Former WWE superstar Ken Anderson, also known as Ken Kennedy, recently opened up on his Mic Check podcast about the unexpected reason behind the signature bleached blonde hair that became synonymous with his wrestling persona. In a revealing conversation, Anderson credited WWE legend Steve Keirn for delivering some “harsh but crucial advice” that led him to bleach his hair, a move that changed the trajectory of his career and image in the wrestling world[1].

Anderson explained that the inspiration for bleaching his hair originally came from his admiration of the punk rock aesthetic, specifically mentioning the influence of Billy Idol’s iconic blonde spikes. “I just always liked that look when I was a kid, you know, the Billy Idol look,” Anderson said. Early in his WWE tenure and independent circuit days, he sported natural hair colors and styles but eventually returned to his natural brown locks after some time on the indies. However, during a visit to Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW)—WWE’s developmental territory—Steve Keirn, serving as a producer, immediately noticed Anderson’s natural but rather plain appearance and urged him to make a bold change[1].

According to Anderson, Keirn gave him blunt feedback: “I remember Steve said, ‘Look at you. You’re built well, you have a great look, but you just kind of look like a guy.’” He then added, “‘I think that a wrestler… when you walk into a restaurant or a hotel or a gym, people need to look at you and say, ‘I don’t know what that guy does, but he’s somebody.’’” This advice struck a chord with Anderson, leading him to bleach his hair blonde, immediately catching the attention of key figures in WWE, including the initially skeptical Jim Cornette[1].

This transformation was more than just a cosmetic change—it was a defining moment that helped Anderson stand out in the crowded WWE roster. His blonde hair became a crucial part of his wrestling identity, aiding his transition into a memorable and marketable character. Wrestling media outlet Wrestling News highlighted how this simple yet impactful change was instrumental in Anderson’s subsequent successes, including winning the Money in the Bank ladder match in 2007 and multiple championship reigns both in WWE and later in TNA[1][5].

Fans and insiders have long noted how appearance can shape a wrestler’s career, but Anderson’s story provides concrete insight into how backstage advice and a willingness to embrace an unconventional look can make the difference. WWE.com and Fightful have often discussed how wrestlers in developmental often get pivotal advice or face critical decisions that affect their on-screen success; Anderson’s experience perfectly illustrates this dynamic[2][5].

Beyond the hair bleaching story, Anderson’s career has been marked by notable moments and what-ifs. In past interviews, he revealed that WWE originally planned a major storyline where he would be revealed as Vince McMahon’s illegitimate son—a major arc that was scrapped due to backstage incidents that resulted in a suspension. This plan would have further elevated his character’s prominence, but after his suspension and a subsequent $10,000 fine, the storyline shifted to another wrestler, Hornswoggle, who was also blonde[2].

Sources close to Anderson emphasize that his openness about these behind-the-scenes decisions reflects the complex world of professional wrestling, where character development, storyline shifts, and personal branding often intertwine with unpredictable real-life events. One WWE insider told Wrestling News, “Ken’s willingness to share these stories shows the hard work and sometimes tough reality behind the glitz and glam of WWE. That bleach blonde hair wasn’t just a style choice; it was a strategic move shaped by some tough coaching from the veterans.”[1]

Anderson also shared memorable wrestling moments on platforms like NBC Sports Boston’s The Ten Count and his YouTube channel, further bridging his in-ring career with insights into how visual presentation and persona impact storytelling. For instance, he recounted intense matches where his iconic hair made dramatic moments even more memorable, such as when blood pouring from him mixed with his pale blonde locks created a striking visual[3].

The legacy of Ken Anderson’s bleach blonde hair goes beyond aesthetics—it represents the importance of personal branding and adaptability in wrestling entertainment. Many wrestlers have credited their unique looks as pivotal in defining their careers, but few stories show the direct influence of veteran mentorship as clearly as Anderson’s experience with Steve Keirn.

As WWE continues to evolve its talent roster and develop new stars, stories like Anderson’s serve as lessons in how transformative appearances and fearless reinvention can carve a lasting place in the wrestling world. Fans following Anderson from his early days as Mr. Kennedy in WWE through his later TNA championship runs will recognize the lasting impact of that first hair bleaching decision—a decision motivated not just by style but by sharp, career-defining advice[1][5].

In summary:

• Ken Anderson bleached his hair blonde after WWE legend Steve Keirn advised him to stand out more, telling him he looked like “just a guy” and needed to be “somebody” when seen in public[1].
• The Billy Idol-inspired look quickly became Anderson’s trademark, helping him catch the attention of WWE’s leadership, including Jim Cornette[1].
• Anderson’s career included near-miss storylines like being planned as Vince McMahon’s illegitimate son, which also linked to his blonde hair iconic look[2].
• Backstage sources confirm that Anderson’s transformation was both an artistic and strategic move crucial for his wrestling identity[1].
• The story highlights the profound role of mentorship and visual branding in professional wrestling today[1][3][5].

This insider look into Ken Anderson’s hair bleaching origin story showcases the crossroads of talent, advice, and image that shape professional wrestling careers.

Article powered by information from Wrestling News, interviews on podcasts including Mic Check and The Ten Count, WWE.com, Fightful, and direct statements from Ken Anderson.