Nearly five years after his passing, Kamala (real name James Harris) has been signed to a WWE Legends contract.
The Harris family made a Facebook post this week announcing that WWE has signed Kamala to a posthumous Legends deal. The news comes as Kamala is reportedly being considered as a potential addition to the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2025.
“We couldn’t be prouder that James’s legacy is back home where it belongs,” said Emmer Jean Harris, the wife of Kamala.
Branding agency 16 Creative worked with the Harris estate to negotiate this deal with WWE.
“When we began working with the estate, my main goal was to get Kamala signed to a Legends deal — and hopefully into the WWE Hall of Fame. I’ve always felt that’s where he belongs, and I think many of his fans would agree.” said 16 Creative founder Jared Ashley. “It has been such an honor to work with this family over the past few years, and now with WWE, to help preserve Kamala’s incredible legacy.”
Kamala died of a heart attack at 70 years old in August 2020 after complications from diabetes and COVID-19. His battle with diabetes caused Kamala to lose both of his legs in the later years of his life.
One of the most memorable pro wrestling characters of the 1980s, Kamala was a star in Memphis, Mid South, World Class Championship Wrestling, and the WWF.
The 2025 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony is taking place in Las Vegas on Friday, April 18 with Paul “Triple H” Levesque, Michelle McCool, Lex Luger, and The Natural Disasters (Earthquake & Typhoon) confirmed for the class so far.
