Shane Thorne is re-imagining his on-screen persona.
Ahead of SmackDown on September 24, Shane Thorne, formerly SLAPJACK of RETRIBUTION, wrestled a dark match against Austin Theory. Thorne has competed twice in the past week after being absent for two full months. He came out for his bout yesterday sporting new attire. Take a look:
I mean... I've always been Australian --
— Shane Thorne (@WWEThorne) September 25, 2021
Thorne took to Twitter to address all the attention his gear attracted saying that he was inspired by Nikki A.S.H., Paul Hogan, Steve Irwin, and John Cena. He ended by shouting out T-BAR (Dominik Dijakovic) for constantly nagging him to "go full Australian."
Other inspirations 100% Paul Hogan, Steve Irwin and @JohnCena.
— Shane Thorne (@WWEThorne) September 25, 2021
And honorable mention to @TBARRetribution for constantly nagging me to just go full Australian --
Thorne signed with WWE in March 2016 and was part of TM-61 with Nick Miller. He made his main roster debut in March 2020 and would eventually join RETRIBUTION later that year in September. He has not appeared on television since competing in the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal on April 1, 2021, ahead of WrestleMania 37.
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