When Keith Lee was signed to WWE, he came in with about as much fanfare as any new signee has had in recent years. One of the top stars on the independent scene, incredibly agile for his size, Lee seemed destined for success.

After a memorable run with WWE NXT where he became NXT North American and NXT Champion, simultaneously, as well as a memorable Survivor Series faceoff with Roman Reigns and Royal Rumble moment with Brock Lesnar, Lee was officially brought up to the main roster.

And that main roster run never amounted to much of anything. With WWE’s writing and storyline directions (or lack there of) receiving a great deal of criticism in recent years, the complete mishandling of Keith Lee is a great piece of evidence to support said criticism.

Lee was officially brought up to the main roster in the fall of 2020 until his release in the fall of 2021. Late in his run, he received a “reboot” where they began calling him Keith “Bearcat” Lee.

In an interview with The New York Post, Lee wouldn’t say that the character strayed from what he wanted to present, but he did acknowledge it was confusing for the fans.

“I just think that the difference was so stark that it confused people,” Lee said.

He continued by talking about how he felt the way his character shift was handled cold, without explanation, was the main culprit of its failure.

“In my personal opinion, and we all have different opinions, there are different theologies in this thing. When it comes to such a drastic thing, I think you either… with my time being out, I could have come out with that and just been different altogether, or if you were going to present me as I was and then have this sudden shift, I think it’s better done if there is a story, a reason for said shift. I think it’s a fairly simple story to tell. It’s a very subjective situation.”

• Asuka Mocks Reports About Her WWE Return Status

Lee Remains Grateful For His Time In WWE

That being said, Lee was thankful for his time in WWE and didn’t go about burning any bridges or being too critical.

“Gratitude,” Lee said. “There’s not a lot of people that make it there, man, and a lot of people that want to. I am one of the few that did. It has afforded me abilities to do things that many cannot. There are a lot of things that maybe wouldn’t have happened had I never ventured there. There’s a lot to be thankful for.”

Check out the Top Rope Nation wrestling podcast for your weekly dose of pro wrestling talk featuring interviews, analysis and exclusive news: Apple – Spotify – YouTube.

Keith Lee is one of the newest members of the AEW roster. He debuted on the February 9 edition of AEW Dynamite, just a few days after his WWE non-compete clause ran out. He was able to defeat Isiah Kassidy, in a meme-worthy match, to earn a spot in the Face of the Revolution ladder match.

Prior to his debut, Keith was released from WWE as a part of the November 4, 2021 releases. After his release, a report by Wade Keller of PWTorch stated that the former Bearcat “had, in general, attitude issues or, as one wrestler told me tonight, perceived attitude issues.”

Keith Lee Responds To Reports

In the lead up to AEW Revolution, Lee was asked by Joseph Staszewski of the New York Post about the “perceived attitude issues” report from his time in WWE.

Keith said, “At the end of the day, man, I’m very much like these old school guys like I really don’t pay attention to the internet like that, and half the time I don’t really pay attention to the apps. Like I may post a thing and someone who helps me with my account may post a thing that’s trying to be positive for other people or promote what I do here in AEW, especially now. I feel like this. If there’s no truth to it then why should I give it any credence? This is going to sound arrogant and I don’t really care. At the end of the day it is beneath me and I treat it as such.”

Face of the Revolution

Keith is going to be taking on Orange Cassidy, Ricky Starks, Powerhouse Hobbs, Wardlow, and one more opponent in the Face of the Revolution Ladder Match at AEW Revolution this Sunday. The winner receives a match with the TNT Champion, and the brass ring.

AEW Revolution Matches

• AEW World Championship: Hangman Page (c) vs. Adam Cole
• AEW Women’s Championship: Britt Baker (c) vs. Thunder Rosa
• Face of the Revolution Ladder Match: Keith Lee vs. Wardlow vs. Powerhouse Hobbs vs. Ricky Starks vs. Orange Cassidy vs. TBD
• Tornado Trios Match: AHFO (Matt Hardy, Andrade El Idolo, Isiah Kassidy) vs. Sting, Sammy Guevara, Darby Allin
• Dog Collar Match: CM Punk vs. MJF
• AEW Tag Team Championship Match: Jurassic Express (c) vs. reDRagon vs. TBD
• Bryan Danielson vs. Jon Moxley

A lot of people would panic upon receiving the news of getting fired from their jobs. Though according to Keith Lee, it wasn’t the case when he heard about his WWE release.

