Greetings TPWW readers, and welcome to the News and Rumors for November 12, 2000. I'll be your party host for this afternoon, and we've got some big happenings (well, not that big) in wrestling to discuss. I'm currently sick as hell with a respiratory infection, but that's quite all right, because it doesn't keep me from typing up this report. Without any further ado, let's get onto the News and Rumors for this afternoon/evening/night.
Some big news out of ECW is that Scott Hall was once again in action in Poughkeepsie, New York. Hall reportedly got the loudest pop of the evening, and challenged Justin Credible to a match. He ended up wrestling Big Sal on the show, and was JOBBED TO BIG SAL after Sal hit the Badda Bing on a fallen Hall. He then came back to fight Credible in the main event, and after the usual routine (toothpick, fallaway slam, etc.) got the win following the Razor's/Outsider's Edge. I don't understand why Heyman would job a huge name like Hall to Sal, then have him beat Credible. Doesn't that kind of kill both Justin's and Hall's credibility? According to reports however, Hall was in tremendous shape and had a great time working the show. The crowd loved him and was hot throughout the whole night.
Tommy Dreamer also returned to action on the same card, teaming up with Matthews and York to take on Simon Diamond, Swinger, and CW Anderson. The match was said to be out of control, and a total bloodbath.
Juventud Guerrera also had a debut last night, as he premiered in XPW, the much-talked about West Coast federation. He had a spectacular high flying altercation with the renowned Kid Kaos, who is known for his aerial ability. He was successful in the match, coming out a winner over the Kid.
On that same card, former ECW world champ Sabu retained the XPW title with a victory over former Eliminator, Kronus. Anyone who has read my column knows what a fan I was of the Eliminators (Kronus and Perry Saturn) and this match would have been something to see, I'm sure. XPW continues to expand in size and talent, and I don't think it will be long until we start talking about the "big four" rather than the big three.
Hardcore Holly returned at a house show in Cincinnati last night, challenging William Regal for the European gold. Hardcore was said to be pretty much the same as when he left, with little signs of ring rust. Holly is a personal favorite, and I can't wait to see him back on television. Speaking of which, his return is set for tomorrow night's episode of Raw.
Several matches are expected to be announced for the Survivor Series on tomorrow's episode of Raw besides the four that we already know about (Angle vs. Taker, Triple H vs. Austin, Rock vs. Rikishi, Jericho vs. Kane). Keep your eyes peeled for that, as it should be interesting.
A four way dance for the WWF tag titles is being heavily rumored for Survivor Series. The contestants would be Edge and Christian, the Hardy Boyz, the Dudleys, and of course the RTC. I think the match would be very good, since three incredible teams and one mediocre team are involved. I already can't wait for the RTC to lose the tag belts, and I'm hoping it will be to the Dudleys.
Ivory will be defending her Women's Championship against Lita at Survivor Series a week from today.
Triple H's back pain is said to be far worse than anyone expected. He may be forced to miss both Raw and Smackdown this week as a result, since the pain is too much for just about anybody to bear. At this point he is considered "questionable" but there is a good chance he won't be able to partake in Monday or Tuesday's show. Definitely a harsh break for the WWF, since Survivor Series is just around the corner, and not having one of the headliners there will definitely put a damper on the hype leading into it.
The DirecTV listing for tomorrow's Raw is the following:
WWF Raw (9:00-10:00) PM: Triple H's psychotic war.
WWF Warzone (10:00-11:05) PM: Stone Cold revenge.
Definitely interesting stuff, but that could all be thrown out the window if Triple isn't approved for TV tomorrow.
Mark Henry is in the clear as far as his weight goes, but he will remain in OVW for a few months/weeks to work on his in ring product. He is said to be sharper than ever before, and ready to dominate in the ring. He's faster, more agile, and much more athletic than he was during his old stint, and WWF higher ups expect some great things from him in the future. There is discussion of bringing him in as the RTC's next recruit, though it is not confirmed at this point. I could definitely see that as a possibility, since he used to go by the name of "Sexual Chocolate" as we all know, and would make a good fit in the group should he "reform".
Should Raw beat Nitro in the ratings this week (and I don't think I'd be presumptuous to say that it will) this will mark their 100th straight win over Nitro.
The Undertaker is said to be feeling on top of his game since returning, and is interested in dropping about twenty pounds from his frame, to get down to around 300. That, in addition to continuing to develop his ring skills, and he is said to be preparing to be a major force in the year 2001.
K Krush, a WWF developmental talent, will be appearing on WWF Heat tonight alongside his new partner, the Road Dogg. He is said to be a great talent, and will now go by the name of "K Kwik." Let's hope that things turn out for the best, because as annoying as his rapping gimmick may be, he is a talented individual inside the ring.
Billy Gunn and Rikishi are both having problems, Gunn with his shoulder and Rikishi with his nose cartilage. Neither will miss any television time, but both are hurting at this point, and Rikishi is having trouble breathing in the ring.
Here are some matches you can expect for Nitro tomorrow, taped in the London, England.
*Ric Flair sets up a "Lethal Lottery" tournament, with four teams randomly paired up competing in it. The four teams end up being Scott Steiner/Sting, Bam Bam/Awesome, Kronik, and Booker T/Luger.
*Crowbar vs. Big Vito for the Hardcore Title.
*The Cat vs. Elix Skipper
*O'Haire vs. Stasiak vs. Palumbo vs. Nash (Four Corners Match)
*Goldberg vs. Boogie Knights (Handicap Match)
*General Rection vs. Lance Storm (U.S. Title Match)
Contrary to Internet opinion, there is currently no interest in bringing back Scott Hall to WCW. Though they agree that he is a good talent that would help either ECW or the WWF, he is not worth the risk in their current financial situation. Hall's idea to work some dates for ECW had little to do with getting back into WCW however, since he did it to prove to the higher ups in the WWF what he can do should he put his mind to it. He is said to be interested in signing with the WWF, and helping out Heyman, a man who Vince McMahon respects very much, can't hurt his effort.
That's pretty much all for today, folks. I wish I could have dug up a little more on the WCW front, but this was pretty much all I could find today. I'd advise you all to check out Who Wants to be a Millionaire on ABC tonight. I've never particularly enjoyed the show, but it's the Celebrity edition, and Drew Carey, Jon Stewart (the funniest guy on cable), Norm Macdonald (the funniest guy on the networks), Charlie Sheen, and others will all be involved. Be sure to check that out, and have a great night.
Corey Silvia
Corey@tpww.net