If you’re a wrestling fan looking for an even sillier diversion, Camp WWE might be the trip for you. The titular camp is the animated home to childhood, foul-mouthed versions of John Cena, Steve Austin, the Undertaker and others. The camp is owned by Vince McMahon, with his teen daughter Stephanie and future son-in-law Triple H serving as head counselors. Sergeant Slaughter and Ric Flair round out the cast.
It’s a niche concept – an animated comedy for adult wrestling fans – but it has enough charm and immature humor to get a smile out of even the most strident haters.
The show is produced by Seth Green, whose Robot Chicken turned the concept of the pop culture reference on its head. The Simpsons and Family Guy made jokes about pop culture. With Robot Chicken, pop culture was the joke. Green’s the perfect choice to produce an animated in-joke about wrestling. It’s fairly well-written, with all the childish humor you’d expect.
The show shines best, though, in its choice of casting Vince McMahon, Ric Flair, Sergeant Slaughter and other wrestling legends as themselves. Each plays a pivotal role in the currently-released four episodes. McMahon is particularly good, somehow channeling the spirit of Ted Knight as he ruins the lives of everyone around him. Flair floats in his robe, humps inanimate objects and has relations with a bear. Slaughter is an immediate retro trip, instantly bringing his GI Joe days to mind.
The show falters, though, when the wrestlers aren’t played by themselves. The dialogue is fine, a wrestling-centric South Park without the message. The actors playing the campers do a good job, but they sound like they would on a kids’ show. If you’ve always wanted to hear the Rugrats swear, you won’t mind too much.
Camp WWE is a fine addition to the WWE Network, a unique, often laugh-out-loud take on some beloved icons. It would be nice to see the team of Green and WWE stay together for future projects. How about the intergalactic adventures of the Rock?
Photo: WWE
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