It's Saturday, May 6, and it is UNBELIEVABLY hot and HUMID here in New York, which to be completely honest, makes me feel lazy and tired, so for that reason, if you notice today's report to be a tad bit shorter, or notice any slight lack of effort, I apologize, but I have to set the blame on the weather. Anyway, before I pass out (or something), here are today's news and rumors.
The World Wrestling Federation has finally opened an official website for the green and black crew, Degeneration X. The site has information, photos, and more, of all your favorite members of the DX crew. You can check it out at WWFDX.com.
Jim Ross recently updated his weekly Ross Report, and as always, had several interesting things to discuss. Among them being Tazz's recent bicep injury. JR stated that Tazz may not need surgery on the injury after all. If that is the case, and Tazz does not receive surgery, he could be back in about six weeks or so. However, if he does undergo surgery, he could be out for as long as three months. I personally am really hoping for the former over the latter. A quote by JR that stood out to me was the following: "Obviously, Tazz's tenure thus far in the WWF has been less successful than originally projected." Ummmmmmmmmm, DUH. Is the blame actually set on Tazz for his lack of success? Maybe it's because he is constantly booked to JOB and his promos (which are very RARE) are written to make absolutely no sense? "I'm gonna turn that frown upside down." What the hell does that mean?
Trish Stratus is expected back on WWF television next week. Whooo.
Several readers have pointed out that the WWF Judgment Day Logo features Kane, with the Undertaker's symbol in his eye. This could possibly be used as foreshadowing for the Undertaker's return, or may simply be a publicity stunt. Whatever the case, it's very interesting. You can check out the image HERE.
Kurt Angle made a few promotional appearances in the United Kingdom this week, promoting the WWF's UK-only PPV, WWF Insurrextion, which took place today starting at 2:30 Eastern Standard time. Thanks to Sarah for sending this in: "I live in the U.K and just thought I'd drop by with my little message about Kurt Angle. I went to see him last night at an autograph session in London and I have to say he was so nice. He did call Insurrextion "Resurrection" in his little speech, but I guess that was just nerves! Only 800 people were allowed to attend. You had to apply for wrist bands from the WWF UK website. My brother and I were one of the first people in the que and we got some really good pictures of the man himself. He signed a picture of himself for everyone and even personalised them, which probably took him twice as long. He was also on The Big Breakfast this morning and said that the WWF were expecting The Undertaker back within the next month. He didn't say much else apart from that. What surprised me most was that he was quite funny too, he really clicked with Johnny (presenter)."
WWF Insurrextion, the international WWF pay per view, took place earlier today, and according to several reports, the pay per view lived past its expectations and was actually very entertaining. A few interesting happenings from the show include the British Bulldog making his return to the World Wrestling Federation and capturing the WWF Hardcore Title from Crash Holly. According to Adam Kirk, the Bulldog got a semi-decent pop. Another interesting tidbit is that The Kat's "kittens" were exposed again, as she was stripped of her top by Terri in an Arm Wrestling Match. How long 'til those pics are all over the place? Our own Adam Kirk put forth a great report of the PPV, which you can read HERE.
The Big Bossman missed the pay per view due to high blood pressure problems, according to Jim Ross. X-Pac was also not at the pay per view due to a family emergency.
As mentioned yesterday, Downtown Dave recently conducted a more than interesting interview with Vince Russo at WrestleLine.com. Here are a few issues that were mentioned: Vince Russo stated that the reason the WCW Title was put on David Arquette was simply to make WCW unpredictable. It was the last thing you would expect to happen. Russo stated that unpredictability is what he used to make the WWF so popular 2 1/2 years ago when they were in a hole. Russo also hinted that he may be taking a few bumps soon, and will do anything it takes to help WCW. For the Bret Hart Survivor Series "screwjob" situation, Russo stated that Vince McMahon and Bret Hart attempted to work out an ending for the match for days, but Bret Hart shot everything down. Russo said that the WWF feared that Bret would take the WWF Title with him to WCW, and it would severely hurt the company, which is the reason they decided to take the title from him, in what ultimately ended up as one of the most controversial moments in wrestling history. Russo also stated that he legitimately hates Jim Ross, calling him something to the effect of a "selfish, grumpy son of a bitch." I guess the feeling is mutual there, as Ross seemingly bashes WCW week in and week out in his Ross Report. On the subject of International talent, Russo stated that he sees "absolutely nothing" as far as talent in guys like El Dandy and Silver King. As for the Jung Dragons, he stated that he hadn't even seen them on, since he didn't watch WCW while he was gone for those three months. Several other interesting issues were discussed, and you can check out the interview in both audio and text HERE.
