A long-standing rumor about Rick Martel and the WWE Hall of Fame has finally been addressed by the wrestling veteran himself.
The former world champion recently clarified a story that has circulated for years. He shed new light on what actually happened in 2015.
Martel’s comments arrived after renewed discussion surrounding whether he had previously declined an invitation to join WWE’s Hall of Fame.
However, according to the former Strike Force member, the reality is far different from the tale that has followed him for years.
Rick Martel clarifies WWE Hall Of Fame speculation
Taking to social media (X), Martel directly addressed the claim that he turned down a Hall of Fame induction.
“In 2015, I was offer to appear at Axxess in San Francisco and attends the Hall of Fame as a spectator. Flattered I still turned it down as I was not ready to go back to wrestling for appearances like I am now. I didn’t turn down an offer to be inducted in the WWE HOF. Thank you!”
The clarification came after comments Martel made during recent interviews, including an appearance on Prime Time with Sean Mooney. When discussing a potential Hall of Fame induction, Martel admitted, “I’m not sure if I would go,” before adding, “We’ll see.”
According to Martel, the invitation he declined in 2015 was not an induction offer. Instead, WWE invited him to attend WrestleMania Axxess and the Hall of Fame ceremony as a guest. At the time, he was not ready to return to the wrestling spotlight and chose to pass on the opportunity.
The distinction may seem small. Nevertheless, for Hall of Fame watchers it’s a case of separating fact from fiction — or perhaps applying a little model behavior to an old rumor.
Martel remains one of the most accomplished stars never to have entered the WWE Hall of Fame. The former AWA World Champion, three-time WWE Tag Team Champion, and memorable “The Model” character largely stepped away from wrestling for years before recently returning to the convention circuit.
For now, Martel has made one thing clear. He never rejected a WWE Hall of Fame induction because one was never offered.
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