I don't mean to jump the gun, but I will. Hulk Hogan vs. Chris Jericho for the Undisputed World Title this week on Smackdown. There's no way Jericho is winning back the title. Even though I liked him as champ, him being the champ now doesn't fit in with what the WWF has planned in the future (and I don't even know what that plan is damnit). The WWF title is NOT switching holders on a show that has spoilers all over the Internet close to 48 hours before the show is going to air. So no, I don't expect Hogan to lose the belt on Smackdown. BUT, I can promise you this... if Hogan SOMEWAY, SOMEHOW, happens to be the WWF Champion AFTER Judgement Day, I can promise you this, and I absolutely mean this, I will discontinue writing this report until he loses the belt. It's not that I dislike Hogan or am trying to forget what he has done with this business. But the bottom line is, that was then, this is now. Hogan looks like he needs the help of a walker just to run down the isle. I believe with the current state of the WWF, they need to push younger stars while the title belt belongs on someone who can lead the company properly. Even though Hogan is really over, he doesn't lead the WWF the way it needs to be leaded. I don't mind a short title reign, but anything over month is insanely pushing it. Needless to say, I am pretty confident he is losing that belt at Judgement Day. With that little, "disclaimer" out of the way, I guess I can start the news and rumors now.
With Smackdown being a few days old already, I don't want to dwell on it that much. I will say I thought the show was good, better than Raw at least. The ratings tell a different story though as Smackdown scored a low 3.4 rating with a share of 5 this past week. I was looking forward to the progression of the D-Von Dudley minister angle, but not much if any progression was made as far as him feuding with any wrestler is concerned. I was impressed with Randy Orton's debut or referred as his "tryout" match. He is poised to be a big star upcoming in the WWF along with other young talent. I was surprised Orton got a clean pin over Hardcore Holly though. That really surprised me. I am glad the WWF is attempting to put over Mark Henry with his strongest man gimmick, but these backstage segments are just really goofy. I guess it has to be done somehow though. The segment where Kurt Angle debuted his new shirt was pretty good. If I ever see that shirt anymore, I would actually buy it. I understand why the Undertaker was on Smackdown, even though I don't like it, it has to be done (more on this later).
There is finally somewhat of an update on Scott Steiner. He passed his physical the WWF wanted him to take, and is cleared to wrestle. He is set to wrestle a New Japan tour soon, and the WWF and himself may talk again once he returns. Steiner however still is not ready to work a full WWF schedule (TV and houseshows), but the WWF may allow him to work a lighter schedule since they do want him on their roster. Steiner would be a great addition to the WWF, even if his wrestling would be limited, as his mic skills and presense alone is good enough. He would be the best fit for the nWo, even though I have my doubts they will still be around if Steiner comes to the WWF.
Rumors continue that Triple H, Undertaker, and Chris Jericho will all challenge Hulk Hogan for the WWF title at Judgement day rather then it being Undertaker vs. Hogan (which is what the main event is scheduled as now). It is fairly obvious a match between the two in this day would be awful, so with Jericho and Triple H most likely included in this match, Hogan and 'Taker can be carried a lot easier. This would most likely explain the reasoning that Triple H and Undertaker are at odds against each other and appearaing on each other's show this week. Someway somehow for a main event with the four to be built, Undertaker and Triple H have to have a reason to still hate each other. It would be silly to promote their hatred for each other going back from what took place before Backlash. So it only makes sense to have the two appear on the other one's show and build up this feud.
Scotty Too Hotty will be recieving neck surgery, most likely on May 7th. Scotty has had nagging neck problems for over the last year. It was believed he would be fine with simple rest and rehab but that has prooved to not work, and surgey is the only option. Scotty will be out most likely from 6 months to a whole year unfortunately. This takes place when the rumors of a Too Cool reunion (assuming the WWF was going to resign Grand Master Sexay).
DDP's current situation still hasn't changed much. His back problems still exist and as reported last week, may place his career on the line. For the time being, he will try back therapy in hopes of not having surgery. We report this a lot, how wrestlers use therepy first hoping that heals their injuries. That unfortunately often is not the case and surgery is usually required. The same can be said about Ken Griffey Jr. who got hurt earlier this year. He was hoping that rest and rehab would cure him, but if not, season ending surgery would be required for him as well. The same situation fell with Lita and her neck condition. As reported on TPWW the other day, Lita will undergo surgery as well and will be out for the next 6 months to a year.
Rey Mysterio Jr. has not signed a contract with the WWF as of Friday but will most likely this weekend according to Jim Ross. The fact that Ross has mentioned him should be a clear indicator that the two sides have verbally agreed to something and that he will sign. The new cruiserweight division will be pushed around him.
Looking ahead to WWF Raw this Monday night, I'm sure Stone Cold Steve Austin and Ric Flair will have another confrontation, this time concerning the Big Show turning on him last Monday night. Ric Flair last week teamed Big Show with Austin only for Show to turn on him and join the nWo, which will furthermore convince Austin, that Flair himself is out to get him. It is unknown if the WWF is just playing this up as where nothing really will come out of this, or if Ric Flair will actually make a heel turn. I think it's safe to say that Flair will make a heel turn sooner or later, but whether or not it will result with Austin and the nWo at this time remains to be seen.
I got a quick interesting tibit that I've been meaning to pass along for a while now but forgot about it. A few weeks ago I was in Wal-Mart walking past the sports section. I was wondering if by chance any if any XFL balls were still for sale that haven't been sold. I went down the isle of footballs and found something interesting. I saw the red and black balls with the same XFL design, and the same XFL box package but the ball didn't say XFL on it. Despite that, on the box the phrase "Toughest Football Ever" was clearly visible. Off the top of my head, I don't remember the manufactorer but it was the same one that made the XFL ball and it was clearly the same ball without the letters XFL.
That ends this report (loud pop from all who's reading). I'll be on Tuesday or Wednesday, whenever I find the time to write one of these. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.
Martin Hawrysko
Martin@tpww.net
AIM: INGAME21
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