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Tuesday, January 10, 2012

What the Funkasarus?


Funkasarus (from WWE.com)

@chadsmart on Twitter

Okay, I’ve had 18 hours to let it settle in and read other people’s opinions to see if there was something I was missing. I have to say, had I written this right after Brodus Clay debuted his new ring persona I would have likely went off on a rant that would have made Dennis Miller proud. But given time to let it simmer, while I don’t know if the “funkasarus” will be a star making turn for Brodus, but I’m starting to warm up to the idea.

I started watching wrestling shortly before Hulkamania took hold of America. In those days the WWF was filled with colorful characters and larger than life personas. Who could forget George “The Animal” Steele, Akeem the African Dream, or "the Birdman" Koko B. Ware?  In the early to mid-90s the focus shifted from colorful characters to guys who had other jobs in addition to wrestling. Guys like Bob “Sparky” Plugg, The Goon and T.L. Hopper the wrestling plumber were the new norm. Over the last decade there has been a move towards average ordinary guys. The new trend was muscled guys with six-pack abs and tribal tattoos.  Brodus “Funkasarus” Clay is a throwback to the 80s. Or at least he could be if given time to develop the character.

From WWE.com
I’ll admit part of my skepticism with the new Clay was due in part to having laid out a scenario in my last blog about Clay, which would have made a huge impact upon his debut. The flaw with that idea is how it would have made Brodus and Mark Henry similar in style. The new fun loving, dancing personality is a step in the right direction to make Brodus Clay stand out. What will be the key is how WWE proceeds with Brodus in the coming months.

Will they build him up slowly? Putting him in the ring against Curt Hawkins was the right first step. Have him get wins over low card stars to establish the character and then slowly have Brodus work his way up the card. Give him time to win the crowd over and go from there. What I fear is WWE will either pull a Zack Ryder and push Brodus too far too soon or will quickly transition him into a comedy role and we’ll have a new tag team of Santino and Brodus.

Funkasarus is 1 and 0 (from WWE.com)
Given WWE’s track record coupled with the absurdity of the gimmick, I’m not holding my breath that Brodus will be winning any championships anytime soon or even be in any meaningful storylines. But I’m going to give it time to develop before I get too critical.

Are you interested in the phenom from Planet Funk? Give us your thoughts on the My123Cents Facebook page

1 comment:

  1. Frickin' Stupid. Clay is already a joke, but now the joke is on him. By June Johnny Ace will be giving him the best wishes statement.....

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