Shilling an Arab

Turban warfare hits WWE RAW

Comments (0) By Benjamin Leatherman and Craig Wallach and Joe Watson Thursday, Jun 16 2005

MON 6/20
Vince McMahon has no shame. Throughout the existence of World Wrestling Entertainment (and its previous incarnations), the pompous promoter has created controversial characters to draw attention to his brand of sports entertainment. Among the many "heels" (or bad guys) Vinnie Mac has conjured over the years, none has been more contentious than the "Evil Arab" stereotype. First came the Iron Sheik, followed by Sgt. Slaughter, an Iraqi sympathizer in 1991 during the height of the Gulf War. Fast-forward to the post-9/11 era, where Khosrow Daivari and Muhammad Hassan (pictured) will unleash a jihad at WWE RAW, which broadcasts live from America West Arena, 201 East Jefferson, at 5:30 p.m. Monday, June 20. The card also includes appearances by World Heavyweight Champion Batista, Chris Benoit, and John Cena. Tickets, $20 to $40, are available by calling 480-784-4444. -- Benjamin Leatherman

courtesy of WWE

Muhammad Hassan, professional heel.

courtesy of Phoenix Parks and Recreation

A little darker, a little cooler: We'll take what we can get. Moon hikers, mush!

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Power Trip

SAT 6/18
You've stubbed your toe at 1 a.m. on your way to the toilet, aimlessly searched for a light switch to no avail, and you're bleeding profusely all over your plush carpet. Congrats! You've just experienced the first degree of difficulty you're required to master in preparation for Phoenix Parks and Rec's "Summer Moon Hike" on Saturday, June 18, at Squaw Peak Park, 2701 East Squaw Peak Drive. Park rangers will lead hikers on a difficult (read: the 20 feet from your car to Krispy Kreme doesn't leave you winded) 2.4-mile hike under the full moon, beginning at 7 p.m. Participants are advised to bring water, sturdy shoes or hiking boots, and a flashlight. Pre-registration for the free hike is required; call 602-495-0222. -- Joe Watson

Diamond Gems
Lil' swingers hit big

6/17-6/25
As Major League Baseball and its hapless commissioner, Bud Selig, muddle their way through the minefields of the steroid era, purists of what used to be our national pastime would do well to find solace in the little things, like the anabolic-free up-and-comers swinging it in the ranks of USA amateur baseball. With that in mind, Valley baseball fans are invited to take in tomorrow's boys of summer at the USA Junior Olympic Baseball Championships, from Friday, June 17, through June 25 at Peoria Sports Complex, 16101 North 83rd Avenue. Top junior teams from around the country compete for USA baseball's junior national championship in an invite-only format that also produces hopefuls for the United States Junior Olympic Team. Best of all? No congressional hearings. Game times vary. Visit www.usabaseball.com or call 919-474-8721. -- Craig Wallach