Powell's Mailbag
Mayweather should have been a heel, reader questioned whether the angle was a shoot, Jake Roberts
Feb 18, 2008 - 03:01 PM |
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I just read the POV where you wrote that you are surprised the WWE would even consider using Floyd Mayweather as a heel. I don’t think you’ve been paying close attention to the boxing world. Mayweather portrays himself as a heel in the build-up to all of his fights! He draws as the bad guy. I personally see nothing wrong with the WWE having first entertained the idea he should be a heel.
David Taylor
Powell replies: I don't follow boxing very close these days and I understand where you are coming from, but I think he needs to be a babyface to promote this fight to the boxing faithful and mainstream sports fans. Plus, he's so charismatic and I think WWE made a great choice by putting him against Big Show. Granted, Mike Tyson played the heel throughout most of his WWE story line, but he was such a mega-star (and a natural villain) that WWE didn’t need him to go out and promote his appearance.
Tyson's name was more than enough. I think Mayweather is a huge name, but he’s not on the same level as Tyson, who arguably ranks behind only Muhammad Ali on the list of most famous boxers. I would hope that WWE will attempt to capitalize on Mayweather’s gift of gab by putting him out there on mainstream sports shows to promote the event. Otherwise, you’re right, there’s no reason he couldn’t have played a heel role.
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Yes, I for one did question whether the Floyd Mayweather and Big Show confrontation was a shoot. I've been watching wrestling for more than 20 years, and anytime an angle makes me question the reality of it all, that's a good thing. I think the fact that Floyd didn't pull his punches—not even a little—was followed by him and his crew absolutely bolting from the ring really made this a believable angle that I found myself totally into. I can't wait to see how it plays out - I think a tag match is the best for all involved. Floyd vs. Show in a boxing match or any kind of a one-on-one matchup might be a little much.
The last time I really wondered if an angle was real was when Matt Hardy attacked Edge following the Lita-gate scandal. The intensity of the attack, coupled with a very real situation allowed that angle to blur the lines effectively. The fact Matt Hardy comes off as a bit of a mark for himself also made it conceivable that he would jump a barricade to get at his personal and professional rival.
On a completely unrelated side note, I also believe that one of the most well know "shoots" (Mick Foley falling through the cage at King of the Ring ‘98) was definitely a planned spot. The cage was hanging on with zip ties in that one section, and Taker nearly walked through it at one point. Even if it was improvised, I cant believe that this is taken as an "accident" by so many people! Hopefully, you know the spot I'm talking about. If so, what's your opinion on it? Accident or planned spot?
Craig S.
Powell replies: That was definitely a planned spot. If I remember right, Foley’s wife was upset about it and he didn’t want her to know that it was something they planned in advance.
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The last work I believed was real was the Randy Savage vs. Jake Roberts post-match angle form "This Tuesday in Texas." I remember watching in disblief in the UK some two weeks after the event occurred. Jake just seemed so damm real and Miss Elizabeth was excellent as well. I can't think of anyone who could portray that coldhearted heel, evil bastard better than Jake, who was able to hold you in his hand so easily.
Joseph Peters
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