WWE News from the 6/7 Observer

[Enigma 0]

As things stand right now, the plan is for Edge to turn heel on Chris Benoit to lead to their 7/11 Vengeance main event in Hartford, CT.

 

Eddie Guerrero and Bradshaw were both banged up last week, which is why they had to do all the smoke and mirrors in their matches. In Green Bay, they did a lot of brawling outside the ring and sent Kurt Angle and Luther Reigns to ringside, largely to protect Guerrero, who had not recovered from the loss of so much blood, from having to do too much. They built to a spot where the ref was bumped while Guerrero was down. Reigns picked Angle up out of his chair and rolled him into the ring to make the count, but Guerrero of course kicked out. Guerrero hit JBL with a belt shot and threw the belt to Angle, and won with a frog splash as the original ref recovered. But even with protecting Guerrero, he wasn't in good shape when it was over and needed medical attention legit, including some oxygen. The next night in LaCrosse was when they did the main event that only went 2:42 with ten people running in, to distract the audience because both Guerrero and JBL were hurting. JBL had suffered a calf injury and couldn't move well.

 

The Raw Diva Search was actually planned originally for Smackdown, as was my immediate reaction that it should have been, just because that show needs something to make it seem to the audience that WWE thinks the show is special. With "America's Next Top Model" being the flagship show for UPN, they thought it was a natural for the network and would help in cross-promotion. However, UPN felt the contest was too similar, and declined. As you can imagine, this idea didn't go over well to a lot of the women characters in the company.

 

I have no idea why Billy Graham circa-1977 is featured on the Great American Bash TV commercial, but I'm guessing it's some sort of a tease for him to return in some capacity. Graham just signed a three-year talent contract with WWE, which is totally apart from his book deal. He is also working with Vince McMahon as a talent consultant. This is Vince trying to help Graham out, since Graham was one of his favorite wrestlers and Vince's vision of wrestling in the 80s and Hulk Hogan was greatly taken from how Graham got over in the 70s. Graham, even today, is a very charismatic speaker and a lot of the current crew, including HHH, idolizes him. The two have a checkered history, particularly in the early 90s, although once Graham signed the book deal and appeared on Confidential, this is no longer a shock. Actually, even in the early 90s, if you told me this would happen, I wouldn't have been as surprised as you'd think. There was a point in time that I was an intermediary between the two and Vince did want to make a private deal with Graham (at that point it no doubt was partially to keep him quiet one would think, but as much as Vince hated Graham in that period, he still liked him if that makes sense) but not through the lawyers and nothing ever happened. Graham had wanted to help coach Brock Lesnar on charisma and promos, because he thought Lesnar was only missing those ingredients to be one of the best ever.

 

Christian is expected out of the ring for another month, maybe longer. He's doing physical therapy on his back. He, at last word, was scheduled to return to TV on 6/7, but not wrestle for about a month after that.

 

The reason they shot the Paul Bearer angle without him being there was because he underwent emergency gall bladder surgery and they needed a storyline reason to explain his absence. The kidnapping and hostage angle was disagreed with by many (most?) on the writing team but Vince McMahon liked it and so did Undertaker. He'll be back when he recovers enough to go on the road.

 

Torrie Wilson and Stacy Keibler have gotten an apartment together in Los Angeles and are trying to make it as actresses.

 

The company will be marketing a WWE Raw Energy Fuel Cell energy drink.

 

Regarding the new method of local ratings, Neilsen puts them into effect on 6/3 in New York, on 7/8 in Los Angeles and on 8/5 in Chicago. The New York numbers for Smackdown will be the ones to follow starting after that to see if it makes significant difference.

 

Takako Inoue returned to Japan after her tryout and told the Japanese press that John Laurinaitis told her that her wrestling was good, but she needs to learn better English, so she's studying and taking classes.

 

At the 5/23 house show in Green Bay, due to a miscommunication regarding a wrestler who wasn't booked for the weekend that apparently wasn't known about, they switched up the card at the last minute and a lot of the wrestlers didn't have time to work out much ahead of time. There is the double-edged sword since the company is trying to go back to old school to where they don't work out much except the finish ahead of time and call the matches in the ring, so this forced the wrestlers to do that. The next night, Mark Jindrak vs. Orlando Jordan, Mordecai vs. Shannon Moore, and Chavo Classic vs. Spike Dudley vs. Billy Kidman were scheduled as prelim matches. Agent Dean Malenko decided to switch everything up, which he has the power to do. With Jim Ross working more closely with Vince McMahon, he's no longer part of the house show process, nor is Paul Heyman, as noted by the more generic versions of the shows as compared to when he was involved. The goal is to still give the house show the TV feel, with matches being made on the spot and angles and promos throughout the show. When Jindrak was in the ring, Malenko sent out Kidman and told Jordan not to go out. It was kind of a rib on Jindrak to see how he'd react to the double-cross. I guess he was confused at first, but went with it and didn't complain. Jordan was sent out with Mordecai and the two also had to do everything on the fly because they never talked before the match. Moore was moved into Kidman's spot in the cruiserweight match.

