Fans Chant 'Thank You Vince' at WWE Hall of Fame Ceremony

Stephanie McMahon's mention of her father Vince McMahon during her induction speech sparked an emotional reaction from the crowd.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 10:03pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A bold, abstract illustration featuring stark, jagged geometric shapes in red and white, representing the emotional energy of the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony and the fans' reaction to the mention of Vince McMahon.The WWE Hall of Fame ceremony sparks an outpouring of fan appreciation for the legacy of Vince McMahon, the former chairman whose name has been largely absent from the company.Las Vegas Today

During the 2026 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony, fans in attendance erupted in chants of 'Thank You Vince' when Stephanie McMahon mentioned her father, former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon, in her acceptance speech. Stephanie praised her parents, Linda and Vince McMahon, for their contributions to the company. The crowd's reaction comes amid ongoing legal issues surrounding Vince McMahon, who departed WWE in 2024 amidst a scandal.

Why it matters

Vince McMahon's name has been largely absent from WWE programming since his departure in 2024, making the crowd's emotional reaction to his mention during the Hall of Fame ceremony noteworthy. The chants suggest lingering fan appreciation for McMahon's role in building WWE into a global entertainment powerhouse, despite the controversies surrounding his exit.

The details

During her Hall of Fame induction speech, Stephanie McMahon thanked many people, including her father, Vince McMahon. When she mentioned Vince's name, the crowd at the Dolby Live at Park MGM in Las Vegas erupted in a loud 'Thank You Vince' chant. Stephanie acknowledged that if it weren't for her parents, Linda and Vince McMahon, she wouldn't be there that night.

  • The 2026 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony took place on April 18, 2026.

The players

Stephanie McMahon

The former Chairwoman of WWE, who was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2026.

Vince McMahon

The former Chairman of WWE, who co-founded the company with his wife, Linda McMahon.

Linda McMahon

The co-founder of WWE and Stephanie McMahon's mother, who inducted her into the WWE Hall of Fame.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'If it weren't for her, and of course, my father, Vince McMahon, none of us would be here tonight. Especially me.'”

— Stephanie McMahon, Former Chairwoman of WWE

The takeaway

The emotional 'Thank You Vince' chants from the WWE Hall of Fame crowd highlight the lasting impact and enduring legacy of Vince McMahon, despite the controversies surrounding his departure from the company. While his name has been largely absent from WWE programming, the fans' reaction demonstrates the deep appreciation many still have for his role in building WWE into a global entertainment powerhouse.