Maybe the Lion just needs to be more recognizable, and what lion is better for that job than the cowardly lion from The Wizard of Oz? 

"Put 'em up, put 'em up! Which one of you first? I can fight you both together if you want. I can fight you with one paw tied behind my back. I can fight you standing on one foot. I can fight you with my eyes closed. Oh, pull an axe on me, eh? Sneaking up on me, eh? Why, I'll... Ruff!"