Hello, everyone and welcome to TPWW.net for the Saturday edition of the news and rumors. There is a lot to talk about on the WWF front today, including more Austin/Rock speculation, Paul Heyman and the WWF, and more. So without further delay, here are today's news and rumors.
The cover of the latest edition of WWF magazine shows a picture of Stone Cold Steve Austin's face on the bottom of the magazine, with a picture of the Rock's face behind and above Austin's. Text on the magazine reads "WATCH YOUR BACK!" Of course, this adds to the speculation of an Austin/Rock main event at WrestleMania, meaning it's likely that The Rock will win the WWF title from Kurt Angle at the No Way Out PPV (or hey, maybe the WWF will actually have a title change on one of their TV shows for a change). To check out a picture of the WWF magazine cover, click HERE.
On the subject of No Way Out, the following four matches have already been confirmed for the card:
- Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Triple H - 2 out of 3 falls
- Kurt Angle vs. The Rock - WWF Title
- Stephanie McMahon vs. Trish Stratus
- The Dudleys vs. Edge & Christian vs. Kane & The Undertaker- Tag Titles
More matches are expected to be announced and developed for the PPV this Monday night on Raw, according to Jim Ross. The WWF will also, of course, have Smackdown this Thursday to help convince fans to order the PPV. About seven or eight matches in all are expected to be announced for the card when it's all said and done, according to JR. In a rather interesting tidbit, only about 85 percent of seats have been sold for the PPV in Las Vegas. The days of automatic 6.0 ratings and instant sellouts seem to be gone for the WWF.
In his recent Ross Report, while speaking about ECW owner Paul Heyman possibly joining the WWF creative team, Jim Ross flat out said, "I want him on the team." According to JR, some people feel that he is the reason why Paul Heyman has not joined the WWF yet. JR shot down the rumors, saying that he would fully support Heyman joining the WWF and has a lot of belief in his creative ability. The true reason why Heyman hasn't joined the WWF yet is, obviously, that he is still working his hardest to save his company, ECW. As much as I'd love for Heyman to join the WWF and give them the spark they need to get back to quality television, I'm still rooting for ECW to live on and I'm sure other die hard ECW fans are doing the same.
The WWF website recently conducted interviews with ECW World and TV champion, Rhino, as well as former ECW champion Jerry Lynn. Rhino's interview can be read by clicking HERE, while Jerry Lynn's can be read HERE.
Justin Credible will wrestle his first WWF match since his re-debut this Sunday at the WWF house show in Evansville, against K-Kwik.
The WWF has apparently heard the cries of Tazz fans. Last week, Jim Ross mentioned in his Ross Report that he would like to see Tazz receive more in-ring action. This week was no different, as JR said the following: "I'd like to see Tazz get more in-ring time. My intuition tells me that will happen." Definitely great news for fans of the Human Suplex Machine.
In an interesting note, Jim Ross stated the following in his Ross Report: "Expect roster cuts to begin soon. Let the rampant speculation begin." With the WWF's recent signing of ECW talent, roster cuts were definitely expected. As much as I'd like not to speculate, this may mean the end of Lo Down or possibly Gangrel, who has been injured for months, in the WWF. If D'Lo Brown is in fact released by the WWF, I would not be surprised if WCW were to sign him. The roster cuts will also almost surely include some WWF developmental talent.
In another very interesting note that is sure to start speculation, Jim Ross stated the following: "Chris Benoit will be one of the biggest fan favorites in the Federation in 2001." This could mean a few things, but it definitely means that Benoit will be pushed even further this year. Could we also possibly see a face turn for the Crippler?
Thursday's WWF Smackdown scored a 4.3 final rating, up from the 4.0 ratings it received the last two weeks. The .3 rise definitely has to be good news for the WWF. For those wondering, Survivor scored a 15.8 rating on Thursday, while Friends scored a 15.5.
Smackdown was apparently preempted on Thursday in both Detroit and Sacramento, due to a Pistons game and a Kings game, respectively. However, Smackdown should most likely air on Sunday at noon, as it has in the past. Thanks to Marsellus Walace and TheMyke for sending along those notes.
For those interested, Chyna's has apparently ended her relationship with Triple H. In a recent interview in the New York Daily News, Chyna states the following: "In the last year, I began to realize how much of Joanie I've lost to Chyna. With his success and my success combined, it became impossible to escape the WWF." To check out the full interview, click HERE.
The WWF has put up a website showcasing their "sickest bumps of all-time." The site is fittingly named WWFBumps.com.
Perry Saturn and Terri will be the guest hosts on this Sunday's edition of WWF Heat on MTV.
Moving on to WCW news, Wednesday's edition of WCW Thunder drew a 1.9 rating. The end of the show saw Scott Steiner hit a security guard in the leg with a pipe, "breaking" his leg. For those wondering, the leg was prosthetic. This Scott Steiner leg breaking thing is getting a little annoying for the simple fact that it's not believable at all. What are the odds that Steiner would break the legs of both Chris Daniels and Mike Modest by hitting them with a T-Bone Suplex, then break a security guard's leg?
We will be providing free, live coverage of WCW Superbrawl this Sunday, February 18 at 8 PM EST. We hope you'll join us!
Scott Hall is expected to begin touring with New Japan pro wrestling in March, according to Dave Meltzer. New Japan is already hyping up a mystery big name superstar for their March tour.
With that, it's just about time to wrap this one up. As always, thanks for reading and until next time, later.
Triple A
TripleA99@aol.com