• The Rock’s Role For UFC Hall Of Fame 2025 Revealed
Mark Kerr, known as “The Smashing Machine,” is officially joining the UFC Hall of Fame as part of the 2025 class. His induction will take place on June 26 and he will be inducted by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who is also starring as Kerr in the upcoming film The Smashing Machine, set to release on October 3.
The announcement was made live during UFC 316 in Newark, New Jersey. Kerr, a dominant figure during MMA’s early days, will become the 21st inductee in the Hall’s Pioneer Era wing. UFC President and CEO Dana White praised Kerr’s influence on the sport:
“Mark Kerr was a high-level wrestler who also fought for PRIDE and was one of the early pioneers of the sport,” White said.
Welcome to the UFC Hall of Fame, Mark Kerr 👏
The Smashing Machine rounds out the class of 2025! pic.twitter.com/lOltVjqKxI
— UFC (@ufc) June 8, 2025
Before his MMA career, Kerr had an impressive run in amateur wrestling. He was an NCAA Division I champion at Syracuse University in 1992. After missing the 1996 Olympics, he transitioned to mixed martial arts.
Kerr made his MMA debut on January 19, 1997, at the World Vale Tudo Championships and won. Shortly afterward, he joined the UFC, where he found quick success. He won the heavyweight tournament twice in 1997, finishing all four of his opponents. Kerr is one of only five fighters to win more than one UFC tournament, alongside legends like Royce Gracie, Dan Severn, Mark Coleman, and Don Frye.
Beyond the UFC, Kerr also competed in PRIDE and other MMA promotions around the world. He finished his professional career with a record of 15 wins and 11 losses before retiring in 2009.
Now, nearly three decades after his debut, Kerr will receive one of MMA’s highest honors—and be celebrated by the man portraying him on the big screen.
• Another Big Appearance Set For RAW After MITB
Along with WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Bella’s return, John Cena is also scheduled to appear on Monday’s RAW. It should be noted that Cena has 20 dates left in his retirement tour. Adam Pearce announced the following updated card for RAW after Money In The Bank:
– Undisputed WWE Champion John Cena will appear
– Mr. Money In The Bank Seth Rollins will appear
– King & Queen of the Ring tournaments begin
– Nikki Bella returns
– Jey Uso (c) vs. Gunther for the World Heavyweight Championship
