The Brood and Ken Shamrock:
OPPOSITES ATTRACT?
By Bill Banks
WWF.com
You know how the old saying goes: "Opposites attract." Felix and Oscar, Rodman and Jordan, Jack and Rose from "Titanic," Ying and Yang…Darryl Strawberry and law enforcement. (Sorry, I couldn’t resist that last one)
In some cases, such unlikely partners are made out of necessity—be it competitive, financial or survival considerations. You don’t necessarily have to like the other person, but for whatever reason when it all comes together it’s the perfect fit.
That’s why, in my opinion, Ken Shamrock and the Brood should realize just how much they need each other.
Currently, both parties are without a "home" in the World Wrestling Federation and are perhaps facing tremendous difficulties from the factions they once belonged to. During the recent RAW from Detroit, Shamrock and the Brood were ostracized from their groups, but for different reasons.
First, in a show of loyalty to Mr. McMahon, Shamrock told Shane McMahon where he could stick it and walked off on the new, "streamlined" Corporation. Later on in the night as the World’s Most Dangerous Man was recovering from a beating at the hands of the Ministry, Shane and his troops took the opportunity to teach their former comrade a harsh lesson. That same night, the Brood faced a similar fate at the hands of the Undertaker who, in the midst of strapping Shamrock to his symbol, ordered Edge and Gangrel to do the same to Christian.
The Brood had been victimized in the past by the Man from the Dark Side, such as their bizarre initiation into the Ministry a few months back when Gangrel was hung from the ring. However, things turned ugly for the trio following WrestleMania when Christian gave up Stephanie McMahon’s whereabouts to Shamrock. The following week, Edge’s brother was whipped unmercifully for his deed, but the Undertaker wasn’t about to let the punishment stop there. Not only did he force Christian to fight a losing battle against Paul Wight, but he wanted the youngest Brood member to join Shamrock in a supreme sacrifice—but unfortunately, the Phenom couldn’t control the Brood’s loyalty to each other.
That’s when the Goth warriors turned on the Ministry to defend one of their own. Excuse the pun, but while all hell was breaking loose in their ranks, Shamrock had the opportunity to free himself and get away. Does the former Intercontinental Champion owe the Brood a debt of gratitude? Maybe…maybe not. But without their actions, there’s not telling what would have happened to him.
In the big picture, both the Brood and Shamrock were soldiers in powerful armies that got tired of being treated like dirt. In my opinion, they deserved better—and stood up for themselves to get it. In addition, both demand respect, and didn’t get it from Shane McMahon or the Undertaker. And, both sides share a love of tearing through their opponents. In a January 1999 RAW Magazine interview, Shamrock told me "I did whatever was necessary [in the UFC’s Octagon]. If my opponent showed a weakness, I attacked it. If my opponent was bleeding, I hit harder." The Brood encompasses the same philosophy, but they do it through sheer force. Once their prey is down, they swoop in for the kill like a pack of bloodthirsty tigers.
Should Shamrock and the Brood find a common bond and go after both the Corporation and Ministry? Let’s put it this way—if recent events are any indication, both the Undertaker and Shane will continue their respective punishment of the Brood and Shamrock. The co-owner does it to teach a lesson, while the Phenom enjoys inflicting pain upon them. In my opinion, each is now on their own and needs backup. Vince McMahon might be a good ally for Ken to have, but he’s too busy trying to protect Stephanie. Who’s going to help him now--Patterson and Brisco? Please. Likewise Edge, Gangrel and Christian are a tremendous force, but could they protect themselves from the full damage of the Ministry? Highly unlikely. Shamrock may not be one for the goth scene and the Brood certainly don’t fit the mold of No Holds Barred fighters, but I’m sure both could look past their differences if they really wanted to get revenge on the Undertaker and Shane.
Like the old adage goes…"Opposites attract."
