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Jerry Root

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THE MAT POTATO III
Return of the Son of the Bride of the Mat Potato

I can hear it already, doesn't this fool have anything else to do except spout out opinions like so many coins from a generous slot machine?

It's just that there were a couple of very interesting occurrences this week that I felt the urge to expound upon.

Let me begin this with a couple of examples of ideas that seemed great to somebody at one time or another, but weren't very well thought out.

When I was stationed on Guam, one of the street names in government housing was called "Golden Shower". (I think somebody thought this was cute being that Guam is a tropical island and it rains quite a bit, but really! Or that may have been the justification on a great joke that will cost the government a fortune to change, should they ever decide to do so.)

The other was a classic anti-drinking and driving campaign that the Navy used in the early '90's. It was in the form of one of those old Dick and Jane primers:

"See Dick Drink
See Dick Drive
See Dick Die
Don't be a Dick"

Once again, somebody either thought this was cute, or doesn't have the twisted outlook on life of your average male.

These are great examples of ideas that somebody thought of as great, but had unintended repercussions. I have this feeling that the XFL is heading in this direction. In fact, it's already started out here. One of the radio personalities, in a moment of "wit", made the comment that Vince promises us a rawer product. Topless cheerleaders, guaranteed.

Now, I'm not saying that Vinnie Mac is above that, but come on now. Is anybody taking this seriously? If not, why not? Because it challenges the behemoth aka the NFL? Because of the poor track record of upstart leagues (USFL, WFL etc. Yes, I know the WFL is still around, but it's become a "development" league for the NFL).

Or is it because WWFe is primarily known for "Sports Entertainment". (read "wrestling" or "rasslin'" here for most people).

Don't get me wrong. I do hope Vince succeeds. Is it possible that he will? Sure, anything is possible. Is it likely? Not very. Will I watch it when it comes on? Probably. Do I think it will succeed? No.

On another subject, but still within the WWF scheme of things, Mick Foley seems to be the mouthpiece for the (fill in your favorite name for the gang of 4 here). OK, let's carry this out a bit.

First, all 4 of the gang are considered "mic challenged". Yeah, Eddie Guerrero has skills and gets over big, but the other 3 leave a bit to be desired.

Second, Foley wants to get out of the daily bump and grind that he puts himself through.

OK, then have Foley go into semi-retirement and manage these guys! He's great on the stick, and the gang of 4 will get instant rub from that. (As if they aren't already). Foley can still take the bumps, as needed, and could even get involved in the stories to a large extent.

Hey, Vince. Let's not totally disregard tradition. There are a number of great wrestlers who went on to become great managers. Anybody who doubts that need look no further than Classy Freddie Blassie. He was the heel's heel when he was wrestling and what a manager. Mick could extend his life in the business, and who knows, when that wears thin, then end up at the announcers table ala Gorilla Monsoon.

Then again, that could be one of those "Don't be a Dick" things.

Jerry Root
[slash] wrestling

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