Former WWE star Ken Anderson, better known as Mr. Kennedy, had emerged as one of the most entertaining personalities on WWE TV during his heyday. His unique entrance, loud microphone introductions, and promos helped him stand out at the time.
However, Anderson says those same qualities also drew criticism from former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon.
Vince McMahon wanted a different version of Mr. Kennedy
Speaking on the Tagging In with Chris Harris podcast, Ken Anderson looked back on his promo style. He revealed that McMahon once told him to tone down the over-the-top personality that helped make him popular.
The discussion started when podcast host Aaron mentioned that Anderson’s promo style often reminded him of actor and comedian Jim Carrey. Anderson agreed and said he had noticed the comparison himself. The former WWE star added that the Hollywood star had always been one of his favorite performers.
While that style helped him get noticed during his rise in wrestling, Anderson admitted that watching some of his old promos today can feel a little uncomfortable.
Things changed once he arrived in WWE. Anderson said that the larger-than-life personality that helped him get there was suddenly something Vince McMahon wanted him to dial back.
“So that’s that’s sort of what got me to the dance in the first place. And then when I got there, Vince was like, ‘Stop doing that. Stop being so entertaining. Stop being so over the top.’ And I was like, ‘What are you talking about?’” Anderson said.
The advice confused him because he felt those traits were a big part of what made him successful.
“Like it was really really hard to wrap my head around. Okay, now I’m supposed to do this differently? Well, that’s what’s made me me,” Anderson added.
Looking back now, Anderson says it took him years to fully understand what McMahon meant.
“And and it took a really long time for me to figure that out and figure out exactly what he wanted that I understand it now. And like I said, it’s f*cking cringy when I watch my old stuff like, ‘Oh my god, like why am I so, you know, over the top?’” he said.
Even so, Anderson acknowledged that his high-energy promos were a huge part of his popularity.
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