WWE Star Reveals Vince McMahon Change to His Gimmick "Nearly Killed [His] Career"

As a fan who’s witnessed Pete Dunne’s incredible journey from NXT UK to WWE’s main roster, I can’t help but feel a mix of admiration and awe. The Bruiserweight’s resilience is nothing short of inspiring, especially considering the obstacles he’s overcome.

Pete Dunne is starting to make an impact on the main stage of WWE. Known as The Bruiserweight, he recently defeated both Xavier Woods and The Miz during Monday’s episode of WWE Monday Night Raw. This win advances him in the WWE Intercontinental Title No.1 Contender’s Tournament, placing him alongside Jey Uso and two yet-to-be-determined competitors. They will all compete in a fatal four-way match to decide who challenges titleholder Bron Breakker next. Dunne’s recent success is largely due to his tag team partner, Tyler Bate, being sidelined for an extended period due to a torn pectoral muscle. It’s worth noting that Dunne has traditionally been supported by Triple H, but his newfound prominence on the main roster significantly deviates from how his career progressed under previous management.

Pete Dunne’s Time as Butch “Nearly Killed” His Career

The Bruiserweight’s in-ring future was bleak just a couple of years ago.

As I sat down for an exclusive interview backstage at Monday Night Raw, I couldn’t help but feel a knot in my stomach as I recalled the tumultuous journey of my character transformation to “Butch.” Looking back, it was a rollercoaster ride that came dangerously close to derailing my career.

For Sheamus, who acts lowly and persists in calling me Butch despite nearly ending my career, it’s more than just a joke for me, man,” Dunne expressed. “He understands this. All I am and ever will be is a fighter. To be belittled by that name, it reveals his true character. I don’t deserve it. You all know that.”

Presently, Pete Dunne is engaged in a heated rivalry with Sheamus, a previous partner from The Brawling Brutes faction. In their time within this group, Dunne underwent a transformation at the hands of former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon, who rebranded him as “Butch,” a tough-as-nails fighter donning an old-fashioned newspaper boy’s attire instead of his regular singlet. This switch was quite distinct from the Pete Dunne that NXT UK spectators were accustomed to, as between 2016 and 2020, he was positioned as the main attraction on that brand, a relentless assassin celebrated for his British strong style. He even held the NXT UK Championship for an impressive 685 days, setting a record for one of the longest WWE-supported title reigns before Gunther and Roman Reigns exceeded it in the 2020s.

In the McMahon era, Dunne was intended to be a character who wouldn’t participate in wrestling matches. As reported by ex-WWE star Mansoor, McMahon envisioned Dunne as Butch primarily as a provocateur, tasked with attacking others, but not engaging in actual wrestling contests. Since then, WWE has severed ties with McMahon due to his ongoing sex trafficking lawsuit.

2024-08-27 18:45

WWE Star Reveals Vince McMahon Change to His Gimmick “Nearly Killed [His] Career”

Pete Dunne’s Time as Butch “Nearly Killed” His Career

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