Big E has praised an AEW star who has become one of wrestling’s most talked-about performers. The former WWE Champion praised Lio Rush for taking creative risks and fully committing to his unique “Blackheart” character, even if not everyone enjoys it.
Rush has found new momentum with his Blackheart persona, which first appeared on indies before making its way to AEW. Since bringing the character to TV, many of his promos and matches have been going viral online.
Big E praises Lio Rush for embracing change
During an interview with Westwood1Sports, Big E spoke about Rush’s recent success and explained why he respects him so much.
The two shared a locker room during their time in WWE, where Rush mostly worked as Bobby Lashley’s manager. Big E believes fans never got to see everything Rush could do during that time.
“Lio is absolutely committed. He’s a guy that we got to share a locker room with for a bit when he was in WWE, but he was managing Bobby Lashley and he didn’t really get that opportunity to demonstrate his ability. He’s such an incredible professional wrestler. I know there’s a lot of varying opinions on the gimmick, but I’m all for trying something different, for being out of the box, for being unique,” Big E said.
He added that Rush has never been afraid to reinvent himself throughout his career, both as a wrestler and as a musician.
“I feel like Lio Rush has had so many different incarnations in his career. He’s a guy who I just salute because he’s done so many different things. He’s still rapping, he’s been just different variations of this character and this idea, and this gimmick,” Big E added.
Big E admitted that not every idea will connect with fans. However, he believes wrestlers should always be willing to take chances.
“I think he’s really a bold performer and I have a ton of respect for people that just take chances. Even if things flop, even if things don’t connect with everyone, if you can take chances and do things different… because there are a lot of incredible professional wrestlers, but I get a little bored of just seeing people come out in tights and have good matches,” Big E said.
He explained that he wants to connect with performers beyond just their matches. Moreover, the former WWE star feels Rush’s current character gives fans something unique to follow.
“I want to be able to connect with you as a character and as a performer. I want to be able to understand your story. And I think he’s doing a really phenomenal job just being unique man, being out of the box,” Big E said.
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