Top five funny men in the WWE

For all the pro-wrestling fans who’ve been hugely disappointed and largely disillusioned with the WWE product over the last 3-4 years, there seem to be better things to look forward to. The McMahon – Levesque team looks like it’s gearing up for a significant, if not radical, change in the product. De-centralizing stardom seems to be one such move. The absence of Cena from a pay-per-view, earlier thought to be blasphemous, has happened recently in the TLC event. Also, pushing Punk and Bryan into the main event scenario doesn’t seem like a bad place to start a new project. But instead of analyzing the main event scene, I would like to focus mainly on the comic elements in the WWE today.

The WWE, after all, is almost exclusively about entertainment. So having superstars (not necessarily wrestlers) who lighten up the mood of mutual animosity and violence (as much as the PG era permits) are always welcome.

And just to get this out of the way, Hornswoggle is not funny. Vince may think so, but a lot of others don’t agree. Even with the ability to speak, little Horny can work only within certain limits.

Now, here’s a look at the best funny men on the WWE product today.

1) R – Truth – I have a strong feeling that he might have tweaked the gimmick the company gave him. His conspiracy theories and his partnership with the Miz were enjoyable but it was his “Little Jimmy” act that stole the show. From showing up as a confederate general to a crazy doctor, the “Good R – Truth” has used his skills on the mic to his advantage. His feud with the Miz, while fun to watch, has to end soon. He could probably go on to form an alliance with the estranged Kofi Kingston and go after the Tag team championship. His work in the ring has gotten better and he is poised to be a solid mid card player in the near future.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=I1weHy4b1Ew

2) Zack Ryder – Though he’s funnier on his YouTube show, the Long Island Iced Z has been given ample time on TV, and has been worked into an angle with Kane and Cena. Owing to his huge popularity online, he was even given the U.S. title. Now it’s up to the Broski to sustain his new found fame and make sure he doesn’t fizzle out like many before him.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=hFY-UA0wxG8

3) Santino Marella – I remember Randy Orton, as a guest on Lopez Tonight, saying that Santino is the funniest guy he’s ever travelled with. Well Randy, I’m not arguing with you man. When the Viper praises the Cobra, you know it’s huge. Santino Marella has been the WWE’s go to guy when it comes to comic relief. He’s a riot whenever he’s on the show. Remember the time when he vowed to break the Honky Tonk Man’s record of the longest Intercontinental Championship reign and compare it to the power walking assistant to Teddy Long, Santino’s come a long way and has shown that he can adapt and play along. He’s currently beating Drew “Macintosh” and is looking for a Tag Team partner. Whatever it takes to keep you ticking mate!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=OUGIv80QbTQ

4) Ricardo Rodriguez – I think this man’s abilities were discovered by accident. And boy was that lucky! Ricardo’s entry into this year’s rumble match will be remembered for its sheer entertainment value. What he did inside the ring was epic! The expressions this man possesses could put actors to shame. At the TLC pay-per-view, he showed that he’s willing to take punishment in order to justify his role. He took a fall from the top of a ladder into a table at ringside. With Del Rio out for now, this could be his chance to shine. He should somehow be worked into an angle with Santino and be given more time on TV.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=WddCJ2-oK00

5) Brodus Clay – Funk is on a roll! I was saving the best for the last. While he was originally supposed to be a monster heel, Clay has looked fantastic as the Rompin’ Stompin’ Funkasaurus. The best part of the whole gimmick is that Brodus is enjoying himself and that helps him to sell it. His new avatar is like a breath of fresh air for the fans. Having been force fed with wrestlers who look all the same, the Fabulously Flabby Funkasaurus is the hottest property right now! His in ring commentary also helps him connect with the fans. While he’s squashing jobbers right now, he needs to get into a feud with either Drew McIntyre or Alberto Del Rio (when he returns). Easily the best thing the WWE has done lately, Clay needs to be given more time on the air. This may be wishful thinking, but is anybody else interested in the Punk ‘n’ Funk connection?! Somebody Call My Momma!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=MkZ5h0R46pg