Hello, everybody and welcome to the post Royal Rumble edition of the news and rumors here at TPWW.net. There is a LOT to talk about today regarding the Royal Rumble as well as other news in the wrestling world. So without further delay, here are today's news and rumors.
Wasting no time in getting into things, I have to say that although there were a couple of things that I didn't like about the Royal Rumble last night, overall, I was entertained throughout. The PPV had me on the edge of my seat for the most part and had me interested in just about the whole show. The actual Royal Rumble match was entertaining and although some people may be angry that Stone Cold Steve Austin picked up the win again, it's a smart move if you think about it. It looks like we'll most likely be seeing a high drawing Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Rock main event at WrestleMania for the WWF Title, but of course, that is just speculation at this point. The WWF Title match between Kurt Angle and Triple H was decent and although it was a great technical match up, the crowd didn't seem too interested for the most part. Also, it once again succeeded in making Kurt Angle look like a weak champion. It seems that every defense he has, he just barely sneaks away with the title. The Benoit vs. Jericho ladder match was nothing short of excellent and lived up to its expectations for the most part. Great to finally see Jericho get a big win. The tag team title opener was decent and it's good to see the Dudleys finally get another title reign. As for the Chyna/Ivory match, the match succeeded in making Chyna look good, but overall, I really don't like this whole injury angle. The way Jim Ross sold the injury gave me an eerie feeling for some reason. Overall, like I said, it was a pretty entertaining PPV. The surprise appearances by the Big Show, Honky Tonk Man, and Meng added a lot to the show. Speaking of the appearances...
It appears that the Big Show is finally back full-time in the WWF. The 7 footer has reportedly lost around 72 pounds since being sent to Ohio Valley Wrestling and is now at a weight of 418 pounds. However, in a recent interview with WWF.com, The Big Show stated that he was not done. He expects to drop even more weight and is looking at a goal of around 380 pounds. The Big Show is reportedly at or near 100% physically now as all previous injuries have healed and due to his lighter weight, he is less likely to incure future injuries. The Big Show was reportedly contacted by Jim Ross last week, who told the Big Show to pack his bags and get ready to come to the Royal Rumble. For more on the Big Show, click HERE.
Meng, who also made a surprise appearance at the Royal Rumble last night, also is apparently in the WWF for good. He was reportedly contacted by Jim Ross on Wednesday to discuss a possible return. Soon enough, Meng - or Haku as he will be known in the WWF, taking back the name he had previously in the federation - was offered a WWF contract and has agreed to it. Expect to see Haku on WWF TV a lot more in the coming weeks.
As for the Honky Tonk Man, as of now, it appears that his appearance at the Rumble was a one time thing, but that may possibly change. In an interview with WWF.com, Honky said, "Hopefully I can do some more on-camera stuff, or even if not, help out with some of the young guys." In the interview, he states that one "young guy" who he's especially been impressed with is The Rock. To check out the article in full, click HERE.
As farfetched as this may sound, rumors are that the WWF asked Bret Hart to make a surprise appearance at the Rumble, but he declined. Whether or not those rumors are true is unknown at this time.
And finally, I must comment on Tazz once again. I used to think that it couldn't get any worse for him (in-ring wise) in the WWF, but the Royal Rumble dropped things to a new low. It's unbelievable how badly he is being buried. What happened at the Royal Rumble makes me wonder if he'll ever be dug out of this hole he has been put in. When his music hit and he made his entrance, I got pretty excited as always. Even though I knew there was absolutely no chance he would win the Royal Rumble, at least I would get to finally see him in action. But of course, he was knocked out about five seconds after entering, making him look like a complete joke. It literally made me feel like punching my TV screen. I'm almost losing all hope over here! What's going on?!
Here's something that I'm proud to plug... Fellow Tazz mark GOAT3001 sent along the following: "It's officially been a year since Tazz first entered the WWF. And I, as a Tazz fan am incredibly pissed off. Tazz entered in the Rumble last night and was eliminated as soon as he got in. WHY??? Drew Carey was in there longer. I have made a petition which says that we want Tazz pushed! My goal is to have 3000 signatures and then to send the sigs to the WWF Creative team and hopefully to Tazz himself. It may not do any good but it's important that the fans voice be heard and this is how. Sign the petition to SAVE TAZZ. THEY CAN'T IGNORE 3000+ PEOPLE! http://www.petitiononline.com/tazz632/petition.html" Take a few seconds out of your day and sign it, won't you? :-)
And in the final Tazz rant of the day, TPWW's own Adam Kirk sent along the following note on Tazz's match against K-Kwik, which aired on only the UK version of Sunday Night Heat yesterday... "Just thought you might want to know that on the Tazz vs. K-Kwik match on Heat (UK edition), Tazz did indeed get a LARGE pop - bigger than K-Kwik, bigger than I've heard on Heat for months, actually. Something of a mixed reaction, but still large. He hit the High-Cradle Tazzplex off a Harlem Sidekick attempt, and Kevin Kelly (jabroni though he might be) said, quote, 'Nobody in the WWF does suplexes better than Tazz.' The finish came out of absolutely nowhere after Tazz had basically beaten the crap out of Kwik - one move and it was over. Sheesh. The booing wasn't as strong as you might have read, but you could definitely pick it up if you listened."
Matthew J. Davies sent along the following regarding the WWF's upcoming PPV, No Way Out: "The Australian PPV provider Main Event has provided the poster for WWF No Way Out 2001. It features Kurt Angle with a really cool background." To check out the poster, click HERE.
The WWF has added a special section to Stone Cold Steve Austin's official web site, StoneCold.com, entitled "Austin's Road Rage." The section features a look back at the several vehicles Austin has used in the WWF, including a zamboni, monster truck, beer truck, and more.
WWF New York is holding a contest where WWF fans can win lunch with either Shawn Michaels or Chyna. Starting today and continuing until February 8th, five fans who visit WWF New York will be selected to have lunch with either Shawn Michaels or Chyna. For more information, visit WWFNY.com.
Just a reminder: WCW Nitro will air on Tuesday this week due to TNT airing a world premiere movie, "The Pretender 2001" in Nitro's regular Monday time slot. However, as mentioned, Nitro will air on Tuesday this week at its regular time of 8:00 PM EST.
Below is the rumored card for WCW's next PPV, SuperBrawl Revenge, according to Dave Meltzer. The PPV comes to us on Sunday, February 18.
- Scott Steiner vs. Kevin Nash - WCW World Title
- Diamond Dallas Page vs. Jeff Jarrett
- Shane Douglas vs. Rick Steiner - U.S. Title
- Chuck Palumbo & Sean O'Haire vs. Mark Jindrak & Shawn Stasiak - Tag Titles
- Kronik vs. Buff Bagwell & Lex Luger
- Chavo Guerrero Jr. vs. Rey Mysterio Jr. - Cruiserweight Title
- Hugh Morrus vs. The Wall
- More matches are expected to be added.
William sent along the following note regarding Bobby "The Brain" Heenan's return to wrestling: "I was watching WOW Women of Wrestling and they announced that Bobby 'The Brain' Heenan will be an announcer at their February pay-per-view called Unleashed on the 4th." That's definitely great news. Heenan has always been one of my all time favorites and it should be great to see him back in action.
That pretty much wraps things up. Colin Rogers has updated yet another great edition of the Q&A;, so check that out if you haven't already. Also be sure to sign that Tazz Petition just for the hell of it. Also check out my Royal Rumble Results if you haven't done so already. With that said, thanks for stopping by today. Until next time...
Triple A
TripleA99@aol.com