Welcome to The People's Wrestling Website, TPWW.net on this Friday, February 23, 2001. Lots of news out there from this Sunday's No Way Out PPV to the WWF picking up two more ECW talents, so let's get to the N&R...;
I thought last night's Smackdown was another solid effort by the WWF to hype the No Way Out PPV with decent development in the Angle/Rock, Austin/Triple H programs, and put the final touches on the rest of the matches on the card ranging from the Triple Threat Tag Team Table match, the Four Way Intercontinental Title Match, Trish Stratus and Stephanie McMahon, and the rest of the card. Should be interesting to see how the No Way Out card pans out, as what occurs at this show will have a direct impact on what happens at the "biggest show of the year," Wrestlemania X-Seven.
Smackdown did a 5.2 overnight rating, according to Buck Woodward over at 1Wrestling. The rating dropped to a 4.5 when the final numbers were released, but the 4.5 is good news for the WWF, up from last week's 4.3 rating for Smackdown. For those wondering, Survivor did a 17.9 overnight rating, while Friends did a 15.7. ER scored a huge 20.2 rating on NBC from 10-11PM, so Smackdown definitely had some stiff competition.
If you missed last night's Smackdown, here are the quicky results...
- Rikishi d. Jeff Hardy
- Big Show d. Crash, Perry Saturn, Steve Blackman, K-Kwik, and Hardcore Holly
- Chris Benoit and Eddie Guerrero d. Chris Jericho and X Pac
- The Kat and Ivory went to a No Contest
- Test d. William Regal
- Kurt Angle, Edge, and Christian d. The Rock, The Undertaker, and Kane
Smackdown also featured some strong interview segments with the likes of Kurt Angle, who did a great job in the show's opening promo, which saw Angle "dig his own grave" for No Way Out as he showed highlights of some his battles with his opponent at the Pay Per View, the Rock. The highlights showed Angle looking like the gold medalist that he is, while the Rock looked like just another runner up. I thought the addition of the "If you smell what the champ is cookin" to finish off the promo was definitely creative after the Rock mocked Kurt with the "It's True, It's True" quote on Raw, but it looks like the title will be changing at this Sunday's No Way Out (or Monday's Raw) with the People's Champ heading to the main event of Wrestlemania. I enjoyed the brief Jim Ross interview with Triple H, which saw Ross being pedigreed by the Game as a response to Austin's actions on Monday Night, but it's obvious that the Stone Cold character has changed a bit since its original conception. Years ago, Austin wouldn't even come out to make the save for JR, but he might have given Ross the Stone Cold Stunner for good measure.
Couple of interesting non Smackdown related notes for all you WWFites out there... First one concerns the WWF picking up two more ECW wrestlers, the young tag team of Joey Matthews and Christian York, according Dave Scherer. Not sure what kind of contract they signed, whether it'd be a contract similar to Credible, Rhino, Lynn, or a developmental deal which would send them to either MCW or OVW to better their trade. But whatever the case, I'm sure that these two young high flyers will be a great addition to the already ultra talented WWF roster.
Jim Ross updated his Ross Report column over at WWF.com today, and had some interesting notes... Ross put over the entire No Way Out card which I agree with him in that it has the potential to be a great show (but then again, it could be just another show) and added that there's a chance that some more matches could be added before the show on Sunday's Heat.
Ross added his usual injury update... Scotty 2 Hotty is currently going through what is being assumed as a pinched nerve in his neck... William Regal's neck problem is seemingly doing much better, but Bob Holly is having trouble with the arm broken courtesy of a Kurt Angle moonsault, which won't keep him out of action... Finally, WWF IC champion, Y2J, Chris Jericho is going through some physical therapy for an herniated disc in his lower back.
JR also put over the Justin Credible/X-Pac duo, and added that the former ECW World and Tag Champion, Credible could still possibly be given a name change (which is possible, as he hasn't been formally introduced by the WWF as he's only assisted X-Pac and hasn't been given any mic time as of yet). He also put over the current ECW Unified Champion, Rhino saying that he had a solid dark match Tuesday night and has what it takes to be a main eventer in the WWF, but like Justin, he could possibly be given a name change once he debuts. Another ECW departee, Jerry Lynn has officially signed with the WWF but has no start date. I definitely think that JL has what it takes to be a success in the WWF as he brings so much to the table in terms of ring work, but I wouldn't be shocked if he's placed with someone who could work the mic for him and help him get over.
Variety has reported that the WWF is interested in purchasing Artisan, the Independent movie company which is responsible for such films as the Blair Witch Project for a rumored $150 million. Not sure if this is the smartest move by the WWF with the XFL already on its plate. Is WWFE biting off a little more than they can chew?
The WWF has added a lot of new merchandise over at WWFShopzone.com ranging from new t shirts for The Rock, Steve Austin, Triple H, The One Billy Gunn, and several others. The WWF has also added even more jerseys for WWF fans to sport from a Tazz baseball jersey to Kurt Angle, Edge & Christian, and Hardys basketball jerseys to even a Y2J soccer jersey. To check out the new merchandise, click the link above.
Moving on to some WCW news for today, word has it that ECW will be giving former TV Champion, Kid Kash his release in the very near future. The reason being, with the release, Kash would now be free to sign with World Championship Wrestling. Definitely a good pick up by WCW, as Kash is one of the premier high flyers in all of wrestling, as he can hit the hurricanrana from almost any angle. Hopefully with his arrival to WCW comes a name and gimmick change.
Thunder pulled off a 1.5 rating on Wednesday night, which combined with Nitro's 2.0 rating, WCW did a dismal 3.5 rating for the week. Hopefully, the ratings will pick up for WCW in the near future.
Two matches have been announced for Monday's Nitro, and here they are...
- Jeff Jarrett vs. Dustin Rhodes w/ Ric Flair as the Special Guest Referee
- Shane Helms vs. Shannon Moore
- Also expect the first match in the cruiserweight tag team title tournament to take place.
Finally, here are my predictions for this Sunday's No Way Out PPV...
- Steve Austin vs. Triple H - 2/3 Falls (Including Street Fight & Cage Match): Steve Austin
- Kurt Angle vs. The Rock - WWF Title: The Rock
- Stephanie McMahon vs. Trish Stratus: Trish Stratus
- Chris Jericho vs. X-Pac vs. Eddie Guerrero vs. Chris Benoit - Intercontinental Title: Y2J
- The Dudleys vs. Edge & Christian vs. Undertaker & Kane - Tag Titles, Tables Match: The Dudleys
- Raven vs. The Big Show - WWF Hardcore Title: Raven
- Jerry Lawler vs. Steven Richards: Lawler
Well, that's about it for today. Until next time, ciao...