Ex-WWE star reveals backstage story about Hugh Jackman's RAW appearance (Exclusive)

Hugh Jackman guest-hosted the September 19, 2011, episode of WWE RAW. EC3, a member of the WWE roster at the time, recently recalled an interaction he had with the Australian actor backstage.

In the late 2000s and early 2010s, WWE often hired celebrity guests to host RAW episodes. While some only played a minor role, Jackman produced a memorable moment by punching Dolph Ziggler in the jaw to help Zack Ryder secure a victory.

EC3, known as Derrick Bateman in 2011, appeared on Sportskeeda's The Wrestling Outlaws with host Dr. Chris Featherstone and former WWE writer Vince Russo. He reminisced about Jackman excitedly greeting him behind the scenes before the show:

"Hugh Jackman was the man," EC3 said. "I think it was in Cleveland too. He was walking around the locker room. He's FaceTiming his wife. I'm cr*ppy little Derrick Bateman. I shouldn't even be in the locker room. He walks in and he's like, 'Hey, buddy, I'm Hugh!' I'm like, 'I know!' He's like, 'Here's my wife!' I'm like, 'Hi, Mrs. Jackman!' He's just walking, he's just happy as hell." [10:40 – 11:06]

The October 31, 2011, episode of RAW was hosted by The Muppets. On the topic of guest hosts, EC3 joked he was horrified to find the popular puppet characters in a room backstage:

"This one kinda ruined my life, right? So I'm walking by the celebrity guests' locker room and the door was open. I kinda peered in, you know, and then there I saw it. Kermit, Miss Piggy, Gonzo, Fozzie the Bear, just laid out. I was [thinking], 'This is the saddest thing I've ever seen.' They're just inanimate objects. Horrific." [11:45 – 12:15]

Watch the video above to hear more from EC3 and Vince Russo on several topics, including one celebrity who was reluctant to appear at WrestleMania.

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EC3 shares Pete Rose WWE story

Legendary baseball player Pete Rose was attacked by Kane at three consecutive WrestleMania events between 1998 and 2000. He also guest-hosted RAW on March 22, 2010.

EC3 added that he once referenced Rose during a promo before surprisingly bumping into the former sports star:

"I get the mic and I'm going off on this promo and I make a big Pete Rose cheap pop joke to a nice reaction from the audience, and I'm like, 'All right, cool.' And I start walking back and we're going through the tunnel, and I have no idea but here comes Pete Rose walking down the aisle. And I'm like, 'Pete!' He's like, 'Hey, how are you?' I'm like, 'I was just talking about you.' He's like, 'Yeah, real funny.' Then he kept walking. I was like, 'Ah, sweet, Pete Rose, man.'" [12:39 – 13:03]

On September 30, Rose passed away at the age of 83. His WWE contributions were recognized in 2004 when he was inducted into the celebrity wing of the Hall of Fame.

Do you have any favorite WWE celebrity guest stars? Hit the discuss button and let us know.

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