Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary heavy metal singer, passed away yesterday at the age of 76. In tribute to the iconic musician, WWE NXT commentator Vic Joseph opened tonight’s show by referencing one of Osbourne’s most famous songs, drawing attention to the impact of the Ozzy Osbourne tribute WWE NXT fans received.
Osbourne gained worldwide fame as the lead vocalist of Black Sabbath, a band that began in 1968 and produced some of the most influential heavy metal music in history. Apart from his iconic music career, Ozzy was known as a devoted WWE fan, making multiple appearances with the organization over the years. His debut WWE moment was at WrestleMania 2, where he accompanied the British Bulldogs in a match against the Dream Team.
Ozzy Osbourne’s WWE Legacy and Induction
Beyond WrestleMania, Ozzy Osbourne also appeared on WWE programming alongside his wife, Sharon, serving as guest hosts on RAW in 2009. These contributions were honored in 2021 when Osbourne was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. His connection to the wrestling world made his passing especially poignant for the WWE community.
Opening Moments of WWE NXT Marked by Tribute and an On-Air Slip
The WWE NXT broadcast began with Vic Joseph delivering the phrase,
“We’re all aboard the crazy train.”
—a nod to Osbourne’s 1980 hit from his first solo album, Blizzard of Ozz. This heartfelt mention was among the first acknowledgments of Osbourne’s legacy on WWE programming following his passing.
Shortly after the tribute, Booker T appeared to energize the audience but mistakenly mispronounced Blake Monroe’s name as Monica Monroe, creating a brief moment of confusion during the show’s early moments.
Remembering Ozzy Osbourne’s Cultural Impact
Ozzy Osbourne’s death marks the end of an era for one of music’s most influential voices, whose contributions spanned beyond heavy metal into the realm of professional wrestling fandom. WWE’s acknowledgment of his legacy highlights the close bond he shared with the promotion and its fans. As WWE NXT continues to honor his memory, viewers recognize the significant mark Osbourne left on entertainment and popular culture.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is WWE NXT real or fake?
A. NXT is a training brand under WWE, where wrestlers develop their skills before advancing to the main WWE shows, Raw and SmackDown.
Q. Is WWE NXT ending?
A. Until the WWE Network shut down in December 2024, all past NXT broadcasts could be watched on it.
