Rhino was one of the biggest names in ECW who ended up joining WWE back in 2001. While he was a good fit there, everything wasnt perfect as Rhino has revealed how producers tried to change his style there.
While speaking on The Wrestling Classic podcast, Rhino talked about what it was like when he first joined WWE after wrestling in ECW. He said many of the producers backstage didnt know much about his past work, so they started giving him advice and tried to change the way he wrestled.
Edge and Christian were the ones who told him not to listen to all that. Christian was very direct about it, while Edge explained things in a more professional way. They both told him to stick with the style that made him popular, and once the fans reacted, the producers would understand that he didnt need to change.
The TNA Hall of Famer said that moment stayed with him and helped shape how he works now as a producer or agent. He said that not every wrestler needs to be told what to do all the time. If he doesnt know a wrestler, he takes time to see if they need help or if they already know what theyre doing. If theyre experienced, he mostly just gives them the important rules and lets them do their thing.
Rhino explained that giving too much direction can hurt a wrestlers performance, especially if theyve been doing it for a long time. Newer wrestlers might need more help, but veterans usually know what works for them. His goal is to support them without getting in the way and help them keep getting better.
Rhino will always appreciate Edge and Christians advice since he was able to retain what brought him to the dance and he ended up becoming one of the Attitude Eras most memorable stars, which is what really mattered in the end.
What do you think about Rhinos approach to mentoring wrestlers today? Sound off in the comments.
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