WWE Old School: Can Brodus Clay Funk His Way to the Top of the WWE?

Right now, Brodus Clay is enjoying success in the WWE. Good for him! After months of being on the sidelines, Brodus is in the spotlight and apparently having fun in his new role of the Funkasaurus.

I still can't get behind the gimmick. I think it's lame, but Clay has made the most of it. Although I can't stand the new gimmick, I'm still fascinated by the big man. I know that this young stud has what it takes to have a future in the business. Clay's willingness to embrace his gimmick wholeheartedly will be the deciding factor in whether or not he will enjoy success in the long-term. WWE Champion Brodus Clay has possibilities. WWE Champion Funkasaurus? Something to think about.

Can he rise to the top dancing and clowning around? I don't see him going beyond the mid-card if he continues with his current gimmick. It's too much of a throwback to the days of past superstars like the Junkyard Dog and Rikishi. Both were extremely talented performers who like to dance after their matches, but neither one has a WWE Heavyweight Championship on their resume. A dancing champion, no matter how passionate, just wouldn't work. He would never be taken seriously.

I think that Clay will probably get as much mileage out of it as he can before taking things to a whole different level. Right now, he comes across as a big and cuddly dancing machine—very accessible to the children. He has PG written all over him.

The biggest title he might win is either the U.S. title or the Intercontinental title. He could pair up with someone like Zack Ryder, another kid-friendly performer, and win the tag-team titles. Winning any of these titles would be great and serve as a learning experience for the future.

However, that's as far as it goes. Clay is taking a huge risk if he refuses to evolve beyond being "funky." He may never be seen as a major player; he may be seen as a comedy and dance man that gets trotted out once in a while just to entertain. Depending on his idea of success, this may or may not be what he wants.

If Clay does have a heavyweight title in his future, I believe he will need to unleash the beast, like Mark Henry, and drop the goofiness. I've seen photos of Clay dressed up in casual clothing. There was a certain gangsta vibe I got from him. That's the man that will be at the top of the mountain if the WWE is willing to take chances.