In 1984, Ghostbusters hit the silver screen, and its influence has haunted pop culture ever since. Like radially polarized protons fired from a neutrino wand, the streams of this spooky franchise have crossed with professional wrestling many times—maybe more than you think!
From backstage meetups to in-ring tributes, dive into ten memorable moments where Ghostbusters and pro wrestling crossed into each other’s dimensional planes!
1. Bill Murray Sits On Mick Foley’s Lap
Despite whatever images the above sub-heading may conjure up in your head, Murray in Mick Foley’s lap had nothing to do with saucy shenanigans. It was quite the opposite and an altogether wholesome affair.
This photo was taken shortly after the band Puss N Boots, consisting of Grammy Award-winning artist Norah Jones, Catherine Popper, and Sasha Dobson, threw their annual Christmas Extravaganza at The Bell House in Brooklyn, New York, on December 14th, 2018.
Mick Foley, also known as Mankind, Cactus Jack, and Dude Love in World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE), recalled the experience with WrestleZone in 2019, fondly remembering the show.
“It’s an awesome event. Bill came out, tore the house down with White Christmas, and we got to go on stage and dance together. We were a part of the Silent Night finale, then I did my Christmas Eve visits and Christmas Day visits.
He continued, “I’ve been to the local cancer center and doing things with the Christmas Magic organization here on Long Island, so it’s a pretty full plate here in December.”
The star-studded event also featured appearances by singer-songwriter Jesse Malin and musician Corn Mo, alongside the unlikely duo of Bill Murray and Mick Foley.
2. Ernie Hudson and Kurt Angle: Shark Con Encounter
Winston Zeddemore and the Olympic hero Kurt Angle stood side by side at Shark Con, held on July 13-14, 2019, at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall in Tampa, Florida.
Kurt Angle and Ernie Hudson, both regulars on the convention scene, spent the day sitting next to each other, signing autographs for their fans at their respective booths during the National Geographic SHARKFEST-sponsored event.
Kurt Angle uploaded this picture to his official Facebook page, ensuring the world would know this epic meet-up between the Ghostbusters star and the WWE Hall of Famer was true. (It was damn true!)
The annual Shark Con event, which brings together shark enthusiasts, marine biologists, and celebrities, provided an unexpected backdrop for this unique crossover between the worlds of supernatural comedy and professional wrestling.
3. Dan Aykroyd and Shawn Michaels: An Unexpected Meeting
The 1996 meeting between Dan Aykroyd and Shawn Michaels showcases an unexpected crossover between the worlds of Hollywood and professional wrestling. While specific details about their meeting are scarce, we can piece together some context based on their careers at the time and the limited information available.
In 1996, Dan Aykroyd was still a major Hollywood presence, having appeared in numerous successful films throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, including Ghostbusters (1984) and Ghostbusters II (1989).
Shawn Michaels, on the other hand, was rising to prominence in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE), establishing himself as one of the top stars in professional wrestling. He had just won his first WWF World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania XII on March 31st, 1996.
One Reddit post speculates that a WWF employee may have facilitated the introduction between Michaels and Aykroyd, resulting in the photograph being taken. This theory aligns with the common practice of celebrities meeting backstage at various entertainment events.
However, while digging further and with the help of a kind reader, the mystery has been solved! The photo was reportedly featured in a WWF (now WWE) magazine at the time and was taken at a charity basketball event hosted by the San Antonio Spurs. This makes perfect sense, as San Antonio is Shawn Michaels’ hometown.
The 1995-96 season was significant for the Spurs, as they hosted the 1996 NBA All-Star Game at the Alamodome and finished first in the Midwest Division with a 59-23 record. Celebrities from different entertainment spheres often come together for such causes, which explains this unexpected crossover between the worlds of Hollywood and professional wrestling.
While we still can’t confirm the exact date or specifics of their conversation, the idea of Aykroyd and Michaels bonding over a game of charity basketball is certainly entertaining to imagine. Did the Ghostbuster and the Heartbreak Kid discuss paranormal activities between free throws? Did Aykroyd ask for wrestling tips, or did Michaels inquire about busting ghosts? The mind boggles at the possibilities!
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4. Ghostbusters 2016 Cast Steps Into the Ring
After 30 years of waiting for the next chapter in the Ghostbusters franchise, Sony Pictures and Columbia Pictures surprised everyone by producing a remake with a new cast instead of a direct sequel.
The Ghostbusters fans reacted to Ghostbusters (2016) in a way reminiscent of how WWE fans responded to Batista winning the 2014 Royal Rumble.
By that, we mean the reception was mixed, and like how Batista’s win inadvertently led to the Yes Movement that put Daniel Bryan in the main event of WrestleMania XXX, the resulting discussions surrounding Ghostbusters 2016 contributed to the development of Ghostbusters: Afterlife, a legacy sequel to the original films, released in 2021.
