Which WWE Star Was Almost Called 'Kenny Rumpus'?
The literal doghouse.
"MR. KENNEDY...............KENNEDY!"
That intro was repeated ad nauseam by wrestling fans between 2005-2008. Ken Anderson's time in WWE might not have lived up to expectations, but he did leave an impression, could talk for days and is still fondly remembered by those who remember his run.
Things could've been so different for Kennedy, and not always for good reasons. On his 'Grilling JR' podcast, Jim Ross and co-host Conrad Thompson discussed how close Ken came to having one of the most stupid names in WWE history.
According to Conrad's notes, Kennedy was very nearly dubbed, "Kenny Rumpus".
Paul Heyman was to blame. During a phone call between both men, Heyman told Ken that he should try to find something that was near and dear to Vince McMahon's heart. That'd be sure to get him into the chief's good books and secure a lengthy, profitable career.
Stumped, Ken offered up his 'Kamikaze' name from the indy scene, but Heyman had a "better" idea. What if the main roster hopeful named himself in honour of one of Vince's dogs. Oh yes, the boss would be sure to love the idea of "Kenny Rumpus: WWE Superstar".
Thank God that didn't happen. Rumpus?!