Although it was already widely rumored and reported, WWE today made official that the late Yokozuna will be inducted into the Hall of Fame this year.

The announcement was made on WWE.com but a video package aired during Smackdown tapings last night.

Yokozuna was one of the better big men in the history of the company. Our very own Keith Harris explained his impact:

Yokozuna is another worthy pick, as he was the top heel in the promotion for fifteen months from winning the Royal Rumble in 1993 until dropping the WWF title to Bret Hart at WrestleMania X after 280 days in his second run as champion. He also formed a fun little and large heel tandem with Owen Hart in 1995 that held the WWF Tag Team Championships twice, and had a memorable babyface turn and feud with Vader in the first half of 1996 before his weight problems spiraled out of control, which eventually led to his premature death at the age of 34 in the year 2000. Given his ties to the Anoi'a family, The Rock would be the favourite to induct him. If not, then his most famous career rival, Bret Hart, would likely be chosen to do the honors.

Both Bret Hart and the Rock have said they have yet to be asked to induct him but with just 10 days left to the ceremony, it's seems to make sense to have Rock do it, as he's already in town for the show.

Yokozuna joins Edge, the Four Horsemen, Mil Mascaras, Ron Simmons and Mike Tyson as members of the class of 2012.

After the jump check out a few highlights of Yokozuna's career, including his win over Hulk Hogan at King of the Ring to win the WWF Championship, his 1993 Royal Rumble win and much more.