Which WWE Star Became An Inside Joke Because Of JR's Support?
This ex-WWE wrestler accidentally became the butt of backstage jokes thanks to Jim Ross.
"Avatar".
That was a name several members of WWE's creative team used as an inside joke for years. Light-hearted jibes began when Bruce Prichard and Vince McMahon noticed that Jim Ross would put Al Snow's alter ego forwards every time he was asked who could work a match.
For example, "Does anyone have any suggestions for someone who could work the third match on the card against Bam Bam Bigelow?". JR: "Avatar". "Who should we think about for a shot at the Intercontinental Title on this house show?". JR: "Avatar".
Prichard said on his 'Something To Wrestle With' podcast that others within the WWE system began echoing Jim's sentiments for a laugh. Basically, "Avatar" became a joke answer for years, even long after Snow had ditched the ninja gimmick and moved on to other things.
Bruce also said that sometimes heavy support from one member of senior management can actually work against a wrestler. In the past, he's explained how Paul Heyman's incessant pushing for CM Punk and Rob Van Dam originally hurt how they were viewed by some others.
That's some fascinating insight into how WWE works.