|
|
Post by Stephanie McMahon's sidekick! on Oct 31, 2002 13:25:41 GMT -5
Steiner's WWE Future, Fan Reaction To Steiner's Debut
WWE has set up an e-mail address where fans can state whether they'd rather see Scott Steiner on RAW or Smackdown. The address is RAWorSmackdown@wwe.com. Although the plan still is indeed for Steiner to debut on RAW, WWE (in a smart business move) wants to gather fan feedback to make sure their move with Steiner won't be a failure with the fans.
Thanks to reader Lori for the following:
Throughout Monday and some of yesterday (Tuesday), WWE.com had a poll asking fans whether they want to see Steiner on RAW or Smackdown. At 12:30 PM EST on Monday, the two were very even, with Smackdown up by about 52% to 48%. However, just an hour later, the poll changed drastically, with about 80% in favor of Smackdown and 20% in favor of RAW. On Tuesday, the results changed to 68% for Smackdown and 32% in favor of RAW. This seems very suspicious, just as the HHH/necrophilia poll did.
|
|
|
|
Post by Stephanie McMahon's sidekick! on Oct 31, 2002 13:27:54 GMT -5
Scott Steiner Meeting With Vince McMahon, Talks About Indy/WWE
Thanks to Jason Barnett for the following:
Scott Steiner made his final Indy appearance for Stars and Stripes Championship Wrestling in Lyndhurst, NJ last night. His appearance began with an autograph signing and was of course followed up by his match with Steve Corino. After the show Big Poppa Pump spoke briefly and shared his thoughts with us on the following items.
- Enjoyed working for SSCW and put the company over for running a good show.
- Said that becoming WWE World Champion is a very good possibility and the only way he can be stopped is by company politics.
- Was excited about heading to WWE and feels that working with Triple H and Brock Lesnar down the road could make for some very exciting moments for fans.
- Stated that his health is fine and fans should expect him to make a big impact in WWE.
Steiner was having some minor back pain prior to the show but everything appeared to be fine after his match with Steve Corino.
Scott Steiner will be headed for Titan Towers (Stamford, CT) today to discuss his debut and character plans.
|
|
|
|
Post by Stephanie McMahon's sidekick! on Oct 31, 2002 13:30:25 GMT -5
Vince McMahon Shocked At RAW Rating
After receiving word that RAW dropped from a 3.8 to 3.7 last week, and then dropping all the way down to a 3.4 this week, Vince McMahon was said to be shocked in the dramatic decline in numbers.
According to several close to the situation, Vince McMahon was so positive this new, shocking direction would increase business, not damage it.
While McMahon was said to be angry about the instant decrease, it is not known whether or not it was a wake-up call for him, and it's pretty likely that it won't stop him, not yet at least.
|
|
|
|
Post by Stephanie McMahon's sidekick! on Oct 31, 2002 13:32:27 GMT -5
Eric Bischoff's Backstage Treatment, Heat On Hurricane, more
The following news is derived and re-written from the Torch Newsletter.
Several former WCW wrestlers, and loyal WWE wrestlers enjoy seeing Eric Bischoff get no special treatment in the company. For example, Bischoff has to change in the same dressing room as the wrestlers do, and doesn't have the privelage of receiving limosine service from the company. Although he now gets along with some of the wrestlers in WCW he had heat with, most in the WWE locker room dislike him and consider him untrustworthy.
Gregory "Hurricane" Helms has some heat in the RAW locker room for being too close to lead RAW creative writer Brian Gewirtz. Gewirtz, a fellow comic-book fan, is considered by most to be the least popular person on the RAW staff.
A lot of the RAW wrestlers like writing crew member Ed Koskie due to his passion for the wrestling business, something many feel the rest of the RAW writing team, namely, Brian Gewirtz, doesn't have. Wrestlers cite Koskie's passion for the industry and the fact that he's a former fan. Koskie used to be a regular at ECW Arena events a few years ago.
|
|
|
|
Post by Stephanie McMahon's sidekick! on Oct 31, 2002 13:37:19 GMT -5
Huge Update On Lennox Lewis/WWE, WrestleMania; & more
- As many of you know, there have been stories going around about the WWE trying to work out some sort of deal to bring in Lennox Lewis. There were rumors going around that the WWE wanted to have Lewis fight Brock Lesnar but Lennox's business manager Adrian Ogun shot down those rumors and stated that if Lewis and the WWE do work together, Lewis would be in a special enforcer role only, much like Mike Tyson was at Wrestlemania 14.
