| “ | GET READY FOR MOON BOOM! | „ |
| ~ Steve's catchphrase. |
| “ | Oh my name is not Steve I'm son of greatest monster wrestler of all time my name is Rayburn Jr. | „ |
| ~ reveals his identity |
Rayburn Jr., also known as Steve the Stupendous, (formerly Jr.), is one of the two main protagonists (alongside Winnie Coyle) of the 2021 film Rumble.
He was the son of Rayburn, the former Monster Wrestling World Champion who fought for the city of Stoker.
Rayburn Jr professionally lost to earn money for Lady Mayhem, a monster who ran the underground arena. However, he was brought back to Stoker by Winnie Coyle to fight as its representative when the city is in danger of going under, after Tentacular went to Slitherpoole. Rayburn Jr. agrees to go initially only because he had a debt to pay Lady Mayhem after accidentally winning a match.
He is voiced by Will Arnett, who also voiced Surly, Missling Link and Batman from The LEGO movie series.
Rayburn Jr. was created by Rob Harrell.
Appearance[]
Rayburn Jr. has the appearance of an reptilian with brown eyes, sharp teeth, a brown nose, as well as eyebrows, and has three little brown spikes on the sides of his cheeks. He also has brown horns on the sides of his head. He has brown spikes on the top of his arms, a chubby body with orange and brown scales, with a lighter orange around his mouth, as well on his stomach. Lastly, he has brown claws on his feet and hands, as well as spikes on the back on his body, and down to his tail.
Personality[]
Throughout the movie, Steve is very lazy, rude, and he always sleeping with small weights. As he remembers his childhood, he was running away that that everyone think Steve supposed to be Rayburn he always say "get ready for Moon Boom" remember during his Childhood, he loser that is okay with him, but go, every time he is looked at his father's wall or flag that he under his shadow he remembers that he never forget from yesterday that he remind of his father Rayburn if Steve, he just feel suffer and trauma from his horror past want to be powerful like him it take that more than just dance but he doesn't actually accept that let go of his dancing to wrestling, he not like his father he just here for money to pay back to his boss.
Steve begins bond with Winnie's after she can't get Steve in sharp or wrestling moves, she decides to turn his Dancing into Fighting that Winnie's act like Real big sister-figure that he never has that Steve and Winnie's grown bond like Steve never been so happy since during their childhoods that they spend time together like brother and sister relationship that bonding, training, Dancing that Steve teaching Winnie's dancing moves while Winnie's train his dancing move into fighting moves, Steve gives Winnie a blanket and turn light off.
Thanks to Winnie's encouragement, Rayburn Jr. and training even bonding feel great and never been feel better he didn't turn his back when he see picture of memories that he and his father give him a great memory he decide goes back Winnie's he reveal to her that her face his remind that he had runaway that everyone want him to be and never find out he could be he know that he never win wrestling championship or win belt he chose friendships over Winnie he doesn't go back being loser he never feel good he thanks to Winnie for helping him train and bonding even overcome his suffer of his past so Winnie return favor to thanks him, he decide to save stadium by working together, they became unseparated best friends, and he manage to come over his suffering and his trauma from his past and move on became greatest wrestling champion like his father.
Power and Skill[]
Steve maybe not entirely like his father, but he has dancing skill and Winnies realize she can turn his dancing into fighting thank to her training with Steve:
- Mastery Reflex - he great reflex combine of his Dancing which he able to dodge Tentacular, Lucholuchon, Ramarilla Jackson, and The Ting Tang Twins which he able to keep up with his Dancing and reflex before he strike of opponents also, he manages grab both Tentacular's tentacles arms and jump over, spin him around and tight of his tentacles hand.
- Hand-to-hand combat - Steve possible training in Pittmore on Steve able do hand-to-hand combat and fighting with Tentacular for first time he grabs one of his tentacles and use it slam Tentacular, he manages grab Tentacular's Tentacles right on time before he attacks on Steve rolls and then kick Tentacular critical hit.
- Wrestling - Steve been training to Pittmore and pretending to be wrestling with his friend Kronk the Giant boar so he learns thing or two in Pittmore bit with Clothesline, but he uses a Clothesline against Tentacular, a body slam with his butt to slam.
- Superstrength - Steve's Superstrength is no match for Yokozuner and Tentacular but he able lift Yokozuner large opponets like ballerina, and he spin Tentacular around harder in arena and throw Tentacular to boxing ring rope before he finishes him as smackdown with his butt as "Get Ready for a Moon Boom".
- Mastery Dancing skill - Steve loving Dancing Salsa he learned Tango in Argentina, Flamenco in Spain but thanks to Winnies Steve's dancing skill turning into fighting skill, made like Dancing fighting
Relationships[]
Rayburn Sr.[]
Rayburn Jr. with his father
Rayburn Jr.'s relationship with his father, Rayburn Sr., is a central theme, characterized by a deep and multifaceted dynamic that shapes Jr.'s journey. Rayburn Jr. lives perpetually in the overwhelming shadow of his father's legendary status. Rayburn Sr. "proudly envisioned a direct continuation of his legacy," playfully training a young Steve to be a wrestler. However, Steve's "distinct interest in dancing emerged as a conflict," leading to a fundamental disagreement about his path. While not explicitly shown in detail, Rayburn Sr. "often discouraged Steve from pursuing interests outside of wrestling, such as dancing." This suggests a level of disappointment or disapproval from the father regarding his son's passions, contributing to Steve's later desire to run away.
