Nobody could say he was the WWE's greatest wrestler. His move set was limited and he was methodical bordering on slow. Yet Mark Copani, better known as Muhammad Hassan was probably the most over heel in wrestling before his 'demise' at the Great American Bash. The reasons why are clear but unusual to the max.

Before his debut in late 2004, Hassan was being heavily hyped by excellent promos that left his character both clear and ambiguous. We were told that he, and his manager Daivari, were Arab-Americans who were sickened by the intolerance and prejudice they had suffered since 9/11 and were prepared to take action to rectify it. It was unclear whether they were meant to be heels or faces and it was this uncertainty that was so interesting. One thing that was clear was that this was an extremely controversial angle, and the WWE was going to need to be especially sensitive to pull it off. Hassan and Daivari debuted on RAW in December 2004 where they engaged in a heated political debate with Mick Foley. Disturbingly they were booed before they had even said a word. It seemed the fans had decided in advance what roles the pair were to play. Subsequently Hassan was booked like the usual heel, taking shots at the crowd and assaulting beloved figures like The King and JR.

Things took a slightly racist turn at the Royal Rumble when Hassan was eliminated by eight men immediately upon entry. From this point forward Hassan was booked well. Now established as one of RAW's top heels he began an undefeated streak that lasted seven months, taking in victories over stars like Chris Jericho, Chris Benoit, Sergeant Slaughter and Shelton Benjamin before an anticlimactic two minute squash to John Cena. But more than his matches, it was his promos that got him over. He argued against common stereotypes of Arabs and of his treatment, and though a bit repetitive, they raised solid points while showing amazing poise and charisma.

Despite having an entertaining and most importantly realistic character, the WWE decided to take Hassan in a new direction: that of the Anti-American, which has been done so many times before. The Iron Sheik, La Resistance, William Regal and Lance Storm have all played variations on the character, and it is nothing new and no longer interesting. Yet the WWE persevered, first with a short feud against Hulk Hogan (and Shawn Michaels) and then the extremely controversial feud with The Undertaker. It could be argued that in this case the WWE was a victim of bad timing. After all, the controversial moment in which five masked men wearing terrorist fatigues was taped two days before the atrocities in London. However, for the WWE to then have these man carrying Hassan to the ring like a god at the Bash, illustrates the insensitivity they have had with angles like this.

The 'death' of Muhammad Hassan, was the death of what was a promising character, one shot down prematurely by racist stereotypes. For his final appearances Hassan became what he said he never was: a Muslim fanatic and supposed terrorist. Hopefully the events at The Great American Bash are not the metaphorical - Last Ride for Copani's WWE career. He is extremely skilled with a microphone, and though as I said he is not exactly Chris Benoit in the ring, he does have potential and is good at bumping. If not for a stupid and inconsiderate action on the part of the SmackDown! writers, the character of Muhammad Hassan could have become a main-eventer, and even World Champion, but alas it is seemingly not to be.

by Stewart Brower ..