However, the stories about the WWE wanting Lewis to actually fight won't go away. BoxingInsider.com reported on their website on October 25th that Vince McMahon had been in contact with the Nevada State Athletic Commission. The proposal that was brought up was a possible hybrid PPV in which Lewis would take on Lesnar while Kurt Angle would take on Michael Moorer on the show's under card.
The reports from BoxingInsider.com also said that McMahon wanted Angle & Lesnar to get trained up to fight Lewis & Moore and was looking into getting either Don Frye or Ken Shamrock to help out.
|
|
|
|
Post by Stephanie McMahon's sidekick! on Oct 31, 2002 13:39:31 GMT -5
Bret Hart Considering Returning To WWE
The following news is derived and re-written from the Torch Newsletter.
Bret Hart is said to be more open now than ever before to returning to WWE at some point in his life. Hart has been in regular contact with McMahon since Vince called him to wish him well after he suffered his stroke during a bicycle accident earlier this year.
The clips of Bret Hart on WWE television promoting the WWE Anthology CD are part of McMahon's attempt to mend fences with Hart as many say McMahon wouldn't even consider bringing up Hart on his television in the past. Vince sees it as great vindiction for many things he has been accused of doing wrong over the years if Hart would be able to forgive him enough to return to his company.
If Bret would make such a move, it would be done mainly because he misses the spotlight and wants to show fans he is doing well physically after his stroke. It's likely that Bret Hart's video library would also be a factor as he has wanted it for a long time now to use in books and videos, and McMahon has promised him it on several occassions to no avail.
|
|
|
|
Post by Stephanie McMahon's sidekick! on Oct 31, 2002 16:28:39 GMT -5
WWE Rumors: Goldberg To WWE, Big Show/Royal Rumble
The following rumors come from The Informer section of WWE Magazine:
As of now, it appears that there are some big format changes in store for the upcoming Royal Rumble. It looks as if the days of one wrestler spending sixty minutes in the ring and then winning are over. Will the winner still get a title shot at Wrestlemania? Eric Bischoff may have the last word on this.
Are the reports of Big Show bringing in an 'outsider' true? It doesn't look that way. However, don't be surprised if he partners up with some pure 'gold'.
[Note From Ben: The Informer has made a reference to Goldberg for the past several issues. This just means that WWE wants to let fans know that it could happen down the road, but no deal has been reached between the parties.]
|
|
|
|
Post by Stephanie McMahon's sidekick! on Oct 31, 2002 16:30:19 GMT -5
Vince Russo Possibly Fired From NWA-TNA
Earlier this week, there was some talk that Vince Russo had backstage heat with NWA-TNA's Jerry Jarrett. Last night at their weekly PPV, Vince Russo was nowhere to be seen nor was his name mentioned at all.
Rumors were flying ramped last night that Russo was no longer an employee of NWA-TNA.
Attempts to contact Jerry and Jeff Jarrett failed.
More details as they become available.
|
|
|
|
Post by Stephanie McMahon's sidekick! on Oct 31, 2002 16:32:28 GMT -5
Goldberg Speaks On Going To WWE, Scott Steiner, more
The following is an article from BillGoldberg.com:
Bill Goldberg blasted WWE's necrophilia angle and commented on how it might impact his signing with the Connecticut-based company. He also spoke about the WWE's signing of Scott Steiner, Sting's future and an Ultimate Warrior costume he once wore for Halloween in an exclusive interview from his home in suburban Atlanta.
"It's disgusting," Goldberg said of the HHH-Kane storyline. "The truth is, that just further enhances the reason why I'm not a part of their show."
As for Steiner, Goldberg said: "I wish success to everyone, but with his foot as bad as it is, I don't know if he can do it. Plus, the way he left the WWF the last time (he was there), that combined with the foot makes me skeptical. I definitely hope it works out for Scotty, but with these factors, I wonder how it will."
