News Update--5/6/99

Hi everyone, sorry I haven't updated news but I have been very, and the Rob means very, busy with other things, notably the end of my college year. Anyways this time around I have Rajah's news update so enjoy…

The ratings released by Neilsen this afternoon were sure indicative of the nature of the WWF's show. RAW is WAR hammered home a record-tying 6.4 composite based on a modest 5.9 hour one and a phenomenal 6.9 for the final 60 minutes. The same cannot be said of NITRO as they posted one of its lowest composites of all time, scoring a miserable 3.4 off of hourly numbers of 4.0, 3.4 and 2.8 (ugh). The 5/2 edition of Sunday Night Heat kept pace with last week's rating and outscored NITRO yet again by earning a 4.0 score. Just a reminder that next week's RAW is live and with the incredible success of this week's show, you can expect the WWF to go after a new record come Monday.

More good news out of the WWF's camp. As it appears now, UPN will exercise their option and pick up "WWF Smackdown" as part of their regular fall lineup. If you don't know by now, Smackdown scored a 5.8 NETWORK rating (more on this later) and a 4.0 national rating. The latter number makes the show one of the most watched programs on UPN of all-time! However, the news is not all that great, as preliminary reports have the network inserting Smackdown into a Tuesday evening timeslot, instead of the Thursday spot first envisioned. With this comes the potential scare of WWF overexposure. You got Heat on Sunday, the usual RAW on Monday and now Smackdown on Tuesday. Five hours of WWF wrestling over a three day span isn't what the WWF would ideally want. However, given the promotion's recent incredible rise in popularity, I suspect it will all work out when the fat lady has sung her song.

I want to touch a bit on the 5.8 rating that Smackdown produced. I've read reports by other webmasters stating that a 5.8 is not that great of a score, seeing as how RAW consistently breaks the 6.0 mark on its own. What these people are forgetting is that UPN is a network station, whereas USA is a cable station. Therefore, its rating pretty much takes into account every television set in the United States, whereas the ratings we usually hear only consider cable viewers. It's tough to explain the whole concept behind the numbers game, but suffice to say, that Smackdown attracted more viewers than RAW ever has and was the highest viewed WWF program since the days of "Saturday Night's Main Event" on NBC, several years back. All this despite the fact that Smackdown was NOT aired in several popular markets, the Ted Turner run Atlanta region being one of them. Coincidence? I think not.

Anyways, onto some of the more interesting details from last night's RAW. As rumors have indicated for several weeks now, Shane McMahon finally revealed himself to be the higher power that guides the Undertaker and the higher power that orchestrated the abduction of Stephanie. What it basically led to was a suprising one-on-one showdown between Shane and Vince, with Pops coming out on top. Although this match was played out in relative detail last night, with proper hype and advancement, it can definitely be repeated at a future PPV or incorporated as part of a tag team match. Shane is over bigtime as a heel and Vince is slowly but surely earning his brownie points with the fans. It is remarkable to witness how far the former has come as far as his character is concerned. I can say with reasonable confidence that Shane McMahon is already a bigger heel than his father ever was. As his mic skills improve even more, his status as the biggest heel wrestling has ever seen will only increase.

The happenings of last night also led to the much rumored debut of "legal" WWF owner, Linda McMahon. Her role, however, was rather limited last night and I expect it to remain as such in the coming weeks. Her appearance was basically intended to help establish more heat towards Shane, as well as setting up the aforementioned Shane-Vince match later on in the night.

Things also reached a climax with D-Generation X, as the WWF put the final touches on the Billy Gunn heel turn. As it stands right now, D-X consists of only X-Pac and Road Dogg, with Kane also lurking by, but by no means an "official" member. It is no secret that the WWF has planned on allowing Gunn to go his singles route as a cocky heelish character, just like Shawn Michaels did almost a decade earlier. However, to take nothing away from Billy Gunn, he is no Shawn Michaels and if the WWF is molding Billy to be the next Shawn, it is bound to fail. In today's wrestling world, a good body and few butt wiggles does not make you a star. This fact also brings up an interesting point. Consider this a testing situation for the WWF as they attempt to figure out if Billy Gunn can survive on his own. Chances are, after a few months, the bookers will decide to re-unite the Outlaws together as one with a possible D-X reunion also included. Now what happens if the Road Dogg develops into the bigger star in this so called "singles period"? That would present an awfully precarious situation for the WWF because we all know that Jesse James appeals to the fans a helluva lot more...

