WWE has confirmed that its annual Hall of Fame ceremony will indeed take place during WrestleMania week in Dallas, Texas.
When the company initially released its details for The Show of Shows, the Hall of Fame was not listed. In recent weeks, however, they've added more events to the line-up.
In a change to their normal schedule, it's been reported that the grand ceremony will take place following SmackDown on Friday, April 1, from 10:30pm to midnight EST. With SmackDown concluding at 10pm, there will be a quick turnaround for production staff.
The ring will likely be dismantled, a whole host of seats added, and a stage erected for the ceremony to take place. Having a mere 1.5 hour broadcast will also add constraints for introductions and speeches.
There's also the fans to take into account. After sitting through a couple of dark matches and two hours of SmackDown, it'll be a long night for those attending. However, if fans stick around for the event, the company can ensure a hefty attendance.
According to the Wrestling Observer, WWE has already reached out to recently released superstar Jeff Hardy. The company offered him a spot in the 2022 Hall of Fame, but Hardy reportedly turned them down.
This leaves the field wide open for possible inductees in this year's ceremony. Of course, there are still plenty of legends, active or not, who could enter this time around. It also leaves open the coveted headline spot which is usually reserved for an elite superstar.
That being said, let's take a look at five WWE Superstars who could headline the 2022 Hall of Fame.
#5. Rey Mysterio could be this year's headline induction into the WWE Hall of Fame
The Master of the 619, Rey Mysterio, is one of the most popular WWE Superstars of all time. A Hall of Fame induction would be fitting for him as he enters the twilight of his career.
Rey made his pro wrestling debut in April 1989 and still competes to this day on RAW alongside his son Dominik. Though Mysterio is in his late 40s, he's still bouncing around and putting on the type of stellar performances he did in his prime.
It isn't unusual to see an active wrestler inducted in the Hall of Fame. For example, Goldberg was inducted in 2019, but still competes on a part-time basis. Edge is also in the Hall of Fame, though his induction came when it was thought he would never wrestle again.
Rey Mysterio's induction would no doubt bring the WWE Universe together in celebration of his legendary career. After all, the high-flyer made his name in WCW, is a former WWE Champion, and has wrestled all over the world.
It's a shame that Mysterio's best friend Eddie Guerrero, who tragically passed away in 2005, would not be able to induct him. But at least Rey will have his son to do the honors.
#4. Triple H could headline the WWE 2022 Hall of Fame induction ceremony
On September 8, 2021, the world of professional wrestling had a major scare when WWE issued a press release involving Triple H. It was revealed that The Game had undergone a successful procedure following a cardiac event. It all stemmed from a genetic heart issue.
A recent update from the Wrestling Observer confirmed that there were no plans for Triple H to retake the reins of NXT, nor to be involved in creative meetings. However, the 14-time world champion was recently spotted visiting the company's new headquarters under construction in Stamford, Connecticut.
What are the chances of the Cerebral Assassin headlining the Hall of Fame this year? The only pressure would come in delivering his speech, but it could be a great reflection for him and the fans following his health scare.
Triple H has been inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame previously along with D-Generation-X, but not yet as an individual competitor. If the opportunity is there and he is healthy enough to handle the occasion, it could be a great time for his induction.
It's certain that when The Game finally does walk onto the stage, it will be as a headliner.
#3 Batista could finally be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame as the headline performer
Leading into WrestleMania 36, WWE announced that Batista would be inducted into the Hall of Fame. However, the plans were altered due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The six-time world champion was once again penciled in to receive his induction in April 2021, but The Animal had to pull out due to scheduling conflicts. Batista is now a leading actor in Hollywood, so the majority of his time these days is spent filming.
This year would be the perfect time, provided there are no further scheduling conflicts, for Batista to finally take his rightful place in the Hall of Fame. He is currently on the set of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, but filming is predicted to end in April 2022, possibly just in time for WrestleMania week.
The last time The Animal appeared for the promotion was at WrestleMania 35, where he was defeated by Triple H in a No Holds Barred match. After the match, Batista announced his official retirement from in-ring competition.
#2 The Rock could be the headline inductee in the WWE Hall of Fame this year
While Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson has a number of projects going on outside of WWE, there's every chance a Hall of Fame induction could happen.
There have been rumors circulating for some time now that The Great One could return in the future to face Roman Reigns at WrestleMania, possibly in Hollywood next year. Though nothing is concrete, a 2022 Hall of Fame induction could plant seeds for the feud whilst The Rock is giving his speech.
The Rock will always be revered as one of the greatest entertainers in WWE history. There has never been anyone quite like him, and there may never be again. As a trailblazer during the company's hottest era, The Brahma Bull always brought energy, laughs, and plenty of goosebumps.
The Rock will get his day under the Hall of Fame spotlight at some point, so why not this year? It would certainly electrify fans in Dallas and around the world.
#1 The Undertaker could be the headline induction in the WWE Hall of Fame
In November 2020, The Undertaker retired from active competition with a special ceremony at WWE's Survivor Series event. A whole host of legends appeared to mark the occasion, but there was one component missing: the fans.
The WWE Universe were not allowed to attend as the event was held behind a closed set due to the Covid-19 pandemic. It was a sad moment for many fans who wished to witness their hero's last bit of magic as he bowed out.
Now, with WrestleMania taking place in The Deadman's home state, there's no better place to have his induction. And with tens of thousands in attendance, there's no better time.
A&T Stadium will be full to capacity across the two-night WrestleMania event. There The Undertaker can finally have a proper farewell with a Hall of Fame induction and an appearance on both nights of WrestleMania in Dallas.
His legendary career deserves to be celebrated properly with the fans, and that can certainly happen this year.