Hey there TPWW readers, and welcome to today's edition of the News and Rumors. I'll be your host to all news and happenings of the wrestling world for Sunday, March 11. There's not that much going on, but it should still be an interesting report. Without any further delay, let's head into the stories…
For once, there's actually some GOOD news surrounding the XFL ratings this week. The Orlando Rage-Las Vegas Outlaws game drew a 2.8, up from last week's 2.6. It was still far and away the lowest rated show last night, but at least there's a slight increase in the numbers this week, rather than the usual large decrease.
Phil Mushnick wrote a very critical column in today's New York Post, ripping the Vince McMahon/Trish Stratus angle from Monday to shreds. He went on to add that it's because of shows like this that kids go into school with guns. While I certainly wasn't a fan of the angle, I think that's going a little far. To read the article, click HERE.
As of now it's all but confirmed that the Hardys will take on the Dudleys and Edge and Christian for the tag titles in a TLC match at Wrestlemania. Up until recently the gimmick surrounding the match was still up in the air, but it looks as though the WWF has settled on the extremely popular Tables, Ladders and Chairs match type.
There has been some talk circulating in the WWF about bringing in former WCW Hardcore champion Crowbar. He was recently released from his WCW contract, and the WWF has some interest in using him to aid the Hardcore division. Crowbar (Devon Storm) is honestly one of the hardest working wrestlers in the business, and I think WCW made a huge mistake by letting him go. Hopefully the WWF can get a hold of him and turn the bump machine into a star.
There is actually a very sizable chance that Billy Gunn may be released from his WWF contract during the wave of roster cuts starting later this month. Though Vince McMahon is usually a supporter of Gunn, it seems as though his contract just isn't paying off. He's unable to do much besides work in the Hardcore division, he's a danger to other wrestlers (Benoit), and has a big ego backstage. All signs seem to point towards "the One" being released sometime this month.
Contrary to some Internet speculation, the WWF currently has NO interest in signing former ECW World Champion Steve Corino. The general feeling is that he's too light to work with most of the WWF roster, and would require too large of a contract to be wasted in the light-heavyweight division. That, and his most defining characteristic (incessant blading) is not an image the WWF is scrambling to present.
Steve Bradley will definitely be debuting in the WWF shortly, most likely the week after Wrestlemania. The Dupps and Haas Brothers are also popular with WWF management, but neither team is on the same timeframe with Bradley. The general idea is that the Haas Brothers will be brought in after the Hardys split up, as they have a style and look that's similar to Matt and Jeff.
According to Buck Woodward, former ECW valet Jasmin St. Claire will be given a feature role in the Martin Lawrence sequel, Big Momma's House 2. The first movie was a huge success, though I'm not too sure how well Jasmin's unique "talents" will fit in alongside Lawrence's comic genius.
Tommy Dreamer made an unannounced surprise appearance last night in Delaware at the Combat Zone Wrestling show. He came out through the crowd, and brawled all over the arena with John Zandig, a mid card heel in the promotion. I don't know if he'll be working any further shows with CZW, but it must have been a really cool surprise for anyone in attendance last night.
I know there weren't a lot of stories in today's report, but I guess it was just an off day in the news cycle. Hope you enjoyed reading it in any case, and I'll see you back here again next weekend with my column and the News and Rumors Report.
Corey Silvia
Corey@tpww.net