I don't mean to jump the gun, but I will. Hulk Hogan vs. Chris Jericho
for the Undisputed World Title this week on Smackdown. There's no way Jericho is winning back
the title. Even though I liked him as champ, him being the champ now
doesn't fit in with what the WWF has planned in the future (and I don't
even know what that plan is damnit). The WWF title is NOT switching
holders on a show that has spoilers all over the Internet close to
48 hours before the show is going to air. So no, I don't expect Hogan
to lose the belt on Smackdown. BUT, I can promise you this... if Hogan
SOMEWAY, SOMEHOW, happens to be the WWF Champion AFTER Judgement Day,
I can promise you this, and I absolutely mean this, I will discontinue
writing this report until he loses the belt. It's not that I dislike Hogan
or am trying to forget what he has done with this business. But the bottom
line is, that was then, this is now. Hogan looks like he needs the help
of a walker just to run down the isle. I believe with the current state
of the WWF, they need to push younger stars while the title belt
belongs on someone who can lead the company properly. Even though Hogan
is really over, he doesn't lead the WWF the way it needs to be leaded.
I don't mind a short title reign, but anything over month is insanely
pushing it. Needless to say, I am
pretty confident he is losing that belt at Judgement Day. With that
little, "disclaimer" out of the way, I guess I can start the news and
rumors now.
With Smackdown being a few days old already, I don't want to dwell
on it that much. I will say I thought the show was good, better than
Raw at least. The ratings tell a different story though as Smackdown
scored a low 3.4 rating with a share of 5 this past week. I was looking
forward to the progression of the D-Von Dudley minister angle, but
not much if any progression was made as far as him feuding with any
wrestler is concerned. I was impressed with Randy Orton's debut or
referred as his "tryout" match. He is poised to be a big star upcoming
in the WWF along with other young talent. I was surprised Orton got
a clean pin over Hardcore Holly though. That really surprised
me. I am glad the WWF is attempting to put over Mark Henry with his
strongest man gimmick, but these backstage segments are just really
goofy. I guess it has to be done somehow though. The segment where
Kurt Angle debuted his new shirt was pretty good. If I ever see that
shirt anymore, I would actually buy it. I understand why the Undertaker
was on Smackdown, even though I don't like it, it
has to be done (more on this later).
There is finally somewhat of an update on Scott Steiner. He passed
his physical the WWF wanted him to take, and is cleared to wrestle.
He is set to wrestle a New Japan tour soon, and the WWF and himself
may talk again once he returns. Steiner however still is not ready to
work a full WWF schedule (TV and houseshows), but the WWF may allow
him to work a lighter schedule since they do want him on their roster.
Steiner would be a great addition to the WWF, even if his wrestling
would be limited, as his mic skills and presense alone is good enough.
He would be the best fit for the nWo, even though I have my doubts they
will still be around if Steiner comes to the WWF.
Rumors continue that Triple H, Undertaker, and Chris Jericho will
all challenge Hulk Hogan for the WWF title at Judgement day rather
then it being Undertaker vs. Hogan (which is what the main event
is scheduled as now). It is fairly obvious a match between the two in
this day would be awful, so with Jericho and Triple H most likely included
in this match, Hogan and 'Taker can be carried a lot easier. This would
most likely explain the reasoning that Triple H and Undertaker are at
odds against each other and appearaing on each other's show this week.
Someway somehow for a main event with the four to be built, Undertaker
and Triple H have to have a reason to still hate each other. It would
be silly to promote their hatred for each other going back from what
took place before Backlash. So it only makes sense to have the two
appear on the other one's show and build up this feud.
Scotty Too Hotty will be recieving neck surgery, most likely on
May 7th. Scotty has had nagging neck problems for over the last year.
It was believed he would be fine with simple rest and rehab but that
has prooved to not work, and surgey is the only option. Scotty will be
out most likely from 6 months to a whole year unfortunately. This takes
place when the rumors of a Too Cool reunion (assuming the WWF was going
to resign Grand Master Sexay).
DDP's current situation still hasn't changed much. His back problems
still exist and as reported last week, may place his career on the
line. For the time being, he will try back therapy in hopes of not
having surgery. We report this a lot, how wrestlers use therepy
first hoping that heals their injuries. That unfortunately often is
not the case and surgery is usually required. The same can be said about
Ken Griffey Jr. who got hurt earlier this year. He was hoping that
rest and rehab would cure him, but if not, season ending surgery
would be required for him as well. The same situation fell with Lita
and her neck condition. As reported on TPWW the other day, Lita will
undergo surgery as well and will be out for the next 6 months to a
year.
Rey Mysterio Jr. has not signed a contract with the WWF as of Friday
but will most likely this weekend according to Jim Ross. The fact that
Ross has mentioned him should be a clear indicator that the two sides
have verbally agreed to something and that he will sign. The new
cruiserweight division will be pushed around him.
Looking ahead to WWF Raw this Monday night, I'm sure Stone Cold
Steve Austin and Ric Flair will have another confrontation, this time
concerning the Big Show turning on him last Monday night. Ric Flair
last week teamed Big Show with Austin only for Show to turn on him and
join the nWo, which will furthermore convince Austin, that Flair himself
is out to get him. It is unknown if the WWF is just playing this up
as where nothing really will come out of this, or if Ric Flair will
actually make a heel turn. I think it's safe to say that Flair will make
a heel turn sooner or later, but whether or not it will result with
Austin and the nWo at this time remains to be seen.
I got a quick interesting tibit that I've been meaning to pass
along for a while now but forgot about it. A few weeks ago I was in
Wal-Mart walking past the sports section. I was wondering if by chance
any if any XFL balls were still for sale that haven't been sold. I
went down the isle of footballs and found something interesting. I
saw the red and black balls with the same XFL design, and the same
XFL box package but the ball didn't say XFL on it. Despite that, on
the box the phrase "Toughest Football Ever" was clearly visible. Off
the top of my head, I don't remember the manufactorer but it was the
same one that made the XFL ball and it was clearly the same ball without
the letters XFL.
That ends this report (loud pop from all who's reading). I'll be
on Tuesday or Wednesday, whenever I find the time to write one of
these. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.
