The big story of the weekend is that this Friday's episode of ECW was not the last on TNN; In fact, ECW has been given the green light to remain on TNN for the remainder of the year, or until they find a new network. This move comes off the decision by Vince McMahon to waive the WWF's exclusivity right for this year, which of course meant that the WWF would be the only form of pro wrestling to be aired on TNN. This is what obviously led to the cancelling of ECW on TNN in the first place. McMahon reportedly felt that it wasn't fair to ECW to "leave them out in the cold," when they didn't have ample time to find a new network with the whole WWF/USA/Viacom court case taking much longer than expected. Whether or not ECW will choose to remain on TNN for the rest of the year is still up in the air. If they decide to, the door is open, but if they do find a suitable network sooner than that, expect them to make the move. But for now, as Joey Styles stated on Friday's episode of ECW, be sure to tune in next Friday at 8 for your weekly dose of ECW on TNN.
Speaking of TNN, if you're somehow having trouble locating TNN in your area, WWF.com has put up a handy tool to help their viewers locate what channel TNN is on in their area. You can check it out HERE.
There are rumors that Raven may make his WWF re-debut tonight at Unforgiven. The PPV takes place tonight at the First Union Center in Philadelphia, PA, and as hardcore ECW fans know, Philadelphia is ECW country. A similar situation is when Tazz made his WWF debut in front of his hometown crowd in New York City at this year's Royal Rumble. However, again, please only take this as a rumor. There's a possibility that it will happen, but of course, there's also a possibility that it won't.
Stone Cold Steve Austin may debut with a new entrance theme at tonight's PPV, according to a report by Launch.com. The WWF has reportedly asked the band, "Disturbed," to create a new version of Austin's theme. However, the basic sound of the theme will still be there so fans will recognize Austin. To check out an article about the projected new theme, click HERE. Thanks to Avi Mirchandani for pointing that out.
Bad Ass Billy Gunn is now reportedly off the injured list and has been cleared to return. However, according to Jim Ross, Mr. Ass may head to Memphis Pro Wrestling to work on his timing and conditioning and get back into "ring shape." Technically, if the WWF wanted him to return at tonight's PPV, he could, but of course, that doesn't necessarily mean it will happen.
Staying on the subject of injuries, the Big Boss Man is currently suffering from an injured knee, but will begin physical therapy this Monday, according to Jim Ross, in hope of an October 9th return.
Premiere Magazine has released photos of the upcoming movie, Mummy 2. Interestingly enough, one of the photos includes The Rock in his role, "The Scorpion King." You can check out the pic HERE.
Mick Foley will tape an episode of FOX's sketch comedy program, MAD TV on Friday, October 20.
Both The Rock and Triple H have new shirts out at the WWF Shopzone. You can check out the Rock's shirt HERE and Triple H's shirt HERE. Both shirts are scheduled for an October 11 release, but you can pre-order them now and have them shipped to you ASAP as soon as they're released.
WWF Raw in Canada will once again be pre-empted on TSN this Monday due to the Olympics. It will air from 12 AM to 2 AM EST in Canada. However, most Canadian WWF fans won't have to worry, as TNN is carried in their area and of course, Raw airs on TNN this Monday night at its normal time of 9PM EST.
On the subject of international WWF programming, I have a correction to make from a recent report that stated WWF Smackdown would air two weeks late in Australia starting October 6. In fact, Smackdown will air in Australia only eight hours late, which is definitely great news. Thanks to Andrew Givoni for sending this report: "Just wanna confirm that smackdown in Australia will not be 2 weeks delayed, it will be the the up tp date show that the U.S and all other countries who are live get (8 hours later than U.S) It will be shown on FOX 8 at 8:30 on Friday nights starting the 6th October and will be replayed at 2:30 am and then 7:00 am on Sunday mornings. This is great news for Australian fans as we get raw 2 weeks delayed and now get metal instead of heat. We also get the 5 main pay per views, which is great." Big thanks to Adam A, Anthony A, Dingo, Stevo, and Nuker77 for all sending similar reports!
Staying on the subject of Smackdown, it has been announced that if the "Smackdown Challenge" is accepted by Al Gore and George Bush, it would take place at the October 17th WWF Smackdown taping in Cleveland, Ohio. However, that date is subject to change.
This past Friday night in Amarillo, TX, Terry Funk defeated Lance Storm to win the WCW United States Heavyweight Title in front of his home town at a WCW House Show. However, as expected, the reign was short lived, as Funk lost the title at last night's house show in Lubbock, TX to Storm. Whether or not this reign will be recognized on WCW television is up in the air. Personally, I think it would be somewhat of a good idea in terms of house show sales, as this may give fans the impression that "anything can happen" at a WCW House Show.
Also at that house show, fans witnessed the return of Diamond Dallas Page, who received a world title shot against Booker T. Page took the loss to Booker, but reportedly did look impressive and the two put on a great match. There are rumors that we may see DDP make his return to WCW this Monday night on Nitro. Could he be the "old nemesis" Vince Russo was talking about?
The old clock on the wall tells me that it's time to wrap this baby up. Be sure to join us tonight for live coverage of WWF Unforgiven and be sure to stop by tomorrow for a complete post-PPV edition of the news and rumors here at TPWW! Enjoy the PPV!
- How about them Jets?!
Triple A
TripleA99@aol.com