The AEW star recently had an interview with Busted Open Radio. He discussed things such as his debut for Tony Khan’s promotion and more.

Discussing his reaction to the news of his release, Lee claimed that he was very calm. He said that he had confidence that he will figure out what he needed to do:

“I think that when it happened, I was extremely calm, don’t think that it was because I had any sort of plan. It was more so that I had a lot of confidence,

And even with sudden changes occurring and things of that sort,” said Keith Lee, “I was confident that one way or another, I would figure out what I needed to do to move forward and continue doing what I love to do.”

• Keith Lee Would Have ‘Loved To Battle’ WWE Star

The former NXT champion also discussed how he didn’t have a plan for his future because his interaction with people backstage in WWE were all very positive.

Keith Lee was released from his WWE contract in November last year. He made his debut for AEW during the February 9 episode of Dynamite.

Thanks to WrestlingInc for the quotes

Keith Lee only wrestled a handful of matches during his time on the main roster. There were many names people wished he got to face during his time with the company.

It appears that the former NXT champion himself had one such person in mind who he really wanted to face during his WWE stint, that is Big E.

Replying to a fan tweet recently, Lee said that he would have ‘loved to battle’ the former WWE champion, with or without the cuffs:

“I concur. E is someone I certainly would have loved to battle sans cuffs. Let’s be honest, even with cuffs, it would be an awesome fight.”

After a three-year-long run with WWE, Keith Lee was released from his contract in November last year. During his main roster run, Lee only wrestled a total of 47 matches.

• Tony Khan Was “Stunned” When Keith Lee Hit Free Agency

The former champion has since joined AEW. He made his surprise debut for Tony Khan’s promotion during the February 9, 2022 episode of Dynamite.

Lee defeated Isiah Kassidy during his debut bout. The win earned him a spot in the Face of The Revolution match. The winner of this ladder match will earn a shot at the TNT championship.

AEW boss Tony Khan couldn’t believe Keith Lee was available on the market.

Lee had been a member of the WWE roster since 2018. Things were looking up for Lee early on as he held the NXT Championship and North American Championship simultaneously.

His early appearances on the main roster were also a good sign at the time. He came close to being the sole survivor at the WWE Survivor Series and even Brock Lesnar took notice of his size during the Royal Rumble match.

Ultimately, Lee was released by WWE in Nov. 2021 and the general consensus was that a huge opportunity had been wasted.

Tony Khan Gushes Over Keith Lee

During an appearance on Sports Guys Talking Wrestling, Tony Khan admitted that Keith Lee’s WWE release caught him off guard.

“I am a huge fan of Keith’s work. I am a huge Keith Lee fan and when Keith became available, I was stunned. But I was very eager to jump on it and sign Keith.

“So, I was thrilled to have Keith debut on AEW Wednesday Night Dynamite this week and you know, he was a big part [of the show]. The anticipation of his arrival and the big free agent signing and Keith Lee in AEW was a big part of AEW being the number one show on all of cable on Wednesday.

“AEW finished ahead of the NBA, ahead of everything. South Park, a great show that I love, and ahead of the Olympics on [USA Network].

“So, it was a big AEW Wednesday Night Dynamite rating this week and I think tonight, we’ve got a great show on Friday Night Rampage on TNT. Huge card and a lot to look forward to tonight.”

Keith Lee made his AEW debut on the Feb. 9 episode of Dynamite. He defeated Isiah Cassidy. With the win, Keith Lee will now compete in the “Face of the Revolution” ladder match at Revolution on March 6. The winner will get a shot at the TNT Championship.

Please H/T SEScoops with a link if you use any quotes from this article

“The Fallen Angel” Christopher Daniels is unsure if he’ll wrestle for All Elite Wrestling again.

Daniels hasn’t competed for AEW since he and Frankie Kazarian’s lost to the Young Bucks at AEW Dynamite on May. 12, 2021. The result of the loss made him and Kazarian end their tag team. While his partner has competed for AEW as a singles talent, the company has Daniels working as a Head of Talent Relations.

