Downhome's ross report roundup:

[Guest Downhome]

I'll go over the basic "highlights" from the Ross Report for March 29, 2002 which I haven't really seen posted on the site yet. I have already noticed ya'll talking about the RAW/Smackdown changes, so I'll just by pass that. I will put all direct quotes from the Ross Report in bold, and my comments will be in normal font. Here we go...

 

1) Chris Benoit reports to Heartland Wrestling Association in Cincinnati on Monday, April 1, and will hopefully be released to return to work sometime in May, as it now stands.

 

Well, it looks like Benoit will be back soon, however, I was hoping he would be ready to return before May, but still, at least his time to TRULY shine is coming up soon!

 

2) Mike Awesome may be released as early as next week to return to work. He will also need to work in Cincy or Ohio Valley Wrestling in Louisville, Ky., to knock off the ring rust.

 

Oh my God am I looking forward to this! I pray that they slap Awesome on the RAW show so he can get in on either the "ECW Hardcore" division, or the IC division. Either way, I can't wait to see him make his return!

 

3) Kanyon is still five to six weeks away from returning from ACL surgery.

 

Well, at least we have a time frame for Kanyon. Like Awesome, I hope he ends up on RAW as well.

 

4) Mike Sanders has two broken bones in his foot and will be sidelined for approximately six weeks at HWA.

 

Now this sucks, as I was hoping for Sanders to debut in the WWF very soon. But either way, I'm sure he'll debut for the Federation shortly after he heels up.

 

5) As I have discussed, it looks as if the cruiserweight division will be a feature of SmackDown! while the hardcore division will be featured on RAW.

 

Yeah, this is an obvious one, but now that I've thought about it, I like that it's been set up this way. I still believe that the "Hardcore dision" will actually end up as a type of "ECW Hardcore" division. Anyhow, this is a great thing here to do, as it will actually make way to TRULY showcase both the Hardcore division & the Cruiserweight division, which has been sorely neglected in the past.

 

6) Stone Cold Steve Austin is due back at TV this Monday and we will then, hopefully, address his "free-agent" status. Will Austin declare for RAW or SmackDown!? The Rattlesnake should really be full of "P and V" after taking a much-needed break over the last couple of weeks.

 

Simply put, that is a highly interesting quote right there. I believe the key word that Ross used here is "hopefully". I sure as hell hope Austin shows up, and I hope he "chooses" RAW, as that is the show which is in more need of "Main Eventers". But keep in mind, it might be possible he just doesn't want to work with the nWo. Well, on the other hand, Hogan is on Smackdown, so Austin just might prefer RAW!

 

7) Kane's promo on SmackDown! was a classic moment for the big fella, who I feel can be a long-term, main-event star in this company for years to come. With some subtle changes to this athlete's persona, I think Kane is money in the bank. As I have said here many times, let him talk more and watch the Big Red Machine grow into one of our most viable top-level hands.

 

I know that many of you guys may not be a fan of Kane, but I for one have awaited his obvious push for years. Kane is a GREAT worker for his size, and after his promo on Smackdown, I am actually HOPING that they allow him to talk more and more.

 

8) Rob Van Dam seems to be ready to elevate, too, based on the fan reactions I have experienced over the last few weeks.

 

Fellow posters, I do believe this is the most OBVIOUS thing that JR has EVER posted or said before, wouldn't you agree?

 

9) The addition of Rico to the duo of Billy & Chuck seems to be helping the Tag Team Champions.

 

I'm loveing Billy & Chuck w/Rico already. They are QUICKLY becoming a personal favorite tag-team of mine, not just of right now, but of recent years. Heck, I'm also excited about the return of "male managers". Smart move by the WWF if you ask me.

 

10) Will Bubba Dudley soon become a huge fan favorite on RAW or will he continue his controversial ways? And what about brother D-Von over on SmackDown!? Same goes for the APA with Bradshaw on RAW and Faarooq on SmackDown! New opportunities are going to be provided these two deserving talents as well.

 

If nothing else, it will be highly intersting to see where all four of these guys go from here. Personally, I feel they are going to build up The Dudleyz as a HUGE face tag team leading to there eventual comeback as a team. As for the APA, I look for them to stay seperated from here on out, and for Bradshaw to get a HUGE push. Faarooq may get a push as well, but how far would the WWF allow Mr. Simmons to go?

