouts out Scott Hall. The Kliq will always be ride or die. Triple H is going to continue to do great things for WWE for a long time. Triple H has an excellent mind for the business and he’s never lost the love for it. Everyone feels comfortable with Triple H in charge. Shawn Michaels says that he loves Triple H.

Triple H comes out and hugs Shawn Michaels. The crowd chants “You deserve it!” Triple H says that he’s been in the back crying the whole time, so he might be dehydrated. If he passes out, just drop an elbow on him. He says he’s not good at talking when he gets choked up. “If you can find a true friend, you are a rich man.” Michaels makes him a billionaire.

Triple H thanks Motorhead for the entrance songs. He points out Rich Hering in the crowd. Hering was inducted into the Hall of Fame a few years ago. 55 years ago today, Hering did his first show for the WWWF and has never left the company. Triple H thanks him for helping him and all his friends. Hering would always fix stuff.

Since Triple H was surprised with the Hall of Fame announcement, he’s been trying to figure out how to approach tonight. He still hasn’t figured it out. Some speeches are long. Some are short. Some are still going (he jokes about Mr. T). He realized that tonight isn’t about him – it’s about the people who got him here. He’s just a kid from New Hampshire who saw Chief Jay Strongbow on TV and never looked back.

Triple H had a lot of people help him and he’s lucky. He believes that there isn’t a self-made man on this planet. Everyone has gotten help. For Triple H, it starts with his parents (tonight is their 61st anniversary). His mom taught him everything that he did in DX. His parents taught him how to work his ass off. Triple H’s sister has always had his back. She recently has had similar heart issues and is doing amazing things getting the word out about how to help the issues.

Triple H thanks his friends from 40 years ago – Brian and Michael. They worked out with him in the gym and believed in him. He discovered Arnold Schwarzenegger at a young age and used Arnold’s book as a blueprint on how to become successful. Triple H met Ted Arcidi who introduced him to Killer Kowalski. Kowalski trained him and it felt natural. Triple H didn’t have the money to train, but Kowalski let him train anyway.

Killer Kowalski taught Triple H so much and he finds himself passing down the same advice today. Triple H went to WCW and he points out Eric Bischoff in the crowd. He thanks Bischoff for giving him a start. Triple H met Dusty Rhodes in WCW. Rhodes became a mentor to Triple H later in life. Rhodes taught him a lot of things, including “Booking ain’t easy.” Triple H tells Cody that Dusty meant the world to him.

Triple H says that Arn Anderson used to look after him and take care of him. Anderson also loved that Triple H could drive him around since he didn’t drink or do drugs. Harley Race taught him a lot of things, as well. Others who helped, whether they knew it or not, were Steve Austin and Mick Foley. Terry Taylor and William Regal trained with him at the Power Plant. Taylor also opened his home to Triple H. Regal pushed Triple H to leave WCW despite WCW saying they had plans for both of them.

Triple H then came to WWE. He tried to ride with different people, but he didn’t find a good fit. No one wanted to talk or think about wrestling…until he found Kevin Nash, Sean Waltman, Scott Hall, and Shawn Michaels. All they did was talk about business and he loved it. Every night, Scott Hall would request to not talk about business…but would then talk about the business. How did Triple H end up with those guys when he didn’t drink or do drugs? Well, he saved them from a crazy night at a Denny’s on night one of riding with them. Despite the crazy night, he loved it. The Kliq is a brotherhood that lasts. Ride or die. Each member had their strengths and they worked together perfectly. Triple H tells a couple of fun Scott Hall stories.

Triple H was thankful to work with Bret Hart, Steve Austin, Shawn Michaels, Mick Foley, The Bushwackers – anyone he could learn from. Triple H talks about Chyna and how much she helped him. Chyna was the mom of DX and took care of them. She forever changed the business. Speaking of DX, Triple H loved the second iteration of it so much.

Triple H talks about Steve Austin. Austin became like a mentor to him. They were honest with each other and Triple H is thankful for that relationship. Mick Foley gave Triple H the gift of toughness. People questioned whether Triple H could handle a tough match and Foley showed everyone that he could.

