Throughout most of the 70's, Pete Rose was the heart & soul of the Cincinnati Reds

Along with legendary players Johnny Bench, Joe Morgan and Tony Perez, Rose led the Reds to six division championships, four pennants and two World Series titles in the decade. This dynasty, known throughout the world as the "Big Red Machine," will be remembered as one of the most dominating forces in the history of baseball.

Now there is a new "Big Red Machine" striking fear in his opponents. Kane. Since entering the World Wrestling Federation, the seven-foot monster has dominated anyone who's had the misfortune to get in his way--and that includes Pete Rose.

At WrestleMania XIV Rose was on hand to serve as a guest ring announcer. However, he took advantage of his time in the spotlight by gloating over the success his Reds had at the hands of the hometown Boston Red Sox. With the crowd egging him on, Kane put an end to the non-comical routine by sending "Charlie Hustle" down to the mat with a bone-crunching tombstone!

Despite the punishment he received, Rose told Federation officials that he'd had a wonderful time last year in Boston. As a gesture of good will, the Federation invited Pete back to WrestleMania XV to enjoy the show as a V.I.P.

Simply watching this year's spectacular was not enough for Pete Rose, however. Following the Brawl For All match, the famous Chicken made his way into the squared circle to lighten up the mood and entertain special guest referee Vinny Pazienza. Enjoying the festivities from his luxurious V.I.P. suite located backstage, Rose hatched an idea, realizing how easy it was for the Chicken to get in the ring and put a potential target at ease with his fun-loving nature. Rose knows the most effective attacker is anyone not suspected of being one.

When the Chicken returned backstage, he and Rose immediately entered into friendly conversation. Perhaps the discussion revolved around their shared background in professional baseball. Pete Rose and the Chicken are two of the most conspicuous figures the national pastime has and both were desirous to hear what the other had to say.

Within minutes the amicable duo headed back to Rose's suite. Were they going to watch the rest of the broadcast? Did the Chicken ask for Pete's autograph? Did Pete ask for the Chicken's autograph? Was the deluxe spread of free food and drink Pete had in his suite courtesy of the Federation all too much for the Chicken to resist? We don't know how Rose got the Chicken into the room, but we do know what happened after he did.

Charlie Hustle attacked the famed fowl, using a rope to restrain him as the feathered costume was removed. Once Rose was completely unrecognizable as the Chicken, he set his plan in motion. As Kane made his way to the ring for his match with Triple H, so did Pete. Major League Baseball's all-time hit leader got to the Big Red Machine and jumped on his back, hoping to bring the monster to his knees.

Rose's plan was thwarted, however, when Kane shook his attacker off and exposed the Chicken for who he was! Recognizing Pete as an old nemesis, Kane promptly countered, hitting Rose with another vicious tombstone.

Shaken and sore, Rose was assisted backstage where this reporter was able to catch up with him. He told me that aside from being in a great deal of pain, he was disappointed his plot had been foiled. Before he left to lie down for a few days, Pete promised, "It's back to the drawing board. You never know what I'll have planned for next year!"

 

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