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About your inductees: Bull Nakano

Keiko Aoki, born on January 8, 1968, is a Japanese retired professional wrestler and professional golfer, more widely recognized by her ring name Bull Nakano.

She initiated her wrestling career in her teenage years, competing in All Japan Women’s Pro-Wrestling (AJW) under the persona Bull Nakano.

Within the wrestling realm, she portrayed a villainous character, often partnering with her mentor Dump Matsumoto. Nakano attained numerous singles and tag team championships within AJW during her tenure in Japan.

Transitioning to North America in the early 1990s, she ventured into Mexico’s Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL), seizing the inaugural World Women’s Championship.

In 1994, she ventured to the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), embarking on a rivalry with Alundra Blayze for the WWF Women’s Championship.

Holding the title once, she later competed in World Championship Wrestling (WCW).

About your inductees: Thunderbolt Patterson

Born in 1941, Claude Patterson is an American former professional wrestler, renowned by his ring alias Thunderbolt Patterson.

He commenced his wrestling journey in 1965, predominantly competing in the territories of Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas.

About your inductees: The U.S. Express

The World Wrestling Federation featured the tag team known as The U.S. Express, comprising Mike Rotunda and Barry Windham.

Following Windham’s departure, Dan Spivey joined Rotunda, leading to a rebranding as the American Express.

About your inductees: Muhammad Ali

Born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. on January 17, 1942, Muhammad Ali rose to global prominence as an American boxer.

Renowned for his innovative “rope-a-dope” technique and witty rhymes, he earned the title of “Sportsman of the Century” by Sports Illustrated in 1999.

Throughout his career, Ali clinched the World Heavyweight Boxing Championship thrice and secured an Olympic gold medal for boxing at the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome, Italy.

Fondly referred to as “The Greatest,” his legacy endures as an icon of the sport.

Know who will be inducted

Here is a complete list of the WWE Hall of Fame inductees:

• Muhammad Ali, inducted by his widow Lonnie Ali
• Barry Windham and Mike Rotunda as The U.S. Express, inducted by family members
• Thunderbolt Patterson, inducted by radio host Scott Spears
• Bull Nakano, inducted by Alundra Blayze
• Lia Maivia, inducted by The Rock
• Paul Heyman, inducted by Roman Reigns

Huge honors being handed out tonight

Following Friday Night Smackdown on FOX, WWE presents the 2024 Hall of Fame induction ceremony live from the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.

The event can be seen live on Peacock and WWE Network.

Follow our Friday Night Smackdown blog while you wait.