30th september - 7th October news/spoliers

[Stephanie McMahon's sidekick!]

Funny Backstage Story From The SmackDown! Tapings

At the SmackDown! Tapings this past Tuesday, Arn Anderson stored his dress clothes in a locker while he went to work out in the ring with a few of the boys.
When he left the locker room, the door slammed behind him and yes, you guessed it, it locked!

Arn went and gathered a few of the boys to see if anyone could open it. No-one was able to so they tracked down Mark Henry. Sure enough, Henry was able to squeeze his fingers in the upper part of the door and open it as easy as most could open a refrigerator. I guess the don't call him The World Strongest man for nothin' huh?

Just thought I would let you all in on that backstage WWE story.

[Stephanie McMahon's sidekick!]

More Details On Hulk Hogan's WWE Contract

Rumors circulated last week that Hulk Hogan's WWE contract has expired and that he has no more contractually obligated dates left to work with WWE. Hogan himself said on the Bubba the Love Sponge radio show that his WWE contract has run out and that he is only working with Vince McMahon on a "handshake agreement." Those rumors couldn't be any further from the truth.

In fact, Hulk Hogan has a history of going on the Bubba the Love Sponge show and saying down-right untruthful rumors. I have been told that Hulk Hogan's WWE contract is still in-tact and does not expire until February.

The reason Hulk Hogan hasn't appeared on WWE television still stems back to the controversy in Australia for the Global Warning Tour. WWE didn't like the fact that he wouldn't work the show unless he was paid more, and he didn't like the fact that they expected him to fly to Australia and work the show without a pay-per view like payoff due to it not being "just another house show" as WWE claimed it was.

At this point WWE is allowing Hulk Hogan to sit out on the sidelines due to the fact that they don't have anything for him at this time, and the fact that Hogan himself prefers taking a few months off. He will be back in WWE, but most likely that wouldn't be for at least another month or so.

[Stephanie McMahon's sidekick!]

RAW News/Notes: Confirmed Match, Kane, & More

WWE RAW is live from Las Vegas, Nevada this coming Monday, 9:00pm eastern time on TNN.

So far, only one match is confirmed for the show which is Stacy Keibler vs. Trish Stratus in a gimmick match. The stipulation for that match has not been announced thus far, but was teased last week as being an "HLA" match or a "I disagree" match.

Don't forget, every single match on this coming Monday's RAW will have a stipulation involved. Each stipulated will be decided by the "RAW Roulette Wheel" as seen on last week's show.

Here is the RAW preview courtesy of TSN.ca: Next on TSN: Mon Oct 7 @ 9:00 PM et WWE Raw : With No Mercy on the horizon, can The Big Red Machine successfully play The Game? Tune in to RAW and find out!

[Stephanie McMahon's sidekick!]

Huge Plans for The IC Title, X-Pac/Justin Credible; more

- As of right now, the WWE is indeed planning on getting rid of the Intercontinental Championship at No Mercy in the "Winner Take All" match between Triple H & Kane. However, I'm sure it would not be for good.

- Brock Lesnar will be signing autographs Friday, Oct. 18 in Bloomington, Minn. at the Mall of America at the Sam Goody Central concourse area.

- On the new Uncle Kracker CD "No Stranger to Shame" both X-Pac and Justin Credible were thanked in the liner notes.

[Stephanie McMahon's sidekick!]

Major News on ECW Returning, WWE Leaving Europe & Japan

- The last week has seen much speculation on a possible return of ECW under the WWE corporate umbrella. Unfortunately this seems not to be as realistic as thought. Several sources within WWE have said that what Vince McMahon said about bringing ECW back was an off-handed remark that was said very flippantly. The cost of bringing ECW back to TNN would cost $350,000 a week and WWE has no intention of doing that whilst there current RAW and SmackDown! brands are suffering in the ratings. All WWE is interested in from ECW is its tape library.

- A few days ago I reported a story on Australia losing WWE TV. Well it seems more countries are losing the WWE market as well. In Japan this week it was announced that the only show WWE has on free network television AfterBurn will be cancelled following low ratings. This is terrible news for WWE who had wanted to regularly tour Japan any many Japanese fans get their first taste of WWE action on the network television show before moving on to subscribe to Satellite or Cable to see the A shows. Also following a pay dispute WWE has stopped sending tapes to Germany after the cable company showing them fell behind with payments. Germany had received Heat, Superstars, Bottom Line and seven PPV’s per year. At the moment it is doubtful WWE will return to German television any time soon.

