Gail Kim, Melina headline remainder of WWHOF 2026 class; other awards announced
The Women’s Wrestling Hall of Fame (WWHOF) inducted the remaining members of its Class of 2026 on March 21, 2026, during The Big Event in Brentwood, New York.
Among those honored were TNA veteran Gail Kim, former WWE Women’s Champion Melina Perez, and British wrestling standout Julia Hammer, known as Sweet Saraya. Prior to the ceremony, WWHOF co-founders Gary Wolf and Christopher Annino, known respectively as Pitbull No. 1 and Pitbull No. 3 from ECW, named Hammer an honorary Pitbull in recognition of her in-ring durability and reputation outside the ring. She was presented with her plaque by Bronwyne Jewel Billington, daughter of the late Dynamite Kid.
Kim and Perez were inducted by WWHOF owner Marsha Maraschino and international advisor Karen Abigail. The ceremony also featured an appearance by Lisa Marie Varon, a former WWE and TNA champion and WWHOF inductee.
Additional inductees in the Class of 2026 include Mercedes Martinez, Debbie Malenko, Jasmin St. Clair, Linda Dallas, Mickie Knuckles, Missy Sampson, Penelope Paradise, Carmela Foss, Mimi Hagiwara, Natalia Vorobieva, and Pang Qianyu.
The organization also introduced a new celebrity category, with actress Laurene Landon selected for induction. Landon starred in the wrestling film All the Marbles and was trained for the role by Mildred Burke, performing most of her own stunts.
According to the organization, the Women’s Wrestling Hall of Fame aims to educate, promote, and preserve the history of women’s wrestling across both amateur and professional levels.
The WWHOF also recognized several individuals and groups for their support, including Karen Abigail, Kim Goodwin Martin, The Russian Gangstas, the New England Music Hall of Fame, Super Strong Pro Heavyweight Wrestling, Broadway Joe Malcolm, the United States Wrestling Federation, Atomic Legacy Wrestling, Eric Stevens, Damage 365 Promotions, Frizzle Promotions, EM Collectables, Florida All Star Wrestling, Veteran Pro Wrestling, and former American Gladiator Deron “Malibu” McBee.
Award winners for 2026 were also announced. Teal Piper was named Women’s Wrestler of the Year, Masha Slamovich received the Susan Tex Green Award, Zenith Zion was named Rookie of the Year, Tommy Fierro received the Missy Sampson Award, Nahir Robles was recognized as Most Improved Wrestler, Jessica Roden was named Best All-Around Athlete, and Angel Metro received the Courage Award.