Even after his tragic death, Rayburn Sr.'s influence remains "strong within Stoker's culture and history of monster wrestling." This means Jr. grapples with his father's legacy not just as a memory, but as a living, breathing pressure from the entire community. Rayburn Jr. initially avoids using his full name, preferring "Steve the Stupendous," as he "doesn't want to be associated with his father and the expectations such a legacy brings." This showcases his struggle to forge his own identity apart from his father's.
Rayburn Jr. initially views himself as a "loser" in comparison to his father, stating, "he loser that is okay with him." This self-perception is a direct result of feeling inadequate in the face of his father's immense success and his own inability to embrace the wrestling path.The film notes that Steve feels "suffer and trauma from his horror past" when reminded of his father. This suggests that his childhood, perhaps marked by the weight of his father's expectations or the tragic loss, was emotionally challenging for him.
Winnie[]
Winnie with Rayburn Jr.
Rayburn Jr. (Steve) and Winnie were childhood friends due to their fathers, Rayburn Sr. and Jimbo Coyle, being a legendary monster wrestler and coach duo. This shared history and the weight of their fathers' legacies form the initial foundation of their complex relationship. Their reunion as adults is not one of immediate joy, but rather a strategic alliance born of mutual desperation. Winnie needs a monster to save Stoker Stadium, and Steve needs money to pay off Lady Mayhem. This pragmatic start highlights their individual motivations before deeper bonds form.
Initially, Winnie acts as the determined, albeit inexperienced, coach trying to mold Steve, while Steve is the reluctant, lazy "mentee." This dynamic is unique as the monster is not the one seeking guidance, but is instead pushed into it. Winnie quickly evolves into a supportive, big sister-figure for Steve, pushing him to be his best while understanding his underlying insecurities. Steve, in turn, initially resists but gradually accepts her guidance, developing a brotherly affection for her.
Both Steve and Winnie carry the emotional weight of their fathers' legacies. Winnie struggles with upholding her father's "playbook," while Steve is burdened by the expectation to be just like his famous dad. Their journey together becomes a process of mutual healing and acceptance of their individual paths. Winnie's unconventional coaching, specifically her decision to incorporate Steve's love for dancing into his fighting style, is a pivotal moment in their relationship. She sees and nurtures a part of him that his father had suppressed, leading to his self-discovery and confidence.
Klonk[]
Rayburn Jr. wrestling with Klonk
Rayburn Jr. and Klonk's relationship is a fascinating blend of professional rivalry, shared history, and genuine camaraderie. While Klonk initially works for Lady Mayhem, creating a professional barrier, their interactions reveal a deeper, more nuanced connection. Their initial relationship is defined by the underground wrestling circuit run by Lady Mayhem. Klonk, as a champion, likely saw Rayburn Jr. (Steve) as just another jobber he could easily defeat, given Steve's intentional losing streak.
Both Klonk and Rayburn Jr. operate under Lady Mayhem's influence, creating a subtle bond of shared experience within a restrictive environment. This could lead to a mutual, unspoken understanding of their situations. Spending time together, especially in a playful training context, would lead to them developing inside jokes or understanding each other's unique quirks, like Klonk's "purple snot" or Rayburn Jr.'s "Moon Boom." Klonk is described as cheering for Steve after championship wins. This demonstrates a loyalty that transcends their initial professional dynamic and suggests genuine happiness for Rayburn Jr.'s success.
As Rayburn Jr. transitions from deliberately losing to genuinely trying, Klonk would likely develop respect for his growing wrestling prowess, especially as his "dancing into fighting" style emerges.
Enemies[]
Tentacular[]
Rayburn Jr. vs Tentacular
Rayburn Jr. and Tentacular's relationship is a complex tapestry woven from legacy, rivalry, insecurity, and ultimately, a clash for identity and validation. It's defined by their roles as protagonist and antagonist, directly linked through the looming shadow of Rayburn Sr. Tentacular deeply resents Rayburn Sr.'s legacy, feeling overshadowed and overlooked despite his own strength. He views Rayburn Sr. as an obstacle to his unchallenged greatness, even after Sr.'s disappearance. His desire to destroy Stoker Stadium is a direct attempt to erase this legacy.
Rayburn Jr. initially shies away from his father's legacy, finding the expectations too heavy a burden. He adopts the name "Steve the Stupendous" to distance himself from the pressure. The rivalry between Tentacular and Rayburn Jr. is ignited when Rayburn Jr. publicly embraces his identity as Rayburn Sr.'s son, challenging Tentacular's dominance and his attempt to erase the past. Their relationship is primarily defined by their roles as direct opponents in the wrestling ring. Tentacular is the reigning champion, while Rayburn Jr. is the underdog challenger.
Initially, Tentacular holds a significant power advantage, both in terms of skill and psychological intimidation. He views Rayburn Jr. as "pathetic" and a "nobody loser." Tentacular frequently uses intimidation and belittling tactics against Rayburn Jr., particularly by mocking his dancing and comparing him unfavorably to Rayburn Sr. Their final confrontation is literally a fight for the existence of Stoker Stadium, which symbolizes Rayburn Sr.'s legacy and the town's identity. Tentacular wants to destroy it, while Rayburn Jr. fights to save it.
Trivia[]
- He is similar to Joaquín Mondragon from The Book of Life, King II from the Tekken and Doc Hudson from Cars.
- Rayburn Jr. in Paramount