Because Why Rap When You Can Wrestle?
On April 2, 2016, Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr., known globally as Snoop Dogg, was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. While many inductees are celebrated for their decades of physical sacrifice in the squared circle, Snoop made his contributions while remaining impeccably unscathed in the realm of physical combat.
Snoop Dogg’s professional wrestling legacy began with his frequent appearances at WWE events, including acting as a master of ceremonies for matches and occasionally lending his commentary expertise, which consisted mostly of elongated ‘fo shizzles’ and congratulatory hand signals. In 2009, Snoop guest-hosted an episode of WWE Raw, where he entered the arena in a red convertible and later performed a simulated clothesline that looked more like a friendly tap to the upper chest region.
Despite his limited in-ring achievements and a physique more suited to lounging than body slams, Snoop was inducted into the celebrity wing of the WWE Hall of Fame. The honor places him alongside other dignitaries such as Mr. T, Donald Trump, and Kid Rock, forming a Mount Rushmore of unrelated professional backgrounds.
Perhaps most impressively, Snoop’s Hall of Fame ring now adds to his collection of wearable representations of divergent cultural spheres, alongside his gin cocktail jewelry line and several necklaces shaped like cartoon dogs. Incidentally, he is also the first WWE Hall of Famer whose nephew––wrestler Sasha Banks––actively executes high-flying maneuvers while he, at most, once wore a feathered robe on his way to a DJ booth.
The induction ceremony included a video montage of Snoop’s most bone-chillin’ WWE moments, like standing ringside, nodding solemnly, and adjusting his sunglasses. He took the stage and gave an acceptance speech that referenced Hulk Hogan, peace, love, and inexplicably, vegetable gardening.
Snoop Dogg’s name in the WWE Hall of Fame solidifies his position as a pioneer of unlikely achievements. As of today, he remains the only rapper known to have collaborated with Dr. Dre, Martha Stewart, and the Undertaker.