Well, Well, Well, Guess who's back... Going a week and a day between reports isn't the best thing in the world, but by stating that my life has been hectic would be more than an understatement. Well, enough with the whole BS intro, let's get to the reason why you're here, to read the People's News and Rumors.
I thought both companies put on great and I do mean great shows last night, with the WWF slightly edging out WCW in terms of who put on the better show. Raw did it with some great wrestling from the likes of Triple H, Chris Jericho, Chris Benoit, and Matt Hardy. While Nitro on the other hand saw Ric Flair's career come to an "end," Flair getting his famous blonde locks shaved off, a couple of face turns, and the recently turned heel, Goldberg dominate the Millionaire's Club. So if I was forced to score each show, I'd probably give Raw around an 85 while Nitro was a 75.
With my rankings of show, it's pretty appropriate that I go into the Monday Night ratings... Raw scored a very nice 6.8 (Hours of 6.3 and an amazing 7.3) while Nitro did a 3.0 (Hours of 3.2 and 2.8). Nitro is up a .1 from last week, while Raw jumped up from a 5.9 to this week's 6.8.
Remember how Russo was talking about Goldberg and Nash would draw "big" ratings? Well, The Nash/Goldberg main event drew a 3.2, but get this, Crash Holly's Hardcore title victory over Gerald Brisco brought in double the Nitro main event, with a 6.4 going head to head with Nash taking on Goldberg.
I guess I'll start off with the WWF today, and the King of the Ring main event... As most of you know, Linda McMahon announced that at the PPV, Triple H, Shane McMahon, and Vince McMahon will be taking on The Rock, The Undertaker, and Kane. Should be interesting to see what transpires here, wouldn't be shocked to see either Vince or Shane accidentally cost Triple H the match though. Interesting little tidbit though, this is the second year in a row that Vince and Shane McMahon will be actively involved in the King of the Ring main event.
Lots of great wrestling action from last night's Raw... From HHH and Y2J to Benoit and Matt Hardy, Raw featured some great wrestling. As much as I love a great promo, something in me will always prefer a good match over a great promo.
The whole Kurt Angle/Stephanie McMahon Helmsley/Triple H triangle is starting to get interesting, as our Olympic Hero was a bit more friendly with Stephanie after as SMH successfully defended her title against Lita on Raw. Great shot by the WWF crew of HHH while in the back watching Angle repeatedly hug Mrs. McMahon Helmsley. A whole lot of people on the 'Net are already speculating on a Triple H face turn, don't jump the gun as of yet as Triple H has been the most over WWF heel (as a wrestler) since the likes of Bret Hart (His anti US phase) and Shawn Michaels, and I wouldn't think it would be smart for the WWF turn him so quickly. But than again, anything can happen in the WWF, and a Triple H face turn is not out of the question.
For those who are wondering what exactly happened after Raw went off the air, then wonder no more, by Clicking HERE.
The first official XFL city has been revealed, and the team's location is Chicago. That's right, the city that is home of the Bulls, Bears, Black Hawks, Cubs, and White Sox will have another franchise, an XFL franchise. For all the info on the team, Click here and follow the appropriate links.
Moving onto the WCW today, and there's a whole lot of new out there for all you fans of World Championship Wrestling...
First off, many of you may be wondering who was chatting with Vampiro at last night's Nitro. Well, it was former Indy Star, Chris Daniels also known as the Fallen Angel. Daniels has a Higher Power like look to him, with the robe and all, as he seems to be the man that is calling all the shots when it comes to the Dark Angel, Vampiro. Should be interesting to see how this whole angle plays out, as if given time, it could be one that will have us talking for a long time.
Both Kidman and Marcus "Buff" Bagwell seemingly have turned on the New Blood, as Kidman attempted to help out Hollywood Hulk Hogan in Hogan's title match against Jeff Jarrett last night. While Buff Daddy was turned on by his former partner, the Franchise, Shane Douglas. Definitely a smart move on turning Kidman, as I don't know a reason why the fans should have to boo a young talent like Billy. While on Buff, I have my doubts, as much as he was annoying as a heel, he's so much more annoying as a face. How many times are we going to have to hear that he's "Buff, the Stuff..."
I loved the whole Russo/Flair situation which saw David Flair and Vince Russo retire the Nature Boy and shave off Flair's legendary bleached blonde locks. Never though I'd see the day that Flair hair would be shaved, but than again who would think that Vince Russo would have retired Ric Flair?
Well, don't be fooled with Flair's retirement, as Dave Meltzer expects that Flair should be back in time for by WCW's September Pay Per View, Fall Brawl. I would expect that if and when Flair returns, he'll continue his feud with Russo. On the topic of Fall Brawl, I wouldn't mind seeing the return of War Games: The Match Beyond, as it would fit perfectly into the whole Millionaire's Club/New Blood rivalry.
DDP, Diamond Dallas Page seemingly "quit" WCW, and Wrestling all together last night, after the series of events that saw his wife, David Arquette, and his best friend, Chris Kanyon turn their back on him to join the New Blood stable. Like the Flair situation, don't take this too seriously, as Page will be back on TV in no time.
For all those naysayers who are hating the Goldberg heel turn, my advice is to give it time. If WCW plays their cards right, they could have the biggest heel the company has seen since Hollywood Hogan (Not today's Hogan, the original nWo Hollywood). Add in the fact, that in this day and age, wrestlers turn face or heel, so many times, that I'm willing to say that by this time next year, Goldberg may very well be the company's top face.
Reminder, the Hulk Hogan: American Made biography airs tonight at 8 on A & E at 8 Eastern... Should be worth an hour to check out, as Hogan helped make wrestling into what it is today, and his story should be more than interesting to say the least.
Finally, two ECW tidbits for today, the first being some news on one of my personal favorite valet's Dawn Marie... ECWWrestling.com has announced that Motley Crew will be providing the Extreme Promotion Dawn's new entrance music now that Lance Storm is out of the company. For more news on this, and to actually here Dawn's new entrance music, Click Here.
Finally, even though many of you may know by now, the main event for ECW's Heat Wave PPV will see The ECW World Champion, Justin Credible put up his strap in a Stair Way to Hell Match Up against the Innovator of Violence, Tommy Dreamer. Some of you may ask the question, "What exactly is a Stairway to Hell match?" Well, it's a ladder match with a weapon (in this case, Barbed Wire) hanging from the ceiling, after one combatant gets the weapon, he is allowed to use it at his disposal, the first wrestler who gains the pin fall takes the win.
One quick TPWW related note, the man who basically does everything here at TPWW.Net, Triple A has encountered a small computer virus and has been unable to get online at all. Have no fear though, AAA should be back sooner than later, (hopefully tomorrow) but for the mean time, myself, Tim Brechlin (who will be going a brief vacation in the very near future), and a couple others will make up for the absence of our "beloved" webmaster.
So until next time, Ciao....
BIG Ry
BIGRY214@aol.com