Hello everyone and welcome to the Saturday edition of the news and rumors here at TPWW.net. There is a LOT to talk about today, including the return of the Dudleys and Tazz in ECW, injury updates, ratings, and more. So without further delay, here are today's news and rumors.
As many of you may know, the Dudley Boyz and Tazz made their return to ECW at the Elk's Lodge in Queens, New York last night for an ECW Hardcore TV taping. The Dudleys were involved with an angle between Tommy Dreamer, CW Anderson, Simon, & Swinger, where they challenged CW, Simon, & Swinger to a main event later in the night with Tommy Dreamer as their partner. The Dudleys ended up taking the victory with the 3D and even hit the Wassup bomb a couple of times in the night. As for Tazz, he made a surprise appearance during the Doring & Roadkill vs. Baldies tag title match, choking out the Baldies and helping his former students from ECW's House of Hardcore. The show was yet another ECW New York blockbuster. To check out the complete results, which included a World and TV title defense, click HERE.
One injury to note from last night's show... Kid Kash apparently suffered some sort of rib injury during his match against Justin Credible. Kash was apparently noticeably injured during the match and could barely finish, but did so, showing the heart of ECW's wrestlers. Kash was sent to the hospital after the show to have his ribs looked out. No update on the extent of the injury at this time.
The Dudley Boyz will once again be in the spotlight this Sunday night when they guest host WWF Heat live from WWF New York in Times Square. The WWF is holding a promo where fans dressed as the Dudleys will receive a free drink at WWF New York.
Thursday's WWF Smackdown! broadcast pulled in a 4.9 rating, down slightly from last week's 5.0.
There is apparently a rumor going around that states that Jerry Lawler is not under WWF contract. However, in his latest Ross Report, Jim Ross shot down this rumor, stating that Lawler signed a new long-term deal with the WWF a few months ago.
A few injuries to report... X-Pac should be back in the ring in a few weeks, according to Jim Ross, and will see his doctor next week for more information on a possible return date.
In an update from a previous report, Matt Hardy's shoulder injury should not keep him out of action too long, if at all. He apparently injured the shoulder this past Monday on Raw and could barely move it at the Smackdown tapings Tuesday. Lita is also suffering from a bruised back, as she was noticeably favoring her back on this past week's TV shows. However, to be sure that it is nothing more serious than a bruise, she will undergo an MRI soon. Lita will also host Raw is War this Monday from WWF New York.
Steve Blackman should be back on TV this Monday, according to Jim Ross, after a stomach ulcer kept him out for a little over a week. The ulcers occured due to Blackman taking too many anti-inflammatories to ease his injured back. Blackman apparently was hospitalized and was not able to eat for three days due to the stomach pains. However, as mentioned, he is feeling better and should be back this Monday.
Jim Ross shot down a few possible new talent rumors, claiming that the WWF has not spoken to Scott Hall or his representatives regarding a possible WWF return. JR also mentioned that the WWF has not offered Torrie Wilson, who was recently released by WCW, any type of contract and the WWF has no interest in signing her at this time.
Moving on to WCW news, tomorrow's WCW Starrcade PPV, which has been the WrestleMania of WCW PPVs in the past, has only sold a little over 3,000 tickets, according to Dave Meltzer, but WCW still managed to gain over $200,000 due to high ticket prices.
On the subject of Starrcade, remember that we will have FREE LIVE coverage of the PPV this Sunday night starting at 8:00 PM EST, as always. The same goes for every WWF, WCW, and ECW PPV. Although I will be attending ECW's next PPV, Guilty as Charged, someone at the site will be substituting for me in giving the live coverage.
Here is the final card for tomorrow's WCW Starrcade PPV:
- Scott Steiner vs. Sid - WCW World Heavyweight Title
- Goldberg vs. Lex Luger - No DQ
- The Perfect Event vs. Nash & DDP - WCW Tag Team Titles
- General Rection vs. Shane Douglas - WCW United States Title
- Crowbar vs. Terry Funk - WCW Hardcore Title
- Lance Storm vs. The Cat
- Mike Awesome vs. Bam Bam Bigelow
- Jeff Jarrett & Harris Bros. vs. The Filthy Animals
- 3 Count vs. Knoble & Karagias vs. Jung Dragons - Triple Ladder Match
- Kronik vs. Reno & Big Vito
Ric Flair apparently is interested in running for Governor of North Carolina in four years. Thanks to James from Indianapolis for sending this in: "Ric Flair was on the Bob and Tom radio show in Indianapolis this past Friday and said that he'll most likely run for Governor of North Carolina in four years."
Scott Steiner, Booker T, and Buff Bagwell will be appearing on an episode of the WB's "Charmed," which will air on February 1, 2001, according to Dave Scherer.
FarmClub.com will once again continue its "ECW Video of the Week" tonight, showcasing a battle between Steve Corino and Jerry Lynn. FarmClub.com will air tonight at midnight on USA Network. The ECW Video of the Week is expected to open the show.
In rather sudden news, it appears that New Jack may have quit the wrestling business for good. According to a report by Dave Scherer, New Jack stated last night at the Elk's Lodge that he is done with wrestling as a whole due to things in his personal life. New Jack reportedly claimed that he has had enough of the wrestling business and will move on. He was backstage at the big ECW show last night, but did not appear.
In a related story on New Jack, according to Dave Scherer, New Jack got into an altercation with a man and his wife at the Elk's Lodge bar last night. There were apparently words exchanged between New Jack and the man and his wife, which eventually led to New Jack going after the man. An ambulance was called and the man was taken to the hospital. As of now, there is nothing more to report on this situation, or on New Jack's wrestling career.
The old clock on the wall tells me it's time to wrap this one up. Thanks for reading, as always and be sure to stop by tomorrow nigh at 8:00 PM EST for LIVE coverage of the WCW Starrcade PPV. Until next time...
Triple A
TripleA99@aol.com