After enduring Vince McMahon’s creative booking in WWE, including being given the unwanted “Bearcat” nickname, Keith Lee has found a new sense of freedom in AEW. He wants to be an example of the limitless potential of fans everywhere.
During an interview with Fightful’s Grapsody podcast, Lee expressed his comfort with his unique appearance, particularly his white hair, which he has sported since he was 16. He sees his new look as a “middle finger” to anyone who doubts his ability to succeed in pro wrestling due to his unconventional appearance.
“This is definitely the same Keith Lee that left, alright? The Keith Lee that left is actually not the entirety of what Keith Lee is. I think that what inspired that look or return and all of that, I think in my previous interview the exact terminology I used was, ‘A giant middle finger to society and a lot of companies that want you need to look like, a lot of people that tell you what you need to look like.’ Instead I decided to say, ‘Okay, here’s reality.’ I’ve actually made statements about this in the past. I saw my first grey hairs at sixteen, which means they were coming in long before that, right? I want people to be comfortable with who they are.”
Keith Lee has expressed his desire to revolutionize the wrestling industry with his unique appearance. Despite criticism from some quarters, the wrestler says that his new look is a way of challenging the conventional notions of what a wrestler should look like. While he acknowledges the importance of health and fitness, Lee believes his success in the ring will demonstrate that being overweight with white hair is not a barrier to becoming a successful wrestler.
“Now, don’t get me wrong, I want people to be their best versions of themselves. But not at the expense of their natural looks. While I want people to take care of themselves physically and do what they can to adhere to their health, things of that sort, I’m going to be the trendsetter that says, ‘Okay, naturally grey hair, white hair, however you view it, I’m going to be the one who sets it off.’ Because I am who I am and I don’t really care what people say or think about me, I am going to be successful doing this. I’m going to change the game once again. That’s what I always do. That’s really what it’s about.”
Keith Lee continues to shine as a babyface in AEW, even after Swerve Strickland betrayed him. While it remains to be seen if he’ll have another title reign, his mindset is perfectly aligned to achieve big things as a big man in wrestling.
His recent comments about embracing his natural appearance are inspiring for those who have been told they don’t fit the industry’s mold. Keith Lee’s decision to confidently accept his appearance is a powerful statement against societal beauty standards and a testament to his self-confidence and self-acceptance.
As he strives to change the game once more, it’s evident that Keith Lee is not afraid to challenge the norm and become a trailblazer in his own right. Although his wrestling future is uncertain, one thing is clear – his newfound outlook and attitude will encourage others to embrace their natural beauty and feel comfortable in their skin. And, of course, Keith Lee will continue to leave a destructive path in the ring.
