Former pro-wrestler turned motivational speaker Marc Mero took to Twitter to comment on the passing of music legend Little Richard, who passed away early this morning at the age of 87. Mero states that Richard broke musical barriers, and was even the inspiration for his WCW Johnny B. Badd character back in the 1990s.
He writes, “Little Richard, Founding Father of Rock and roll Who Broke Musical Barriers, Dead at 87. My character in WCW wrestling that Dusty Rhodes created for me to portray was based on him. Here he is holding a poster of me back in 1993. Some great memories!”
Later pro-wrestling journalist Jim Varsallone from the Miami Herald would ask Mero how Little Richard reacted to his portrayal, claiming that he was flattered. He says, “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. I believe he really enjoyed the Johnny B. Badd character. He would say about me, “He’s not as pretty as me!”
Check out both tweets below.