Greetings TPWW readers, and welcome to my edition of the News and Rumors for December 4, 2000. I really don't have too much to say in today's intro, so without a lot of discussion or commotion, let's get on with the stories on the net for today...
In some exciting news from a very reliable source, it seems as though the Jerry Lynn/WWF talks are moving pretty slowly, but still moving. Paul Heyman is quite sure that last night's pay per view was NOT the last match or event in ECW for Lynn. Though Lynn did meet with Ross less than a week ago at the Smackdown taping, JR reportedly told Lynn to mail the Creative Team a tape of himself wrestling and cutting promos, and the writers would try to figure him in to the current WWF storylines. There is no immediate rush to get Jerry on the current WWF roster, so they appear to be doing things very slowly and by the numbers, waiting to bring him in until he can be guaranteed a solid position in the ever-expanding company.
The WWF has confirmed the story that Thrasher of the Headbangers (Glen Ruth), Tracy Smothers (former FBI member), and Bobcat (the ho who won the Hardcore title) have all been given their releases from their developmental deals. This has been on the way for a while now when it comes to Thrasher, and I had no idea that Smothers was still with the company. However, I was told that Bobcat was coming along quite nicely and had a very bright future in the company...what gives?
The Rock recently turned down an invitation to appear on Celebrity Jeopardy, stating that his schedule was too tight to tape the show. I think it would have been pretty entertaining, but I hope the same offer comes along for Celebrity Who Wants to be a Millionaire.
As most of you probably know already, Crash Holly defeated William Regal for the European Championship Saturday night at the UK only pay per view, WWF Rebellion. Full results are available elsewhere on the site.
In a related story, Crash is not expected to maintain the European Championship for long, possibly dropping it as early as tonight at Raw, or Tuesday at the Smackdown tapings. This makes me think...Crash Holly has now held the European gold, Hardcore Championship, and the Tag titles (alongside “cousin” Hardcore). Seems as though little Elroy is really coming into his own in the WWF nowadays.
Bradshaw wrestled (and lost to) Val Venis Saturday in a Dark Match, returning to action after healing up from his bruised ribs. It is expected that there will be an “Acolytes reunion” of sorts on December 12, since Faarooq will be returning from knee surgery at that date.
The WWF is working on putting together some new contracts for Jackie and Al Snow, both of which expire in mid 2001. I've always been an Al Snow fan, but I'm not too sure about Jackie...
While we're on contract talks, K-Kwik recently inked a long-term deal with the World Wrestling Federation. Looks like he'll be “getting rowdy” for a long time to come.
WWF referee Mike Chioda's father passed away late last week. Needless to say, the condolences of the entire TPWW staff goes out to the Chioda family at this time.
Rikishi's sore ankle is all but fully healed, and he will be ready to go at Armageddon. Too bad we can't say the same for the still-injured Triple H, eh?
Jim Ross has shot down the rumor that he has had contract discussions with Buff Bagwell and Torrie Wilson. He claims that the WWF has no interest in signing either of the two, as of right now.
Jackie recently filmed an episode of “Freedom”, a new show on UPN. I attempted to watch the episode with Terri in it, but I just couldn't stand the show. It's got the kid from Family Matters in it, and it relies way too much on the old “high octane action” for my tastes. Crime Scene Investigators, or CSI, has my pick as the best new show of this season, by the way.
There is a lot of talk backstage as of late about brining in former WCW superstar, Lenny Lane. Lane was a solid wrestler during his WCW days, and I think it would be good for the WWF to bring in a talented cruiserweight like Lenny. Am I the only one who thinks Lane could work a hell of an angle with Chris Jericho?
The WWF has officially come to terms with Kurt's younger brother, Eric Angle. Eric and Jim Ross hammered out a verbal deal at the pay per view last night, and the older Angle brother is going to be sent to Ohio Valley immediately to work on his ring skills. He looked pretty good to me at Survivor Series last month, but for whatever reason I'm just not too excited about his debut.
Chris Jericho will indeed have a rematch with Kane at Armageddon, and it will definitely be in a gimmick match of some sort. It is pretty clear that the six man Hell in the Cell is the drawing point of the pay per view, as everything else (that I've read so far, anyhow) seems like a repeat of the past.
Saturn, one of my personal favorite wrestlers in the business, has updated his online commentary. In it he speaks out about the differences between working for a "first rate" promotion like the WWF, and working for a "third rate" promotion like WCW, as well as the current state of ECW and America In general. The commentary can be accessed at his official website, PerrySaturn.com.
Today, MTV True Life will have a one-hour special on backyard wrestling. The following Sunday the special featuring HHH and Chyna will be repeated followed by an encore of the new backyard wrestling special.
There is very serious talk of involving Shane Douglas in the United States title picture, and possibly even giving him a run with the world strap in the year 2001. The WCW writers are experimenting with some of the mid card level talent, and attempting to make some new main eventers for the future. Shane Douglas is obviously a top prospect, and is on the top of the deck to receive a large push.
Stevie Ray is having some problems with his pectoral muscles as of late. The retirement angle with Scott Steiner is intended to give him some much needed healing time before his inevitable return.
The clock is set at two weeks for Lance Storm's return to the ring after suffering torn rib ligaments prior to the WCW Mayhem pay per view.
It seems as though every week there is something to report on Juventud Guerrera and his whereabouts. He will be wrestling in Tijuana on this Friday. Juvi has been eager to do some matches “back home” for a while now, and it seems as though he has gotten his wish.
Well, that's all for today, folks. If you have any comments, suggestions, thoughts, ideas, or just feel like talking wrestling, feel free to e-mail me at Corey@tpww.net. Be sure to check out Raw and/or Nitro tonight, and have a nice week.
Corey Silvia
Corey@tpww.net