WWE Hall of Famer Kane recently shared his belief that one of the WWE Hall of Fame’s celebrity inductees, Pete Rose, would have been a genuine Hall of Famer based on his wrestling potential had he chosen to pursue an in-ring career. According to Kane, Rose’s contributions in WWE go beyond his celebrity appearances, showing a level of toughness and charisma that could have translated well inside the squared circle, elevating him from the celebrity wing to the standard Hall of Fame roster[1][2].

Pete Rose, a legendary professional baseball icon and all-time hits leader, was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame’s celebrity wing in 2004, primarily for his memorable run in WWE between 1998 and 2000[1]. During this time, Rose became a fan favorite participating in multiple storylines culminating in bouts with Kane himself, whose real name is Glen Jacobs. The ongoing feud, often spotlighted at WrestleMania events, saw Kane frequently “tombstoning” Rose in compelling segments that blurred the lines between sport and sports entertainment[1].

Kane’s comments came during a recent podcast interview, where he reflected on performing against Rose and other wrestling celebrities. He opined that if Rose had considered training as a professional wrestler rather than sticking solely to baseball, Rose’s impact could have warranted induction based on merit rather than celebrity status. “Pete had that natural toughness and presence. It’s rare for athletes to adapt to wrestling seamlessly, but Pete nailed it in his appearances. The guy had Hall of Fame material,” Kane noted, per Fightful reports[2].

Celebrities in the WWE Hall of Fame: Beyond the In-Ring Performers

WWE’s Hall of Fame has distinguished itself by honoring not only legendary wrestlers but also celebrities who have contributed significantly to WWE’s cultural footprint. Besides Pete Rose, this group includes luminaries like Muhammad Ali, Snoop Dogg, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Mike Tyson, and even Donald Trump, all inducted into the celebrity wing for their appearances, influence, or enthusiastic support of WWE[1][4].

Each of these celebrities brought a different flavor to WWE programming — Muhammad Ali’s endorsement and appearances, Snoop Dogg’s rapping and hosting at WrestleMania, Schwarzenegger’s various cameos including a title belt presentation, and Mike Tyson’s high-profile involvement in a WrestleMania main event mismatch[1][4]. However, Kane’s remarks particularly highlight Pete Rose as a unique case where celebrity involvement bordered on legitimate wrestling potential.

The Wrestling Foundations of Pete Rose’s WWE Tenure

Pete Rose’s stint in WWE wasn’t merely a celebrity gimmick. His appearances were accompanied by intense physicality and storyline involvement that few celebrities manage. From 1998 through 2000, Rose was embroiled in feuds that placed him in the spotlight at WrestleMania XVI, XVII, and XVIII, where Kane often was his adversary[1]. The segments were memorable for their brutal spots and Rose’s grit, earning respect from the locker room and fans alike.

Wrestling insiders and observers have noted that Rose’s willingness to take bumps and learn the craft respectfully set him apart from many celebrity guests. WWE.com and Wrestling Inc. sources also observe that Rose’s athletic background and competitive spirit translated well into the wrestling environment, which demands both physical and performance skills[1][2].

Kane’s Perspective and the Debate on Celebrity Inductees

Kane’s assertion contributes to the ongoing debate about the value and criteria for WWE Hall of Fame induction, especially for non-wrestlers. Traditionally, the Hall of Fame is reserved for in-ring legends and contributors who helped shape the wrestling industry. However, WWE established a celebrity wing to honor those who, although not wrestlers, influenced WWE’s mainstream popularity and cultural integration.

Kane’s angle suggests there are rarer instances where celebrity inductees might have had the aptitude and potential to be full-fledged wrestlers. This resonates with some fans and analysts who believe WWE could reconsider or re-evaluate the traditional labels of “celebrity” versus “wrestler” inductees in exceptional cases.

In the wake of Kane’s public comments, sources close to WWE speculate that this dialogue might inspire WWE to highlight or develop more crossover talent capable of successfully transitioning from other sports or careers into full-time wrestling roles, much like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Batista before them[2].

Legacy and Cultural Impact of the Celebrity Wing

The celebrity wing remains a pivotal part of WWE’s Hall of Fame, reflecting the company’s philosophy of entertainment and spectacle. Celebrities have boosted WWE’s mainstream visibility and drawn new audiences over the decades, arguably helping wrestling achieve global reach.

According to official WWE records, 14 celebrities have been inducted as of 2025. Names such as Arnold Schwarzenegger were honored not only for their WWE appearances but also for long-term relationships with wrestling legends and contributions to pop culture’s perception of WWE[4]. Schwarzenegger’s 2015 induction, for example, highlighted his crossover appeal and longstanding friendship with iconic wrestlers[4].

Final Thoughts

Kane’s perspective on Pete Rose serves as a reminder of the blurred lines between celebrity guests and legitimate wrestling figures within the WWE universe. While Rose remains officially inducted in the celebrity wing for his memorable contributions to WWE’s storytelling, Kane’s remarks suggest that his physicality and charisma could have elevated him into the wrestling hall of fame proper, had he chosen that path.

As WWE continues to evolve its Hall of Fame and its stars, the conversation initiated by Kane invites fans and industry insiders to reconsider the potential legacies of celebrity participants — not just as guests, but as possible wrestling legends in their own right.

Sources:

• WWE.com (Hall of Fame history and special celebrity inductees)
• Fightful (Kane’s podcast interview and analysis)
• Wrestling Inc. (Celebrity wing details and Pete Rose involvement)
• The SmackDown Hotel (full WWE Hall of Fame inductees list)