[Stephanie McMahon's sidekick!]

More RAW News: Randy Orton, Roulette Wheel, & More

The following is from WWE.com:

[-Be on live TV this Monday from The World-]
Randy Orton will host the RAW party at The World -- WWE's Times Square entertainment complex -- this Monday night! There will be live cutbacks from the RAW arena to the fans on hand at The World! Don't miss this opportunity to be on live television. Get your tickets now or buy them at The World Box Office on 43rd Street and Broadway.

- Looks like for the first time in months WWE will be showing the "live RAW party" at The World in Times Square, New York. Mostly because Randy Orton seperated his shoulder at RAW last week and they still want to keep his presence on TV so they can continue his push while he rehabs the injury.

The following is from Zap2It.com:

EPISODE GUIDE
TITLE: WWE RAW
SYNOPSIS: RAW Roulette from Las Vegas; WWE's unusual matches.
CHANNEL: 34 [TNN]
DATE / TIME: October 7: 9:00PM
NOTES: English

- The only match confirmed is Trish Stratus vs. Stacy Keibler with a stipulated to be decided by the RAW Roulette, hinted at being a "HLA" match or "I disagree" by Eric Bischoff last week. Every single match on the show will have a stipulated decided by the "RAW Roulette" this coming Monday.

[Stephanie McMahon's sidekick!]

A Tough Enough Contestant Has Psychotic Breakdown

- One of the contestants on Tough Enough 3 has had a psychotic breakdown. She was left alone in the TE3 house whilst the others went out for a night on the town. While she was left alone she began running around and crashing into the walls before she climbed onto the roof and started claiming she was going to jump.

MTV producers called John "Big" Gubarik who came immediately and managed to talk her down. She was then hospitalized for three days against her will and put in a straight jacket to stop her harming herself and once released her parents had to collect her and take her home to New Mexico.

Whilst being taken home she attacked her parents and run away, she was subsequently sent to hospital again but checked her self out after it was deemed she was no longer a threat to herself or anyone else.

She later called MTV and Tough Enough officials attempting to get back on the show but was obviously refused.

Since this whole episode she has become a regular stalker at WWE events often claiming to be Al Snow’s assistant and she is so convincing she has even talked her way into working out for a few hours at the OVW school before they learned who she really was.

Last week her actions caused great concerns as she talked her way backstage at a house show and even had a conversation with Vince McMahon who believed her story as a Tough Enough 3 contestant was true. Following this security breach the woman [we don't know her name] has had her picture circulated to all WWE security so she can’t get into any WWE events.

No footage of her is expected to air when Tough Enough 3 is broadcasted.


[Source: PWTorch Newsletter]

[Stephanie McMahon's sidekick!]

Hulk Hogan/WWE Update; Return Update, Contract, More

- It has been a week of rumors and speculation of whether Hogan was still with WWE. Hogan made it clear that he wasn't but then Ross came out with an open shot to him stating that he is still under contract with WWE. But, the following will also help clear up some of the rumors:

Andy Schneiter Sent The Following To 1wrestling.com:

The initial report that was sent to you was not 100% thorough on the details of the conversation. Hogan never said that his contract was a handshake deal. As a matter of fact, Bubba even mentioned that it was a one-year deal, and Hogan never corrected him so I have to assume that it is a true statement. What the Hulkster did say was that within the contract he was only obligated to make so many appearances, and that the stipulated schedule was quickly fulfilled due to his unexpected surge of popularity. Where the handshake deal comes in is that he agreed to extend the amount of shows that he would work on a handshake deal. He pretty much said that if Vince felt he needed him, he would be there. Bubba could not pin him down on what future programs he might be working, but Hogan said the WWE would probably bring him back in when the situation was right. He never gave the impression that he was a "free agent". Hope this clears things up.

[Stephanie McMahon's sidekick!]

WWE Velocity & Confidential Previews; Tajiri, Moore, More;

From WWE.com

Showcasing the SmackDown! Superstars, WWE Velocity comes to you every Saturday at 10 p.m./9 p.m. CT only on TNN, hosted by Michael Cole and Tough Enough trainer Al Snow!