Although he hasn’t wrestled for AEW, he is competing for other wrestling promotions. He made his Impact Wrestling return defeating Madman Fulton on Sep. 30, 2021. However, in an interview with Chris Van Fleet, Daniels shared that he still hopes to be an in-ring talent for AEW soon.

“…The landscape of AEW is in constant flux. Addition, subtractions, so I mean it’s just a crowded field right now, and hopefully, I can make my way back there, said Daniels. He continued, “…There no real timetable as to when that might be, so I’m sort of at the mercy of circumstance.”

AEW Signing New Talent

Daniels isn’t the only talent unsure of his in-ring future in AEW. Joey Janela revealed on the Barstool’s Rasslin Podcast with Brandon Walker that his AEW contract is coming up on Apr. 30, and he isn’t sure if the company will re-sign him. As some talent in the company is unsure of their future, AEW President Tony Khan continues to sign free agents like Keith Lee on Feb. 9.

When the WWE released or didn’t re-sign talent throughout last year, fans speculated if Khan would attempt to sign them. With the signing of Lee, Khan has signed four former NXT Champions within a year. As the AEW roster gets more stacked with talent, veterans like Daniels or Janela may lose opportunities to compete.

It’s unclear if AEW has plans for an in-ring return for Daniels.

Keith Lee is ready to get to work. After making a surprise debut on Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite, Lee is now the 5th former NXT Champion to jump ship to AEW.

The Limitless one was revealed to be Isiah Kassidy’s mystery opponent in the Face of the Revolution qualifier. Lee was in top form as he disposed of Kassidy and punched his ticket to the upcoming AEW Revolution pay-per-view.

On Thursday, Lee commented on this next chapter of his storied career. He’s changed his Twitter name to “All E Leet” and sounds ready to get to work.

He also alluded to “sad family times” that he hopes are behind him.

Keith Lee is All Elite

Tony Khan has officially welcomed Keith Lee with the ceremonial “… is ALL ELITE” graphic:

AEW did not waste any time rolling out Keith Lee merchandise. His first “Limitless” t-shirt is now available at ShopAEW.com.

Keith Lee’s new entrance music, “I AM” is now online as well:

AEW music composer Mikey Rukus commented on Lee’s new theme, specifically why Keith Lee did not rap the verses in the song.

Keith Lee’s Road to AEW

Keith Lee found a lot of success in WWE, but also found some disappointing moments as hee was pushed as a top star in NXT. While there, he became the North American Champion and NXT Champion.

He was later called up to the main roster and when that happened, there was a lot of optimism for him and his future. However, it was first derailed with a case of COVID-19, which led to heart issues, WWE brought him back to TV only to repackage him with the “Bearcat” gimmick.

WWE tried to use him as a heel in dark matches, but it wasn’t getting over as he’s a likeable guy. Although he was used on TV for a few months with the new gimmick, Lee was part of the most recent round of talent cuts and was waiting for his 90-day non-compete clause to expire.

Congratulations to Keith Lee and Mia Yim on getting married.

The couple tied the knot on Feb. 5 after spending several years together. It’s unclear when Mr. and Mrs. Lee began their relationship, but WWE fans knew they were together in NXT.

Mia Yim commented on her magical night. She thanked all the guests who attended their “Disney” wedding and feels proud and lucky to finally be Mrs. Lee.

Several past and present WWE stars were in attendance for the ceremony, including Shelton Benjamin and Damien Priest.

Keith Lee and Mia Yim

Mia Yim and Keith Lee are free agents after being released by WWE on November 4, 2021.

However, Wrestling Observer’s Dave Meltzer speculates that Mr. Lee already agreed to a deal with All Elite Wrestling. “Keith Lee is on that list, and we’re told that he’s been talked about for [AEW] if not has already agreed to a deal here,” wrote Dave Meltzer.

After his 90-day WWE non-compete clause expired, Lee posted on Twitter that he is looking forward to wrestling again. His last match was on Oct. 25, 2021, when he defeated Cedric Alexander at Monday Night Raw.

Wrestling fans are awaiting his return to competition. Based on Meltzer’s report, AEW wants Lee on their roster. However, AEW hasn’t shared if they have signed Lee or spoken with him. AEW President Tony Khan revealed on Busted Open on Sirus XM that the “forbidden door” would open again and expect more free-agent talent signed.

