After all the rumor, WWE.com has finally confirmed the story that was leaked then removed from their site last Friday: Stone Cold Steve Austin will lead the Class of 2009 into the WWE Hall of Fame during WrestleMania weekend.

Let us be among the many who welcome this induction and add that we hope to see a Stone Cold Stunner somewhere in the ceremony…

After the jump is the official statement from WWE.com:

It’s time to raise a glass — of beer, naturally — to the most popular WWE Superstar in history, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin.

It’s official! The six-time WWE Champion will be inducted into the 2009 WWE Hall of Fame on April 4 in his home state of Texas at Houston’s Toyota Center, the night before WrestleMania XXV. “Stone Cold” is the first Superstar announced for this year’s Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in what promises to be one “Hell Yeah” of an evening.

Congrats Stone Cold!

WWE originally planned for Jim Ross to induct Steve Austin int the Hall of Fame, but Austin requested Ric Flair instead. Officials are not happy with his request since Flair is viewed as an “outsider” and WWE would not like to give him press. Jerry Lawler was in a similar situation two years ago when he requested Memphis announcer Lance Russell, and instead officials wanted William Shatner to induct him.

So who will be tagged with the job? We’ll just have to wait and see.