Goldberg said Scott did not inform his brother, Rick, of his decision to sign with the WWE. "It would have been nice if he had told him," Goldberg said. "Personally, I'm hoping that soon I'll have Rick by my side in All-Japan Pro Wrestling. And Sting, too, if he's interested."
Goldberg said Steiner's decision to join the WWE will not impact his decision to sign with the WWE. "What anyone else does has absolutely no effect my decision. My decision (to possibly join) the WWE is solely based on Vince McMahon's actions."
Goldberg, years ago, said his most unique Halloween costume was when he dressed as the Ultimate Warrior. Why? "Don't know. I just thought it was funny."
Tonight, Goldberg will give away Snickers bars to area trick-or-treaters. "I've probably already eaten half the bag, as happens every year, so I'm gonna have to go out and replenish my supply," he said.
Goldberg will not dress-up for Halloween this year, but, at his next costume-party, he plans to go as a dog, with a doghouse on his head.
|
|
|
|
Post by Stephanie McMahon's sidekick! on Nov 1, 2002 13:48:46 GMT -5
Two Top WWE Staff Members Leaving The Company
The following press release was issued by WWE
STAMFORD, Conn., October 31, 2002 - Effective today, Augie Liguori, Chief Financial Officer, and Julie Hoffman, Chief Marketing Officer, will be leaving World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.
"As our organization continues to evolve, we seek to bring in new leadership in both the financial and marketing areas," said Linda McMahon, WWEÔ ’s CEO. "Our focus for the future will continue to be on strengthening our core product, and we believe that new executive talent will further this key corporate objective."
While WWE conducts executive searches to fill these positions, Frank Serpe, Chief Accounting Officer, will serve as acting CFO, and Basil DeVito, a long-time company associate, will direct the marketing initiatives.
World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: WWE) is an integrated media and entertainment company headquartered in Stamford, Conn., with offices in New York, Los Angeles, Toronto and London, and The World, an entertainment complex in Times Square, New York City. Additional information on the company can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com. Information on television ratings and community activities can be found at parents.wwe.com.
|
|
|
|
Post by Stephanie McMahon's sidekick! on Nov 1, 2002 13:51:18 GMT -5
NFL/Royal Rumble, Vince Russo Firing Update, & More
Today, the NFL announced that its NFC and AFC Championship games will be held at a later timeslot. Due to these time changes, the AFC Championship game, which starts at 6:30PM Eastern Time on FOX, will overlap into the WWE Royal Rumble pay-per view also on January 19th at 8:00PM Eastern Time.
As we reported earlier today, Vince Russo has been fired from NWA-TNA after new partnership deal took effect. Russo offered to continue working with the now known TNA Entertainment, LLC as a secondary writer to Jerry Jarrett, but was unwilling to allow Jarrett to have final say over booking matters. This is almost identical to the power struggle Russo went through during his time in WCW, where he basically refused to accept a demotion from head writer to booking committee member.
WWE SmackDown! Cruiserweight sensation, Shannon Moore, will be marrying in fiancee, Crystal, this Saturday in a small ceremony in North Carolina. Unfortunately, Jeff Hardy, who was to be Moore's best man, will be unable to attend due to a RAW house show on the same day. Moore was granted the request to take the weekend off, but will be returning in time for next Tuesday's SmackDown! taping in Manchester, New Hampshire.
|
|
|
|
Post by Stephanie McMahon's sidekick! on Nov 1, 2002 15:36:37 GMT -5
New WWE Talent, Superstar Returning, Scotty 2 Hotty
As we reported a short while ago, WWE has shown interest in signing Nathan Jones to wrestle for the company. Nathan is thought of as an "absolute monster" as he is huge. Well, he will be making his first house show appearances this weekend with the Smackdown brand. He will be wrestling at the shows both tomorrow and Sunday, with the opponent of The Big Valbowski. This is to serve as a tryout to determine if Nathan is ready for WWE.
Sean O'Haire has recovered from his injury and will be wrestling at the Smackdown house show this Monday.
