I was just thinking about all the people in the WWF and WCW who have "sold out" in the last couple of months. I realized that lately, if you want to get ahead in this business, you have to a) become a rule-breaking, trash-talking fan favourite or b) become a rule-breaking, trash-talking sell out. Let's take a look at the latter, and who has used this route to superstardom.

1. The Rock. He's the WWF champ. Need we say more? Well OK, maybe a little more. You see, my friends, The Rock never changed his image since joining the Nation way back when. The only things he did different to make him a face were to not directly insult the fans, and be against the boss. His gimmick didn't change, and yet now when he "sells out", all of a sudden here come the "Rocky Sucks" chants again. He took "the easy way", as a certain owner of a certain federation says. But look where he is now, on the top of the mountain.

2. Ken Shamrock. His career was threatened to die out as a face, so he went corporate. How is he rewarded? He's the IC champ. Now you might say, "But he had the belt before he sold out!" Well, technically, but by then you could see the heel turn coming, and "selling out" sealed the deal.

3. The Stooges. Before joining Team Corporate a while back, Pat Patterson was just a security guy, Brisco was some auto repair guy, and Slaughter was a really boring commissioner. They sell out, all of a sudden everyone hates them, and loves it when Austin/Mankind/anyone kicks the snot out of them.

4. Shawn Michaels. Yeah, yeah everyone loves the Boy Toy, but he is so much better as a heel, and this new commissioner thing gives him the spotlight he needs, and also times to fully heal before he wrestles again, if he ever does.

5. Bam Bam Bigelow and anyone from ECW who went to WCW for the big bucks. Let's face it, Bigelow, Raven, Saturn and all those guys sold out. The only difference is that they did it in real life. Bigelow is now "one of the most dangerous men in our sport" along with Meng, Wrath, Goldberg and all those other no-talent goofballs.

6. NWO Hollywood. What's the best way to kiss Bischoff's butt? Sell out to Hogan and Easy E and there ya go, instant bucks. Not necessarily stardom (Stevie Ray, Horace, Vincent) but you're part of the richest faction in all of wrestling, and you got what you wanted.

In conclusion, "selling out" is a great option for anyone who 1) has the potential to be a star and needs that extra something to make it, 2) as a face are getting old and need to breathe life into their careers, or 3)just wanna make a hell of a lotta money. In any case, this is the way to go, folks. And whether they're not the hottest thing with all you face-of-the-month fans, just take a look at their next bank statement, and maybe you yourself will start kissing your boss' butt in hopes of getting to follow him around and wear a shiny new belt.

Till next time,

The Endbringer

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