WWE Hall of Fame 2026: ‘Thank You, Vince' Chants During Stephanie McMahon Speech
Stephanie McMahon opened the WWE Hall of Fame 2026 induction ceremony, with nearly the first hour of the event dedicated to the former CEO and Women's Champion.
McMahon was inducted by her mother, current United States Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, along with her three daughters: Aurora, Murphy, and Vaughn.
The video package and speeches highlighted three major aspects of McMahon's life: her iconic on-screen heel character, her trailblazing work as a WWE executive-including philanthropic efforts such as Connor's Cure and her role in spearheading the women's evolution-and her reputation as a devoted mother and widely respected figure behind the scenes.
Given that McMahon is part of the most influential family in wrestling history, her speech drew attention at several key moments. Here are the highlights.
Vince McMahon Was Acknowledged-and Cheered
The video package included multiple visuals of Vince McMahon, and both Linda and Stephanie referenced him by name during their speeches.
LOUD "THANK YOU VINCE" CHANTS FROM THE CROWD AS STEPHANIE MCMAHON MENTIONS HIM
— Wrestling Pics & Clips (@WrestleClips) April 18, 2026
#WWEHOFpic.twitter.com/s16l9L3v3X
When Stephanie mentioned Vince, the crowd responded with a loud ovation before breaking into a "Thank you, Vince" chant inside Dolby Live.
Some of the surprising names that were mentioned during Stephanie McMahon's Hall of Fame speech:
— Wrestling Pics & Clips (@WrestleClips) April 18, 2026
• Freddie Blassie
• Jacqueline
• Sable
• Ronda Rousey
• Test
• "Y2J" Chris Jericho
• Batista pic.twitter.com/J67jkiixT1
It marked a notable moment on WWE programming, as Vince has rarely been publicly acknowledged in this way since his departure. The reaction also stood in contrast to last year, when Triple H referenced Vince more cautiously during a Hall of Fame speech.
Stephanie McMahon Alludes to Shane McMahon Relationship
Shane McMahon was not in attendance for the ceremony, but he was referenced multiple times throughout the night.
Linda McMahon shared a lighthearted childhood story involving both of her children, while Stephanie thanked Shane, his wife Marissa, and his sons during her speech. While addressing his sons, she added, "no matter what has happened in the past, or what happens in the future, I will always love you."
The line stood out as one of the more personal moments of the night, drawing attention from fans given Shane's absence and the family's well-documented history within WWE.
Stephanie Turned "Heel" At The End
STEPHANIE MCMAHON WENT INTO FULL HEEL CHARACTER AND CUT A PROMO TO END HER HALL OF FAME SPEECH
— FADE (@FadeAwayMedia) April 18, 2026
THIS WAS BRILLIANT #WWEHOFpic.twitter.com/syyohGcTlI
Stephanie closed her induction with a brief in-character heel promo, which was met with a strong reaction from the crowd at Dolby Live.
Check out the full video package for Stephanie's induction below:
Truly one of a kind. @StephMcMahon is a WWE Hall of Famer! pic.twitter.com/Xw3NLpAGB4
— WWE (@WWE) April 18, 2026
Congratulations to Stephanie McMahon on a well-deserved induction in the WWE Hall of Fame.
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This story was originally published April 17, 2026 at 10:26 PM.