Scotty 2 Hotty will be hosting the live RAW party from the World this coming Monday. Tickets can be purchased from the box office at The World in New York City.
|
|
|
|
Post by Stephanie McMahon's sidekick! on Nov 2, 2002 4:51:34 GMT -5
Kurt Angle Speaks On Steiner/Goldberg, Lesnar, more
Thanks to reader JB for sending along the following:
Yesterday, Kurt Angle was on the radio show "The Morning Buzz" (www.morningbuzz.com).
He discussed things like how he enjoys his job and how he likes to create superstars by allowing them to get over by wrestling him.
Also mentioned one other person who enjoys putting people over is HHH, which I found rather funny.
Kurt went on to discuss things like his freestyle wrestling event hes going to be putting on, and he made little comments of him kicking Brock Lesnar's ass in a freestyle match.
When asked about who he thinks brings the best out of him in the ring, Kurt said it was a tough question but by far Edge and Chris Benoit bring the best out in him. Also went on to mention that Brock has been handling carrying the company/SmackDown! very well by watching how guys like The Rock, Stone Cold, and HHH did it in there times.
Kurt went on to mention that he was happy about Scott Steiner signing and would one day like to have a match with him. He mentioned that another person he would like to see sign is Goldberg but since he's so tied up in other things that wont happen for a while.
|
|
|
|
Post by Stephanie McMahon's sidekick! on Nov 2, 2002 4:54:58 GMT -5
RAW News & Notes: Elimination Chamber, Scott Steiner, more
Scotty Too Hotty will be hosting the RAW party this Monday night at The World in Times Square, New York. You can get tickets to be part of the event at The World Box Office, located off Broadway on 43rd St.
If last week's show is any indication, look for Eric Bischoff to announce exact details of the Elimination Chamber match. He announced last week that it would have elements of Royal Rumble, Survivor Series, and War Games. He also announced Triple H, Kane, Shawn Michaels, Booker T, Rob Van Dam, and Chris Jericho would be part of the match. He mentioned that this week he would reveal what the match is all about. Jim Ross mentioned in Friday's Ross Report that he has seen sketches of the Chameber, and it's one of the most unique structures he's ever seen in his history in the business.
Scott Steiner took part in video and photo shoots during his meeting with Vince McMahon at the WWE offices in Stamford, Connecticut last Wednesday. It's likely that a new video will debut this coming Monday night on RAW. However, it's doubtful that Steiner will appear live on television yet.
The following is the unofficial WWE RAW preview from TSN.ca:
WWE RAW: Mon Nov 4 @ 9:00 PM et - HBK is back and wants a piece of The Game! Who will be defecting from Smackdown! in exchange for The Big Show? WILL BIG POPPA PUMP SIGN WITH BISCHOFF?
|
|
|
|
Post by Stephanie McMahon's sidekick! on Nov 2, 2002 4:57:55 GMT -5
Bradshaw Annoyed With Ivory, Japan, Tour, & More
- Bradshaw is back with his "On the Road" journal, Day 12. Read his thoughts on Mark Henry, Scott Steiner, crooked promoters, Japanese beer and more. And no, Ivory hasn't stopped talking yet. Here's an exert of the commentary, You can read the rest at WWE.com.
On a plane to Tokyo now, just finished with the press conference and interviews in Seoul. Mark Henry joined us in Seoul. I was very glad to see Mark as always. However, I’m especially glad to see him today since he can be one more buffer between my ears and Ivory.
Glad to see Scott Steiner signed with the company. I enjoyed watching him in WCW and Japan. I don’t know Scott; I’ve been hunting with Rick. Scott should be a good addition to one of the rosters.
What a small, small world. The promoter who left Bobby Duncum Jr. and I stranded years ago in Seoul showed up at the press conference. The only problem was he is very popular in Korea, so I had to be nice. I was nice, albeit very insincere.
Just because he tried to stiff me on my money, made a video and never gave me any royalties, and left Bobby and I stranded for a week with no ride or money doesn’t mean I shouldn’t like him. However, business is business, and it did benefit the company to be nice, so I was. Didn’t want to be, but I was.
|
|
