Background Behind WWE Star’s New Gimmick, & More

As seen the last few weeks on SmackDown, Jesse has been repackaged with a new gimmick. He’s been appearing in backstage segments with Cryme Tyme, trying to fit in with them as a wannabe rapper.

While the persona appears new, it’s actually not as he used a very similar gimmick while in developmental under the name “Ray Geezy.” He dropped the gimmick in late 2006 when he started teaming with Henry O. Godwinn, going under the name “Cousin Ray.” However, WWE decided to pair Festus up with Jesse instead, leaving the long time veteran out in the cold.

After a two-year partnership, Festus was drafted to the Raw brand as part of the 2009 Supplemental Draft this past April and, as a result, was separated from Jesse, who remained on SmackDown. After sitting on the sidelines for weeks on end, Jesse debuted the wannabe rapper persona on the Internet version of Word Up! last month. Apparently, company officials were pleased as it was soon introduced on television.

Michael Hayes, who is the head creative writer for SmackDown brand, is high on Jesse as his father, Terry Gordy, was a member of The Fabulous Freebirds alongside him. Jesse has been said to be on the chopping block on more than one occasion, and the primary reason given for the second generation wrestler’s employment is because Hayes has a lot of pull in the company.

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