There’s no question that Triple H was the star of the show. WWE gave him nearly half of the ceremony, which stretched over three-and-a-half hours. A video package midway through the night reminded fans of his monumental contributions to the industry, building the anticipation for his moment. When it came time for his induction, the event turned into a 90-minute tribute marathon, with a video segment, his induction speech, and his acceptance in one extended sequence.
Despite the extended airtime, Triple H kept it humble. “I’m not here for the praise; I’m here for the fans,” he said, but the sheer amount of screen time dedicated to him showed just how much he’s meant to the company. His emotional acceptance speech resonated deeply, capturing the hearts of both die-hard fans and casual viewers alike.
2. Lex Luger’s Heartwarming Stand
One of the most touching moments of the night came when Lex Luger, who has been confined to a wheelchair for years, rose to his feet to deliver his acceptance speech. The crowd’s reaction was a mixture of awe and admiration. For many, it was a reminder of the resilience Luger has shown both in and out of the ring. The former WWE Champion’s ability to stand and speak at such a significant event was a testament to his strength and determination, leaving an emotional mark on everyone in attendance.
3. A Night of Heartfelt Praise Between Legends
Among the most buzzed-about moments were the tributes shared by Bret Hart and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin. The two legends lavished praise on each other in a segment that felt like a love letter to the business. Hart, known for his often reserved demeanor, opened up about his admiration for Austin’s influence on wrestling. “Steve was a force of nature, and I’m proud to have been part of that era,” Hart said, his voice filled with emotion.
Austin, ever the showman, responded with equal enthusiasm. “Bret’s the best there ever was,” he said, “And I’m grateful for everything we’ve shared in the ring and beyond.” The two icons, whose rivalry defined a generation, came together in a moment that highlighted the camaraderie behind the curtain, reminding fans of the respect shared among the true legends of the sport.
4. WWE Debuts the ‘Immortal Moment’ Award
WWE took a bold step this year by introducing the “Immortal Moment” award, a new category meant to honor moments in wrestling history that have stood the test of time. This addition marked a refreshing departure from the usual inductees and helped elevate the ceremony by focusing on truly legendary moments, rather than trying to pad the ceremony with less-deserving superstars. The “Immortal Moment” was awarded to one of the most iconic and influential events in WWE history, signaling a bright future for future Hall of Fame inductions.
5. The Ceremony’s New Pace and Energy
After last year’s low-energy event, WWE clearly took steps to make this year’s ceremony feel fresh and engaging. The pacing was much better, with the ceremony maintaining a consistent flow from one segment to the next. This year, there was no need for dimming the house lights or awkward pauses. Fans stayed engaged throughout the night, and the improved pacing kept the energy alive from start to finish.
The Downs: What Could’ve Been Better
1. Over-Indulgence in Triple H’s Segment
While Triple H’s induction was well-deserved, the sheer length of his segment felt excessive. At one point, it seemed like the entire event was dedicated to him. His speech, while heartfelt, overshadowed other inductees and moments, leaving some fans wondering if there was too much focus on one individual. A bit more balance could have allowed other moments to shine brighter.
2. Missed Opportunities for Other Legends
With the focus on Triple H and a few select stars, some fans felt that a few other deserving legends didn’t receive the attention they warranted. This year’s ceremony didn’t quite have the same roster of inductees as in previous years, and some felt it lacked the variety that made past Hall of Fame ceremonies more memorable.
3. Limited Diversity in Inductees
While the ceremony was a success overall, there were concerns about the diversity of inductees. WWE has a long history of celebrating athletes and performers from all backgrounds, but this year’s inductees didn’t fully reflect that diversity. Expanding the range of inductees to include more voices from underrepresented groups could have enriched the evening’s narrative.
4. Lack of Surprises and Unexpected Moments
One of the trademarks of the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony is the surprise inductions and shocking moments that keep fans on their toes. Unfortunately, this year’s event lacked any real surprises, and many of the inductees and speeches were expected. Fans were hoping for a few jaw-dropping moments, but the event played out relatively predictably.
All things considered, WWE Hall of Fame 2025 will go down as one of the most memorable events in recent years. Triple H’s domination of the ceremony, heartwarming moments like Lex Luger’s rise, and the emotional tributes from Bret Hart and Steve Austin made this an event to remember. While there were areas that could have been improved, including a few missed opportunities for surprises and a bit of balance, the overall tone of the night was uplifting and celebratory. The introduction of the “Immortal Moment” award and a more engaging pace ensured that this ceremony will be remembered for years to come.