This week's episode of Velocity features several exciting matches, highlighted by a pulse-pounding cruiserweight match-up between Tajiri and Shannon Moore!

Catch WWE Velocity every Saturday night at 10 p.m./9 p.m. CT only on TNN!
Confidential preview for Oct. 5, 2002
From WWE.com

Watch Confidential this Saturday night at 11/10PM CT on TNN. This week, Confidential tracks down thePhiladelphia Eagles' Levon Kirkland so the star linebacker can meet his favorite WWE Superstar: Booker T!

[Stephanie McMahon's sidekick!]

RAW and Smackdown House Show Cards for Tonight

(The Following Information Is From PWTorch)

-- Below are the matches scheduled for tonight's RAW House Show in Sacramento, CA:

> Triple H vs. Rob Van Dam - WWE Raw Hvt. Title match
> Kane & Hurricane vs. Rosey & Jamal - WWE Tag Title match
> Jeff Hardy vs. Chris Jericho
> Bubba Dudley vs. William Regal
> Goldust vs. Big Show
> Tommy Dreamer vs. Test
> Spike Dudley vs. Lance Storm
> D-Lo Brown & Johnny the Bull & Mark Jindrak vs. Raven & Justin Credible & Steven Richards
> Plus Stacy Keibler will be there

-- Below are the matches scheduled for tonight's Smackdown! House Show in Kansas City, MO

> Brock Lesnar vs. Edge - WWE Hvt. Title match
> Rikishi vs. Kurt Angle in a I disagree Match
> Big Valbowski vs. Chris Benoit
> Jamie Noble (w/Nidia) vs. Rey Mysterio
> Billy Kidman & Shannon Moore vs. Chavo Guerrero & Tajiri
> Bill DeMott (a/k/a Hugh Morrus) vs. Matt Hardy
> John Cena vs. Albert
> Billy & Chuck vs. D-Von & Faarooq
> Crash & Funaki vs. Shelton Benjamin & Bull Buchanan

[Stephanie McMahon's sidekick!]

Heat Backstage On Booking Of Booker T & Flair, more

There is currently heat on how Booker T, Rico, and Ric Flair have been booked on RAW. I have confirmed this with some contacts.

Apparently, it all started the RAW right before Unforgiven. Rico went over Flair, however, did not get pushed on the show. Instead they downgraded him by proposing the question of how Flair could lose to such a jobber. Not only did this hurt credibility in Rico, but it made Flair look even worse, not a good choice when Flair was supposed to be a valid contender for Jericho's IC Title at Unforgiven.

Then, on the next RAW, Booker T defeated Rico. Not only did that push Rico further down the Totem Pole, but it also prevented Booker T from getting pushed. Had Rico been considered "good" for beating Flair, then Booker T's victory would have meant something. Instead, he just looked like a midcarder who won a match. WWE was not pleased with the results of that.

[Stephanie McMahon's sidekick!]

NWA-TNA Gets Television Syndication

The following is a press release from NWATNA.com:

TNA Xplosion to debut this Tuesday night in several markets

NWA TNA is proud to announce that "TNA Xplosion" will debut this Tuesday night on several broadcast television stations in several markets across the country.

"TNA Xplosion" will be a weekly series with the top stars of NWA Total Nonstop Action. The 60-minute program will feature exclusive interviews and matches, plus highlights of recent NWA TNA action. The program will also focus on matches that will air the following night on the weekly NWA TNA Pay Per View.

The program will gain clearance in additional markets in the weeks to come.

Check your local listings for exact time and stations, and check out www.nwatna.com for the latest information on NWA TNA.

[Stephanie McMahon's sidekick!]

WWE Attendance Falling Low, Rikishi Receiving a Push

- Thanks to Mike Folsom for sending the following:

I attended last night's WWE SmackDown! house show in Kansas City and if anyone else has been to a WWE house show lately you'll know what I'm talking about here.

First, when I found Municipal Auditorium, I was surprised at how small it was, and that WWE wasn't the only event happening that night. It was sharing a building with, I think, CATS.

