by Milo

Though it may be regarded as the “second brand” or the “weaker” show due to the injury whirpool that sucked all starpower and WWE management that treats it like a real second brand, WWE Smackdown, when it graces the Philippine shores, may in fact be more popular and sell more tickets than when RAW came around.

All because of one man.

Batista will headline the Smackdown tour this coming October 21 and 22 at the Araneta Coliseum in the Philippines. Even if the shows are slated to be shown three months from now, the tickets, currently sold only for October 21 are almost sold out.

My sister tried to call and negotiate better seats last Saturday, but alas, the best we could get is an upper box A somewhere in the middle and the end. Compared to the upper box seats we got from RAW, these seats were inferior this time.

When we inquired about the availability of the other seats, only the upper boxes and ringside seats have seats available. Believe me, I do not want to spend 10,500 on a ringside seat, much less where to find such an amount. Surprisingly, even the cheapest seats, the general admission seats are sold out even if you can hardly see the wrestlers from there.

All most likely because of Batista.

Filipinos, once they find out that someone “famous”, “nearly famous” or even “struggling to get there” is a Filipino, even half or a quarter of a Filipino, they will more or less support you in droves. That is, as long as that person is not embarassed to be a Filipino or annoy them with stupid antics. This support, in turn, will have a tremendous effect in more ways than one.

Hence the immense popularity and strong showings of American Idol top-3 finalist, Jasmine Trias and Camille Velasco (Even if technically Asians can’t vote in American Idol, who says Filipinos cannot find ways?) Ex-Sugababes member Mutya, The Pussycat Dolls’ Nicole and the Blackeyed Peas’ apl.de.ap helped their Philippine sales a lot in their respective musical groups. Other stars like Jocelyn Enriquez (singer), Enrique Iglesias (singer), Vanessa Anne Hudgens (the lead actress in Disney’s hit movie, “High School Musical”), Rachael Lampa (singer), and Rob Schneider (actor) are more or less popular in the Philippine shores partly due to Filipino blood.

Batista is not different. This 6-5, 317-pound wrestler is of Filipino and Greek descent. He even sports a merged Filipino and Greek flags colored tattoo on his left triceps to symbolize his heritage.

David Michael Bautista in real life, he was born on January 18, 1969 in Arlington Virginia and made his pro debut in 1997. He had a Filipino father who reportedly worked as a hairdresser in the United States.

Of course his popularity in the Philippines also stemmed from the fact that he was pushed by WWE by placing him in Evolution, a faction composed of legendary 16-time World Champion Ric Flair, 10-time World Champion “The Game” Triple H, and young upstart Randy Orton. This move started the rise of Batista’s young WWE career.

Nicknamed “the Animal” Batista also became a 2-time World Tag Team Champion, WWE Tag Team champion, the 2005 Royal Rumble Winner, and the World Heavyweight Champion in the WWE.

Batista’s finishing moves include the Batista Bomb and the spinebuster. His immense power and strength made these moves look even more believable to the fan’s eye that they can take somebody out of commission (unlike the STFU of John Cena).

Besides from what he has accomplished in his wrestling career, he has gained popularity from outside the ring as well. Batista is known to be one of the friendlier and soft-spoken wrestlers and knows how to communicate well with his legions of fans.

These positive reviews sit very well with Filipinos and will obviously be a main selling point for Filipinos to find ways to see or even meet and greet him personally.

Add to this mix that the shows are scheduled on a weekend, and you certainly have sold out WWE events brewing come October.

(Side note: I wonder though if President Gloria Arroyo will invite Batista to the presidential palace, much like what she did to Jasmine Trias, Rob Schneider, Lou Diamond Philips and Tia Carrere?)