Regardless of its reception, Ghostbusters (2016) is part of the franchise, and its cast has had various connections with professional wrestling:
- WWE Superstars Naomi and Lana interviewed Melissa McCarthy via webcam for her 2021 movie “Thunder Force.”
- Kate McKinnon played a game of True Confessions with John Cena on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” in 2017.
- Leslie Jones performed in a sketch with John Cena for the YouTube channel Above Average.
- Kristen Wiig appeared on Monday Night Raw with fellow SNL alumnus Will Forte to promote their movie “MacGruber” in 2010.
Additionally, Chris Hemsworth, who played Kevin in the 2016 film, was once attached to portray Hulk Hogan in a biopic. However, this project has officially been scrapped.
In August 2024, director Todd Phillips confirmed to Variety that the film is “not going to come together.”
While this particular biopic has been shelved, another Hulk Hogan-centric movie, Killing Gawker, is currently in development.
Directed by Gus Van Sant and produced by Ben Affleck and Matt Damon’s Artists Equity, this film will focus on Hogan’s legal battle against Gawker Media, with Affleck rumored to potentially take on the role of Hulk Hogan.
5. WWE Legends Suit Up as Ghostbusters in Mattel Action Figures
In 2019, to commemorate the 35th anniversary of Ghostbusters, Columbia Pictures Ghost Corps, WWE, and Mattel collaborated to create a crossover action figure line that fans didn’t know they needed.
Instead of Zeddemore, Venkman, Stantz, and Spengler, the set featured four WWE legends as Ghostbusters and another as a spectral foe.
Shawn Michaels Ghostbusters Crossover Action Figure
First in the lineup is the Heartbreak Kid, Shawn Michaels, whose description on Ringside Collectibles reads as follows:
“Show ghouls that you’re all about the chin music with Shawn Michaels as he superkicks his way into Mattel’s WWE Elite Ghostbusters line.
“HBK joins the lineup with a spot-on headscan and comes equipped with a removable t-shirt, proton pack, utility belt, baseball cap, and ghost trap. Shawn comes outfitted in DX wristbands, Ghostbuster-styled cowboy pants, and boots!”
Stone Cold Steve Austin Ghostbusters Crossover Action Figure
“Show no fear Stone Cold Steve Austin in Mattel’s WWE Elite Ghostbusters line. The Texas Rattlesnake has a furious headscan and comes equipped with a removable cloth jumpsuit, proton pack, and utility belt.
“Austin arrives outfitted in a black Austin 3:16 shirt, signature entrance vest, black trunks, removable knee pads, and short boots!”
John Cena Ghostbusters Crossover Action Figure
“Get ready to adjust otherworldy attitudes with John Cena in Mattel’s WWE Elite Ghostbusters line. Cena appears out of thin air sporting a positive headscan with a crew cut, removable cloth black shirt, dog tag, utility belt, and proton pack.
“His in-ring consists of green Ghostbuster branded wristbands, an armband, grey jorts, and sneakers!”
The Rock Ghostbusters Crossover Action Figure
“Lay the smackdown on the dead with The Rock in Mattel’s WWE Elite Ghostbusters line. The Great One has a spot-on headscan and is equipped with a removable sleeveless jumpsuit.
“His in-ring gear consists of a “Team Bring It” shirt, black trunks featuring his name, adjustable elbow pads, black boots, and removable knee pads. The Rock also comes with a utility belt and proton pack accessory!”
The Undertaker Ghostbusters Crossover Action Figure
What good are Ghostbusters without a ghost to bust? When it comes to spooky specters, there are none spookier than The Undertaker.
Lay down a tombstone with the Undertaker in Mattel’s WWE Elite Ghostbusters line. The Deadman rises from his eternal slumber, sporting a translucent purple headscan with alabaster eyes, a purple wide-brim hat, and an ecto green WWE winged eagle championship.
“The Undertaker’s entire body comes cast in a ghoulish translucent purple hue and is outfitted in a full-body singlet, MMA gloves, and long-style boots!”
6. Ghostbusters Meet WWE Champions in a Mobile Game
As if that wasn’t enough, the WWE’s mobile game, WWE Champions, also participated in the anniversary celebration.
For a limited time, players could get their hands on a flight-suited John Cena, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, Roman Reigns, and Hulk Hogan.
The mobile app not only brought us wrestlers as Ghostbusters but also a Ghostbusters character as a wrestler.
Stay Puft Marshmallow Man Joins WWE Champions
That’s right, gamers also got to play as everyone’s favorite church-destroying, edible kaiju.
