Welcome to today's edition of the news and rumors here at TPWW.net. There honestly isn't much to say in today's intro, so let's get straight to the news...
In his latest edition of The Ross Report, Jim Ross added even more to the Stone Cold Steve Austin return rumors. As we recently stated her on TPWW, the most logical on-air return date for Austin would be the first TNN Raw is War, which is on September 25, the night after the WWF's next PPV, Unforgiven. Jim Ross recently had this to say, "It is likely that the Texas Rattlesnake will return to television on RAW IS WAR on Monday, Sept. 25..." However, it is expected that he would be able to actually return to in-ring action sometime in October. Ross stated that Austin's preparation for an in-ring return will be pushed up a few notches starting early October.
Staying on the subject of injury returns, it is being reported that "Mr. Ass" Billy Gunn has been cleared to make a return on September 24, which of course is the day of the WWF's next PPV, Unforgiven. Whether or not he will actually return on that day is still up in the air, but could anyone imagine Gunn making a surprise return during a Road Dogg vs. X-Pac match at Unforgiven? Interesting. Gunn's shoulder is about 60-70 percent healed, according to Jim Ross.
Another big topic of gossip lately is the potential interest of all three major wrestling federations to have a match between Survivor contestants, Sue Hawk and Kelly Wiglesworth. According to various reports, the WWF may be interested in having the matchup at November's Survivor Series PPV and may pay the ladies around $250,000 for the appearance. WCW and ECW have also been reportedly interested, with ECW's Paul Heyman stating he would "love to see it," and that ECW would be the only place where the ladies could really show how extreme they really are.
Last night's WWF Smackdown! drew a strong 5.0 rating with a 8.5 share (8.5% of US households were tuned in), according to Dave Scherer.
Steven Richards apparently suffered another knee injury recently at last Thursday's Smackdown! when he was knocked off the apron by Rikishi. Richards reportedly tore the PCL in his right knee. As of now, it is not known when he will be able to return, but don't expect him to miss any on air time as the mouthpiece of the RTC.
Edge recently appeared on ABC's "The View." Thanks to Ryan Novak for sending this in: "Edge appeared on The View with Babara Walters today to plug Highlander: Endgame. They also talked alittle about wrestling and his engagement to Val Venis's sister. He said they are planning on getting married next June."
Speaking of Edge, his movie, "Highlander: Endgame" hit movie theaters everywhere today.
Sunday Night Heat will air a half hour early in eastern and central time zones due to USA airing US Open Tennis at 7:30. Heat will air from 6:30-7:30 PM EST this Sunday.
The XFL has started their tryout camps to determine which of the over 10,000 applicants "have what it takes" to play in the XFL. If you recall, the XFL put up online applications for anyone who was interested in playing in the league.
Chyna's edition of Playboy magazine will hit newstands on September 29. Chyna will also be on the cover of the magazine.
Manhattan's "Hammerstein Ballroom" has reportedly been called the "almost perfect building for ECW," by ECW officials, according to Dave Meltzer. ECW is reportedly very happy with the location (the heart of New York City) and the crowd (I was in it! :-)). ECW will return to the Hammerstein Ballroom for another show in December and there have also been talks of a possible PPV being held there. Definitely good news for me and any other ECW fans in the New York area.
Rob Van Dam vs. Rhino and Jerry Lynn vs. Justin Credible for the ECW World Heavyweight title are two rumored matches for ECW's next PPV, Anarchy Rulz on October 1.
Here's what you can expect for tonight's edition of ECW on TNN:
From the ECW tag title tournament...
- Round 1 match: Justin Credible and Rhino vs. The Sandman and Chilly Willy
- Round 2: Mikey Whipwreck & Yoshihiro Tajiri vs. EZ Money & Julio Dinero
- Round 2: Simon Diamond & Swinger vs. Danny Doring & Roadkill
- Round 2: Tommy Dreamer & Jerry Lynn battle Justin Credible & Rhino
- Finals: Tommy Dreamer and Jerry Lynn vs. Simon Diamond & Swinger vs. Mikey Whipwreck & Yoshihiro Tajiri
- Also, Lou E. Dangerously will issue a challenge to Billy Corgan.
That pretty much wraps it up for today's report. Enjoy ECW on TNN tonight, and as always... later.
Triple A
TripleA99@aol.com