It's difficult to imagine World Wrestling Entertainment introducing a character like Val Venis today. The rules have greatly changed over what the promotion can present, whilst still appeasing sponsors. Back in 1998 however, a porn star gimmick was something that was just waiting to happen. The then-WWF were pushing the envelope as far as they could, and Venis fit into that. Right from the off, fans were told that Val was an adult movie star who was now plying his trade in wrestling. Various vignettes were aired to signal his arrival, and the company even hired real-life adult actress Jenna Jameson. This was designed to lend credibility to Venis, who played a babyface role in the promotion. Fans did take to Val, but it's fair to say there were a lot of uncomfortable glances during his promos and entrance. Using his familiar refrain, 'Hello ladies', Venis would then whip off his towel and swivel suggestively for everybody watching. In similar fashion to Rick Rude, a lot of males didn't really know what to make of this portion of his act.