“…Just in the last several weeks, we’ve made some big one, and I plan to make some more big signings and not in the long term future. I mean in the short-term future,” said Khan.

While it’s unclear when Mr. or Mrs. lee will wrestle again, they seem to be enjoying this new chapter in their lives.

Keith Lee could become All Elite in the near future. The former NXT Champion became a free agent earlier this week following the expiration of his 90-day WWE non-compete clause.

According to the Wrestling Observer, AEW officials have discussed signing Lee. Dave Meltzer speculates that Lee may already be signed to Tony Khan’s promotion.

“Keith Lee is on that list and we’re told that he’s been talked about for [AEW], if not has already agreed to a deal here,” wrote Dave Meltzer.

He added, “Lee was one of the most impressive wrestlers on the independent scene doing a hard hitting and high flying style, neither of which is favored in WWE.”

Keith Lee’s WWE signing was announced on May 1st, 2018. During his time with the company, Lee won the NXT Championship, the NXT North American Championship, and was awarded the NXT Year-End Award for Breakout Star of the Year in 2019.

He debuted on the main roster in 2020, but struggled with inconsistent booking. He was also out for an extended period of time after suffering from a heart issue stemming from a bout with COVID-19.

As recently as this week, Keith Lee has made it known that wrestling fans have not seen the last of him:

Keith Lee is a free man. 90 days after WWE released him on November 4th, 2021, the Limitless one is able to work anywhere he pleases.

On Wednesday, Keith Lee wrote on Twitter:

Keith Lee sounds hungry to get back in the ring, wherever “the force” takes him.

In the weeks following his WWE release, Keith Lee has assured fans that he will return in some capacity. He told his followers on social media, “patience is key.”

Lee recently applied to trademark his “Limitless” moniker, for entertainment services and merchandising.

Now that Keith Lee is no longer bound by a WWE non-compete clause, it’s only a matter of time before fans bask in his glory once again.

For more details on the (many) former WWE Superstars who are also free agents as of today, check out this article:

• Karrion Kross, Nia Jax, Eva Marie & many more also free agents

Hit up the comments and let us know where you want to see Keith Lee next.

Over a dozen former WWE Superstars are now free agents.

As part of WWE’s ongoing effort to aggressively cut costs, the company held another round of mass layoffs on November 4th, 2021. Talent from NXT had 30-day non-compete clauses, while the main roster stars were bound by 90-day restrictions.

We are 90 days removed from November 4th, which means all of the following stars are now free agents and able to work anywhere:

• B-Fab
• Davey Boy Smith Jr
• Ember Moon
• Eva Marie
• Gran Metalik
• Karrion Kross
• Keith Lee
• Lince Dorado
• Mia Yim
• Nia Jax
• Scarlett Bordeaux

In two more weeks, another batch of wrestlers will join the free agency market from the releases that took place on November 18th:

• John Morrison
• Top Dolla
• Ashante Adonis
• Isaiah “Swerve” Scott
• Tegan Nox
• Drake Maverick
• Shane Thorne
• Jaxson Ryker

It remains to be seen how many of these performers join the ranks of AEW, Impact, New Japan Pro Wrestling, MLW and the independent scene.

Keith Lee has taken steps to secure the rights to his “Limitless” moniker.

Last week, Lee (via attorney Michael E. Dockins) applied to trademark the name for professional wrestling and entertainment purposes.

The complete ‘goods and services’ usage description at the US Patent & Trademark Office reads:

Entertainment in the nature of wrestling contests; Entertainment services, namely, wrestling exhibits and performances by a professional wrestler and entertainer; Entertainment services, namely, live appearances by a a professional wrestler and sports entertainer; Entertainment services, namely, personal appearances by a professional wrestler and sports entertainment personality; Entertainment services, namely, televised appearances by a professional wrestling and sports entertainment personality; Providing wrestling news and information via a global computer network; Providing online interviews featuring a professional wrestling and sports entertainment personality in the field of professional wrestling and sports for entertainment purposes.

He also applied to trademark the following Limitless logo, for merchandising purposes:

Keith Lee was released from WWE on November 4, 2021.

Here are some recent articles about Keith Lee:

• Keith Lee on his WWE release: “Worry not. We are not done.”
• Keith Lee Sporting A New Look With Free Agency Looming

Former WWE superstar Keith Lee has changed his look drastically since being released by WWE in November last year.

