Reason Why WWE Added ‘Bearcat’ to Keith Lee’s Ring Name

For over a month now, the WWE was making a big monster heel out of the former NXT Champion, Keith Lee, and lately, Lee was seen working a few dark matches after the show ran out.

During those matches, Lee was doing some heel characteristics which slightly hinted at his gradual heel turn, but on tonight’s episode of Monday Night Raw on the USA Network we saw a different Keith Lee.

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Keith Lee answers Akira Tozawa’s challenge

After a swift match between WWE 24/7 Champion, Reggie and Ricochet we witness the former 24/7 Champion which ended via DQ.

Everyone get a closer look. @WWE_Reggie vs. @KingRicochet for #247Title ends via DQ. #WWERaw pic.twitter.com/q2zPwTvP98

— WWE (@WWE) September 28, 2021

After the match, R-Truth and Drew Gulak attack Ricochet, and Reginald somehow escapes the ring. However, Akira Tozawa comes down the aisle to get his hands dirty but Reggie hits him with a crossbody before fleeing.

This rubs Tozawa in a wrong way and he grabbed the mic to cut a promo where he demanded to face former WWE 24/7 Champions.

“I demand a match tonight. A match with R-Truth. I demand a match with Drew Gulak. With Drake Maverick. I don’t care who it is…” Akira Tozawa said.

It looks like Akira Tozawa received more than he bargained for after harping at the 24/7 Champion Reggie to come back out for a proper match, which ultimately led Keith “Bearcat” Lee to answer the call.

WWE used the name “bearcat” last week when Raw went off the air. However, seeing this name on TV means the WWE is sticking with the name and is a part of Lee’s heel turn.

However, Lee comes down in the ring with a stale look on his face but he never moved his eyes off Akira. Eventually, the bell rang and so did the bad time for Akira.

Lee takes down Tozawa with a lariat before throwing him across the ring like a pile of papers. And eventually, pinned him for the victory.

That’s what you get for crossing paths with the BEARCAT!@RealKeithLee makes quick work of @TozawaAkira on #WWERaw. pic.twitter.com/Al7obKPdiQ

— WWE (@WWE) September 28, 2021

What is the significance of the name “Bearcat”?

As we noted last week that the name “Bearcat” is a tribute to Bearcat Wright, a popular African American pro wrestler from the 1950s and 1960s, he also became the first-ever Black World Champion in the professional wrestling business.

Keith Lee using Bearcat is a tribute to Bearcat Wright. This is why I’m all good with the change, it means something.#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/fYqm0RHL9h

— Pro Wrestling Finesse (@ProWFinesse) September 28, 2021

With this recent name change, we can expect that the WWE is planning on pushing Keith Lee to the moon. With the Hurt Business back in the game, maybe we can Lee in the faction.

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The post Reason Why WWE Added ‘Bearcat’ to Keith Lee’s Ring Name appeared first on EssentiallySports.