As WrestleMania weekend takes over the spotlight, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the often unexpected but always entertaining crossover moments between professional wrestling and Major League Baseball. From chokeholds to chokeslams, the worlds of the diamond and the squared circle have collided more times than fans might think.
Crossover between MLB and WWE
Perhaps the most iconic crossover moment belongs to Pete Rose, MLB’s all-time hit king. Rose became a recurring figure at WrestleMania in the late ‘1990s, only to be repeatedly Tombstoned by WWE’s Big Red Machine, Kane.
What began as a one-off gag turned into a hilarious tradition that culminated in Rose being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame’s Celebrity Wing — one of the most unexpected honors for a baseball legend.
Then there’s “Macho Man” Randy Savage, whose legacy stretches beyond the ropes. Before dazzling fans with his raspy promos and elbow drops, Savage was known as Randy Poffo, a minor league baseball player in the Cardinals and Reds systems. A shoulder injury cut his baseball dreams short but ultimately paved the way for his rise as a wrestling icon.
Modern stars keep the connection alive. CM Punk, famously outspoken and a lifelong sports fan, once playfully choked longtime New York Mets PR legend Jay Horwitz during a backstage meet-up — an encounter Horwitz still laughs about. Punk’s punk-rock attitude clearly doesn’t turn off when athletes from other leagues come around.
More recently, WWE star Damien Priest, a proud native of Bronx, New York, paid tribute to his roots with a visit to Yankee Stadium. Whether throwing out a first pitch or meeting players, Priest proudly represents his New York ties, blending his rising wrestling fame with his baseball fandom.
And let’s not forget The Rock, Dwayne Johnson himself, a University of Miami football alum, seen hanging out with former Marlins slugger Giancarlo Stanton. The photo op between two massive athletic figures, both known for their strength and charisma, reminds fans that greatness often transcends sport.
WrestleMania may be a celebration of wrestling, but it’s more than just a spectacle of athleticism. It’s a reminder of how sports can unite people across different fields, breaking down the barriers that typically separate them.
Whether it’s through playful interactions or deep respect, wrestling and baseball have proven that greatness knows no bounds — and sometimes, the best moments come when the two worlds collide.
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