Great Muta Surprised By WWE Hall Of Fame Induction
Great Muta’s WWE Hall of Fame induction a ‘surprise’
The 2023 WWE Hall of Fame class was a stripped down affair, with just five acts inducted into the HOF. One name inducted was that of The Great Muta, following on from the retirement of the Japanese legend earlier this year.
Whilst Muta - alter-ego of Keiji Muto - wrestled extensively for NWA/WCW, he never stepped foot in a WWE ring, and during a conversation with WWE’s Cathy Kelley, Muta revealed he was surprised by his induction:
"I actually never wrestled in a WWE ring before, so therefore I was honestly surprised, but at the same time very honoured," Muta remarked.
Muta is just one of many acts inducted into the WWE HOF who never appeared for the company, with the late great Andy Kaufman also inducted as part of the 2023 class, with the genre pushing comedian’s in-ring exploits occurring in Memphis against Jerry Lawler in the early 1980s.
Despite never wrestling for WWE, Muta’s career is worthy of any pro-wrestling Hall of Fame, with Muta/Muto being the first man in history to have held the NWA, IWGP, Triple Crown, and NOAH GHC Heavyweight Championships, with only Satoshi Kojima matching the feat.