Now, it is inevitable that I not go a day without some form of email pertaining to Shawn Michaels and his future with the WWF. To tell you the complete truth, I do NOT know what is up with Mr. Michaels. Over the last few weeks, every reporter and his uncle (me included) have speculated that Michaels will return any day now. It is rather foolish to try and predict when he will return on WWF TV. Let's just say this...Shawn is NOT going to WCW and he is NOT disappearing from the WWF forever. When the time is right, he will surely be back. And more likely than not, his return will have at least a little bit to do with the future of D-X as a stable. As far as his wrestling career goes, only Shawn knows if he'll ever compete again.

The WWF has long had plans of creating a "good" stable and a "bad" stable, even before the emergence of the whole nWo fiasco. With the introduction of the Corporate Ministry and The Union, it finally appears to be materializing. The CM, led by "boy wonder" Shane McMahon, contains two main-eventers in the form of the Undertaker and Triple H. The Union, led by Vince McMahon I suppose, also brag of two main-eventers, The Big Show and Mankind. And finally, you got "Stone Cold" Steve Austin and The Rock, who are NOT part of either group. Many rumors insist that over time, both Rock and Austin will align with the Union, but such a move makes little sense as far as WWF storylines go. Both these "loners" have gimmicks tailor-made for a WWF life devoid of others and teaming them up with the other WWF stars will ultimately do more harm than good. One thing that will definitely spark my interest is how far the WWF will actually go with this current theme, given the fact that they always insist that the days of good vs. evil are long past its time and the fact that they must be careful not to leave a WCW-like taste in people's mouths. No one wants to see the nWo VS. WCW all over again.

As part of this good vs. evil storyline that is panning out, the WWF presented another PPV-calibre match in the Big Show taking on The Undertaker. Now, I can say I'm 99% sure that this match will definitely be repeated later on this year, most likely at one of the PPVs. A match such as this is unbelievably marketable and is highly valuable to the WWF, considering that it does not involve either Austin or The Rock. In fact, if things play out as I expect them to over the next few weeks (more on this in a bit), Undertaker-Big Show could happen as early as King of the Ring. By the way, I don't know if anyone else caught it or not, but the bat used to hit Wight looked hollow to me, so no he really did not get drilled with a real baseball bat.

Georgiann Makropoulos reports that the WWF has officially released both "Dr. Death" Steve Williams and The Public Enemy. Williams was apparently told of his dismissal while he was touring Japan. He will likely remain there and wrestle in one of the promotions, while waiting for an appealing situation to arise locally. Public Enemy, on the other hand, have been reported as telling people that they will be back in WCW by summertime. However, given the somewhat bad terms the two parties parted ways in, it remains to be seen if WCW will indeed pick up the duo.

Speaking of releasing, on Friday, I reported some errorenous information regarding Glen Kulka. Although I was made to be known otherwise, Kulka has NOT been released by the WWF at this time and in fact will take part in the next WWF training camp. At that time, it is expected that he will get his progress analyzed and will undergo the ever popular "creative evaluation". Also at the training camp will be Kurt Angle. Jim Ross reports that Angle will earn a permanent spot on the WWF's roster by mid-summer, possibly with wife Karen at his side. Along with Sean Stasiak (otherwise known as Meat), the two are projected to be major players in the WWF leading into the new millenium.

There are also unconfirmed rumors that Teddy Hart, nephew of Bret and Owen Hart, has been released from his contract with the WWF. Again, this is NOT official and I will attempt to get more info in the coming days. Teddy has impressed officials with his natural talent but has unimpressed with his relative poor attitude.

