With the inclusion of the memorable moments category in the WWE Hall of Fame last year, there could be some interesting additions in 2026.
From classic matches that are notable to the history of the business, to one on-screen segment that is worthy of consideration, there are a lot of contenders but we’ve narrowed the field to just five for this year.
Here are five new matches that could be inducted in the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2026.
5. Hulk Hogan vs. The Rock – WWE WrestleMania 18
While there are plenty of Hulk Hogan matches that may find themselves joining the ‘Memorable Moments’ category of the WWE Hall of Fame, one front runner may be his WrestleMania 18 match against The Rock.
In what could prove to be a sweet tribute to Hulk Hogan at the first WWE Hall of Fame induction ceremony since his passing, the match itself is an example of a bigger artistic work.
A testament to the ability of WWE performers to pivot at a moments notice and be flexible to the audience’s feedback, Hogan and Rock demonstrated a characteristic that separates professional wrestling from other live performances or sports.
Occupying a unique space between, the match showcases the larger than life personalities utilizing their veteran experience to move along with the Toronto crowd — even if it wasn’t what was initially expected.
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4. The Undertaker vs. Mankind – Hell In A Cell, WWE King Of The Ring 1998
While the iconic Undertaker vs Mankind Hell in a Cell match is often considered the groundbreaker for the match type, it was actually the third of its kind.
The first Hell in a Cell bout between the Undertaker and Shawn Michaels at Bad Blood the prior year had led to the debut of Kane, with the second featuring Taker teaming with Stone Cold to take on the team of Kane and Mankind.
However, even almost 30 years on, this particular Hell in a Cell match is still the most infamous, being often remembered for the huge fall Mick Foley took off the top of the cage, and later right through the center of it.
So integral to wrestling history, the match was subject to its own episode of Dark Side of the Ring — perhaps the moment may still be recognized despite Mick Foley parting ways with the company.
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3. Barbershop Break-Up Between The Rockers – Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake, Shawn Michaels & Marty Janetty
A potential addition to the ‘Memorable Moments’ section of the WWE Hall of Fame, the barbershop break-up of The Rockers.
While not a match, the segment lives forever as the prime example of the break-up of a tag team, one that has continued to influence storylines to this day.
Potentially an opportunity to acknowledge an out of the box moment that has had a major impact on storylines moving forward, clearly WWE hasn’t entirely forgotten about the landmark segment, with a re-imagination of the barbershop break-up being resurrected in 2023 in NXT with the break-up between Gigi Dolin and Jacy Jayne’s Toxic Attraction.
For its impact and memorability, this segment deserves its own Hall of Fame induction.
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2. Shawn Michaels vs. Razor Ramon – WWE WrestleMania 10
Among the variety of matches in Shawn Michaels’ legendary body of work, one that had great impact on the future of professional wrestling could possibly get the nod.
Shawn Michaels and Razor Ramon’s WrestleMania 10 Ladder Match classic, served as an emotionally compelling primer to how a match stipulation can ratchet up the drama on a massive stage like WrestleMania.
Although certainly not the first ladder match of all time, the match between Michaels and Ramon at WrestleMania 10 arguably provided the blueprint for it’s use in WWE for years to come.
For being a bout that would popularize the match type, Shawn vs. Razor deserves a spot in the WWE Hall of Fame.
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1. The Rock vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin – WWE WrestleMania 17
A feud that was electric throughout the Attitude Era was The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin.
While they certainly faced off on numerous big occasions, including a trio of WrestleMania bouts at 15, 17 and 19, it may be their second match that is most worthy of acclaim given the ultimate significance to the business.
Building upon the rabid rivalry, the audience was fully captivated by the performance throughout, but it was the shocking reveal of the ending that lives forever in fans’ minds.
Revealing that he had accepted help from arch nemesis Vince McMahon, Stone Cold Steve Austin would ultimately sell his soul to win back the WWF Championship at the event by turning heel. A move that would prove controversial but also made for a unique example of how individual creative decisions can have impact for years to come.
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