The former NXT champion shared a photo of himself in a Twitter post. He claimed that he is almost done with his Samuel L. Jackson look:

“Back to work. In the Lab. I think I’m almost done with my Samuel L. Jackson meme look (right after I take a crazy looking photo with it lol). But it’s time to start considering what is next properly.”

Keith Lee should have about a month left on his 90-days non-compete clause. This means fans will have to wait a bit more before seeing him back in the ring.

Though this hasn’t stopped the former WWE star from making headlines. Right after his release, Lee infamously got WWE to dispute some claims about paying his own medical bills while being employed by the company.

The former WWE star was trending as early as last week when he told people to stop watching WWE in hopes of his return, because the promotion has made ‘enough money’ off his name since his release.

There is no word yet on what Keith Lee is planning for his future after his non-compete expires. We should get a better idea about it in the coming days.

Keith Lee has responded to a fan claiming that he is bitter about not being good enough and getting released from WWE. The former WWE star recently made a post on Twitter waving goodbye to his singlet.

In response, a fan claimed that he is being bitter about getting dropped by the #1 wrestling company in the world. Lee reacted to this notion from the fan saying that it makes him laugh. He explained that he is grateful for his time within the promotion:

“Lol…this makes me laugh. It is quite clear that you are either intentionally ignorant, or just simply an imbecile. I am far from bitter. I am grateful. And nothing in this tweet says anything bitter. It merely says bye to a singlet and looks toward the future.”

Keith Lee went through some gimmick changes in the recent months leading to him being renamed to Bearcat Lee. Though his new persona was short-lived as the heavyweight star was released weeks later on November 4.

Assuming a standard 90 days non-compete clause, the former NXT champion should become a free agent in February next year. There is no word yet on what he is planning for his future but we will keep you updated.

• Keith Lee Tells Fans “Patience Is Key” After WWE Release

The latest wave of WWE releases has created some controversy after it was reported that the vaccination status of some wrestlers played a part in the decision.

The latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter provided some more details on this. It explains how the situation was behind the scene.

According to the Newsletter, while talents were very much encouraged to get COVID-19 vaccines, nobody in WWE was warned that their jobs would be in danger if they didn’t get vaccinated.

One top talent was told they would be less valuable to the company if they weren’t vaccinated. This was because non-vaccinated talents couldn’t travel overseas for tours.

For those who don’t know, WWE released another 18 talents on November 4, including names such as Keith Lee, Karrion Kross, and Nia Jax.

• Staggering Tally Of WWE Wrestlers Released In 2021

It was later reported that the vaccination status of wrestlers was a factor behind some of these releases. This created a buzz and even prompted a response from Jax.

Though this isn’t the only controversy brewing from the latest wave of releases. Keith Lee has got people talking after claiming that he paid his own medical bills when he caught COVID. WWE has since responded to the claims calling them ‘erroneous.’

WWE has issued a statement in response to what Keith Lee stated about how he paid for his own medical expenses. Lee wrote in the statement regarding the bills:

“Several months ago, it was not a guarantee I would make it to this day, so there is positivity in that. I paid all my medical bills from the many offices and machines I frequented. There is positivity in that. And, I do find it amusing that people believe anyone but me paid for my medical expenses.”

On Friday, WWE issued this statement to dispute Lee’s claims: 

“Keith Lee’s recent comments implying WWE failed to pay his medical bills are erroneous. WWE has an extensive healthcare program for the medical care of its in-ring performers and Mr. Lee was part of this program while with the company. Should Mr. Lee have any concerns over the payment of medical bills, he is welcome to address them with WWE.”

Last Thursday, Lee was among the 18 talents released as part of the latest wave of budget cuts.

Lee was sidelined earlier this year with COVID-19 and the virus caused heart issues that kept him sidelined for several months. He would return in July only to later be pulled from television as he started working dark matches with the “Bearcat” gimmick. Lee is under a 90-day non-compete clause.

Keith Lee has issued his first public statements since WWE released him earlier this month. Lee thanked his followers for all the positivity that’s been dropped on him the past few days.

“I love you. Worry not. We are not done. We work.

