Stephanie McMahon Headlines WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2026
In a surprising announcement during the WrestlePalooza broadcast on Saturday, Stephanie McMahon, former co-CEO and chairwoman of WWE, was revealed as the first inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame for the year 2026.
The news was announced by the legendary The Undertaker, a WWE Hall of Famer, who made a special appearance with his iconic “American Badass” persona. Riding his motorcycle to the ring, where McMahon was in the front row, The Undertaker asked her: “Are you ready?” He then informed her that she would be the first to be honored in the 2026 class.
Stephanie McMahon, daughter of former WWE chairman Vince McMahon, held multiple roles within the company from 1998 to 2023. She began her career as an account executive and receptionist in 1998, before debuting on screen in 1999, involved in the rivalry between Vince McMahon and The Undertaker.
Subsequently, she ventured into professional wrestling, winning the WWF Women’s Championship in the year 2000. Simultaneously, she continued her behind-the-scenes work, holding positions such as director, senior vice president of creative writing, executive vice president of creative development and operations, and chief brand officer.
McMahon continued to make regular appearances and participate in various prominent storylines. One of these storylines became reality when she began a relationship and married professional wrestler Paul “Triple H” Levesque in 2003.
In 2019, her appearances became less frequent as her behind-the-scenes role expanded. She was named interim president and CEO following a board investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct against her father. She resigned from her position in 2023, but has continued to make occasional appearances for the company, despite not having an official position in WWE.
The 2026 Hall of Fame ceremony is scheduled to take place during WrestleMania weekend in Las Vegas, in April.
