Pete Rose, a legend of baseball who also made appearances for WWE, has died at the age of 83. Stephanie Wheatley, a spokesperson for Clark County in Nevada, confirmed on behalf of the medical examiner that Rose died Monday, September 30. Rose had appeared at an autograph show over the weekend in Nashville alongside other celebrity athletes, including fellow WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair.
Known as ‘Charlie Hustle’ of the Cincinnati Reds, Rose was arguably the most exciting player of the 1960s and 70s, and remains MLB’s all-time leader in hits with 4,256. The following decade, Rose managed the Reds and in 1989, was accused of betting on games while he played for and managed the team. After years of denying accusations, Rose admitted in 2004 that he made wagers on the team, and his permanent ban from the Hall of Fame remains a topic of debate to this day.
Pete Rose In WWE
Rose debuted in WWE at WrestleMania 14 where he mocked the hometown team of Boston, earning himself a chokeslam from Kane shortly after. The pair would run into another again at WrestleManias 15 and 16 with the Big Red Machine always getting the better of Rose.
For his work with WWE, Rose was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2004 on the eve of WrestleMania 20, the first celebrity inductee. It was fitting that Kane inducted the original Big Red Machine, and fortunately for Rose, the pair did not come to blows. On Twitter, WWE shared a statement on Rose’s passing.
We here at SEScoops would like to extend our condolences to Rose’s family, friends, and colleagues at this sad time.