#BaskInMyGlory #iAmLimitless”

– Keith Lee

Keith Lee posted the following statement on social media on Monday, his 37th birthday:

“Greetings and salutations,” he wrote. “This day is my birthday! It is not a happy birthday, but it is one I am most grateful for. Several months ago, it was not a guarantee I would make it to this day, so there is positivity in that. I paid all my medical bills from the many offices and machines I frequented. There is positivity in that. And, I do find it amusing that people believe anyone but me paid for my medical expenses.

I was going to wait a couple weeks, but I think it’s time to look toward the future, forward match as I like to say. I am capable of so much more and I can’t wait to see what it looks like properly. I have a wide array of interests and abilities…. I also consider myself to be rather open minded. Here’s to a future that, for all intents and purposes….seems Limitless.”

Keith Lee’s Future

It remains to be seen where Keith Lee will wind up next. That said, he is one of the hottest prospects to hit the free agency market in quite some time.

AEW President Tony Khan has been keeping tabs on WWE’s recent releases. During a recent interview with PWTorch, Khan said there’s some “very interesting people” that WWE just let go, whom he’d be interested in doing business with.

Lee is likely bound by a 90-day non-compete clause, which would keep him on the sidelines through February 2022.

Attitude issues?

Following Keith Lee’s WWE release, Wade Keller of PWTorch later reported that reported that “attitude issues” may have played a role in his release from the company.

“Keith Lee, I have chronicled for months and months and months and months and months, was somebody that even people who were rooting for him behind the scenes became frustrated with him,” Keller said. 

“He just had, in general, attitude issues. Or as one wrestler told me tonight, “perceived attitude issues,” Keller continued.  “He just was frustrated. I’ve heard different things about him in terms of his mood being altered way more than it should in the modern era about being asked to do a job.”

Keith Lee was among 18 wrestlers cut from WWE’s roster this past week. According to comments made by Wade Keller from PW Torch, “perceived attitude issues” may have played a role in his release from the company.

“Keith Lee, I have chronicled for months and months and months and months and months, was somebody that even people who were rooting for him behind the scenes became frustrated with him,” Keller said.

“He just had, in general, attitude issues. Or as one wrestler told me tonight, “perceived attitude issues,” Keller continued.

“He just was frustrated. I’ve heard different things about him in terms of his mood being altered way more than it should in the modern era about being asked to do a job.”

“Attitude issues” are the new thing when someone calls out dog shit creative and bad booking https://t.co/avWoycbEbf

— Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com (@SeanRossSapp) November 5, 2021

Keith Lee Released From WWE

Lee started with WWE in the spring of 2018, spending roughly 3.5 years with the company. During that time, Lee won the NXT Championship, the NXT North American Championship, and was awarded the NXT Breakout star of the year award in 2019. He was ranked #11 in the PWI Top-500 in 2020.

Lee has yet to officially comment on his release from WWE but he did note that he has been able to take care of some very important business recently.

Went from being home 0-1 day a week for a plethora of months to stumbling upon some free time… so I took care of some important business. pic.twitter.com/cRMNuSFGQR

— Professional Lee (@RealKeithLee) November 5, 2021

Keith Lee received what he feels is the ultimate validation from Randy Orton.

Lee isn’t exactly a rookie. He made appearances in ROH back in 2015 and was highly praised for his classic matches with Donovan Dijak, now T-BAR in WWE, under the PWG banner. Keith Lee signed with WWE in 2018 and made a name for himself on NXT. He ended up becoming the NXT and NXT North American Champion.

Keith Lee Has A Huge Supporter In Randy Orton

Speaking to Ryan Satin on the Out of Character podcast, Lee explained how some encouraging words from Randy Orton gave him a nice morale boost.

“I don’t know many people that get to walk into the main roster and get to immediately work with Randy Orton, but that was something where I feel like, ‘I’m good for the rest of my career.’ Randy is someone that has kind of become a mentor if you will, and someone that leads the way in great fashion. The moment he told me that I’m really good at this thing, I didn’t care what anybody else thought anymore. He’s not a person that will compliment you on your abilities if he doesn’t mean it. To get his approval is something like, I’m good because now I know I’m everything I say I am and I’m good with that. However everything else goes, it’s fine.”

Lee has been undergoing a character change on Monday Night Raw. He is now going by the name “Bearcat Lee.” Lee has been facing heels as of late but he definitely has a mean streak going. There is no more smiling from Keith Lee with this change in direction.

