Stephanie McMahon Just Explained Why Her Own Hall of Fame Induction Almost Never Would Have Happened

Stephanie McMahon’s induction into the WWE Hall of Fame during WrestleMania 42 weekend was a historic moment — but according to McMahon herself, it almost went against everything she was raised to believe about how the McMahon family relates to professional wrestling’s ultimate honor. Speaking on a new episode of What’s Your Story alongside Paige, McMahon revealed the family principle that had always kept induction off the table.

“Well, the McMahons were never supposed to be in the Hall of Fame, as I was always brought up. You know, we were characters that were intentionally designed to get other talent over. So it was never about us. And that’s just sort of like ingrained in my brain,” McMahon said. She is only the second McMahon family member ever inducted — joining her grandfather Vincent J. McMahon, who was posthumously honored in 1996. Her husband Triple H was inducted in 2025, though as a performer rather than as a McMahon family member.

Paige Called Stephanie McMahon an Inspirational Advocate for Women in WWE Who Has Always Cared for Her Talent

Paige used the appearance to directly thank McMahon for the role she played in supporting female talent throughout her career. “You’ve done so much in your career. You’re very inspiring for women. Any woman that’s worked with you have only ever said positive things. You’re very inspirational for a boss. You are so caring, empathetic, you’re understanding, and you stick up for us as women too. You’re an advocate for us and you’ve always been like that and I always appreciated that about you.” McMahon was inducted by her three daughters and her mother Linda, with Vince McMahon absent following his January 2024 resignation in the wake of Janel Grant’s sexual abuse lawsuit.