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Mid-South native to be inducted into WWE Hall of Fame

Posted: Apr 14th 2025 By: Jacob Gallant

Mid-South native James Harris, best known as Kamala, is set to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.

Harris was born in Coldwater, Mississippi and raised in Senatobia before his storied wrestling career.

Kamala was a mainstay in WWE in the late 1980s, known for his feuds against Hulk Hogan, Jake “The Snake” Roberts and The Honkey Tonk Man.

Harris died in 2020 at the age of 70.

His posthumous induction will be part of the 2025 WWE Hall of Fame class as Legacy inductees, alongside Dory Funy Sr. and Ivan Koloff.

The ceremony will take place on Friday, April 18 ahead of WrestleMania.

A statement from his family was sent to Action News 5:

“On behalf of our family, we want to extend our deepest thanks to WWE for the incredible honor of inducting James Harris, known and loved around the world as Kamala ‘The Ugandan Giant,’ into the WWE Hall of Fame.”

“James’ story is one of strength, resilience, and perseverance. Growing up in poverty after losing his father at a young age, James worked as a sharecropper to help support his family. It was through sheer determination that he carved out a path to greatness.”

“Kamala shared the ring with some of the most iconic figures in professional wrestling—Hulk Hogan, The Undertaker, Sgt. Slaughter, Randy Orton, Hacksaw Jim Duggan, Bam Bam Bigelow, Randy Savage, Bret Hart, The Ultimate Warrior, Jerry Lawler, The Von Erich Family, Jake “The Snake” Roberts, Magnum TA, Ted DiBiase, and Andre the Giant. These names remind us not only of wrestling’s golden era—but of Kamala’s rightful place among its legends.”

“Though his later years were marked by hardship, health challenges, and heartbreak—through it all, his faith in Jesus Christ remained a constant source of strength. We know James would be overwhelmed with joy to be welcomed back into the WWE family—a place where he always felt at home.”

“To the fans, to WWE, to 16 Creative, and to every friend and family member who has never stopped believing in his legacy—thank you. Your love, support, and tireless efforts made this moment possible. Because of you, Kamala’s legacy will forever be etched into the history of professional wrestling.”
Family of James Harris