 

11) As impressive as the young stallion Brock Lesnar is -- and he will no doubt become even more impressive in the very near future -- Randy Orton may be just as good. Not sure if Orton is headed to RAW or SmackDown!, but I suspect Flair and Mr. McMahon will do some "recruiting" for this young man's talents when the time comes. If I stay on RAW with the King, I hope Orton signs with Flair.

 

Once again, more great news from the Ross Report. Brock Lesnar is going no where but up from here on out, and from what I hear, Randy Orton is going to be just as big a superstar once he debuts. Like JR, I really hope that Orton signs with Flair. As a matter of fact, I think MOST brand new talent should debut on RAW.

 

12) Speaking of Flair, the Nature Boy's pending interaction with Paul Heyman should be some classic stuff.

 

Ok, can you say "some of the greatest promo's of all time"? I sure as hell can, and I can't wait for em!

 

13) Eddie Guerrero and Rey Mysterio Jr. have verbally agreed to terms with the Federation, and we hope to have them officially signed in the next few days.

 

Well, we've all heard this from other sources, so it's great to hear it straight from the horses mouth. I am going to go out on a limb here, and say that more than likely both of these guys will end up on Smackdown. I wouldn't be suprised however to see Eddie end up on RAW to continue a program with The Hardyz, with Rey going on to RAW to be the "leader" of the Cruiserweight division.

 

14) Seven new talents have been offered contracts for our developmental program. When they sign, we will update you.

 

Ok, all together now! "Please let one be AJ Styles, please let one be AJ Styles!" I can't wait to find out who the seven guys are, and who the WWF does indeed sign to a contract.

 

15) I spoke briefly with Scott Steiner on Thursday and we are in the process of obtaining more information on his dropped foot ailment. We would like to add him to one of our rosters, but his health and the long-term affects of his foot condition are our main concerns.

 

Come on JR, why don't you just say that you sure as hell are going to sign him the MOMENT that he is 100% healthy? We all know it's going to happen, lol.

 

16) We have an interest in signing former ECW star Dawn Marie, and we will be meeting with her soon to discuss this matter.

 

Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes. The most beautiful, most charismatic, most perfect valet in the HISTORY of Pro. Wrestling could be on her way! My God, what could be better news that that!? Well, how about they trade Lance Storm over to RAW so we can FINALLY see the return of The Impact Players, complete with Dawn Marie and all!

 

Sincerely,

...Downhome...

[Guest]

I am totally marking out here for the Impact Players & Dawn Marie.

 

OK, this might make me sound like a complete idiot but when JR says, "The Rattlesnake should really be full of "P and V" what does P&V mean?

[Guest]

I'm guessing that means piss and vinegar.

[Guest AM The Kid]

Yeah, Piss and Vinegar

[Guest art_vandelay]

Thanks for the summary, Downhome.

 

The biggest news here is JR, basically confirming that both Eddie and Rey will sign with the WWF.  They may debut as soon as next week.  Whether they will be used properly or not remains be seen.

 

I think Dawn would really help Lance on SmackDown.  Casual fans don't give a shit about him at the moment, giving him a chick would definitely be helpful.  And as much as I would like to see it, The Impact Players are a thing of the past.  I tend to favour Lance in the technical wrestling division and Credible in the hardcore division.

[Guest Tony149]

It would probably be best if the Impact Players got back together. The tag division is in need of teams. At least those guys have been together before and wouldn't be guys thrown together by the WWF.

[Guest Downhome]

It would probably be best if the Impact Players got back together. The tag division is in need of teams. At least those guys have been together before and wouldn't be guys thrown together by the WWF.

I agree 100%, for two reasons. The first being that, obviously, the WWF needs some TRUE tag teams, and The Impact Players could provide just that, with Dawn Marie. My OTHER reason, is that their being a tag team could, in the long run, help get them over for their eventual SINGLES pushes. But the straps on them, let them run wild and TRULY show what they can do, and show the world that they both DO have character and personality afterall, THEN allow them to then enter the singles division. But hey...

 

...that's just what I'D do, lol.

[Guest TheDames7]

4) Mike Sanders has two broken bones in his foot and will be sidelined for approximately six weeks at HWA.

 

Now this sucks, as I was hoping for Sanders to debut in the WWF very soon. But either way, I'm sure he'll debut for the Federation shortly after he heels up.

"Heels" up is right....I've been reading reports that the Second Coming is now....a babyface??  Poo!  SCREW THAT!

 

I want Mike Sanders on my TV right now, face, heel, manager, announcer, doesn't matter.

 

Sanders = Buyrates & Ratings.

 

Dames = Free Drinks for Everyone!

