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Corey Graves and Jack Redmond throw to a video package for the next inductee - Muhammad Ali. The video talked about his boxing accolades, awesome mic work, activism, and the impact he had on WrestleMania.
Inducting Muhammad Ali - The Undertaker
The Undertaker recites some of Ali’s best quotes. He says that only one man can claim to be the best boxer of all-time: Muhammad Ali. He was a household name with major contributions and moments. He took all the best boxers to the limit. He was decorated as a boxer, Olympian, and a humanitarian. He is and always will be the “Legend Amongst Legends.” It’s his honor to induct Muhammad Ali into the WWE Hall of Fame.
Lonnie Ali
“Boxer, champion, activist, citizen of the world, ambassador of peace…” Muhammad Ali did it all and was an inspiration. He continues to inspire. She met him when she was young and he was the love of her life.
He had a sweet tooth and loved candy. However, he loved people more, especially the roar of the crowd. He was an incredible self promoter, which he learned from Gorgeous George. It could be argued that Ali was the first global sports entertainer.
She recaps the part that Ali played in the first WrestleMania and the punch that landed on Roddy Piper. When he wasn’t throwing punches, though, he was talking trash. He could back it up in the ring, of course.
Outside the ring, he used that voice for activism. In a time when black athletes and celebrities were expected to keep their mouths shut, Muhammad Ali refused to do so. He was a humanitarian and an ambassador of goodwill. She knows Muhammad Ali would be honored to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
The fans are the reason why Muhammad Ali was the “People’s Champion.” Ali was happy to pass over the moniker to The Rock. Tonight, The Rock will be presented with the People’s Championship.
The Rock comes out and hugs Lonnie Ali. She presents him with a belt that has a Brahma Bull on it - the People’s Championship. He accepts it and the crowd boos a bit. The Rock thanks Lonnie Ali and talks about some of the time he spent with Muhammad Ali when he was a kid due to his dad being a boxer before being a wrestler.
He tells the story of being booed as he was becoming the People’s Champion and it meant a lot to have Muhammad Ali be OK with him using the nickname. He has a lot of nicknames, but appreciates the “People’s Champion” the most. The crowd boos and he jumps into character - telling them to shut their mouths and enjoy the ride. He thanks Philadelphia before he and Lonnie Alie exit.
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