The WWF has been hinting at a possible threesome/bisexual angle between PMS and newcomer Meat. Although the trio have briefly appeared on the RAW program, hints have been dropped elsewhere on Heat and other programming. The possibility of Goldust getting involved in this angle is a definite one to say the least as something like that is his type of ball game, if ya smell what I'm cookin'. Furthermore, as far as I know, Terri Runnels' contract with the WWF is quickly approaching its end and it is expected that she will not re-sign with the WWF in the fall, but rather choose to stay home and look after her daughter. If that is to happen, this much anticipated reunion between husband and wife has to happen, as I'm sure the WWF wouldn't pass by such a draw.

A lot of you have emailed me to kindly inform that Jeff Jarrett and Owen Hart are now known as "Canadian Country". Since I don't especially love the name and since I suspected it wouldn't stick around, I purposely neglected to make mention of it. Well, Dave Meltzer is now reporting that both wrestlers approached the WWF and asked for them to drop the name and the WWF complied with their wishes. Addtionally, both wrestlers expressed interest in taking a more singles approach and again it appears that they were granted their wish. Both Owen and Jarrett will likely be pushed at the I-C level, with the slight possibility that one of them walks away with the gold. This does NOT, however, indicate the end of their tag team alliance.

The WWF showed the first concrete evidence of a future Debra-Jeff Jarrett split last night as Debra appears to be showing some fondness towards Val Venis. The end result is that it's leading to a good looking angle between Jarrett and Venis, as they fight for the services of the ex Ms. McMichael. Where does this leave the best nugget the WWF has ever seen? Well, the Blue Blazer is back and I can't believe I'm saying this, but he may be exactly what Owen Hart needs right now. It has already gotten him embroiled in a feud with Intercontinental champion, the Godfather.

Lots of confusion has arisen regarding the upcoming British PPV: No Mercy on May 16. Contrary to what you might hear, this PPV will only be broadcast in the UK (much like Capital Carnage) and will include the anticipated Sable VS. Tori, loser-gets-her-top-stripped, Evening Gown Match. Many fans believe that this match will be on the Over The Edge Card emanating from Kansas City, but that is a totally different PPV. Here is the No Mercy card as it stands right now:

Steve Austin VS. Undertaker VS. Ken Shamrock (World Title Match)
X-Pac VS. Shane McMahon (Euro Title Match)
Tori VS. Sable (Evening Gown Match)
Kane VS. Mideon
Other matches to be announced at a later date.

Speaking of Sable, according to Jim Ross, she completed her second Playboy shoot on May 1st, 2nd and 3rd. Depending on how things go, this issue could hit newsstands as early as this August. With the incredible success of the edition #1, you can bet that both the WWF and Playboy will do whatever it takes to get the magazine out as quick as possible. I don't believe I will post the pics this time around, but I'm sure no one will have any problems locating them around the internet. I'd rather avoid getting threatened with a lawsuit this time around.

Even more news on Sable. Rumors abound that the WWF will be setting up a future angle between her, Debra and Nicole Bass, as all three ladies (err...maybe just two LADIES I guess) gun for Val Venis. Even though the announced match between Debra and Sable never materialized, you can bet your bottom dollar the WWF will explore that option. When Shane announced the match last night, the place popped bigtime and no doubt Vince and Co. definitely will take notice of the interest. As well, it appears that Sable's reign as WWF Women's champ is nearing its end. The WWF has hinted that Tori could be the one that dethrones her and with the rapid influx of "real" female talent, it would be in the WWF's best interest to crown a new champion. Plus, you can't forget about Nicole Bass and Ivory, both of whom also show potential as the titlist.

