The Parents Television Council, better known as the PTC, has put up a video clip of the confrontation on CNN between the Rock and the PTC's L. Brent Bozell. I have to give a lot of credit to the Rock for sounding extremely intelligent and professional in the interview, and in the same instant, making Bozell look like a complete idiot who has no idea what he's talking about. You can check out the entire segment in RealVideo by clicking HERE.
Staying on the subject of the Rock and what the controversy was about in the CNN interview, Jay Leno made a few jokes concerning the Rock and the Republican National Convention on the Tonight Show recently. NYY25in99 sent this tidbit along: "Last night (8/3) on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Jay mentioned the Rock at the Republican National Convention in his monologue. Jay stated that there was one person in the crowd who didn't like the Rock at the convention. They proceeded to show a clip of the Rock (the real thing) at the convention announcing Cheney (Bush's running mate). They put up of shot of George W. Bush's mother, Barbara (the real thing). They then cut to a clip showing the Rock (played by someone else of course) getting beat up by Barbara (played by someone else also)."
The XFL announced that New York is the eighth and final franchise for the league, which will begin play in February 2001. I've heard that the New York team may actually be known as "New York/New Jersey" (WHYYYYY?????). They are scheduled to play all their home games in Giants Stadium. Great.
The XFL also recently announced that Spalding will be the official ball of the XFL. The ball will be black, with red marks around it. You can check it out HERE.
Staying on the subject of the XFL, it seems that many are still not taking the league seriously. Thanks again to NYY25in99 for sending this tidbit: "In the July 31st issue of Sports Illustrated, in a section called "This week's sign of Apacolypse" this week's sign was that Dick Butkus, former Chicago Bear, is coach for Chicago's XFL franchise. Just some more people poking fun at the XFL. It seems like a lot of people aren't taking the XFL seriously."
WWF Smackdown!, which I unfortunately missed most of last night, drew a strong 6.3 overnight rating, giving it the second place spot in network ratings for the night, only behind ABC's "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?", which scored around an 8.0. However, Smackdown's rating dropped to an only decent 4.6 rating when the final numbers came out.
For whatever reason, I have been receiving several e-mails recently stating that the Mancow radio show stated that Stone Cold Steve Austin was killed in a plane crash. This is absolutely NOT true. I didn't actually hear what was said on the radio show, so I won't comment. Stuff like this is just messed up.
Former WCW valet/wrestler, Mona has reportedly signed some sort of agreement with the World Wrestling Federation. I've heard that a few backstage officials were fans of her, and have decided to give her a shot. She could definitely boost the WWF's women's division, if used properly.
There has been much talk recently about the infamous Vince Russo interview, and why it did not air on Thunder. Several feel that it was simply a ratings ploy for fans to tune in to Thunder, but it actually may have not been. The interview actually WAS pulled from the show at the last second by Brad Seigel, since he felt that it contained comments that could hurt WCW in terms of lawsuits. In the interview, Russo stated that he could not really comment on the Hogan situation, since he was "being sued." He also once again said that he came to WCW simply for the challenge. Another interesting note from ther interview is that Russo stated that he and Eric Bischoff have not been getting along as well as he wanted, and that he hasn't spoken to Eric since Bash at the Beach and the Hogan situation. Russo also stated that out of Nash, Goldberg, and Scott Steiner, he did not like one of the men involved in the three way match at New Blood Rising. He stated that this wrestler "has the me thing going." I'm guessing he's referring to Goldberg. The interview is expected to be re-done and will most likely air on this Monday's Nitro.
Staying on the subject of Monday's Nitro, it should be a pretty good show, as Lance Storm will get an attempt to hold every singles title in WCW, as he will receive a WCW World Title shot against Booker T. I'm definitely looking forward to that one. It should be great... that is if it actually takes place, considering WCW's recent streak of screwing the fans over.
Wednesday's Thunder broadcast scored a decent 2.35 rating off hours of 2.3 and 2.4.
In good and surprising news, Johnny the Bull is recovering extremely well from his pectoral injury from a recent match with Terry Funk and has been told by his doctor that he could return to action in about two weeks, according to Dave Scherer. This is definitely surprising news, as it was originally thought that Johnny the Bull would be out of action for several months.
In a potential big story, rumors are going around the 'net that Kanyon has asked for his release from WCW. Wade Keller reports that Kanyon asked Vince Russo for his release last week, claiming he was "sick of WCW" and wanted to go to the WWF. Russo apparently agreed to grant him his release, but has yet to give it to him. However, conflicting reports by Dave Scherer state that Kanyon has simply been complaining a lot recently, and management has contemplated his release, but decided against it. Either way, we hope to have more on this story soon.
WCW is expected to rename its upcoming pay per views for 2001, according to Wade Keller. However, three of the twelve monthly PPVs are expected to keep their names, those three being Starrcade, Great American Bash, and Halloween Havoc.
New Jack will unfortunately be undergoing surgery on his injured leg tomorrow, according to ECWwrestling.com. New Jack suffered the injury after one of his infamous dives off a balcony. All I can say is that I'm definitely sorry he is injured, but when a man takes that many risks, something like this is inevitable.
ECWwrestling.com has also announced matches for the two night TV taping in Manhattan, NYC at the Hammerstein Ballroom. The first night, on August 25, will be a one night tournament to crown the new ECW Tag Team Champions. The second night, all three ECW titles will be defended in what should be a great show. Luckily, both Big Ry and myself will be attending the second show on August 26. :-) ECW live = The best.
Four matches have been officially announced for the first night's tournament. They are as follows:
- Justin Credible & Rhino vs. Sandman & Chilly Willy
- Tajiri & Mikey Whipwreck vs. The FBI
- The Baldies vs. Doring & Roadkill
- Rob Van Dam & Kid Kash vs. Jerry Lynn & Tommy Dreamer
- Also featuring: Nova & Chetti, Simon Diamond & Swinger, and Joey Matthews and Christian York.
ECW's Jasmin St. Claire now has her own official website, which can be visited at JasminAsylum.com.
Do you want two FREE tickets to WRESTLEMANIA 2001? Click HERE.
That wraps it up for today's report. Remember to hold up those TPWW signs at wrestling events for your chance to win free tickets to Wrestlemania, as well as a mention and image of the sign right here on TPWW. For pics of past signs we've had on wrestling events, click HERE. Gooooooodbye, everybody.
Triple A
TripleA99@aol.com