Cue the gong… but not really.
In a rare unsuited, ungloved, non-ominous-bell-ringing appearance, Mark Calaway—yes, The Undertaker, without the smoke and death stare—stepped on stage to induct his wife, Michelle McCool, into the WWE Hall of Fame, and folks… it was heartfelt, hilarious, and a little bit Lay-Cool.
Calaway made it clear from the start: “Tonight, I’m not The Deadman. I’m the proud husband of a woman who was ahead of her time— and inexplicably willing to marry me.” Okay, we added the last part, but the vibe was 100% there.
McCool, the first-ever WWE Divas Champion, was known in her heyday for two things:
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Dropping mean-girl promos so cold they should’ve come with a parka.
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Wrestling way better than most people gave her credit for.
Taker, er, Mark, emphasized how McCool kicked down locker room doors with stilettos, worked through disrespect from fans and the office, and helped pave the road that today’s women’s division walks on—preferably in sparkly boots.
He also told stories of pursuing her romantically backstage. Meanwhile, McCool revealed during her speech that during a serious illness, The Phenom may have popped up in her hallucinations… because when you’ve main-evented with the Grim Reaper, even your fever dreams are booked.
Once the mic was in her hands, McCool delivered an emotional, sharp, and very Lay-Cool speech—shouting out Natalya, Stephanie McMahon, and even teasing a Lay-Cool reunion with Layla (somewhere, a Piggy James chant just twitched into existence).
But the most touching moment? Speaking directly to her kids in the audience about facing fear, being underestimated, and showing up anyway. She also gave serious props to Fit Finlay, who championed the women’s division during a time when most matches barely outlasted a commercial break.
Let’s not forget—McCool hasn’t had a proper singles match since 2011, but her Royal Rumble surprise appearances have become yearly highlights, and based on the energy of the room? She’s still got it.