Rick Martel has clarified his recent comments about a WWE Hall of Fame offer following an appearance on Sean Mooney’s Prime Time podcast, where he stated he had turned down being inducted because he “wasn’t ready,” leaving many disappointed. However, Martel has now taken to X.com to set the record straight, explaining he had actually only declined an invitation to appear at Axxess in San Francisco and attend the Hall of Fame ceremony as a spectator. He stressed he was never offered an actual induction, with many in the replies now saying he should be the first name announced for 2027.
70-year-old Marttel debuted in 1973 and enjoyed a stellar 25-year run across the AWA, WWF, and WCW. He reigned as AWA World Heavyweight Champion for nearly 19 months, captured three WWF World Tag Team titles with Strike Force, and later thrived as the charismatic heel “The Model” in the 1990s. Martel also won the WCW World Television Championship before retiring, having proven many of his detractors wrong who thought he was too old. Versatile, athletic, and entertaining throughout his career, he remains one of wrestling’s most underrated icons and a top name that fans list when talking about notable Hall of Fame omissions alongside the likes of Bam Bam Bigelow and Miss Elizabeth.