Both Lee and Orton are currently on the same brand. This means the two may be able to mix things up again in the near future. Orton is one-half of the Raw Tag Team Champions with Riddle as “RKBro.”

H/T to Fightful for the transcribed quotes

Keith Lee underwent some character changes during his absence from WWE programming. He recently re-emerged on WWE TV as Bearcat Lee.

The Raw star recently appeared on Out of Character. He discussed the thought process behind the changes in his persona, his love for videos games, and more.

The heavyweight star was then asked how involved Vince McMahon is with his new gimmick. Replying to it, Lee said that the boss is quite hands on:

“I would say he’s been quite hands on, which is honestly something I need because I want to know what he wants as opposed to making a guess or estimation or hypothesis.

If I know what he wants directly, it makes it that much easier to give him what he’s looking for. He’s the man,” said Keith Lee, “he runs this, if he wants a specific thing out of his talent, then the talent is to give him what he wants.”

• Booker T Doubts Keith Lee Can Be Trusted With A Big Push

The former NXT champion also discussed how his character is different than before. He explained that it’s the guy that makes people uncomfortable by just looking at them instead of giving a smile and speaking to them kindly.

Keith Lee had mostly been absent from WWE programming since the Elimination Chamber PPV in February. He returned during the September 27 episode of Raw and the WWE star has been renamed Bearcat Lee since then.

H/T to Fightful for the transcribed quotes

Booker T is unsure if WWE can rely on ‘Bearcat’ Keith Lee.

Lee appeared to be on the fast track to stardom over on the NXT brand. He even became a double champion, holding the NXT and NXT North American Titles at the same time. Lee was even booked to look strong in a Survivor Series match, becoming the final participant to be eliminated, and gave Brock Lesnar a run for his money at the Royal Rumble.

Keith Lee was brought up to the main roster but was suddenly taken off TV for months. He later revealed that this was due to not only a positive COVID-19 test, but also heart inflammation that could’ve been fatal had Lee not taken the proper precautions.

Lee has since returned and now uses the “Bearcat” nickname in honor of wrestling legend Bearcat Wright.

You Gotta Be Trusted

During a recent episode of his Hall of Fame podcast, Booker T said that Lee will have to show he’s dependable if he expects to headline shows on the main roster.

“Hey man, you know what? I think the verdict’s still out on Keith Lee. I know some people are gonna be talking about, ‘What is he talking about?’ I think the verdict is still out on Keith Lee as far as how far this guy’s gonna go. Is he the next big thing? I don’t know what the injury was still to this point and I really don’t care. It’s not my business or anything like that. But I do know one thing about the business and getting to that certain spot, you gotta be trusted.

“And I’m not saying trusted whether I can leave my wallet lying around or anything like that [laughs]. I’m talking about trusted to be able to make all these shows. All of them. You cannot call in sick when you’re the champion. You cannot call in and say, ‘Hey, I’m not gonna be able to make it today because I gotta take my daughter to work.’ ‘I’m not gonna be able to make it because somebody died.’ I’m just saying, it’s a rough spot to be in. I was reading something, an ex-WWE writer, I didn’t see who the writer was. I don’t know if they said his name or if he was nameless, said that Keith Lee would never get over in WWE. And the thing is, he could be right 100 percent and it’s gonna take someone like Keith Lee to make them wrong.”

Booker T then said that Lee can show the WWE brass that he can be counted on by being available for anything thrown at him. Booker isn’t the only past WWE star to have given Keith Lee some advice. On Busted Open Radio, Mark Henry and Bully Ray also threw out suggestions on how Lee can make the “Bearcat” gimmick work.

Please H/T SEScoops with a link if you use any quotes from this article

Mark Henry and Bully Ray have a piece of advice for WWE star Keith Lee.

Lee has recently taken on a new persona in WWE. His nickname is “Bearcat” and he’s been showing a more vicious side of his character. The nickname is in honor of legendary wrestler Bearcat Wright.

Speaking to Bully Ray on SiriusXM’s Busted Open Radio, Mark Henry gave his take on what Keith Lee has to do in order to make his new persona work.

“Own it. He’s not owning it yet. He’s feeling like, ‘well who am I? Who is Bearcat? What does Bearcat do?’ It’s a lot of studying right now, a lot of practicing. Eventually, we’ll get to the point where he’s got it. He’ll roll with it and he’ll be fine.”

