Former WWE Star Drew Inspiration From Kevin Hart For Their Character

Former WWE Star Drew Inspiration From Kevin Hart For Their Character Kevin Hart

A former WWE star has revealed they drew inspiration from comedian Kevin Hart for their character in the company.

Lio Rush signed with WWE in 2017 where he initially had stints on the NXT brand and 205 Live. In 2018, Rush was moved up to the main roster and aligned with Bobby Lashley as his hype man.

During this alliance, Lio helped Lashley win the Intercontinental Championship. Rush also cut some memorable promos and showcased his confident personality.

Rush’s pairing with Lashley ended in 2019 following his loss to Finn Balor for the IC Title at WrestleMania 35. Lio went on to return to NXT and win the Cruiserweight Championship before being released in 2020.

Speaking with Alistair George of Metro, the former WWE star revealed that he drew from comedian and actor Kevin Hart for his “short” and “snappy” character.

Noting how he wanted to capture the same vibe as Hart, Rush said:

“I drew a lot from – I got a bunch of jokes on this, but I never said it in an interview, but I drew a lot of my inspiration from Kevin Hart.”

“What I was looking at with Kevin was, he was so short – [laughs] he’s gonna hear this one day, I know he is! He was a shorter guy but he was so fired, he was so snappy.”

“That was the biggest character trait with him that really stuck out to me, and I wanted to have that with my character. I wanted to look small in stature, but when you talk to me I wanted to be snappy and confident and funny.”

Lio went on to praise his time with Bobby Lashley as the “most fun” he’s had in his wrestling career, saying:

“That was the most fun I’ve had in my wrestling career. Even if it was something that I didn’t necessarily want to do – that wasn’t my first choice, to be a manager – but that was for sure the most fun that I’ve had.”

“I was figuring it out, I was learning as time went on – and I did figure it out, i feel like I did catch a stride and find myself within the character.”

“I found what worked for me, what got certain reactions, what was funny, what was gonna grab people’s attention the most. I had a lot of fun doing that character, overall.”

In recent months, Lio Rush has found his way over to New Japan Pro Wrestling and aligned with YOH as part of the CHAOS faction.

The duo defeated Bullet Club’s Ace Austin and Chris Bey to win the 2022 Super Jr. Tag League. They will now challenge Catch 2/2’s Francesco Akira and TJP for the IWGP Jr. Tag Team Titles at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17 on January 4.

For the full lineup for the Wrestle Kingdom 17 event, click here.

Stay up to date with the WWE roster’s win-loss record (for televised matches) at this link.

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1 year ago by SP3

@TruHeelSP3

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