WWE Brings “Monday Night Raw” to Barclays

Superstar Adam Rose Set to Party in Brooklyn

October 3, 2014 By Rick Buttacavoli Special to Brooklyn Daily Eagle

World Wrestling Entertainment Superstar Adam Rose and his Rosebuds will be looking for a party in Brooklyn on Monday, Oct. 6, when the Exotic Express rolls into the Barclays Center for “Monday Night Raw.”

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There’s going to be a party at the Barclays Center Monday night and all of Brooklyn is invited.

World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) will broadcast an episode of its globally televised cable television program “Monday Night Raw,” live from the borough’s biggest arena, on Oct. 6. It’s sure to be an exciting night for the nearly 18,000 fans expected to jam the rafters to see their favorite Superstars in action, but the stars themselves may be just as excited to perform in front of the Brooklyn crowd.

Just ask fun-loving Superstar Adam Rose, who will be rolling into town on his very own party bus, which he calls the Exotic Express, with his merry band of followers, whom he affectionately calls Rosebuds.

“I love Brooklyn,” he told the Brooklyn Daily Eagle on Thursday. “I love the whole feel. It’s definitely my kind of town.”

Rose said he is looking forward to performing in front of the Brooklyn fans, who are known for being vocal and passionate about the athletic art form they enjoy.

“It’s going to be epic,” Rose said. “They are one of a kind … a different breed.”

Rose debuted on “Monday Night Raw” in May 2014 – on Cinco de Mayo, in fact, which suited his partying persona perfectly. His entrance that night was unlike any other in the WWE. Rose was accompanied to the ring by a parade of party-seeking pals – all dressed in outrageous costumes – who hoisted him up on their shoulders and danced along to his catchy theme music, which has since become a phenomenon in and of itself at live events across the country. Fans can often be heard singing along to his music, even after his match has started, as a show of support.

The unique atmosphere created by Rose’s entrance, which he described as “an explosion of the senses,” gives him a distinct advantage in the ring, he said.

“From an opponent’s perspective, I’m probably the most unorthodox character they’ve ever seen,” he said. “Some people can’t quite deal with it, so, yeah, that helps.”

It certainly does, as Rose quickly pointed out that he has yet to be pinned since his debut five months ago. His early in-ring success has helped keep the party going for Rose, but it has also made him realize that there are greater goals to pursue within the WWE.

“At the end of the day, it’s all about competition,” he said.

While he stopped short of demanding a championship match, Rose did say he looks forward to the continued evolution of his character, which appeals to both the older crowd (partying lifestyle) and the youngest fans (costumed characters).

“I like that my character offers literally something for everyone,” Rose said. “You want to appeal to as many demographics as you can and there are many layers to Adam Rose. I think people can expect the character to continue to evolve.”

So, what can fans expect to see from Rose in Brooklyn on Oct. 6?

Well, perhaps the biggest buzz surrounding Rose right now has to do with the identity of one of his most trusted Rosebuds, who sports a full-length bunny costume and is known simply as “The Bunny.”

In recent weeks, as part of a feud with “bad guys” Heath Slater and Titus O’Neil, the kid-friendly Rosebud has come to the aid of his leader and shown off some impressive aerial ability that has had fans everywhere speculating as to who could be under the faux fur. Incredibly, #Bunnymania was even trending worldwide at one point last week.

“We’re going to have The Bunny, in Brooklyn, at Barclays,” Rose said, pausing to admire his alliteration. “It’s going to be incredible.”

In addition, Rose said he is planning a special tribute to breast cancer victims and survivors as part of the WWE’s partnership with the Susan G. Komen Foundation, now in its third year. Rose and his entourage will be sporting pink costumes and accessories to raise awareness and, of course, money in the fight against breast cancer. A portion of the proceeds from sales of pink merchandise, which will be worn by the entire roster of performers during the month of October, will go to the foundation, according to WWE.com.

Monday’s “Raw” is still set to feature all of the WWE’s top stars, including John Cena, Randy Orton, Seth Rollins, Dean Ambrose and United States Champion Sheamus, but Rose has a message for Brooklyn fans who might be seeing him perform for the first time.

“One thing is for certain,” he said. “You will never forget seeing Adam Rose, The Bunny, or the Exotic Express.”

Tickets for the Oct. 6 “Monday Night Raw” event at the Barclays Center are still available and can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com, or by calling 800-745-3000. For more information on the venue, visit BarclaysCenter.com. Showtime is at 7:30 p.m., with “Raw” broadcasting live on the USA Network beginning at 8 p.m.

Adam Rose will also be appearing in New York City on Sunday, Oct. 5, signing autographs for fans at – where else – Party City, 38 West 14th St., from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.