William Shatner will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame's celebrity wing as a member in a remotely held induction ceremony planned for next Tuesday (April 6), which will be streamed on Peacock.
This was reported exclusively by USA Today's Bill Keveney, who added: "This year's event, which kicks off a WrestleMania Week that builds to two nights of WrestleMania at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa (April 10-11, also on Peacock), combines the classes of 2020 and 2021, due to the pandemic. Shatner is part of the 2020 group."
Shatner had a message for Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson once the news broke:
Look out @TheRock I’m invading your old territory since you invaded mine! https://t.co/TYkxALwQai
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) March 30, 2021
Long before Johnson was Hollywood's highest-paid actor, he debuted in the ring when WWE was still known as the World Wrestling Federation in 1996. The Rock was a WWE star and perennial champion until his first retirement in 2004. He made several return appearances over the years but announced his permanent retirement in 2019.
Conversely, Shatner's legendary work as Captain Kirk far preceded his 1995 WWE debut—famous for his encounter with fellow WWE Hall of Famer Jerry "The King" Lawler in the "King's Court" bit. Shatner, who also hosted Monday Night Raw in 2010, inducted Lawler in 2007.
"I'm going to admit it now: I missed a career when 'Star Trek' was over," Shatner told Keveney. "I should have gone into wrestling as Captain Kirk."
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!