Hey yo. On the day of one of the most anticipated WWF PPVs since WrestleMania, welcome to today's news and rumors right here at TPWW.net. As usual on the day of a PPV, there's a lot to talk about, so without further delay, here are today's news and rumors.
Several WWF wrestlers are beaten and bruised, suffering from various injuries. According to Jim Ross, a recent CT-scan revealed that Stone Cold Steve Austin suffered three broken bones in his back and two broken bones in his hand after the bump he took through the announce table at King of the Ring at the hands of Booker T. However, Austin will still be able to compete tonight, although he will be feeling the effects of the injury. However, Austin should be back to almost 100% in 10-14 days.
Also, in other injury news, Chris Jericho is suffering from a hyperextended elbow, but will wrestle. Kurt Angle has a black eye and whiplash from Smackdown, but also will wrestle. Spike Dudley will be able to return from his fractured fibula in about two weeks, the Goodfather will be able to wrestle again from a hamstring pull in about two weeks, and Steve Blackman is now recovered from his hip injury, according to JR.
According to 1wrestling, the WWF may decide to simply purchase ECW's assets in order to officially own the rights to the ECW name and tape library. The WWF has been given a little trouble from HHG Corp, ECW's parent company, and the bankruptcy court, over their claims on TV that they own ECW when they, in fact, do not. If the WWF does decide to purchase ECW officially, rumors are that it'll cost around $250,000 for its assets, and another $50,000 for using the ECW trademark.
Jim Ross recently revealed in his Ross Report that the WWF is very interested in signing Scott Steiner once he is able to compete from his leg injury. The WWF is apparently looking forward to having the former WCW champ on their roster soon and Steiner is also very anxious to be a part of the company.
With Invasion tonight, there are many rumors going around as to what exactly will happen at tonight's PPV. There have been rumors that we'll see Stone Cold Steve Austin once again turn heel, but this time join with the WCW/ECW group. If this does happen, it could lead up to a feud between Austin and The Rock, who is expected to make a return any day now, most likely at the July 30 Raw (at the earliest), according to Jim Ross. There have also been rumors that we may see either Kurt Angle or Chris Jericho defect to the WCW/ECW team. Either way, this PPV seems like it's going to be an enjoyable one.
Thanks to John Downton, Anthony Beckwith, and several others for pointing out that the WWF has put up a "secret" ECW site on the WCW.com web site. To check it out, click HERE.
In a recent media call-in interview with Jim Ross, JR stated that the WWF's long term plan still is to break up the WWF and WCW/ECW into two separate companies, with each taking one prime time slot (Raw, Smackdown). However, that's still a long while from happening, if it does happen at all.
This past Thursday's Smackdown drew a 3.9 rating, down from last week's 4.0 rating.
In a recent tabloid interview with "The Star", Chyna states that her relationship with Triple H was broken up after she discovered that Triple H was having an affair with Stephanie McMahon. Chyna stated that once HHH and Steph began to work the marriage angle together, she began to suspect an affair and when she confronted them about it, they told her it was true. However, Chyna stated that the reason she left the WWF wasn't due to that, but due to the fact that the WWF would not pay her enough money. Ego.
Big thanks to TPWW's own Rob Harvey for sending along this interesting piece of news: "The Sandman was on Between the Ropes saying there is gonna be a new company starting up within 60 days with TV (never said if it was national) called Main Event Championship Wrestling. Supposedly, they have Sandman, Sabu, Whipwreck (I thought he was jacking it in?), Hennig, Mike Rotundo, Dr. Death and a bunch of old ECW guys not with WWFE. Say they are planning on doing shows in the States, Canada and England. Take this how you want though! More confirmed names for that company - Steve Corino, Danny Doring, Balls Mahoney, Lou.E Dangerously, Jack Victory, Nova, Simon Diamond, Dawn Marie, Francine, Chris Chetti and Public Enema (or is that Enemy?)"
Also, Rob sent along the following note: "Also, the follow names are confirmed for this WrestleXpress deal in England. Steve Corino, Stevie Ray, Eric Bischoff, Sonny Ono, Curt Hennig, Vampiro, Christian York, Joey Matthews, Juventud Guerrera, Psicosis, Medusa, CIMA, Dragon Kid, Magnum Tokyo, David Penzer and bunch of the best British guys like Alex Shane, Jody Flash and Doug Williams. A mystery commissioner is set to be announced to and it's 99% The Cat. Wouldn't be surprised if Jerry Lawler, Brian Christopher and Brian Armstrong are on the show either. How they can afford to run this show with a 4,500 house (which they claim is close to sold out) is STILL baffling me."
Once again, below is the card for tonight's Invasion PPV:
- Inaugural Brawl: Austin, Angle, 'Taker, Kane, Jericho vs. Booker T, DDP, Dudleys, Rhyno
- Tazz vs. Tajiri
- Jeff Hardy vs. Rob Van Dam - Hardcore Title
- The Acolytes vs. Sean O'Haire & Chuck Palumbo - Tag Titles vs. Tag Titles
- Edge & Christian vs. Mike Awesome & Lance Storm
- Lita & Trish vs. Stacy Keibler & Torrie - Tag Team Bra & Panties Match
- X-Pac vs. Billy Kidman - LHW Title vs. Cruiserweight Title
- Earl Hebner vs. Nick Patrick - Referee Match
Also, it's expected that maybe another one or two matches will be added to the card, including a six man tag match. Be sure to join us tonight at 8PM for LIVE coverage of the PPV, done by myself.
Finally, major props go out to former TPWW alum and producer of CBS's WrestleLine, Downtown Dave Richard on becoming a producer and writer for NFL.com. You the man, Dave. You the MAN. Be sure to check out Dave's final WrestleLine column HERE.
With that, it's just about time to wrap this baby up. Thanks for reading as always, and enjoy tonight's PPV! Until next time...
Triple A
TripleA99@aol.com
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