Keith Lee Confirms 'Bearcat' WWE Gimmick Was Not His Idea

Keith Lee has confirmed that it was not his idea to undergo a gimmick change and utilise the name 'Bearcat' in WWE.

Lee was one of 18 names released by WWE on Thursday, with the former NXT Champion one of the more shocking departures from the promotion. His partner, Mia Yim, was also released by WWE.

The 'Limitless One' had recently undergone a character change in the company, moving from the Keith Lee character to a more serious individual that was referred to as 'Bearcat' Lee.

Some fans assumed that Lee himself had chosen the new moniker, in tribute to Edward “Bearcat” Wright, a wrestler who was popular in the 1950s and 1960s, and was inducted posthumously into the Legacy wing of the WWE Hall Of Fame in 2017.

However, Lee has now revealed that it was not his idea to change up his character in this way.

One fan posted on social media that it was Lee's idea to use the Bearcat gimmick, prompting Lee to reply: "No. It was not. Lol."

The exchange can be viewed below.

Lee had only returned to wrestling in July following a number of months away due to a health scare. The 36-year-old had begun changing up his character to incorporate the 'Bearcat' name just a few weeks ago, and had been booked strongly on Monday Night Raw prior to his departure.