Wrestling news
WArLoRd's Wrestling report
By Nick Lusignolo
March 11, 2000
There are a significant amount of injuries to update you on, including major surgery scheduled next week in Birmingham, Alabama to repair Bad Ass Billy Gunn's injured shoulder. Torn rotator cuff among other injuries will keep Mr. Ass on the shelf for 3-4 months, according to preliminary estimates, but it could be shorter. The surgery is scheduled for next Wednesday. Hardcore Holly has torn rib cartilage and should return in a couple of weeks, as will Stevie Richards from a broken foot. Val Venis' sprained neck is almost healed, which should see him return in the next 2-3 weeks. Gangrel is out with a busted eardrum but is improving and could return to work in a week or so. X-Pac has a severe bronchial infection and will miss the Canadian tour this weekend but will be available for the upcoming TV's. Taka Michinoku's shoulder is healing and should allow him to return to TV prior to WrestleMania on April 2. The Undertaker is also on track to return as early as late April or May depending on how his torn pec responds to the rehab following surgery a couple of weeks ago. Stone Cold is feeling very well, better everyday, and will be able to intensify his training in the next few weeks. No set return date has been scheduled for Austin or Taker pending their respective rehabs; however, both will definitely be back sooner than later.
According to the Calgary Sun, The British Bulldog is in good spirits as he combats enemies outside the ring. Davey Boy will be MIA for a few months it is speculated. I'm sure he could use everyone's best wishes and thoughts at this challenging time in his life.
WWF.com gets six million page view per day!
The WWF will begin airing a one hour version of Smackdown in prime time in Russia, reportedly in June.
Stevie Richards, who must somehow overcome the "injury prone" description, will begin contributing to WWF publications as a columnist.
Expect to see Droz begin contributing to WWF.com soon. Plans are being finalized that would see Droz very involved in, potentially, several areas within the WWF. By the way, Darren's rehab continues to progress. This kid has the heart of a true champion.
WOR-TV in NYC did a 10 TV rating Thursday night on SmackDown!. Memphis and Houston did even better #'s than that!
Tori will be all over the UK next week doing promotional work for WWF Insurrextion, May 6 in London at Earl's Court. This event sold out in a day and will be broadcast on Sky Box Office.
Y2J, Terri, Ivory, Test, Chyna and Stephanie McMahon will all be a part of the annual cable TV convention (CTAM) next week in LA.
Chyna's first 3rd Rock From the Sun episode will air March 14. Also, don't miss the article in the current edition of RAW Magazine on Chyna which is really EYE-OPENING! Check it out. Her book should really be something.
The XFL business structure is being developed and, from what I've heard, is going to involve some big time, heavy hitters from the world of pro football. Stay tuned.
Look for Rikishi and Too Cool to be wearing more apparel from LUGZ.
WWF AXXESS tickets go on sale Saturday in Southern California. Every WWF superstar is scheduled to be involved over the three day event. I'm really looking forward to this from a personal standpoint.
WWF's reported third quarter earnings are higher than analysts' expectations.
Lot's of available reading material available from wrestlers-turned-authors within the business. Mick Foley really set the bar high for "books by wrestlers". Some, I'm sure, will be very negative in general. Too bad.
WWF SmackDown! is in the top ten of all programs watched by Black and Hispanic audiences, according to Variety.
Rumors of backstage friction between The Rock and HHH are not accurate from where I sit. There is no doubt a very healthy rivalry between the two superstars but not a personally negative respect. Every time a competitor gets the least bit involved with the "office" these rumors of friction, etc. seem to pop up.
Road Dogg and Ivory will be in Cancun, Mexico March 14-18 for MTV's coverage of Spring Break. Lots of good exposure coming for these talents and the WWF with MTV.
Great ratings for RAW Monday night. I'm really starting to wonder who's accepting responsibility for the #'s WCW has been getting, i currently now know 4 wcw fans personally.
Billy Gunn's previously taped appearance on ABC's Sabrina will air tonight (March3 @ 9:00 p.m. EST/Pacific).
Next Tuesday's SmackDown! taping in Boston marks the sixth straight sellout in the Fleet Center! All TV events between now and WrestleMania are sold out! Same goes for April 3, LA and April 4, San Jose.
Mark Henry has a new game plan to address his conditioning and weight issues. We are pulling for his success.
The Big Show will soon be shooting a commercial for a new product from Chef Boyardee.
Mideon, Test, Rikishi, Steve Blackman, D'Lo Brown and Jackie will all be involved with MTV's Panama City, Florida MTV celebration later this month.
The Rock hosts "Saturday Night Live" on March 18 and guests on "The Tonight Show" on Friday, March 24.
Expect Edge and Christian to become more involved in major storylines soon. These two quality young men will be challenged to elevate to the next level.
Additional injury update: Al Snow is unbooked from house shows until WrestleMania so his injured back can heal a little quicker. Al will still be at TV's, however.
Newcomer Caryn Mower did some fun stuff last Tuesday in Trenton during the breaks of the taping of SmackDown! Caryn's role is still being developed but she has plenty of talent and I feel she can be a major player here.
Canadian beauty Trish Stratus' television character is being developed which should allow Trish to begin appearing on TV within a month or so, if not earlier. The WWF has very high expectations for this young lady who seems to have plenty of potential.
Why is it that some people allow the fame they gain from our business to change their personalities…..and not for the better? Talents that use our business simply as a "stepping stone" to "real" work should not be featured on anyone's TV show. However, to use the name identity cultivated within our business to develop another career while maintaining respect of our product and its performers is another matter all together. Unfortunately, many "cross over" performers usually dump on who brought them to the dance.
Take care and thanks for reading!
WArLoRd
