WWE has given Pete Dunne a new name as the Bruiserweight made his official SmackDown debut.
The former NXT United Kingdom Champion – highly regarded as one of the best wrestlers in the world – was called up to the blue brand on Friday night’s show as part of an alliance with Sheamus and Ridge Holland.
However, everyone will have to get used to a new moniker for Dunne, as the Celtic Warrior and his tag team partner introduced him as their buddy Butch.
They tried to offer some explanation for the switch – they said it was their nickname for him – although it seems baffling when the Birmingham-born grappler has worked under his previous name as part of WWE in NXT and NXT UK for the last few years.
Not surprisingly, fans haven’t taken the change well, and Twitter has been flooded with people ranting about Pete’s new name.
One person wrote: ‘No, no, no. I refuse to call him Butch. He’s Pete Dunne.’
Another viewer posted crying laughing emojis and ranted: ‘Why the hell did they change Pete Dunne’s name to f***ing Butch?’
And a different fan offered a more balance stance, as they added: ‘Butch fits more than most name changes, but I never like a name change. Always odd. I’m stoked about Pete Dunne on smackdown though! He’s great. (sic)’
Former WWE star Matt Cardona couldn’t resist getting involved, as he simply tweeted: ‘My dad’s nickname is Butch.’
Dunne – er, sorry, Butch – was at ringside for Sheamus and Holland’s match against The New Day duo Kofi Kingston and Big E, but the bout was overshadowed by the sad news that E has suffered a broken neck.
He was hurt during an overhead suplex before being stretchered out of the arena and rushed to hospital.
In a video statement, Big E said: ‘I can move all my digits. You see that, that’s nice. That’s always a good thing. Strength feels fine, but unfortunately right now they tell me my neck is broken, so there’s that.’
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