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WRESTLING: 'Steppingstone' is fighting word for Shamrock

By Alex Marvez, Scripps Howard News Service

Published September 18, 2008 at 7 p.m.

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He's a shell of a mixed-martial-arts fighter, but Ken Shamrock's mouth works just fine.

This became evident during a recent media conference call promoting EliteXC's next prime-time MMA show, Oct. 4 on CBS. Taking a page from his pro-wrestling days, Shamrock did everything he could to hype his upcoming headline bout against Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson in Sunrise, Fla.

Shamrock unsuccessfully tried engaging in an entertaining war of words with Ferguson, whose charisma as a fighter stands in stark contrast with his bland interview style. Shamrock was rude with reporters whose questions he didn't like. He even argued with EliteXC executives who pathetically tried to proclaim that this was an elite-level bout.

"The press wants to paint a picture that Ken is washed up and he's being served up," EliteXC Executive Vice President Jared Shaw said. "But Ken doesn't believe that and we don't believe that."

Shamrock actually does know better. Asked whether EliteXC perceives him as a steppingstone for Ferguson, Shamrock said: "I'm absolutely taking this as an insult to me. I'm going to smash it back in their face."

Shamrock is exactly the kind of opponent EliteXC wants to feed the popular Ferguson, a former real-life street fighter who's still an MMA novice. Shamrock is 44 years old and has lost all five of his MMA matches since 2005 in the first round. There are serious questions about whether Shamrock should even be sanctioned to fight. He was atrocious during a knockout loss to journeyman British fighter Robert "Buzz" Berry in March.

Shamrock and David "Tank" Abbott - the 1990s Ultimate Fight- ing Championship star - should both be retired from MMA competition, but neither was going to refuse EliteXC's offer of a six-figure payoff. Ferguson handed Abbott his ninth loss in 10 fights during a lopsided February matchup.

EliteXC also doesn't want to risk having its top drawing card destroyed by a more experienced heavyweight. That's why the promotion isn't pushing to sign free-agent fighters on the order of Josh Barnett, Tim Sylvia or Andrei Arlovski to face Ferguson.

Even if the fight becomes as big a train wreck as the conference call, Shamrock-vs.-Slice should draw the strong television ratings EliteXC needs for a chance at keeping its CBS contract.

Shamrock, though, is best-suited for a return to World Wrestling Entertainment or TNA Wrestling. If handled properly, he could become a moneymaking draw. There's a built-in story line, with the washed-up MMA brawler trying to take his anger out on the "fake" pro wrestlers.

And pro wrestling is a much easier - and safer - way of earning a paycheck than MMA.

* FOLEY TO TNA: Mick Foley is the latest WWE alumnus to sign with TNA. Foley recently left WWE when a Smackdown announcing stint reportedly turned sour behind the scenes with promotion owner Vince McMahon. A Foley- vs.-Angle match was teased during this week's telecast of TNA Impact (Spike TV). . . . Another WWE legend - "Stone Cold" Steve Austin - will return for a guest appearance Oct. 26 on WWE's Cyber Sunday pay- per-view show in Phoenix. . . . Bill Goldberg has announced that he's training for a pro-wrestling comeback. Goldberg's most likely option is TNA, as he left WWE on bad terms in 2004.

Scripps Howard News Service