 

We were incorrect two weeks ago, as there was no specific money offer made to Kevin Von Erich for his tape collection at that time, although he and Jim Ross met this past week for WWE to find out exactly what he had and what the condition of the tapes were. Kevin had told people and it must have been an unofficial offer. I don't think a deal was made, because just says after the Von Erich/Ross meeting, we got word that Kevin Von Erich will be releasing a "Best of the Von Erichs" DVD through VCI Entertainment in Tulsa, probably in late July. The plan is VCI will release a Von Erich and World Class DVD every other month. Kevin will be doing promotions, and he and former referee and office worker David Manning did new commentary. WWE has also spoken to Ene Watts of late about the Mid South collection. The company feels they have more than enough tapes now for what they are trying to do, but are interested in adding to it. The Mid South tapes probably have some sentimental value, because Jim Ross is a main figure in this project and it's his original work, plus he was Bill Watts' right-hand man for the last several years of the company and it's kind of the wrestling he grew up with. There is interest in old All Japan and New Japan tapes, but it's hardly considered major interest. Because the tapes are owned by the networks, it may be difficult to purchase world rights to them. They probably wouldn't have a hard time getting U.S. broadcast rights, since The U.K. Wrestling Channel features New Japan classics and they hardly have a WWE budget, and have already gotten rights to some Chris Benoit matches and Eddie Guerrero matches in New Japan for upcoming DVD releases, including the Benoit vs. Great Sasuke 1994 original Super J Cup championship match on the new Benoit tape.

 

HHH is working on a bad right biceps and Kane suffered a thigh bruise in a match with Shelton Benjamin on 5/27 in Dublin.

 

Chris Jericho also suffered an arm injury when Tomko dropped a knee on him on the 5/26 show in Dublin as well as a bad neck. His luck continued as he got busted open right above his right eyebrow on 5/28 in Birmingham and needed five stitches. He worked with his ribs taped on the last two nights in the U.K., but that was a work to sell the table injury spot since Raw aired on Friday night there. He didn't miss any time.

 

Both Billy Kidman & Paul London are bothered by knee problems. Kidman right now can't do his shooting star because of the jolt the handing would have on his bad knee. London sprained his MCL at the Kingston show.

 

The other women who were involved in the "Lipstick and Dynamite" movie weren't too thrilled with Fabulous Moolah and Mae Young on Jay Leno on 5/24. Jay Leno mentioned the movie, but Moolah and Young never did and just told the story of some wrestler trying to feel Mae up (remember this was probably 50 years ago) when Mae was in the back seat of a car and Mae hitting the guy with her falsies. As you could tell by the bumps she was taking even a few years ago, Mae is one tough and completely fearless woman.

 

Harry Smith, the son of Davey Boy Smith, just graduated high school. It had been assumed for years he would get a developmental contract, but not until he graduated high school. Haven't heard anything in that direction, but the company has always been, and particularly under Jim Ross, went with the idea of "pedigree" in that sons of stars have gotten developmental deals. While The Rock would have made it under any circumstances as a big, agile, good-looking ex-college football player with natural abilities, although he wouldn't have had the push right out of the blocks, there is no question Randy Orton benefited greatly by his family tree, as did David Flair, who would have never been signed by WCW or WWE if he was the son of Bill Howard. Expect another group of developmental signings this month. One person rumored to be under consideration is Shelly Martinez of UPW, who uses the name Desire.

 

Although injured and out of action in WWE due to an ankle injury, Rikishi did work on an Afa show on 5/30 in Bushkill, PA teaming with former partner Brian Christopher and others.

 

Lance Storm has said, and this is a surprise, that he isn't missing wrestling. He said he enjoys his new role in OVW (his schedule is 13 days in Louisville and then goes home for 8 days off in Calgary) and his painful lower back is healing, even though he's taking more bumps in teaching, because he's taking controlled bumps, plus he's traveling less. Reports we've gotten are Storm is doing a good job in his role, which is a lot more than can be said about some (most notably Rocky Johnson and even Bobby Eaton) that they had used in that spot before.

 

There is heat on Rob Van Dam because he's arrived late one too many times.

