Jason Sensation Describes His Path from Impression Work to WWE

Jason Sensation rose to prominence in 1999 and 2000 through his WWE TV impressions and has recently discussed the origins of his career. His real name is Jason Tavares, and he appeared in several notable skits on WWE Raw from 1998 to 2000, including the well‑known DX parody of the Nation of Domination.

He discussed the beginnings of his WWE experience during an appearance on Insight with Chris Van Vliet, explaining that wrestling was a lifelong dream and that he worked tirelessly to get noticed by the company. The highlights follow:

On How He Got Involved In Appearing On WWE Raw:

It was my lifelong dream, like many others, to be part of wrestling. I didn’t have an athletic background, so I didn’t initially see how my impressions could help. As a child I began imitating André‑Philippe Gagnon, enabling him to perform “We Are the World” in various voices. When I started linking these voices, I realized that the wrestling impressions we all grew up with—such as Macho Man and Hulk Hogan—could be a pathway. Everyone knows a Macho, everyone knows Hulk Hogan, right?

On How His Impressions Got Him In With WWE:

I dreamed of breaking in as the next Howard Finkel or Mean Gene, driven by my passion for wrestling. After attending broadcasting school, I created a demo and sent it to WWE Canada. However, the story actually began earlier. With my first girlfriend, Terri, I obtained a front‑row ringside ticket to a Corel Centre show in Ottawa, which included a backstage meet‑and‑greet. To my surprise, I met two of my idols—Owen Hart and the British Bulldog. It was my first genuine, close encounter with wrestlers, and I became extremely excited, essentially rushing the line and grabbing their belts.

I told them, “Guys, I can do any voice, any impression!” I began performing voices, and Owen’s eyes lit up with a mischievous, childlike spark as he considered it. He asked, “Hey, can you do the Bulldog?” I replied, “British Bulldog, I have the power!” Everyone laughed, and the Bulldog then challenged, “Can you do Owen?” I answered, “I’m a Slammy Award winner, whoa!” They thoroughly enjoyed it. Owen then said, “I’ll bring you back tonight for impressions.” It came true—he escorted me into the dressing room. While walking the hallway, I felt awe, thinking, “Owen, you’re one of my favorites, and you’re doing something great for me.” Yet he wasn’t looking at me; his mind was racing, wondering how he could use me to tease the other wrestlers. He brought me backstage and had me perform impressions of the other wrestlers right to their faces, which delighted many. When it was time for the matches to resume, he sent me to George “the Animal” Steele, saying, “Jason, give it your best George—get into character and show some attitude.” I complied, performing an impression of George, which made him lose his composure, exclaiming, “Who the f*ck is this guy? Get him out!” He then ejected me from the dressing room. This encounter was part of Owen’s rib, after which I met Carl De Marco, the Canadian president.

After graduating from the National Institute of Broadcasting, I continuously sent video submissions. When Bret Hart arrived at the airport after winning a championship, cameras captured fans greeting him during the early Attitude Era and the Canadian‑American feud. I was present, and my impressions caught a camera for Raw as a fan. I quickly became popular, energizing the crowd with numerous impressions. Carl was there and recognized me, recalling my videos; Owen Hart even introduced us. Consequently, Carl began featuring me in various events. Later, when Bret Hart returned to sign autographs, I approached him with my brothers. Carl and his assistant then asked me to take a megaphone and entertain the large lineup with impressions, after which I met Bret Hart, and Carl apparently saw potential in me.

On Doing It For Free At That Point:

At that time, I essentially worked for free, much like an intern. When the Home Shopping Network arranged a Toronto segment featuring WWE merchandise, Carl De Marco suggested I provide impressions for the broadcast. This marked the beginning of my regular work with them, and I owe Carl a great deal for his mentorship and support. Once he recognized my talent and saw how I could add value, he continued to champion my career.

On Meeting McMahon:

Carl De Marco called, asking me to go to CTV so he could introduce me to Vince. I attended, and Landsberg was interviewing Vince—following the Montreal Screwjob—when he reluctantly admitted to lying in the interview. The interview was part of a two‑episode set, and during the break Carl introduced me to Vince, perfectly timed as Vince was under stress, making his remarks humorous. Triple H was filming a segment backstage; he and Carl escorted me to Vince. Vince was surprised, saying, “I’ve never heard an Owen Hart impression!” I responded, “Woo! I’m not a Slammy Award winner!” He replied, “That’s great.” Carl then instructed me to do a Shawn Michaels impression, and Vince encouraged me, noting that no one could replicate Michaels and that I should get on air. I performed several impressions for him, though I didn’t get a chance to speak directly. When the second segment ended and Vince headed to his limousine, I rushed after him, pleading, “I’m on WWE’s roster—please don’t forget me!” He said, “I would find that very difficult, Jason.” He kept his word and gave me airtime. Shortly thereafter, Carl called again, informing me that I had been selected for a WrestleMania appearance: a one‑day DX public workout, with travel, a $500 fee, and duties performing impressions for DX. Vince Russo, the head writer, was scheduled to call.

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