It has been confirmed that Japanese legend The Great Muta will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2023.
The news was broken by Ric Flair on The Bump on March 15th. In the segment, Flair hailed the veteran who began his career all the way back in 1984. The star also wrestled under his real name, Keiji Muto, and competed against some of the best in-ring performers in history, including Flair. The legend competed across the world and became known for his use of the “poison mist,” while taking part in some of the bloodiest matches ever seen.
Muta finally wrapped up his career in February 2023, and few would argue that he doesn’t deserve a spot alongside the likes of Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels, Bruno Sammartino, and more.
Speaking on The Bump, Flair paid tribute to the multiple-time World Champion, calling him a “great person and a great man.”
“He’s a tremendous guy and a tremendous athlete, a great person, a great man. I’ve wrestled him probably 500 times and I can’t think of a better guy for the company to honour…. I’m honoured to be the one to announce it.”
It has previously been reported that Flair asked to induct Muta into the Hall of Fame.
🚨 It's official! The Great Muta will be inducted into the #WWEHOF this year! @RicFlairNatrBoy shares a special message about his longtime friend and rival.#WWETheBumppic.twitter.com/pg5zLPumnz
— WWE (@WWE) March 15, 2023
The Great Muta To Join Rey Mysterio
With the news, The Great Muta will join Rey Mysterio in the Hall of Fame class of 2023. The Lucha legend’s induction was announced on the March 10th episode of SmackDown. It has also been reported that Stacey Keibler could be inducted.
The WWE Hall of Fame ceremony will take place on March 31st in Los Angeles, the night before WrestleMania 39.