Ben Roethlisberger Takes Photo with Ric Flair and Shawn Michaels at Royal Rumble

Pittsburgh Steelers starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger sat front row at the 2014 Royal Rumble pay-per-view and even managed to get a photograph with WWE Hall of Famers Ric Flair and Shawn Michaels.

Stephanie McMahon shared the picture on Twitter:

The Royal Rumble was held at the CONSOL Energy Center in Pittsburgh, and the crowd roared when it was announced that Roethlisberger was in attendance and went even crazier when he was shown on the big screen.   

That’s the kind of respect two Super Bowl rings gets a player.

While many athletes that attend WWE events might look like they are not having fun or are simply there for their children or for publicity, Roethlisberger appeared to be having a great time and was interacting with the fans.

Several wrestling fans shared photos of Big Ben enjoying himself:

The WWE is always looking for publicity, and working with a top quarterback from the most popular sport in the United States is a no-brainer for the company. Roethlisberger received great seats out of the deal and was able to meet two of the greatest legends in wrestling history.

That’s a pretty successful Royal Rumble for both the WWE and Roethlisberger.

Steelers fans are still recovering from the heartbreaking way in which the franchise was eliminated from the playoffs—some fans simply will not let it go—and seeing the team’s starting quarterback laughing and having fun proved it was time to move on.

Roethlisberger helped lead the team to an 8-8 record despite major injuries to the offensive line and across the depth chart. The Steelers made a late run to battle for a postseason berth in the final week, but were beaten out by the San Diego Chargers.

With plenty of talent and momentum following a strong finish to 2013, Roethlisberger and all of the fans that filled the CONSOL Energy Center for the Royal Rumble hope this is Pittsburgh’s year to get back to the Super Bowl.

In the meantime, at least Big Ben looks happy and healthy.

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