Sadly, Mr. Stay Puft wasn’t his original size, robbing us of the image of WWE Superstars battling a giant chewy sugar foot, but he was large enough to stand up to the likes of Andre The Giant, Yokozuna, and Vader.
This unique crossover event in WWE Champions took place in July 2019, coinciding with the 35th anniversary of the original Ghostbusters film. The limited-time event allowed players to collect and use these special Ghostbusters-themed characters in matches, adding a supernatural twist to the wrestling action.
The inclusion of the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man as a playable character was particularly noteworthy. It marked one of the few instances where a non-wrestler character from a major film franchise was incorporated into a WWE-branded video game.
While not as imposing as his cinematic counterpart, the in-game Stay Puft still provided a unique gameplay experience for fans of both wrestling and Ghostbusters.
7. The Elite Pay Tribute to Ghostbusters in AEW
Enough talk of toys and games. Let’s move on to ACTUAL wrestlers dressing up and paying tribute to the paranormal hunters.
On the Halloween edition of AEW Dynamite on October 27th, 2021, with the cinematic release of Ghostbusters: Afterlife taking place only a couple of weeks later, The Elite, which at that time consisted of Kenny Omega, Adam Cole (Bay Bay), and The Young Bucks, made their way to the ring suited in khaki jumpsuits and proton packs, complete with their Ghostbusterised version of The Elite theme.
However, Ghostbusters wasn’t the “Super Kliq’s” original idea for their Halloween group cosplay. AEW’s music producer, Mikey Rukus, explained to Fightful how quick the scramble to create the last-minute musical request was.
“I had worked with Kenny the week prior, and we were doing the Squid Games. I made that. I used a sample of their names and worked it into their song. We were going to use that; we were all excited and set to go.”
Rukus continued, “My truck was at the mechanic shop, and at 5.30 in the afternoon, Kenny texted me, ‘How fast can you work? They just axed the whole Squid Games thing, and we’re so depressed, we’re gonna do Ghostbusters.’
“Immediately I was like, ‘I got it, I got you.'”
However, things would go amiss as Rukus tried to make quick work of creating the Ghostbusters-styled theme.
“I got stuck in traffic on the way home until about 6.45, got upstairs, and immediately started making decisions about what I wanted to do. About twenty minutes after seven, as I went to mix down, my computer froze up.”
“I had to reboot. I went back, lost thirty minutes’ worth of progress, and had to do it again.
“Kenny handed it to the truck at 8.01; the truck had it at 8.03; Kenny’s like, ‘I love you. I don’t know how you do it, but I love you.’
“It was really cool. I love moments like that. Some people just kind of freak out but it allows me to have hyper-focus.”
The Elite, dressed as Ghostbusters, faced off against The Dark Order (Evil Uno, Stu Grayson, Colt Cabana, and John Silver) that night in an eight-man tag team main event.
8. Stay Puft Marshmallow Hangman Reveal in AEW
You’d be wrong if you thought that WWE Champions was the only time you would see The Stay Puft Marshmallow Man in the wrestling ring.
During the match, The Elite started attacking what they believed to be their former colleague turned ally of The Dark Order, Hangman Adam Page, disguised as the front end of a horse. However, after a vicious BTE Trigger, it was revealed the horse was The Elite’s friend and cheerleader, Brandon Cutler, with tape around his mouth, leaving him unable to cry out.
In a surprising twist, the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man appeared and hit the Dead Eye on Matt Jackson. The marshmallow giant then unmasked to reveal himself as “Hangman” Adam Page in disguise. This distraction allowed John Silver to pin Matt Jackson, securing the victory for The Dark Order.
The Halloween-themed match provided fans with a unique blend of wrestling action and Ghostbusters nostalgia, culminating in a feel-good moment as the underdogs triumphed with the help of their marshmallow-clad ally.
9. Matt Cardona: The Ultimate Ghostbusters Super Fan
Declaring himself “The Michael Jordan of Figure” collecting, Matt Cardona’s massive toy collection isn’t just resigned to pro wrestling figures but also his other fandoms, including Ghostbusters. In an interview with WWE.com in 2011, Cardona revealed where his obsession began.
“I saw it for the first time when I was very young; as a kid, chasing ghosts and busting ghosts looked so fun. Then, as I grew up, I got all the jokes, and I loved it on a different level. Now, it’s my favorite movie of all time.”
When questioned about how much he listens to the Ray Parker Jr. Ghostbusters theme song, Cardona replied, “Pretty often!”
He continued, “It’s on my iPod. I even have the instrumental version!
“I listen to it at least a couple of times a week because I’m planning for my next “Z! True Long Island Story,” which will actually have a Ghostbusters theme. So I’m working on something big for all of my YouTube Broskis out there.”
You can find that episode below.
Over a decade later, Cardona’s fandom and career trajectory have only escalated since leaving WWE in April 2020.
