By James Caldwell, Torch assistant editor

Former WWE CEO Linda McMahon's Senate campaign responded today to Rob Simmons's finger-pointing that WWE's "Eugene" character represented insensitivity to handicapped individuals by saying Simmons "doesn't know how to separate fact from fiction." (Read the background story.)

McMahon spokesman Ed Patru responded in the Connecticut press that "Eugene" was "inspirational" rather than a "pathetic character." (Quotes from the Hartford Courant's report.)

"In the soap opera world of WWE, the character 'Eugene' was developmentally disabled, but rather than the beaten down, pathetic character that Rob presents, Eugene was treated via scripting like all WWE superstars with no special privileges," Patru said.

Apparently "no special privileges" doesn't apply to Linda McMahon's son-in-law, Triple H, being gifted the World Hvt. Title when it was re-introduced in September 2002. But, that's "fiction."

Patru added: "He competed in the ring or in a steel cage, sometimes winning, but often losing as an underdog. In the end, in spite of any disability, he was victorious and became a hero."

Caldwell's Analysis: I wonder if this will go on Ed Patru's resume - "WWE storyline researcher and defender." What a way to make a career in politics. As I wrote yesterday, Simmons is barking up the wrong tree going after storyline or character insensitivities over the years in WWE. McMahon's camp will always try to make a plausible argument that it's "fiction" and no one really believes any of the silliness on WWE TV. The issue Simmons should be focused on is WWE and pro wrestling's history of occupational health hazards, which McMahon has not owned up to thus far in media interviews. Her only response to pertinent questions has been to focus on 2006-to-present when WWE instituted the Wellness Policy. There's 25+ years that have yet to be accounted for when the McMahons made their fortune that is allowing McMahon to self-fund this campaign.

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