JBL says El Grande Americano’s popularity in Mexico reminds him of a prime Hulk Hogan in WWE.
Speaking on Something to Wrestle with Bruce Prichard, JBL praised Ludwig Kaiser for how popular his El Grande Americano persona has become in Mexico, comparing the reaction he receives there to the level of fan support Hulk Hogan enjoyed during the peak of Hulkamania in the 1980s.
JBL noted that the character initially gained traction with Chad Gable before Kaiser stepped into the role following Gable’s injury. While the gimmick drew criticism from some fans in the United States, JBL said it became massively popular with Mexican audiences.
“This is the biggest match this year, at least in Mexico, if not in several years. It’s huge. Chad Gable was doing a really good job as El Grande Americano, and then he got hurt. They put Ludwig Kaiser in the role, and I don’t know what the original creative direction was supposed to be. Maybe it was just meant to fill the spot because the character itself was working.
“Up in the United States, people were saying the character was racist and that they hated it. Down in Mexico, though, the character was incredibly over. Now Kaiser is over down there like Hulk Hogan in the mid-1980s. It’s unbelievable when he walks out.
“Then he comes to America and gets booed out of the arena, kind of like Bret Hart in the United States during the 1990s. It’s crazy,” JBL said.
JBL on Ludwig Kaiser’s dedication to El Grande Americano persona
He also highlighted Kaiser’s dedication to the role, pointing out that the WWE star has learned Spanish fluently, including regional dialects, and has immersed himself in Mexican culture. JBL recalled seeing Kaiser speaking fluent Spanish backstage with Konnan and said the authenticity has helped connect him with fans in Mexico.
“Kaiser goes down there and suddenly he’s not just playing a villain. He’s learned the language, and not only the language, but also the local dialects. It’s not like he just picked it up from Babbel or Rosetta Stone. He’s been living down there.
“I saw him a couple of months ago talking with Konnan backstage, and they were speaking 100 percent Spanish. I could tell Kaiser understood the nuances of the language. Of course, he’s dating a Mexican woman too, so that probably helps.”
JBL added that Kaiser receives wildly different reactions depending on the location, being cheered like a megastar in Mexico while still drawing heavy boos in American cities such as Las Vegas and those in California.
“This is one of the most phenomenal stories I’ve ever seen. The guy walks out in Mexico and the reaction is unbelievable. Then he goes to Vegas or California, where they’ve also run matches, and he’s treated like a complete heel. It’s absolutely nuts. I don’t fully understand it, but it’s amazing to watch.”
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