WWE have announced the latest person to be inducted into their Hall of Fame class of 2023, will be legendary comedian Andy Kaufman.
This year’s WrestleMania and the festivities around it being “Hollywood” themed make the timing of Kaufman’s induction feel apt. Although he is most remembered for his time on the hit sitcom Taxi, wrestling fans will know him best from his intense feud with Jerry “The King” Lawler.
Much like Kaufman’s stage antics, his in-ring action would blur the line between fiction and reality, with audiences not being able to tell what was real and what was just a character. This was most prevalent with an infamous incident which took place on the Late Show with David Letterman. In what is now considered to be one of the earliest examples of wrestling crossing over into the mainstream, Lawler would slap Kaufman while the two appeared as guests on the iconic talk show.
The comedic genius was sporting a neck brace at the time, which he had started to wear after being given a Piledriver by The King. Kaufman had refused to fight any men in the world of pro wrestling and would declare himself Inter-Gender Wrestling Champion of the World.
We currently do not know who will induct Kaufman at this year’s ceremony, most would assume that his rival and real life friend Jerry Lawler would take the role. The Memphis wrestling legend’s recent health issues may mean that this is not possible.
Other 2023 inductees include Rey Mysterio and The Great Muta. The ceremony will be taking place in LA on March 31st (3am on April 1st for UK wrestling fans) and will be streamed live on the WWE Network & Peacock.