On Friday night, Muhammad Ali – the consensus greatest boxer of all time – passed away at the age of 74. Ali had a long history of involvement with professional wrestling. From getting his interview style and some of his swagger from Gorgeous George, to his revolutionary hybrid match against Antonio Inoki, to being a guest referee at the first-ever WrestleMania, the story of professional wrestling and the story of Muhammad Ali overlap at several key moments.
Following Ali’s passing, WWE released a statement on Friday night.
WWE is saddened to learn that two-time world heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali passed away at age 74 on June 3, 2016.
The Louisville native won six Kentucky Golden Glove Championships and the gold medal for the United States as a light heavyweight in Rome’s 1960 Summer Olympics before beginning his professional career.
Ali also made history for his historic boxer vs. wrestler match against WWE Hall of Famer Antonio Inoki in Tokyo on June 26, 1976. The fight is regarded as a precursor to modern mixed martial arts.
In 1985, Ali made his mark in WWE history when he was one of the special guest referees for the main event of the first WrestleMania at Madison Square Garden. The bout featured WWE Champion Hulk Hogan and pop culture icon Mr. T against “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff and “Rowdy” Roddy Piper. During the contest, Ali climbed up onto the ring apron and took a swing at Piper.
WWE extends its condolences to Ali’s family, friends and fans.
Ali’s presence at the first WrestleMania helped lend legitimacy to the event – one which very well could have bankrupted the then-WWF right at the beginning of its first major boom period. In the 32 years since, WrestleMania has become an institution on par with the Super Bowl and pro wrestling has become an integral part of pop culture.
Neither of those things may have been possible without the help of Muhammad Ali.
