Michelle McCool’s WWE Hall of Fame Induction Sparks Backlash Over Who’s Doing the Honors

Michelle McCool’s big WWE Hall of Fame moment is locked in—but some fans aren’t thrilled about one very specific detail. While the former Women’s Champion is getting her flowers at the April 18 ceremony during WrestleMania 41 weekend, WWE confirmed this week that her husband, The Undertaker, will be the one inducting her.

And that’s where things got messy. While the pairing makes sense on paper—McCool and The Deadman have been married since 2010—fans on X/Twitter quickly voiced frustration that her longtime Lay-Cool tag partner Layla won’t be doing the honors. The backlash exploded fast, with Layla’s name trending and many fans arguing she played a more direct role in McCool’s in-ring legacy.

One user wrote, “WHY THE FCK IS LAYLA NOT INDUCTING MICHELLE MCCOOL IN THE HOF” Others echoed the sentiment that WWE missed a huge opportunity to honor their shared accomplishments.

This isn’t the only storm brewing around McCool. She’s stepping in for Mickie James as a judge on season two of WWE’s LFG reality competition show, and rumors suggest that The Undertaker himself pushed for her inclusion. While there’s no word he lobbied to replace James specifically, fans aren’t buying that it’s just coincidence—and some have accused the power couple of pulling strings behind the scenes.

Layla’s involvement in the ceremony hasn’t been mentioned by WWE, and as of now, there’s no indication she’ll be part of McCool’s big night.

And the Hall of Fame heat doesn’t stop there. Lex Luger’s induction will be handled by Diamond Dallas Page—not Sting, who many felt was the more fitting choice. Sting is still under AEW contract, and while WWE hasn’t formally addressed the situation, fans have made their disappointment loud and clear.

McCool will take the stage in Las Vegas with her husband by her side—but with so many voices calling for Layla, it’ll be interesting to see if WWE throws in a surprise acknowledgment.