Coming off yet another PPV Sunday, welcome to TPWW.net for The People's News and Rumors. I was in attendance for last night's ECW PPV, Guilty as Charged, so of course I'll definitely comment on the show among other news in the wrestling world.
When it was all said and done, when all the smoke was cleared at the Hammerstein Ballroom, the "Man-Beast," Rhino walked out not only with his ECW World Television Title but also defeated the Hardcore Icon, The Sandman (who defeated Corino and Credible in the TLCC match) for the ECW title in about 2 minutes. After the match up, Rhino's former manager, Cyrus returned to the champ's side and made an open challenge to any wrestler in the back. Out came Paul Heyman's "Holy Sh*t" surprise, the returning Rob Van Dam followed by Rob's greatest rival, Jerry Lynn. Instead of a RVD/Rhino showdown, ECW treated its fans to yet another chapter in the RVD/Jerry Lynn rivalry which saw Rob getting the win with the Van Terminator.
My thoughts on Rhino winning the ECW World title? Well, I definitely have mixed feelings on it, as Rhino is a tremendous talent with all the tools to be a monster heel in the business, but at the same time, I don't like the fact that they basically hot shotted the title onto the Sandman only for him to job to Rhino about 5 minutes later. We saw more or less the same angle played at CyberSlam of last year with Tommy Dreamer going over Tazz only to lose to Justin Credible (who at the time was one half of the ECW tag champions with Lance Storm as The Impact Players). While smart in some areas, as a heel champ being chased by the babyface - which is seemingly Rob Van Dam chasing Rhino - and with a strong heel as champ, it helps build babyfaces up into the main event level. But then again, with Rhino defeating the Sandman, some fans who might have wanted the big payoff of the Sandman/Corino/Credible angle with the Sandman taking the belt might feel robbed with Rhino winning the ECW World title. But let's face it ECW fans, Rhino is the ECW World Heavyweight and World Television Champion, and who knows what'll happen next in ECW.
On Van Dam being the "Big Surprise," even though it might have been a bit obvious (like Goldberg joining up with the New Blood at the Great American Bash), it definitely delivered in my eyes. Internet fans when hearing about a mystery angle often set their expectations way higher than where they should be, and thus RVD's return might be a bit disappointing but I thought it was tremendous. As a wrestling fan, seeing Rob's return live was one of the top five wrestling moments that I had the privilege to see live, as the crowd at the Hammerstein Ballroom blew the roof off when "Walk" hit as Van Dam seemingly was going to challenge Rhino for the ECW title. I'm guessing that Paul E is pointing in the direction of a Van Dam/Rhino showdown for the title which is definitely the right move in my opinion as Rob is probably the only guy in ECW with that extra something that makes him the top star in the company. The Rock and Steve Austin have it in the WWF and Goldberg has the same in WCW. If you saw the PPV on TV, Van Dam's return didn't come off that great on TV but live, as I said earlier, it was definitely memorable. The fans in NYC were in a lively mood as usual (as the crowd interacted with each other), and they popped big time when Van Dam made his appearance. I've seen all the big babyfaces in the industry live... Guys like Hulk Hogan, Sting, The Rock, Steve Austin, Bret Hart, and Shawn Michaels, but the ovation for RVD when "Walk" hit was probably the loudest I have ever heard.
Will Van Dam stay in ECW or was this a one shot deal? To be perfectly honest, I don't know... Dave Scherer over at 1wrestling reports that in all likelihood, it was a one shot deal, as Rob is still open to offers from both the WWF and WCW. But with Van Dam, I have that gut feeling that he'll be sticking around, as RVD - who without a doubt is the most popular wrestler in ECW history - seems destined to hold the ECW World Heavyweight title, a reign that could have easily began about a year in to his two year TV title reign.
Another major development at the ECW PPV was the forming of the "New" Impact Players, Justin Credible and Steve Corino along with Francine and Jack Victory. Should be interesting to see where Paul E goes with this one as I for one am intrigued.
If you didn't see the show, you missed the ECW "returns" of both Chris Chetti and Missy Hyatt. Chetti returned as a referee to cost Nova a match over Confederate Currency, Chris Hamrick. While Hyatt, who is known in the business for something that I can't say in this PG-13 rated report, appeared in a vignette with Justin Credible, Francine, Corino, and Jack Victory. According to Dave Scherer, as of now, both were one time deals.
