As AxelMania runs wild around the world, WWE Superstar Curtis Axel made headlines again today by confessing that he was the mystery man who portrayed masked patriot Mr. America.

“Well let me tell you something, brother,” said Axel, gesticulating wildly, “Mr. America was me all along, dude.”

Though the true identity of Mr. America was the topic of widespread speculation since his 2003 WWE debut, many fans and industry insiders admit that, in retrospect, it makes perfect sense that Axel was the man behind the mask.

“The mannerisms, the catch-phrases — it all makes sense now,” tweeted renowned wrestling journalist Bill Apter. “I can’t believe I didn’t figure it out sooner.”

Axel, a third-generation superstar whose skyrocketing popularity now vastly outshines his forebears, also admitted today that he portrayed Thunderlips in Rocky III.

Though the popularity of AxelMania is skyrocketing, some experts believe it’s only a matter of time before the star “turns heel” and becomes “Hollywood” Curtis Axel.