Welcome to the Saturday edition of the news and rumors here at TPWW. Since I have nothing overly major to say in this introduction, let's jump straight to today's news, notes, and rumors.
According to a recent MTV article, Kid Rock will be on Raw is War this Monday night to perform his latest single, "American Bad Ass." The performance is simply to promote his upcoming "The History of Rock" album, which hits stores on May 30, and he is not expected to be involved in any angles. Hopefully this musical appearance is more popular than previous ones.
The Undertaker may return to the World Wrestling Federation as soon as this Sunday's PPV, Judgment Day, according to Dave Meltzer. Reports are that the Undertaker is expected to play a major role in the finish of the Iron Man Match main event between the Rock and Triple H. If he does in fact make his return tomorrow night, rumors are that he'll have a new look and outfit. I've heard that he is basically almost fully healed from his injuries and it is definitely a possibility that the Phenom could make an appearance at this Sunday's PPV. I mean, a clean one hour Iron Man Match? Is it possible to have something like that without at least a run in or screw job ending?
Gangrel is expected to receive a new gimmick and look according to Jim Ross's latest Ross Report. Gangrel has been plagued by injuries over the last few months, which explains his absence lately.
On the subject of recovering from injuries, Viscera is currently not recovering well from his separated shoulder, according to Jim Ross. It may still be a while before we see the big man back on WWF television.
Both Bull Buchanan and Saturn may be in line for major pushes in the near future. The WWF apparently likes what they see in these two athletes, and see a lot of potential in them. I couldn't agree more. Buchanan was shoved into a dead end angle with the Big Bossman. How do you expect him to get over that way? Given the right angle, I think he could be a major player. And we've all seen what Perry Saturn can do, if you've watched him in his WCW days.
Crash Holly has just recently signed a new contract with the World Wrestling Federation according to Jim Ross. No word on the amount or length of the contract.
On the subject of contracts, Lance Storm recently stated in his commentary at his website, StormWrestling.com, that he has signed a three year deal with WCW. He also mentioned that he has been treated more than great in his thus far short stint in WCW.
Several people feel that the Ric Flair injury on last week's Thunder broadcast was an angle. Some evidence that was pointed out was that if it was actually real, WCW would not have paid so much attention to it. In fact, rumors are that the commentary was redone at a later date and not live during the segment where Flair "collapsed." It's gotten to the point in wrestling where no one can tell whether an injury is real or not at times. You have to take note of Flair's "heart attack" a while back, which turned out to be a work (angle). However, WCW.com is assuring everyone that Flair's injury, which is in fact an inner ear problem, was not an angle at all. However, this "injury" is being used as a reason to strip Flair of the WCW title. The WCW website has also stated that Flair will not be at Monday's Nitro due to medical testing, although many state that Flair WILL be on Nitro. This whole situation is just confusing to me. Hopefully some light is shed on it this Monday on Nitro.
As you may have already heard, Terry Funk is expected to make a "huge announcement" this Monday on Nitro, which may possibly be a retirement announcement. Funk's wife, daughter, and brother, Dory Funk Jr, are all expected to be in attendance at Nitro this Monday from Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Also expected for Nitro, The Cat will take on Booker T in a weapons match, and Mike Awesome will take on the Wall in a "Table vs. Ambulance" match.
It was stated recently on WCW Live that an official return date has been set for Goldberg. Although the date was not actually announced, many are speculating that it could be around June 5, which was the date Vince Russo proposed to Goldberg.
Dustin Runnels is expected to debut with a new gimmick soon, which is rumored to be called... "Platinum." Get it? Gold, Platinum. The gimmick is expected to be very similar to his Goldust gimmick in the World Wrestling Federation. Now, THIS should be fun to watch.
ECW held their TNN tapings last night in Atlanta. Here are quick results of the show, which obviously CONTAIN SPOILERS for next Friday's ECW on TNN show. Please skip to the next paragraph now if you do not want to know the results.
- Chilly Willy defeated Tod Wimbleton
- Simon Diamond & Swinger defeated Jose Estrada & Shawn Evans
- Doring & Roadkill defeated Little Guido & Big Sal
- Nova, Chetti, & Kid Kash defeated The Baldies
- Masato Tanaka defeated Balls Mahoney
- Jerry Lynn defeated Tajiri (RVD run-in afterwards)
- Raven defeated CW Anderson (New Jack runs in)
- New Jack defeated CW Anderson
- Justin Credible & Francine defeated Tommy Dreamer
- Sandman defeated Kintaro Kanemura (Sandman is #1 contendor for TV Title)
- Dusty Rhodes defeated Jack Victory (Bull Rope Match)
Joey Styles, Joel Gertner, and Paul Heyman all could not make the show last night due to thunderstorms here in the New York area. Damned thunderstorms.
Stay tuned for WWF Judgment Day predictions from both myself and Big Ry this weekend. Also, be sure to join us this Sunday starting at 8PM ET for live coverage of WWF Judgment Day. Also, due to the Iron Man Match being a full hour long, we will be posting several updates of that match so you won't have to wait an hour to find out the happenings. Judgment Day should be a pretty good pay per view, and I just have a feeling that there will be a few major happenings.
Also, we'll finally be bringing back the "People's Feedback" section after Sunday's PPV. Be sure to send your thoughts on the PPV to feedback@tpww.net. Please remember to leave a name and city.
That's all for today's report. Until next time, enjoy Judgment Day.
Triple A
TripleA99@aol.com