Wrestlers have to interact with people outside the ring every day, both in and out of the arena.Its no secret that as pro wrestling became the WWEs sports entertainment, the old rules about kayfabe and not breaking character became more and more relaxed. Where heels and faces once stayed in separate areas and drank at different bars, they can now be seen eating dinner together on the WWE Network.But things werent always that way, and some have been known to stay in character in the modern era. Here are five examples of wrestlers staying true to their character outside their promotions programming.
#5 Ultimate Warrior with Arsenio Hall
Putting the late Ultimate Warrior on a talk show doesn’t seem like it would ever be a good idea. Quite frankly, most people weren’t really sure what he was talking about when he opened his mouth, and that was within the context of the WWE storylines.
Yet, he was a guest on Arsenio Hall’s talk show, and exactly what you would expect is what took place. He was his usual high-energy self, complete with all the volume and all the face paint for what had to be a memorable night for Hall.
#4 Vader on \'Boy Meets World\'
This one is cheating a bit, since Vader was still playing on a scripted show, but it was neat to see his wrestling character seamlessly carried over to a mainstream show like the popular “Boy Meets World.”
In one episode, in particular, the main characters have to come help Vader’s son advise the brutish masked superstar in his match against Jake “The Snake” Roberts. It was an entertaining episode and using actual pro wrestlers in character only added to the entertainment value.
#3 Rick Rude
Of all the current or former WWE superstars, the one that would perhaps most obviously be a perfect fit on a show that caters mainly to stay-at-home moms is Rick Rude. With his charisma and sleazy persona, him ogling Kathy Lee Gifford on “Live with Regis and Kelly” just makes sense somehow.
Women always did love Rick Rude, or at least, the ones in the crowds for his matches did. But Regis Philbin also seemed to be a fan, or maybe he was the one playing a part this time.
#2 Lawler on Letterman
Perhaps the most well-known and bizarre case of wrestlers maintaining their characters outside the ring was the classic feud between Andy Kaufman and Jerry Lawler. The two even took to “Late Night with David Letterman” to air out their grievances after Lawler hurt Kaufman in a real match.
The situation was documented as part of the movie “Man in the Moon,” a film about Kaufman’s life, and we may never know just how much of the feud was truly 'real' and how much of it was scripted.
#1 Kevin Owens\' Twitter account
Of course, not all the current superstars drop the act every time the camera gets turned off. Some, like current Intercontinental Champion Kevin Owens, carry their heel or face persona wherever they go, even online.
Owens’ Twitter account is full of such hilarious examples. If a fan takes time out of his or her day to be rude to Owens, the Canadian superstar will take his time to reply as only his character would – with equal doses of humor and disrespect.
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