As WrestleMania weekend approaches, it’s the ideal time to reflect on the frequently unexpected but always entertaining crossover moments between professional wrestling and Major League Baseball. From chokeholds to chokeslams, the worlds of the diamond and squared circle have collided more than fans may realize.
Crossover between MLB and WWE
Pete Rose, the all-time hit king in Major League Baseball, may have had the most iconic crossover moment. Rose became a recurring figure at WrestleMania in the late 1990s, only to be repeatedly tombstoned by WWE’s Big Red Machine Kane.
What started as a one-time joke evolved into a hilarious tradition, culminating in Rose’s induction 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 extends 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 organizations. A shoulder injury ended his baseball dreams, but it also paved the way for his rise to prominence as a wrestler.
Modern stars keep the connection going. CM Punk, a famously outspoken and lifelong sports fan, once playfully choked longtime New York Mets PR legend Jay Horwitz during a backstage meet-and-greet, an incident Horwitz still laughs about. Punk’s punk-rock attitude is clearly not turned off when athletes from other leagues arrive.
More recently, WWE star Damien Priest, a proud Bronx native, paid tribute to his roots by visiting Yankee Stadium. Priest proudly represents his New York roots, blending his rising wrestling fame with his baseball fandom, whether he is throwing out the first pitch or meeting with players.
Let’s not forget The Rock, Dwayne Johnson, a University of Miami football alum who was spotted hanging out with former Marlins slugger Giancarlo Stanton. The photo opportunity between two massive athletic figures, both known for their strength and charisma, reminds fans that greatness frequently extends beyond sport.
WrestleMania is more than just a showcase of athleticism. It serves as a reminder of how sports can bring people from diverse backgrounds together, breaking down the barriers that typically divide them.
Wrestling and baseball have demonstrated that greatness knows no bounds, whether through playful interactions or deep respect — and the best moments often occur when the two worlds collide.
