The Great Muta Joins Rey Mysterio as Latest WWE Hall of Fame Inductee
Legendary Japanese wrestler The Great Muta is inducted second to the WWE Hall of Fame alongside Rey Mysterio. WWE’s official website confirmed the development on March 15, with Muta becoming the second inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2023.
Legendary wrestler Ric Flair will do the honors of introducing the Great Muta during Wrestlemania 39 weekend in Los Angeles. Previously, Rey Mysterio was announced as the first star to be inducted into the Hall of Fame this year.
Muta announced his retirement earlier this year, bringing down the curtain on an outstanding career spanning over 39 years. His last competitive wrestling match was against his compatriot Shinsuke Nakamura.
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The renowned Japanese wrestler began his career with New Japan Pro Wrestling before headlining WCW where he faced off against some of the sport’s legends including Sting, Lex Luger and even Stone Cold Steve Austin.
Nicknamed Stunning, Muta has also appeared in All Japan Pro Wrestling, Pro Wrestling NOAH, and also in the prestigious World Championship Wrestling.
In a distinguished career, the veteran won titles around the world and retires as a nine-time heavyweight champion. Some of his most iconic moves include the Muta Lock Submission Hold as well as the Shining Wizard, which is still used by SmackDown wrestler Tegan Nox to this day.
Muta was also known for his legendary move that sprayed fog into his opponents’ eyes, inspiring future Superstars like Tajiri and Asuka, the latter even making it to the Royal Rumble 2023.
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Another iconic move by Muta was the moonsault, which wooed audiences in the 1980s and popularized it around the world.
Fellow WWE Hall of Famer Flair praised Muta for the latest issue of the bump after announcing he will join Rey Mysterio in the WWE Hall of Fame in 2023.
“He is [Muta] a great guy, a great athlete, a great person, a great man. I wrestled him probably 500 times. And I can’t think of a better man for the company to honor. And boy, when you’re honored and inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, that really makes you a special, special person,” Flair said.
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first published: March 17, 2023 2:32 p.m. IST
last update: March 17, 2023 2:32 p.m. IST