WWE Raw: Brodus Clay Is Bringing the Funk and the Fun Back to the Company

Somebody call my momma.

When was the last time WWE fans were this excited over a gimmick? Since Brodus Clay’s debut as the “Funkasaurus,” I have been asking myself that very question.

Sin Cara, perhaps? That’s a tough one, as the excitement over his character was actually more manufactured by WWE at first, with video teasers. The mask and ring gear initially got him over, as generally is the case with luchadores.

CM Punk? In Punk’s case though, his hugely popular run has not really been due to a change of gimmick, but more a readjusting of his attitude. Still, the excitement surrounding Punk was huge when he first walked out with the WWE Title.

The truth is that there has not been this sort of crowd reaction and support for a guy in a very long time. The gimmick is silly, but it’s so silly that it’s actually cool. And the fact that he works it so well is doing nothing but helping his cause.

WWE Creative can write whatever they want, develop any gimmick or storyline that sounds good to them, but if the right people are not in place to make it happen, then it’s all for nothing. At the end of the day, it will fail.

Brodus is obviously the right worker, with the right gimmick, at the right time. He’s a standout, and not just because he’s colorful and hip. He’s a standout because no one is doing what he’s doing.

Who else looks like Brodus right now? Who else is running this happy, funk loving, dancing, babyface gimmick?  Brodus exists on a level all his own, and it is that uniqueness that sets him apart from the rest of the pack.

The best workers are able to get over because they take what they are given, and play it to the fullest of their ability. It does not matter how goofy, or how small the idea seems, if you are a worker who’s trying to climb his way up and is looking for a hook with the crowd, then you take it and run with it.  

In other words, if you’re Brodus Clay, don’t just go out there, smile, and dance around a little. Go out there, smile like you’re having the time of your life, and dance like you’re on Soul Train.  

Own the character, and you will own the moment. Own the moment, and you will likely own the crowd.

Maybe the reason why his pop is still big is because his reappearance as the Funkasarus was so completely unexpected. The transformation was so far out of left field, that the shock value is still very much alive.  

And that leads me wonder just how long WWE will be able to maintain fan interest before Brodus begins to become stale.  

We have seen it before. A guy is given, or helps create a gimmick, he makes it work, gets over, and enjoys a nice little run. However, as time goes on, he continues to do the same routine, week in and week out, and eventually, he starts to lose the crowd.

Repetition may be good for establishing character, but it is not so good if it just never ends.

So, what should be done with Brodus down the line? For me, the answer is obvious.

Clay’s ability to sell this character is the reason it’s working. His charisma and comfort level in his own skin is extremely appealing, and when you have a guy like that, the best move is to put a mic in his hand and let him work the crowd.

Can you say talk show?

The in ring talk show segment, similar to Piper’s Pit, would be the perfect format for Brodus. The spot could be called Planet Funk, and every week, Brodus can interview a different guest. The interviews could be kept lighthearted, just for fun, and the show could end with Brodus and his guest dancing to his music.

It has been a while since the WWE went this route, so it would be a fresh approach. And the fact is that Brodus is the best sort of talent to handle a segment of this nature. It would fit him like a glove.

Another way to keep him from losing steam in the near future is to actually let him go over on some upper card talent.

With all due respect to guys like Tyson Kidd and Curt Hawkins, Clay needs a real challenge. He needs someone who is a little higher up on the food chain to test him in the ring. Going over on that talent would go a long way in legitimizing him in the eyes of the fans.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not suggesting that he pin Wade Barrett or Cody Rhodes anytime soon, but for him to become something more than just a joke gimmick, he should be allowed to evolve, and grow as a performer.

Otherwise, he’s a one trick pony, and this gimmick is too entertaining to one day just be cast aside like it never happened.

But, one day at a time, right? No need to rush it. After all, Brodus just started, and as long as he keeps doing his part, there is hopefully nothing but good things in his future. So let’s just have some fun, and enjoy the ride.

Wait, I just got a voicemail from my mom, she’s asking for everyone to please stop calling her. You guys are way too literal.