Newly minted Reds closer Emilio Pagán's entrance will bring WWE fans to their feet

Bullpen entrances have gained notoriety in recent years. Arguably one of the best of all-time was Hall of Fame closer Mariano Rivera who emerged from the New York Yankees' bullpen to the sounds of Metallica's song "Enter Sandman". More recently, New York Mets' reliever Edwin Diaz gained popularity when he enters the game to the tune of "Narco" by Timmy Trumpet and Blasterjaxx.

But Emilio Pagán's entrance will have a familiar sound to wrestling fans. The newly minted Cincinnati Reds closer told Charlie Clifford of NBC5 that his walk-out song is "Kingdom" by the band Downstait, which is the entrance theme for WWE Champion Cody Rhodes.

Pagán has emerged as Cincinnati's go-to reliever in the ninth inning. Signed as a free agent during the 2023-24 offseason, Pagán has gained Terry Francona's trust by putting up zeroes late in games. Unfortunately, Thursday’s series finale against the Seattle Mariners saw Pagán blow his first save of the season, but he still has four saves and a 2.89 ERA.

Reds closer Emilio Pagán chose WWE superstar Cody Rhodes' entrance music as his walk-out song for the 2025 season

Alexis Diaz may be back on the Cincinnati Reds roster, but the closer's job belongs to Pagán (for now). Diaz endured a hamstring injury during spring training and was left off the Reds Opening Day roster while he rehabbed in Triple-A Louisville. That left the door open for Pagán to seize the closer's job, and based on the results he's unlikely to give it up anytime soon.

During that same interview with Clifford, Pagán revealed that during the Reds Caravan this past winter he spoke to Francona about his role on the team heading into the season. The right-hander was disappointed in his 2024 performance, saying, "I feel like a owe this organization a lot based on how last year went for me individually."

Pagán's first year in Cincinnati definitely didn't go as planned. He spent considerable time on the injured list and only made 38 appearances while posting a 4.50 ERA—his worst numbers since 2021 with the San Diego Padres. He did, however, close out his 2024 campaign on a high-note. From August 11 through September 17, Pagán posted a 2.25 ERA while striking out 17 batters in 14 appearances.

The veteran has brought that same level of production into the 2025 season and has no plans to surrender the closer's role anytime soon. Pagán has proven to be an American Nightmare for the opposition through the first few weeks of the season. Perhaps he received some inspiration from his favorite WWE superstar.

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