I've heard that next week on RAW, the WWF could debut up to two new ladies as part of their female roster. We've already seen one candidate and she is Canadian bodybuilder and fitness trainer Mariana Komlos, otherwise known as Mrs. Beaver Cleavage. I expect Komlos to shoot a few more vignettes with Headbanger Mosh before actually appearing in front of a live audience. The second lady may get her break as one of the Godfather's hoes. I don't have much details, but keep your eye open for that this Monday...

Apparently, three more matches have been made official for "Over The Edge" later this month. Here is the current card, which is subject to change between now and the PPV:

Steve Austin VS. The Undertaker
The Rock VS. Triple H
The Union (Big Show, Mankind, Test, Shamrock) VS. The Corporate Ministry (Acolytes, Viscera, Bossman)
X-Pac/Kane VS. D'Lo/Mark Henry
"Bad Ass" Billy Gunn VS. Road Dogg Jesse James
Val Venis/Sable VS. JeffJarrett/Debra
Godfather VS. Blue Blazer (Owen Hart)

Here's what could play out for the upcoming PPVs, namely King of the Ring, Fully Loaded and Summerslam. (Thanks Smoe De Tiger).

-Undertaker defeats Steve Austin with Shane's help to win the WWF title.
-King of the Ring sees Undertaker fight Big Show, with Paul Wight coming out on top. Austin teams up with Vince to take on Shane and Triple H.
-Summerslam rolls around and Austin fights Big Show for the title, Undertaker takes on Rock in the previously alluded to "Gates of Hell" Match and Shane takes on Vince.
-Austin wins the title back and goes onto feud with Triple H.

-That's just something to ponder over, as it's just MY booking prowess at its best.

Jim Ross is still going full steam ahead hyping up Steve Blackman. Blackman, for those that do not know, is getting completely repackaged and will re-appear with a totally new gimmick. Before showing face, it is expected that he will shoot some segments to introduce his gimmick. Ross went onto say that Blackman may show everyone why he is called the "Lethal Weapon", so take that for what it's worth.

There are reports that there have been some backstage heat between some of the WWF superstars. Last week, we heard Kevin Kelly bring up the minor ego problems between Edge, Christian and Test, well now Wade Keller reports that Mankind and Al Snow exchanged some words following the East Lansing Sunday Night Heat, after Mankind commented that Snow does not sell chairshots. As well, there are indications that Steve Austin and The Rock have had some minor backstage problems, likely owing to the fact that both guys want to establish themselves as the #1 face in Titan. However, I advise you to not take these backstage confrontations as anything too serious. They are a part of the game and nothing big usually ever comes out of stuff like this.

Canadian fans can rejoice. On May 22, CTV Sportsnet claims to have a big announcement that will please wrestling fans throughout Canada. Obviously, it is the announcement that they will begin carrying Sunday Night Heat starting this spring/summer, but there may be more pleasant surprises in store. As mentioned before, CTV Sportsnet begins carrying WWF Livewire this Saturday.

The latest release dates for various wrestling video games:

WWF Attitude:
N64: July ??, 1999
PSX: May 29, 1999
Gameboy: May 31, 1999

WCW Mayhem:
N64/PSX: Fall/Winter, 1999

ECW Wrestling:
N64/PSX: Winter/Spring, 2000

WCW is making a valiant attempt to market Gorgeous George as the next Sable. I'll admit, she's got the goods to surpass Sable, but since the WWF appeals to a wider range of viewers, it will be tough for Gorgeous George to steal Sable's thunder. WCW has also re-acquired the services of Torrie Wilson and with the recent signing of Madusa, I'm thinking "let's copy WWF and start a woman's division as well" train of thought...

In the coming weeks as the NBA playoffs take center stage, expect some pre-emptions of WCW NITRO. As soon as the schedule for the NBA playoffs are released, we will know for sure what dates are affected. Damn, I can only imagine what the ratings for RAW will be...

Before I leave, I'd just like to address some stuff. First off, a lot of people seem to believe that I attend ALL the WWF tapings, house shows, etc. All I got to say about that is "I wish". So please don't email me asking things like "how hot was the girl who flashed D-X"? Simply put, I have no idea.