Bully Ray agrees with Henry and he added the following.

“If Vince thinks of it and Vince gives you the name and Vince is the one that says, ‘my God he reminds me of Bearcat Wright,’ Vince doesn’t wanna be wrong about a gimmick that he puts on you. So the best thing for Keith Lee to do right now is own it to the max. Make it your own. Take just a little bit of that throwback of Bearcat Wright and mix it in with a lot of modern-day Keith Lee.”

Lee was a part of the WWE draft. He will not be switching brands as Monday Night Raw decided to keep him on the show. “Bearcat” has been earning victories in dark matches and even squashed Akira Tozawa on an episode of Raw in late September.

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Keith Lee made his return to television on Monday’s episode of WWE Raw and did so with a new nickname.

The former NXT Champion did so when Akira Tozawa was upset after failing to win the WWE 24/7 title in the previous segment. This led to him issuing an open challenge to anyone. 

Lee came out and was introduced as Keith “Bearcat” Lee, who quickly picked up the win after pinning Tozawa with a powerslam. The nickname is a way to pay homage to Bearcat Wright.

At last Friday’s SmackDown event, while working a dark match, Lee was introduced under the Bearcat nickname for the first time. Since the start of August, he had been working dark matches prior to Raw and SmackDown. 

Lee said in a video on YouTube that he contracted COVID-19 in January and that was why he missed TV for 3 weeks.

Lee had been out of action since February as it was reported that he was not medically cleared to compete. It turned out that there was an issue with his heart and thus, he was forbidden from training as there was a fear that he could pass away if he put strain on his heart.

The inflammation in his heart eventually went down to normal and he was eventually cleared to return. He was last seen on television when he beat Karrion Kross on the August 2nd edition of Raw. 

Former NXT Champion Keith Lee has a new moniker that pays tribute to a WWE Hall of Famer from the 1950’s.

Lee competed in yet another dark match before this week’s episode of Monday Night Raw. He defeated a local talent in a squash match. What’s interesting to note about his latest appearance is that he was billed as Keith “Bearcat” Lee during his entrance.

You can see footage of Lee’s introduction in the clip below:

Bearcat Wright

Keith Lee’s new “Bearcat” moniker is a reference to popular African American pro wrestler from the 1950s, Bearcat Wright. Wright was posthumously inducted into the legacy wing of WWE Hall Of Fame in 2017.

Here is a brief Twitter thread giving a little background on WWE Hall of Famer Bearcat Wright:

Keith Lee’s Road to Bearcat

Keith Lee was last seen on WWE TV during the August 2 episode of Raw where he won a match against Karrion Kross. He returned to the road with WWE during the Raw brand supershow live event this past weekend.

The heavyweight star defeated Akira Tozawa at the supershow event. What’s interesting to note here is that the former champion played the role of a heel in his match against Tozawa.

Lee has also been growing a beard. There is speculation that it could be a preparation for turning him heel when he finally returns to WWE TV. Though when that may happen is not known.

For the last two weeks, Keith Lee has been working dark matches before both RAW and Smackdown. Lee defeated Chico Adams before RAW last night, and Niles Plonk before RAW the week before. On Smackdown, Lee defeated Niles Plonk last Saturday in a dark match and Austin Theory the week before.

According to a report from PW Insider, the purpose of the dark matches is to help Lee refine his in-ring style and determine what works best for him.

“PWInsider.com is told that the recent darks, designed as being short squashes for Lee, have taken place as a way to refine Lee and decide what works best for him going forward,” wrote Mike Johnson.

Lee was out of action for 5 months from February to July. He returned on the July 19th episode of RAW and lost to Bobby Lashley. He was defeated by Karrion Kross the following week but then avenged that loss against Kross on August 2nd. Lee has been working dark matches ever since.

Lee opened up recently about dealing with inflammation of the heart following contracting COVID-19. This was the reason for his absence from February to July.

“Some people may have experienced this thing where there’s like an inflammation in the heart or lungs, for me it was the heart. That led to very scary times,” Lee says in the video.

“I was basically forbidden from training or any activity outside of a light walk. There was a fear that doing more than that—that there was a chance that I could just up and pass away.”