Cardona has reinvented himself on the independent circuit, becoming a prominent figure in promotions like Impact Wrestling, Game Changer Wrestling (GCW), and the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA).
Matt Cardona and Steph De Lander’s Ghostbusters-Inspired Entrance
At GCW Homecoming 2023, Deathmatch Royalty, Matt Cardona, and Steph De Lander made their entrance to the ring in the Ecto One Ghostbusters car itself while a “Deathmatch Busters” version of the Ghostbusters theme blasted through the speakers.
The entrance made a big impact online. Even Matt’s friend, Cody Rhodes, reposted the spectacle with a comment that read, “Man, he’s good.”
Man he’s good https://t.co/gRm6iUzwxO
— Cody Rhodes (@CodyRhodes) August 20, 2023
Stunts like this have only helped Cardona’s popularity since leaving WWE. He has become a multi-time champion across various promotions, including winning the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship, Impact Digital Media Championship, and GCW World Championship. Cardona has been praised for his reinvention, with Pro Wrestling Illustrated naming him Indie Wrestler of the Year in both 2022 and 2023.
Despite his success on the independent circuit, Cardona has expressed a desire to end his career in WWE. In a recent interview, he stated, “I want to end my career in WWE. I want to have another WrestleMania moment, I want to be in Madison Square Garden, but as Matt Cardona.
However, he also emphasized that he’s currently the most successful he’s ever been, both financially and in terms of happiness.
As he put it, “I’m showing you don’t need WWE or AEW to be a successful pro wrestler. I’m proving that you can bust your ass and do it your way.”
Whether his path leads him back to WWE or continues on the independent circuit, Cardona’s Ghostbusters fandom and innovative approach to wrestling are sure to remain integral parts of his character.
10. Dr. Logan: Pro Wrestling’s Very Own Ghostbuster
Finally, we couldn’t have a piece on wrestling and Ghostbusters without mentioning the wrestling Ghostbuster himself, Dr. Logan.
Alongside his trainee Phil, Dr. Logan has been keeping the British wrestling scene clear of paranormal activity and spookiness for a number of years now. Pro Wrestling Stories caught up with the good doctor to discuss his busting career inside the ring.
Dr. Logan: Interview with Wrestling’s Ghostbuster
Dr. Logan’s journey into the world of Ghostbusters began at a young age. He fondly recalls, “Ghostbusters is the earliest film I remember watching on TV with my mother; I would have been about six at the time.”
The franchise quickly became a significant part of his childhood, with the cartoon series further cementing his love for the supernatural comedy.
“We used to always play Ghostbusters in the playground at break and after school with our Kenner Proton Packs, running around catching our other friends who were the ghosts,” he reminisces.
The inspiration to incorporate Ghostbusters into his wrestling persona came through his involvement with KAPOW, a wrestling company known for its comic book and fantasy-inspired characters.
After initial discussions about portraying an evil scientist-type villain, a new opportunity arose.
“In October 2016, Karl came to me with the idea of wrestling as the South Coast Ghostbuster,” Dr. Logan explained.
Although their plan to use a Morris Traveller car as an Ecto-1 replica didn’t materialize, it paved the way for the birth of Dr. Logan: Wrestling Ghostbuster the following year.
When it comes to favorites, Dr. Logan’s allegiances are clear.
“I was always Egon when we played Ghostbusters. He was my favorite from both the film and the cartoon,” he shared.
As for wrestling, his fandom began in 1991, coinciding with Bret Hart’s rise to prominence. Bret Hart had just started his singles run with the Intercontinental title—he’s been my guy ever since!
The reception to his unique character has been overwhelmingly positive. Dr. Logan describes the thrill of hearing audiences clap along to the iconic Ghostbusters theme song before his matches.
He takes particular pride in the multigenerational appeal of his character, noting, “The fact that the kids love it so much shows that it’s a franchise that really gets handed down from generation to generation.”
The character has also allowed him to share his passions with his own children.
“I love that my kids get to come and see me as the good guy now,” he says, adding that his son has even followed in his footsteps, wrestling as a Ghostbuster in a recent showcase event at the KAPOWerHouse training school.
You can follow Dr. Logan on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
Ghostbusters and Wrestling: A Legacy of Crossed Streams
So there you have it. From action figures to unforgettable meetups, Ghostbusters and pro wrestling proved that unexpected collaborations created legendary moments.
Though the two mediums seem different, both franchises share a common trait: they entertain audiences, young and old, across generations—proving that when their streams crossed, magic happened.
These stories may also interest you:
- A Ghost Story: How a Long-forgotten Territory Still Haunts WWE
- 7 WWE Hall of Fame Stories WWE Doesn’t Want You To Know!
- Witnessing History: Andre the Giant’s 12 Best Matches
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