 

Quinton Jackson of Pride, who is one of he best promo guys in the world, was at ringside at the 5/17 Raw show in San Diego. He joints Tito Ortiz, Mark Coleman, and Wes Sims as UFC or Pride fighters who have been at ringside at recent WWE events.

 

The actual attendances from last weekend that we only had estimates on were 5/17 Raw TV taping in San Diego drew 6,800 paid. 5/23 Raw in Moline drew 2,000 (looking bad in a big arena). 5/23 Smackdown in Green Bay drew 1,500 in a 10,000 seat arena. 5/24 Smackdown in LaCrosse drew 1,700, so really every house show that weekend didn't draw well. 5/29 in Kingston, Ontario drew a sellout 2,700. 5/30 Smackdown in St. John, New Brunswick drew an estimated 2,000.

[Guest Man Of 1,004 Modes]

Torrie Wilson and Stacy Keibler have gotten an apartment together in Los Angeles and are trying to make it as actresses

 

 

AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!

 

 

Edit: Hopefully Christian gets better soon, because then they can drag the Jericho feud on more.

 

Edge turning heel? BLAH!

 

Guerrero still suffering from the loss of blood?! Damn, it's been like three weeks. Last I checked severe loss of blood and transfusions only take maybe a week to heal up.

[treble 0]

Torrie Wilson and Stacy Keibler have gotten an apartment together in Los Angeles and are trying to make it as actresses.

I smell a sitcom.

[Guest Man Of 1,004 Modes]

Torrie Wilson and Stacy Keibler have gotten an apartment together in Los Angeles and are trying to make it as actresses.

I smell a shitty sitcom.

Edited for accuracy.

[Guest Mindless_Aggression]

No one has made a Cinemax porn joke about the Stacy/Torrie living arrangements? For shame.

 

I expect them to go the psychologist route. The psychologist encourages them to experiment, they do, bad sim sex scenes happen for 10 minutes and everyone is let down by them.

 

I await the day for RVD to just walk into the backstage area and go "I'm stoned. And late. Fire me. "

[CanadianChick 0]

Stacy would make it over Torrie. She makes a decent damsel in distress. Torrie is the worst actress on this side on Lita though. Sad thing? Apparently, she's taken acting lessons before.

[Guest Wondermouse]

No one has made a Cinemax porn joke about the Stacy/Torrie living arrangements? For shame.

 

I expect them to go the psychologist route. The psychologist encourages them to experiment, they do, bad sim sex scenes happen for 10 minutes and everyone is let down by them.

 

I await the day for RVD to just walk into the backstage area and go "I'm stoned. And late. Fire me. "

While I appreciate the humor, I prefer something a little more... hardcore.

[Guest Choken One]

If Eddy's still having problems...why are they booking him in matches?

 

Just set up Six Mans and tags until he is better...dont make him carry bradshaw in that condition.

[Guest Mindless_Aggression]

Stacy and Torrie don't scream "hardcore" porn to me, but I could easily see either in badly done softcore porn, specially Torrie. It fits like a glove, really.

[edotherocket 0]

SO what does Billy Kidman do now? Go live with Paul London?

[Guest Wondermouse]

Stacy and Torrie don't scream "hardcore" porn to me, but I could easily see either in badly done softcore porn, specially Torrie. It fits like a glove, really.

Oh, I agree. I'd just rather see the hardcore girl on girl action. But so goes it.

 

SO what does Billy Kidman do now? Go live with Paul London?

 

I think it's only an apartment where they stay at when they're in town.

[Dangerous K89 0]

Haha, didn't think about that. Sucks to be Kidman. As if knowing that the only reason he is employed is because of his wife doesn't take enough toll on his self-esteem.

[LucharesuFan619 0]

Torrie Wilson and Stacy Keibler have gotten an apartment together in Los Angeles and are trying to make it as actresses.

Is there any space for a se - errr - roommate?

[AndrewTS 0]

Torrie Wilson and Stacy Keibler have gotten an apartment together in Los Angeles and are trying to make it as actresses.

 

Well, it's not who you know, but who you blow.

 

If they try to make it on their acting talents, good luck, bitches.

[SuperJerk 0]

I'm surprised Torrie and Stacy don't stay at Victoria's place when their in town.

 

 

Bow-kitcha-bow-bow...

 

*does generic porn music dance*

[Guest TigerDriver91]

Well, it's not who you know, but who you blow.

Isn't that how the divas get their WWE contracts?

[SuperJerk 0]

One person rumored to be under consideration is Shelly Martinez of UPW, who uses the name Desire.

