Dot Net Exclusive: Reaction to Tony Atlas joining Mark Henry isn't positive, details on the last creative plan for Atlas that never came to fruition

Some industry sources are scratching their heads over WWE's decision to bring in Tony Atlas for a run as Mark Henry's adviser. He was brought in a few years ago with the idea of having him serve as an on-air coach/mentor for Bobby Lashley, but the idea was scrapped quickly because he received negative reports from others within the company.

The assumption is that the decision was made by Vince McMahon. "Vince has always loved Tony," said one source, who also noted that Atlas has displayed some bizarre behavior backstage. The most famous incident is when he ran backstage and hid because he was startled by the pyro that went off a short time before he was supposed to join the other members of his WWE Hall of Fame class onstage at WrestleMania 22. He had to be calmed down and then talked into going onstage because he was so rattled.

Powell's POV: There's no word on how long the company plans to use Atlas, but multiple sources are predicting that it won't last long regardless of what they have planned. The thing I don't understand is why they brought in a mouthpiece for Henry who isn't as good on the mic as Henry is. Perhaps he's not going to play the mouthpiece role, but it does seem like an odd idea to bring in a wrestler who most fans don't remember from his glory days. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for throwing an old timer a bone if it's a short-term deal, but there are plenty of people rolling their eyes at this move.

Dot Net members received the first look at this news yesterday. For signup information, check out the Dot Net Members' Signup Page.