[Guest]

Lance Storm and Justin Credible are on different sides.

[Guest Zero_Cool]

Heh, I say bring in Dawn Marie, and immediately put her in Lance's corner.  Then, Dawn "persuades" for Lance to be traded to Raw for a can of tuna or something.  They could then leave a mystery as to why they are moving to Raw over...

 

[J.R.]  What is the meaning of bringing Lance Storm to Raw?  What do he and that "Jezebel" have planned?

 

Then a match between Jeff Hardy and Lance Storm can take place at a Raw not too far into the future.  You need to somehow get Jeff ready for the Swanton Bomb, then have Credible (clad in his old ECW gear) pop up and nail Hardy in the head with a sick Singapore Cane shot.  After that, somehow give Storm the win..perhaps the Half Crab.  Then you have yourselve's a fresh fued.  It'll be six on six if you look at it correctly.  

 

Sound good to you guys?

[Guest dreamer420]

I like the news about dawn marie and mysterio but not too sure about Eddy Guerrero coming back so soon.  It seem like the WWF just fired him.

[Guest Brian]

Eddie should anchor the cruiserweight division. I don't think Rey's a strong enough performer, even wrestler to do it. Eddie's got the rudo oozing out of his pores in his ring work, awesome ability, and the mic skills to boot.

[Guest Downhome]

Heh, I say bring in Dawn Marie, and immediately put her in Lance's corner.  Then, Dawn "persuades" for Lance to be traded to Raw for a can of tuna or something.  They could then leave a mystery as to why they are moving to Raw over...

 

[J.R.]  What is the meaning of bringing Lance Storm to Raw?  What do he and that "Jezebel" have planned?

 

Then a match between Jeff Hardy and Lance Storm can take place at a Raw not too far into the future.  You need to somehow get Jeff ready for the Swanton Bomb, then have Credible (clad in his old ECW gear) pop up and nail Hardy in the head with a sick Singapore Cane shot.  After that, somehow give Storm the win..perhaps the Half Crab.  Then you have yourselve's a fresh fued.  It'll be six on six if you look at it correctly.  

 

Sound good to you guys?

Great idea, sounds good to me. I just know I want The Impact Players on RAW, to feud with The Hardyz! I can't wait to see The Impact Players w/Dawn Marie "pose"! That is indeed classic!

 

Eddie should anchor the cruiserweight division. I don't think Rey's a strong enough performer, even wrestler to do it. Eddie's got the rudo oozing out of his pores in his ring work, awesome ability, and the mic skills to boot.

 

Eddie shouldn't even TOUCH the Cruiserweight division, he is IC/Euro bound! Rey Jr. could SINGLEHANDEDLY bring the Cruiserweight divsion out of the ashes though. There is NO mistake about that!

[Guest Brian]

Rey can't anchor the division. He's not nearly what he was and doesn't have the same kind of mic skills as Eddie, plus they need a strong heel.

[Guest Vyce]

I totally feel the cruizerweight division will get buried on Smackdown, even with the new hirings.

 

You got Angle, Hogan, Rock, HHH will be showing up, Jericho, Benoit.....

 

There'll be a ton of guys there to take away the time from the cruizers.

[Guest The Man in Blak]

Impact Players w/Dawn Marie = Good Idea

Waiting Around For Scott Steiner to Be Healthy = Bad Idea

 

I just hope that Flair (Raw) gets the developmental talents...  *kneels and prays*

[Guest El Satanico]

Well i'm sure they won't go into great depth with the cruisers feuds. But hell if they can just find 10 minutes a show for them it should be enough. They don't need the 20 minutes of bs before even setting up the match that guys like Rock and Hogan get.

 

But God forbid Vince think about trimming 10 minutes of backstage bullshit.

[Guest The Man in Blak]

It'd be scary if they totally ditched the whole "20-minute opening promo" structure - then they'd actually have to give other wrestlers airtime.  Hell, they wouldn't have even had to split the roster, given the average time of Raw matches - you could fit in two or three, no mustard, EASILY.

[Guest goodhelmet]

I'm gonna make a few points about Ross's report:

 

1) It's nice they are bringing in Dawn Marie and all but why bring in another broad when they have done absolutely zilch with Torrie or Stacy and those are probably the two most beautiful women to ever appear in the WWF

 

2) I hope Kane elevates his game because RAW is looking scary bad. It's time for Kane to deliver in the ring or may he wallow in midcard hell for the rest of his career.

 

3)I was really hoping they wouldn't put the cruisers on Vince's

show but wishful thinking and all.