 

Hopefully that's not the craptastic chick from TNA.

[Guest BDC]

Chris Jericho also suffered an arm injury when Tomko dropped a knee on him on the 5/26 show in Dublin as well as a bad neck. His luck continued as he got busted open right above his right eyebrow on 5/28 in Birmingham and needed five stitches. He worked with his ribs taped on the last two nights in the U.K., but that was a work to sell the table injury spot since Raw aired on Friday night there. He didn't miss any time.

 

Huge props to Chris.

[Silence 0]

One person rumored to be under consideration is Shelly Martinez of UPW, who uses the name Desire.

 

Hopefully that's not the craptastic chick from TNA.

The one from TNA's real name is Kim Neilson.

[Guest JacK]

Oh that's good. I was getting worried that she'd get pushed over Alexis Laree, the decent chick wrestler next to Trinity from TNA.

 

And isn't it funny how almost all of Jericho's 'bad luck' seems to involve Tomko. Funny that. Bring Back Nathan Jones!

[CanadianChick 0]

For those interested in Desire...

 

 

Glory Wrestling Profile

UPW Profile

[Internet Warfare 0]

Thanks CC, I was wondering who she was.

[Guest Man Of 1,004 Modes]

And isn't it funny how almost all of Jericho's 'bad luck' seems to involve Tomko. Funny that. Bring Back Nathan Jones!

Maybe I should make that my new name.

[Lil' Bitch 0]

As things stand right now, the plan is for Edge to turn heel on Chris Benoit to lead to their 7/11 Vengeance main event in Hartford, CT.

 

Benoit's first PPV to main event without HHH or HBK on the show, can't wait.

 

Torrie Wilson and Stacy Keibler have gotten an apartment together in Los Angeles and are trying to make it as actresses.

 

I can't stop laughing right now.

 

 

 

I hope Eddie, Jericho, Christian, and London recover.

[cawthon777 0]

Torrie Wilson and Stacy Keibler have gotten an apartment together in Los Angeles and are trying to make it as actresses

 

 

AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!

Why did I read that and think Laverne & Shirly?

 

Torrie & Stacy + living in LA + looking for work = best sit-com ever

[razazteca 0]

Quinton Jackson of Pride, who is one of he best promo guys in the world, was at ringside at the 5/17 Raw show in San Diego. He joints Tito Ortiz, Mark Coleman, and Wes Sims as UFC or Pride fighters who have been at ringside at recent WWE events.

I can see it now as Jackson working Raw as the ANGRY BLACK MAN in the same manner as Bradshaw is doing the White Power gimmick on Smackdown. During every promo Jackson would say things like "You stupid redneck crackers dont understand the blackman's problems"

[Guest Real F'n Show]

Chris Jericho also suffered an arm injury when Tomko dropped a knee on him on the 5/26 show in Dublin as well as a bad neck. His luck continued as he got busted open right above his right eyebrow on 5/28 in Birmingham and needed five stitches. He worked with his ribs taped on the last two nights in the U.K., but that was a work to sell the table injury spot since Raw aired on Friday night there. He didn't miss any time.

God Vince is retarded. He's bringing all these green OVW guys with less than a year of experience, and it won't be too long before one of these hosses kills a world class worker like Jericho...

 

Hopefully this Tomko douche takes the Batista route and gets better, or the Nathan Jones route and disappears forever.

[Insane Bump Machine 0]

Torrie Wilson and Stacy Keibler have gotten an apartment together in Los Angeles and are trying to make it as actresses.

 

They could do a US remake of 2LDK. It probably wouldn't be as good as the original, but seeing those two fight each other to death in their apartment would be good entertainment.

[Guest JMA]

As things stand right now, the plan is for Edge to turn heel on Chris Benoit to lead to their 7/11 Vengeance main event in Hartford, CT.

 

And the last Canadian babyface being billed as from Canada turns heel. Coincidence?

 

In any case, I'm not sure I like the idea of Edge turning heel. On one hand, RAW needs credible upper card heels. On the other, Edge is ready to make the jump to the top of the card as a babyface (a role he's much better at).

[Guest Anglesault]

As things stand right now, the plan is for Edge to turn heel on Chris Benoit to lead to their 7/11 Vengeance main event in Hartford, CT.

 

And the last Canadian babyface being billed as from Canada turns heel. Coincidence?

 

In any case, I'm not sure I like the idea of Edge turning heel. On one hand, RAW needs credible upper card heels. On the other, Edge is ready to make the jump to the top of the card as a babyface (a role he's much better at).

Edge needs the heel turn. He's not very good at playing a face character.