Welcome (back) to TPWW.net on this lovely mid-October weekend. There is much to talk about today concerning not only wrestling news, but also site related news. If you've noticed somewhat of a lack of updates here at TPWW the last couple of days or so, it's due to the fact that I've been working "overtime" setting up our new wrestling videogames related website, TPWWGames.com. Our server is now currently up and running and I spent most of the last few days working on the content of the site. As of now, things are looking pretty good and the site may be up anytime in the next few days, depending on how much we can get done. With that said, let's get to today's news and rumors...
It was recently announced that tickets for WrestleMania 2001 at the Houston Astrodome will go on sale November 11. Prices for the event will range from $500 for the first ten rows to anywhere from $150 to $20 for the rest of the building. And of course, on a related note, you have your chance to win two tickets to WrestleMania completely FREE right here at TPWW.net. For more information, click HERE.
On the subject of WrestleMania, the infamous "Slammy Awards" will be back this year, according to Dave Meltzer, the night before WrestleMania on UPN.
Remaining on the subject of WWF pay per views, there are rumors afloat that the WWF may be planning on raising their pay per view TV prices to anywhere from $34.95 to $39.95, according to Dave Meltzer. This may, of course, mean more PPV profits for the WWF, but on the other hand, may discourage some viewers from purchasing the PPVs. But for now, the price hike is simply a possibility for the future.
Our upcoming WWF pay per view schedule has been updated throughout WrestleMania. To check it out, click HERE.
The WWF has reportedly launched its own record label, entitled "Smackdown! Records," according to a report by Billboard.com. The first album expected to be released will be volume 2 of "WWF Aggression," and will include not only rap, but also rock compilations of WWF superstar entrance themes. Disturbed and Cypress Hill are two noteworthy groups that have been announced for the upcoming album, which will be distributed by Sony. To read more, click HERE. Thanks to Josh for sending along information on the article.
WWF Smackdown! now airs in Australia, only 8 hours later than the WWF Smackdown! in the United States. Adam A from Australia sent along this report: "WWF SMACKDOWN 8 hours delay premiered yesterday (Friday) in Australia. But even more exciting news is that come November the previous two week delay of Raw and Heat will cease, and all programing will be up to date. Also, Heat will be back in November after being dropped in October for Metal." Definitely great news for Australian WWF fans.
In an interesting bit of news, the Big Show recently shaved his head bald and is currently wrestling in Jim Cornette's Ohio Valley Wrestling, which is somewhat of a "minor league" affiliate of the WWF.
Stephanie "McMahon-Helmsley" will be a guest host this Sunday night on Heat, joining Michael Cole and Tazz.
Speaking of Heat, here are the matches you can expect for Sunday's show:
- The Hardy Boyz vs. The Mean Street Posse
- X-Pac vs. Test
- Eddie Guerrero vs. The Goodfather - IC Title
- Triple H vs. Perry Saturn
Chris Jericho's band, "Fozzy," will be performing on WWF Heat on Sunday, October 29. That should definitely be fun to watch.
Bryan McEachern from Ontario, Canada sent the following: "I am attending a taping of a show called 'Open Mike' w/ Mike Bullard in Toronto, Canada, on October 27th 2000, one day before the event at Air Canada Center. The guests on the show are Edge, Christian, Chyna, Trish Stratus and friends. The theme is called WWF night. You can catch the show on CTV at 12:00 AM every Friday."
In an update on the potential sale of WCW, several reports state that the second WCW is sold (if it does in fact occur), Vince Russo would be out of WCW. Vince Russo seemed to be very aware of the situation on a recent edition of WCW.com's "WCW Live" audio show. As stated before, if the sale, rumored to be to Mandalay Sports, were to go through, Eric Bischoff would oversee the day to day operations of WCW, which may mean the removal of Vince Russo, at least from his head booking job. However, as Russo has reflected in the past, he seemingly has no interest in being "demoted," so it may mean the end of Vince Russo's "reign" in WCW.
Juventud Guerrera was reportedly arrested last night in Australia after a weird incident with police officers in the lobby of a hotel. Princess Judie from Australia sent the following: "I was just watching the 6 o'clock news here in Australia and they reported that Juventud Guerera got arrested after stripping buck naked at a WCW news conference in Brisbane, Queensland. They also reported that he has been sent home." Thanks to Ben for also sending a similar report.
Tank Abbott reportedly sprained his ankle last week, while training in the WCW Power Plant for his upcoming return. After the injury heels, Tank is expected to debut with a new gimmick, "Tank Sinatra." We can only imagine.
WCW's General Rection recently stated that he would be retiring after the upcoming year he has remaining on his WCW contract expires, in a recent interview with Alex Marvez of the Wrestling Observer. General Rection, real name Bill DeMott, stated that he suffered six concussions in three weeks wrestling hardcore matches late last year against Brian Knobs and Fit Finlay and has been feeling the effects of the concussions recently. In fact, he was actually told to retire last October, but refused to.
Meng reportedly also may be retired from pro wrestling soon, according to Dave Meltzer. The 41 year old Meng recently made his return to WCW on Nitro, only to be squashed by Bill Goldberg.
We may see the return of Super Crazy to ECW very soon. According to Dave Meltzer, the Insane Luchadore's passport paperwork has been completed, and Crazy is ready to return to the United States and, of course, wrestle for Extreme Championship Wrestling. In fact, if Paul Heyman needed him, Crazy would have been able to wrestle at the ECW PPV this past Sunday night.
ECW's Swinger, underwent surgery yesterday to repair a broken orbital bone, according to Dave Meltzer. Swinger had recently been teaming with ECW superstar Simon Diamond. No word on how long he'll be out of action.
TripleHY2J3 sent along the following information about a wrestling related fundraiser in Philadelphia, PA: "There will be a fundraiser on October 27th at the Neil Armstrong Middle School in Philadelphia. It will begin at 7:45, and will end around 10:30 or so. Confirmed wrestlers that will be on hand are Axl Rotten, Crowbar, Gillberg, 911, Chris Candido and Tammy Lynn Sytch, Rey Mysterio Jr., and "Howard Stern" and the Elephant Man (tag team). There will be one of the teachers and one of the students from the school in the show. The ticket prices are $14 for bleacher seats, $18 for floor seats, and $20 for Gold Seats (first five rows). For tickets and/or more information on this event, e-mail mastrovd@pepperlaw.com. There are 1200 some seats, and it is expected to be nearly sold out, if not completely sold out. So get your tickets NOW!"
The old clock on the wall tells me that it's time to wrap this one up. Stop by tomorrow for the Sunday edition of the N&R; here at TPWW with Corey Silvia. Until next time...
Triple A
TripleA99@aol.com