Ay yo. Welcome to today's news and rumors here at TPWW.net. With the ECW/WCW invasion angle taking over the wrestling world, there's a lot to talk about in today's news and rumors. So, without further delay, here's today's report.
Last night's WWF Smackdown on UPN drew a 4.0, up from last week's 3.8. The number isn't anything spectacular, but it's a respectable and passable jump for the WWF and is a good sign that ECW's addition to the invasion angle was a great move.
In other ratings news, last night's Tough Enough, which I personally enjoyed, drew a 2.1 rating, up from last week's 2.0 and another good sign for the WWF. For some reason, I had a bad "XFL" feeling about Tough Enough - that it would drop each week, but luckily for the WWF, that hasn't been the case. I guess the fact that the show is actually good has something to do with it.
In his latest Ross Report, Jim Ross had this to say about ECW fans: "ECW fans are sure more vocal and passionate than WCW fans from where I sit. ECW's product was always underdog based and physical, which was a great combination from which to build. Heyman's complex mind added another vital ingredient to the edgy potion that resulted in the most unique product in the industry. Perhaps the passion of the ECW fans, no matter the number, was what really put the "extreme" in ECW. Hopefully, this passion can be factored back into the ECW-WCW coalition." You said it, JR.
However, according to Bob Ryder of 1wrestling, there is a rumor that HHG Corporation, the parent company of ECW, has contacted the WWF and has requested them to retract their "claim" that ECW is now owned by Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley. ECW owes over $7 million in debts and has filed for bankruptcy, but now that ECW is apparently "alive again" and is "owned" by the WWF (not the case), it could cause problems for the bankruptcy filing. The WWF has not actually purchased any of ECW's assets, and HHG Corp. has asked them to refrain from claiming that they have on WWF television. However, the WWF has responded, stating, "ECW was used simply as a creative element and was part of the ongoing fictional storylines we use on our shows." I'm personally hoping this won't jeopardize the great ECW angle that's going on, but HHG Corp. does have a somewhat strong case, unfortunately. There will hopefully be more on this story as it becomes available.
The WWF has put up articles on both Rob Van Dam and Tommy Dreamer about their long road to making it in the WWF. To check out the articles, click the following links. RVD: HERE. Dreamer: HERE. Dreamer is actually from my home town of Yonkers, New York, so you know I gotta be a fan of his.
Scott Hudson is apparently done with the World Wrestling Federation, at least for now, according to Dave Scherer. Hudson had apparently already taken a job in the federal government when WCW was bought out by the WWF, so when he was asked to come to the WWF as a WCW announcer, he said that he would not be able to do it full time due to his other job. However, he agreed to work part time as a WCW announcer for a few weeks, and now that the WWF has changed up the invasion angle, adding ECW to the mix, Hudson is apparently done with the company.
There are more rumors that Jerry Lawler is expected back on WWF TV soon, possibly even as soon as this Monday's Raw if all goes well. Lawler apparently wants to come back to work for the WWF, but has been vocal that he would not return unless his wife, Stacy "The Kat" Carter, was also brought back. The WWF looks like they haven't been willing to take up Lawler's "demand", but there's a chance that may change - or there's a chance that Lawler will compromise and return to the WWF alone. I guess only time will tell. If Lawler isn't back on Raw this Monday, I'm expecting Michael Cole to take the color spot.
With Smackdown in the books, this is how the Invasion card now looks:
- Inaugural Brawl: Austin, Angle, Undertaker, Kane, Jericho vs. Booker T, DDP, Dudleys, Rhyno
- The Acolytes vs. O'Haire & Palumbo - WWF & WCW Tag Titles
- X-Pac vs. Billy Kidman - LHW Title vs. Cruiserweight Title
- Tazz vs. Tajiri
- Lita & Trish vs. Stacy Keibler & Torrie Wilson - Bra & Panties Match
- Earl Hebner vs. Nick Patrick - Referee vs. Referee Match
Stone Cold Steve Austin may return to the ring as soon as this Monday night, according to the DirecTV Raw preview, which lists hour two as "Stone Cold looks to make a stunning return."
Another dark match that took place at the Smackdown/Heat tapings this past Tuesday was The Jung Dragons taking on Evan Karagias and Shannon Moore. The crowd was apparnetly really into the match; not a surprise, since they're four of the most entertaining cruiserweights in WCW. The Dragons won the match with Yang's "Yang Time" twisting top rope splash finisher.
In an injury update, DDP has been working with a knee injury, according to JR. Spike Dudley will see a doctor sometime in the next ten days about his fractured left fibula, and Steve Blackman is expected to return from a hip problem in the next week or two.
Also according to JR, the Right to Censor is pretty much officially done and each member is expected to be repackaged in varying forms over the next few months.
Today, July 13, is X-Pac's birthday.
Finally, RickJV17 sent word that the WWF has released their SummerSlam promo poster. And, to really no one's surprise, The Rock is featured predominantly. To check it out, click HERE. It looks like we'll definitely see a return of The Rock before SummerSlam, probably a short while after the Invasion PPV.
And with that, it's time to wrap this baby up. As always, thanks for reading and have a happy Friday the 13th. Until next time...
Triple A
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