If you're wondering, here are the quick results for the show:
- Cyrus and Jerry Lynn d. Christian York and Joey Matthews
- Danny Doring and Roadkill d. EZ Money and Julio Dinero
- Nova (w/ a new nastier look) d. Chris Hamrick
- Tommy Dreamer d. CW Anderson
- Mikey Whripreck and Tajiri d. The FBI and Super Crazy and Kid Kash
- Balls Mahoney and Chilly Willy nc. Simon Diamond and Swinger due to outside interference from Rhino
- The Sandman d. Steve Corino and Justin Credible for the ECW World Title
- Rhino d. The Sandman for the ECW World Title
- Rob Van Dam d. Jerry Lynn
If you missed Sunday Night Heat last night, you missed the announcement of a cage match for tonight's Raw... As "The One" Billy Gunn takes on RTC Member, Val Venis. Should be a decent match up as this Billy Gunn and Chyna/RTC feud is definitely escalating to the return of Chyna which will most likely take place sometime between now and the Royal Rumble (or No Way Out in February).
In addition to the the Gunn/Venis match in the cage, here are a few more matches confirmed for Raw:
- Kurt Angle defends his WWF Title against Stone Cold Steve Austin
- "Y2J" Chris Jericho and the Hardys go up against the Radicals (Benoit, Saturn, and Malenko)
- Raven defends the WWF Hardcore Title against Steve Blackman
- And much more.
Expect Raw to start the monumental build up to this year's Royal Rumble PPV which of course should be another spectacular PPV by the WWF. In addition to the Rumble match up, Edge and Christian will defend their titles against the Dudleys, Dave Meltzer reports that we may see Chris Benoit defend the IC title against Y2J, and some sort of match that will result from Billy Gunn/Chyna/RTC program. I'd also expect Kurt Angle defend his WWF title, but aside from Austin and Triple H, I really don't know who's left for our Olympic Hero to face.
For all you Y2J fans out there, click HERE to check out Chris's experience at New York's Madision Square Garden as he participated in SuperSkate, the annual Celebrity Hockey game which helps raise funds for the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation and a New York Rangers' children's charity. And from what I heard, The Ayatollah of Rock and Rolla, stole the show as he outshined such stars as Jason Priestly, Dennis Leary, Rick Moranis and two ESPN anchors, Steve Levy and John Saunders.
Thanks to Philay for the following e-mail on WWF Champion, Kurt Angle: "WWF champion Kurt Angle was on the Johnny Dare and Murphy morning show on 98.9 The Rock yesterday morning 'pimpin" out Smackdown ticket sales for Smackdown in Kansas City on Feb 20 at Kemper Arena that went on sale today at noon. They talked about the hell in a cell being original and how he has dominated since his arrival (most successful rookie year) and how he is a real prick in real life just like he is on television, etc. etc. well anyway, Johnny dare put together a nude twister contest between 6 women and the winner received $100, 2 front row tickets to Smackdown, and a backstage pass to meet the wrestlers. Kurt was still on the phone when the women were undressing and Johnny Dare was describing the women to him. Anyway, Johnny was talking about the girls' big "cans" and asked Kurt if he liked big cans or little cans. Kurt said he liked cans that were in perfect proportion with the woman. and when the girls took off their pants and panties one was completely shaved and Kurt commented that he was a big fan of the completely shaven kitty. I just thought I would give that out to you since you are into wrestling news. and I got some somewhat nice tickets on the lower level for Smackdown in Kansas City on Feb. 20, so I'll be sure to pass on the results as soon as I get home."
Thanks to Y2Jishere2savU for the following e-mail concerning WWF Smackdown in the upper NY area.... "In the Syracuse/Central New York area we will not be getting Smackdown after this week's show. They're turning UPN into the WB. It was a rumor in the summer time but it's now confirmed as the commercials show some chick shows on Thursday at 8 and 9 instead of Smackdown."
Tonight after a two week absence, Nitro finally returns with a week left until WCW Sin. "Nitro Buzz" on WCW.com reports that Sid may take on the Franchise, Shane Douglas in a match up tonight. Also Goldberg has asked for a specific opponent this week rather than a random opponent, my guess, a member of "Totally Buff." Also, Lance Storm will issue a challenge for Team Canada's match up against the Filthy Animals at Sin, expect it to be some sort of gimmick match never before seen on WCW TV.
And for those who are wondering, here are a few matches to expect for tonight's Nitro:
- Scott Steiner v. Jeff Jarrett
- Chavo Guerrerro Jr v. Shannon Moore
- Billy Kidman v. Lance Storm
- Plus - More matches to be announced for Sin.
Should be interesting to see how the ratings pan out tonight, as this is the first night in two weeks that both shows are live, that it's not a holiday, and the fact that there is absolutely no football on to tempt wrestling fans to change the channel. I'm predicting a 5.2 rating for Raw and a 2.1 rating for Nitro but that's just a guess.
That's it for today. We have some tremendous - and I do mean tremendous - updates on the main page, such as Rob Harvey's great column, Ticking Timebomb, where Rob gives part 2 of his year 2000 review. Also, Colin Rogers' amazing Q&A; is updated for those who want their wrestling questions answered. So until next time, Later...
Ry
BIGRY214@aol.com - Feedback & Questions