 

4) Why is everyone begging for the Impact Players? Can anyone name one good match they were involved with as a team? I love Lance Storm and I hope they give him something meaningful to do but Justin Credible is useless. Also, their mannerisms and shtick was all about ripping off DX

 

5) Hopefully, every injured guy mentioned goes to RAW because they need to strengthen up that roster NOW!!!

[Guest]

If Dawn comes back to manage Lance I will officially consider the wwf back in the creative ball game.  We need a good ditz.

[Guest starvenger]

2) I hope Kane elevates his game because RAW is looking scary bad. It's time for Kane to deliver in the ring or may he wallow in midcard hell for the rest of his career.

Maybe they'll release Glen Jacobs and put Mysterio in the Kane outfit.  I'm sure noone will know the difference...

[Guest muzanisa]

I thought Kane was great on Smackdown. Lance and Dawn would be awesome; I just hope that Simon Diamond isn't on his way in with her (okay worker and pretty good on the mic but I don't see him as a WWF wrestler)

Eddy Yes please, he is above Benoit and HHH in my estimation. I know that isn't true in the real world but I'm a huge Eddy mark. Also if they hired Hall then Eddy deserves a chance. He's been wrestling round the world putting on great matches and supposedly staying clean.

Rey I've never understood the fuss. Don't get me wrong I like the cruisers but Rey does nothing for me.

I like Steiner

Thank you for the recap, I don't like loading 13 individual pages with just one paragraph on them.

[Guest Brian]

I forgot to mention in the Torch that they said that Eddie and Rey were both told that they'd be part of the new division.

[Guest]

4) Why is everyone begging for the Impact Players? Can anyone name one good match they were involved with as a team? I love Lance Storm and I hope they give him something meaningful to do but Justin Credible is useless. Also, their mannerisms and shtick was all about ripping off DX

 

I believe it was Living Dangerously, Impact Platers Vs Douglas & Dreamer.

[Guest What?!]

I too don't want the Impact Players back. I mean, c'mon Justin Credible?! I'm sure you could replace Justin easily with some other up and comer and the team would be better.

[Guest WWF4Life]

I'd prefer to see a team of Lance Storm and Chris Kanyon actually. I've never been impressed by Credible, he's so...bland. I think the Impact Players are totally overrated, they were only together about a year.

[Guest bps "The Truth" 21]

That RVD quote is classic.

 

RVD is less over right now than he has been throughout his entire WWF run.

 

He's still over...just not crowd thinks he just won the undisputed title over.

 

I've said it before...and I'll say it again.

 

As long as HHH is a face...we won't see RVD anywhere near HHH in the ring.

 

HHH would never recover from the RVD chants.

[Guest Dangerous A]

But right now that would be stupid for RVD and HHH to have a match or feud since both of them are faces. It wouldn't make sense. I believe you in that RVD might get more of a pop in the arena. However, if HHH was to go heel sometime, I could easily see a RVD/HHH feud brew very well in my stomach.(if HHH can bring the goods in the ring and RVD gets more of the ME style concept)

[Guest bps "The Truth" 21]

I think that the first person that HHH should feud with after turning heel is RVD.

 

The crowd will love to hate on HHH then...especially since it's something that they've never seen before.

 

ANd when I said...won't be any where nera each other...I meant just that.

 

RVD won't be facing HHH's opponents if HHH is doing a run in.

 

No tag matches...no promos no anything that puts them both on screen at the same time.

 

HHH got away with one at the Rumble (since Booker got the heat for eliminating Van Dam) but had HHH picked him up and thrown him out...well...with how over RVD was thta night...does anyone doubt HHH would have gotten the shit booed out of him?

 

If HHH thinks he's over now...setting foot anywhere near RVD would take that dream away.

[Guest The Man in Blak]

Strangely, I think that Triple H would be more over as a heel than RVD as a face.  And, by proxy, since everybody liked Triple H as a heel, then he could potentially be over.  Kind of like the beginnings of the Bret Hart / Steve Austin feud pre-WM13, where lots of people liked Hart but a lot of people also appreciated Austin's style and attitude - they thought he was a bad ass.

 

In this example, RVD's setting the WWF on fire with his mellowed-out character and offense that's different than what a lot of people have to offer in the WWF.  Triple H is essentially the Scott Steiner-figure, with the physique to pound anybody, which would make the fans believe he's a big deal.

 

Given the current 7 mph style of Trips, though, I think a match with RVD would only be an ugly, UGLY trainwreck.