Ivar wasn’t always known by his current name. He was Handsome Johnny earlier in his career.
As one of half of the Viking Raiders, he has been one of the most fearsome-looking wrestlers in the WWE. He was first known as Hanson while in NXT, but changed to Ivar once being called up to the main roster in 2019.
He has been on a singles run in recent months, following his partners’ injury. Ivar has impressed in the ring, putting on some incredible matches which showcased his high-flying skills, despite his size.
However, he went by a name you would not have expected. Despite his gruff, bearded exterior, he was known for his looks early on. Ivar used to wrestle as Handsome Johnny, as well as a host of other names.
Ivar spoke with Chris Van Vliet in a recent interview. He revealed that he was known as Handsome Johnny at the start of his career, and some wrestlers he helped train still call him Handsome behidn the scenes.
Even his wife calls him Handsome, even when they argue, which he finds hilarious. Ivar also detailed some other names he tried out.
“The beginning half of my career I was Handsome Johnny. So much so that there’s still a lot of guys who call me Handsome. Kofi [Kingston] still calls me Handsome. Tommaso [Ciampa] still calls me Handsome. My wife calls me Handsome, thank God. We get into a fight and she still calls me handsome, its hilarious!”
“Handsome Johnny was a big one, but it was Hansman Johnny. I did the Duke of Elegance, Don Chesterfield, for a minute, also a wrestling character I brought into pro wrestling. Todd Hansen, the brand new bad, Warbeard Hansen, and then ended up in Ring of Honor as Hanson Rowe.”
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