WWE Issues A Statement On Muhammad Ali’s Passing, Superstars React

As reported earlier, boxing icon Muhammad Ali passed away on Friday at the age of seventy-four. In addition to his many boxing accomplishments, Ali memorably served as a guest referee for the first WrestleMania main event and participated in a boxing vs. wrestling match against Japanese legend Antonio Inoki in 1976 in a special rules match that is considered an influence on the sport of MMA.

WWE issued a statement on Ali’s passing, which reads:

“WWE is saddened to learn that two-time world heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali passed away at age 74 on June 3, 2016.

The Louisville native won six Kentucky Golden Glove Championships and the gold medal for the United States as a light heavyweight in Rome’s 1960 Summer Olympics before beginning his professional career.

Ali also made history for his historic boxer vs. wrestler match against WWE Hall of Famer Antonio Inoki in Tokyo on June 26, 1976. The fight is regarded as a precursor to modern mixed martial arts.

In 1985, Ali made his mark in WWE history when he was one of the special guest referees for the main event of the first WrestleMania at Madison Square Garden. The bout featured WWE Champion Hulk Hogan and pop culture icon Mr. T against “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff and “Rowdy” Roddy Piper. During the contest, Ali climbed up onto the ring apron and took a swing at Piper.

WWE extends its condolences to Ali’s family, friends and fans.”

In addition, several members of the wrestling and wrestling-associated world reacted to the news on social media:

Thank you CHAMP. Thank you.

— Mr. T (@MrT) June 4, 2016

I've woke up to hear the news that "The Champ" Muhammad Ali has passed away. Man the guys quotes really inspire… https://t.co/aD5kGg5vNp

— William Ospreay (@WillOspreay) June 4, 2016

The charisma, personality, style,, civil rights, rebel, trash talker, global symbol for peace, thank u for da yrs of entertainment…RIP ALI

— Konnan (@Konnan5150) June 4, 2016

Thank you Champ. Thank you for inspiring me to be more and to seek more. @MuhammadAli . You leave this world a greater place.

— Samoa Joe (@SamoaJoe) June 4, 2016

pic.twitter.com/CgN6gELZgg

— GOLDUST (@Goldust) June 4, 2016

#FloatLikeAButterflyStingLikeABee @MuhammadAli

— Shinsuke Nakamura (@ShinsukeN) June 4, 2016

#RIPMuhammadAli #TheGreatest pic.twitter.com/QwHfV9iGYO

— Stu Bennett (@WadeBarrett) June 4, 2016

Gob bless the greatest athlete of all time. And God bless the greatest promo of all time #RumbleYoungManRumble #RIPMuhammadAli

— Mike Bennett (@RealMikeBennett) June 4, 2016

Float like a butterfly! Sting like a bee! .. There will never be another. #TheGreatest RIP #MuhammadAli

— No Way Jose (@WWENoWayJose) June 4, 2016

"He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life." — #MuhammadAli

— Byron Saxton (@ByronSaxton) June 4, 2016

"FLOAT LIKE A BUTTERFLY, STING LIKE A BEE." Remembering Muhammad Ali, pictured here with my grandfather. #GOAT pic.twitter.com/ur4fG7x7IB

— Nattie (@NatbyNature) June 4, 2016

100% DIRECT LINK (PHOTOS): Pre-WWE Shot Of Bray Wyatt! **WHOA**!!!!!