The Sandman and New Jack reportedly got into a real life fistfight backstage at the ECW show in Duluth, MN, according to Dave Scherer. As the story goes, Sandman was reportedly telling jokes, one of which New Jack took offense to, and threw a bottle at the Sandman, which broke across his wrist, opening some minor cuts on the Sandman. A fight then erupted, which reportedly ultimately ended up with Sandman coming out on top. Things like that are never good for the company.
Dawn Marie reportedly sprained her ankle recently while practicing her wrestling skills for a few upcoming matches. However, she is still expected to be at the Hardcore Heaven PPV next week. Now, that's Hardcore.
The Whole F'n Show, "everybody's favorite wrestler," Rob Van Dam will be on the X-Files tomorrow night (Sunday) on the FOX Network at 9PM (ET/PT). Now, that should be interesting.
As always on PPV weekends, I'm here to give my infamous pay per view predictions. I've been on a roll lately as far as WCW PPVs are concerned, scoring 9/10 and 8/10 on the last two PPVs (I think those were the numbers). Anyway, without further ado, here are my predictions for WCW Slamboree.
- Jeff Jarrett vs. Diamond Dallas Page vs. David Arquette - Everyone is expecting Jarrett to win here, which probably means DDP will win. BUT, I'll just pick Jeff Jarrett anyway... Hey, if Russo is VERY serious about this unpredictability thing, do you think he'd keep the title on Arquette? NO, he wouldn't... or would he? Prediction: Jeff "WWF? When I'm done, it's gonna be called the Double J F" Jarrett.Well, I guess that wasn't as bad as I thought it would be... or WAS IT? Until next time...- Hulk Hogan vs. Billy Kidman - Hogan to job to Kidman on PPV??? I don't think it'll happen, even with Vinny Ru running things. Prediction: Terry "FUHH" Bollea.
- Sting vs. Vampiro - The Stinger picks up the win here, since he's probably the most over (at least from what I've noticed) wrestler in WCW right now. Winner: The Stinger
- Scott Steiner vs. Hugh Morrus - Mr. Hugh "Schiavone calls me Humorous" Morrus is being used simply as a replacement for Booker T, which means he won't beat Steiner. Actually, even if he wasn't a replacement, he still wouldn't be booked to beat Steiner. Winner: The Big Poppa
- "The Franchise" Shane Douglas vs. Ric Flair - Flair seems to be receiving a push, and will take on the WCW champion at the Great American Bash, which means I'm picking him for the win over "Da Franchise." A stipulation in this match is if Vince Russo interferes, Ric "Flayar" gets five minutes alone with Vinny Ru. I predict Flair puts Mr. Russo through a table to celebrate his win, or maybe loss due to Russo's interference? Nah. Prediction: Flair by DQ
- Buff Bagwell vs. The Total Package - I really don't like the Total Package Lex Luger. I don't know, I just don't. His clown gimmick during Russo's first stint was a lot better than his serious gimmick. I predict he gets the win anyway. Prediction: Flexy Lexy
- Chris Candido vs. The Artist - Hard Knox wins, but not before a cat fight. Prediction: Hard KnoCKS
- Terry Funk vs. Screamin' Norman Smiley with Ralphscot - I predict RALPHUS gets the title. Prediction: Ralphus
- Shawn "The Perfect One" Stasiak vs. Curt Hennig - Stasiak is perfect, which means he can't lose, right? ... Right? Prediction: Stasiak
Oh yeah, before I forget, instead of the current News Archives we have, where the last few days are posted on one page, I've now set up a page where I'll post as many N&R; reports as possible that occur. It's so hot that I can't even describe what I'm talking about, so I'll invite you all to check out our new News Archives page, which I think is a lot more convenient. Now, I can wrap this one up. Until next time, later.
Triple A
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