I've given this post some thought... I actually think it would fit in his kit really well and the identity of the "defensive form." Make it operate the same as Lawbringers shove on block, but instead of getting a free attack in he would push you into a neutral state to where he can fast flow into offense stance so the characters that try and overwhelm him by preventing him from entering offense stance he could block his way into the move.
Highlander shove on block in defense form that fast flows into offense form that creates neutral distance like going for a counter guard break. It would look something like this.
https://youtu.be/NQ62frK74u0?t=223