Triple H talks about Evolution. Ric Flair would stand by Triple H’s side. Flair is his hero. He wanted to take two young guys with Flair and make them stars. Randy Orton and Batista taught Triple H what it’s like to give back. Triple H is so proud and happy to see what Orton and Batista have become. It lights a fire in Triple H to do it with others. Triple H thanks Orton for being a pain in the ass. It helped Triple H prepare for what he is now.

Triple H has had a lot of injuries and thanks his doctors.

Triple H talks about the creative side of things. He didn’t have to go to the production meetings, but he loved it and wanted to learn. He would just listen and learn – especially to and from Pat Patterson. He spent a lot of time with Patterson and Patterson encouraged Triple H as much as possible. That was the spark that created the Performance Center and NXT. There, he would listen to and learn from Dusty Rhodes. He’s proud that so many wrestlers on the WrestleMania card were once in NXT.

NXT inspired Triple H and he’s happy that it’s inspired Shawn Michaels. The people that Triple H works with today are amazing. He calls Michael Hayes this generation’s Pat Patterson. Bruce Prichard used to be put in some tough positions and is now essential to what happens in WWE today. Ed Koskey is a quiet force behind the scenes that helps so much. He doesn’t get enough credit. Triple H talks about Paul Heyman. Triple H learned so much from Heyman.

Triple H talks about Linda McMahon and her being an inspiration to his daughters and to Stephanie. Triple H shouts out Shane McMahon as the brother he never had. He misses Shane.

Triple H talks about Vince McMahon. It’s a complicated story and relationship, but Triple H wouldn’t be here without Vince. Vince helped his wrestling career, his creative career, and his personal life. Vince is his father-in-law and his kids’ grandfather…and it’s complicated. Triple H is grateful for the lessons of what to do and what not to do. He loves Vince.

Triple H talks about The Undertaker. He respects The Undertaker more than anyone else. The Undertaker was a true locker room leader and the person he looked to. The Undertaker wouldn’t speak to Triple H for a long time because trust is earned. Eventually, The Undertaker accepted Triple H and they began a friendship. When Triple H started seeing Stephanie, he went to The Undertaker for advice. The Undertaker gave advice that set up the rest of his life. The Undertaker told him to just go for it and if someone doesn’t like, f*ck them.

Triple H had a health scare a few years ago. He was working really hard and just thought he had pneumonia. It turns out that he had heart failure. His life changed then. Triple H realized that it’s about the people around him, not the work that is being done. He only thought about Stephanie and his daughters. He hopes that everyone can learn that lesson without the health scare. Triple H still works hard and is passionate, but he doesn’t worry about the little things anymore. He only cares about his family and the people he loves.

Triple H talks about each of his daughters and puts over their accomplishments. Triple H then focuses on Stephanie. She’s his best friend, his rock, his everything. He cannot imagine a better partner, mom, or person. One word: forever.

Triple H talks about Nick Khan. Khan is one of the most influential people in Triple H’s life. He’s great at business and reading things and people. Khan seems to always have an answer for things on the spot. A lot of what is happening in WWE is because of Khan. Khan doesn’ like to get any credit, so everyone should make sure to go up to him and thank him.

Triple H talked about a lot of people and how they influenced him to be more. In a lot of ways, he’s still just a kid watching what he loves to watch. At WrestleMania, he’s going to get to watch all the best athletes do what they do best. He’s going to try to hide it, but he’s still going to be a little kid. Triple H tells everyone to think about how they interact with others. A person never knows what can have an impact on another person. It’s better to be positive and encouraging. He loves helping and giving back and wants others to do so, as well.

Triple H thanks the fans. The WWE and the wrestlers are nothing without the fans. Whether they hate or love him, they made him who he is. They took a normal kid’s dream and made it a reality. Triple H promises to take the business and keep it alive so that it’s as good as it can be after he’s gone. It might not always be great or perfect, but he’ll do his best. He’s got two words for ya: Thank you!

Triple H spits some water as the show fades to black.