WWE star is held back due to Triple H's perception of him from day one, Vince Russo thinks (Exclusive)

Triple H has overseen WWE's creative direction since replacing his father-in-law, Vince McMahon, in 2022. Former WWE writer Vince Russo believes Braun Strowman has struggled to become a main-eventer again due to how he is perceived backstage.

Strowman grew up in North Carolina and competed as a strongman before becoming a wrestler in 2013. The 41-year-old received his release from WWE in 2021 before returning in 2022 after Triple H took charge.

On Sportskeeda Wrestling's Writing With Russo, Vince Russo spoke to host Dr. Chris Featherstone about Strowman's current position on RAW. He speculated that management has always viewed The Monster of All Monsters as a stereotypical country boy rather than a potential top star:

"Triple H is an East Coast guy," Russo said. "Vince was an East Coast guy. I'm an East Coast guy. Bro, I gotta tell you, from day one, and I think this has been a big part of the problem, please correct me if I'm wrong, Chris, I know you have no problem doing that. The perception I've always had of Braun Strowman is, yes, bro, he's big, he's bad, he's intimidating, he's a monster, he's whatever they call him. S.O.B. He's One Big S.O.B. You know what else he is, bro? He's a good old [country] boy. I'm telling you, bro, that is what it is [why Strowman is held back]." [2:20 – 3:09]

Watch the video above to hear Russo's take on whether Strowman will become a member of The Wyatt Sicks.

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Vince Russo compares Braun Strowman to WWE legend Hillbilly Jim

James Morris, better known to fans as Hillbilly Jim, wrestled for WWE between 1984 and 1991. The Kentucky native's character embraced his country roots and featured in matches with legends like Andre the Giant and Hulk Hogan.

Vince Russo believes Triple H and others internally probably look at Braun Strowman as a modern-day version of Hillbilly Jim:

"He's a mean Hillbilly Jim. He's that good old boy. I'm telling you. And, bro, I think that that [country boy perception of Strowman] had been there from day one." [3:10 – 3:25]

In 2001, Hillbilly Jim competed in his last WWE match in the Gimmick Battle Royal at WrestleMania 17. The 72-year-old was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2018.

What do you think the future holds for Braun Strowman? Hit the discuss button and let us know.

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Please credit Sportskeeda Wrestling's Writing With Russo and embed the video if you use quotes from this article.