7 Stupidest Reasons WWE Refused To Push Superstars

by Benjamin Richardson

1. A Northern Accent (Luke Harper)

luke harper raw
WWE.com

Just as Jim Ross was once despised by Vince McMahon on commentary due to his distinct Southern accent, Luke Harper - today excelling using his regular voice as AEW's 'Exalted One' Brodie Lee - similarly saw any push dwindle due to a lack of one. It's almost as if the chairman operates on entirely erratic whims, or something.

Speaking on an episode of Talk is Jericho, Lee mithered how, early into his career on WWE's main roster, he was summoned into McMahon's office and asked to audition his best Southern drawl. The Rochester, NY native tentatively replied, "Sir, I think it's going to sound really fake," to which literal Mr. Burns retorted, "We don't want it to sound fake! Just do me a favour and try it! (And trim those sideburns!")

As predicted, Lee's attempts to channel his inner Brother Love were met with disdain. Vince hated it - yet pigeonholed the softly-spoken big man as a beast from the bayou anyhow. His opportunities dwindled thereafter, unsurprisingly.

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Editorial Team
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Benjamin was born in 1987, and is still not dead. He variously enjoys classical music, old-school adventure games (they're not dead), and walks on the beach (albeit short - asthma, you know). He's currently trying to compile a comprehensive history of video game music, yet denies accusations that he purposefully targets niche audiences. He's often wrong about these things.