Next, when I finally got inside the arena (I arrived RIGHT on time at 7:30) I was shocked to see all the empty seats. It was almost like going to an Indy show. I have actually seen more people at a high-school wrestling tournament. The floor wasn't sold out; much less the next 2 levels back. The upper seats were practically empty except for a few fans that had moved from their seats and I'm sure some people who paid for the seats. Most of the people who paid for upper balcony still had a chance to find better seats that were empty.

Finally, the show started. And I must say it was a great show except for the occasional weak match. The matches picked up, however, as the show progressed. By the end of the show they had the few fans that did attend on their feet and screaming the whole time. Don't get me wrong, there were some really weak matches. Matt Hardy in particular didn't have his best match.

By the end of the show, Kurt Angle and Rikishi were more entertaining than I've seen anyone be in a long time. A lot of the other wrestlers were also having great matches (Ray Mysterio, Billy Kidman, Shannon Moore, Chavo Guerrero, Tajiri, Chris Benoit and Edge). I would suggest buying tickets to one of these shows to anyone out there. It's just not the same kind of house show as it was 2-3 years ago. The wrestling is truly top-notch.

[Stephanie McMahon's sidekick!]

Another WWE Lesbian Angle, Ivory & Jackie News

As an update on the Nicole Bass/WWE case, both Ivory and Jacqueline (real names Lisa Moretti and Jackie Moore) testified this past week.

Ivory stated that WWE is like a big family, with everyone eating together and spending most of their lives with one another. She contested all of Bass' claims of sexual harrassment, by saying that there was never a problem with the male wrestlers barging into the female locker room.

Ivory also mentioned that there were plans for a lesbian angle back during Bass' time in WWE. The plan was for Ivory and Bass to perform as a lesbian couple. Ivory nixed the angle, feeling that she did not want to play a lesbian on TV, especially with Nicole Bass as her girlfriend.

[Stephanie McMahon's sidekick!]

WWE House Show Results 10.04.02 - Boise, ID [Raw]

Thanks to reader "Zach" for sending this in:

Hey all you readers out there. My names Zach and I just from the WWE's house show in Boise. The crowd was almost a sell-out, this is the first time the WWE has been here in about 10 years. Crowd was out of control, non-stop yelling the whole night. I had seats about 10 rows back on the floor, not too shabby. Here are the match results.

First Match: Spike Dudley versus Rico
Good match, Rico is awesome! He got great heat and pinned little nuts
dudley after Spike walked right into a spinning heel kick.

Second Match: D'Lo Brown/Johnny Stamboli/Mark Jindrak versus Raven/Steven Richards/Justin Credible.
Okay match, all guys busted their ass. The end saw Steven hit a stevie kick on Jindrak, Stamboli did the fuhgetaboutit(?) on Steven, Justin Credible super kicked Stamboli, D'lo hit the sudden impact on Credible then pulled out the sky high on Raven to end it.

Third Match:Goldust versus Big Show
If Big Show doesn't beat Goldust in 10 minutes, Big Show VOLUNTEERS!! to kiss Goldust's ass. Boring match, a lot of chops and bear hugs. The end saw Goldust go for the golden globes but Big Show stopped him and gave him the ol Showstoppa to end it. One thing about this match is that the Fink said Big Show had 15 seconds left before the end of the match, and the official match time was 5:36(according to Fink)

Fourth Match: The HurriKanes versus The Island Boyz w/ Rico
Great match, kinda short but oh well. At the end Kane chokeslammed Rosey for the pin. After the match Hurricane chokeslams Rico.

Intermission: Fink tells us how great we are, then tells us that the
merchandising booths are conveniently located on the concourse level.

Fifth Match: Tommy Dreamer versus Test
Test came out to a different music, not the Un-American one, some little rocking number. Anyways, okay match...nothing stood out really. End saw Dreamer jumping off the second turnbuckle and he caught a MEAN ASS boot right in the chops.

Sixth Match: Bubba Ray/Jeff Hardy versus William Regal/Lance Storm.
After Regal and Storm got into the ring Christian came down and apologized for everything. He then asked if he could be in their corner tonight. At the end Hardy hit the Swanton, Christian interfered accidentially hit Storm. Bubba chucks Christian out, hits the Bubba Bomb, end of match. After match saw Lance superkickin Christian.

Seventh Match: Torrie Wilson versus Dawn Marie.
Bra and Panties match. Wilson gets the pop of the night, because she is from the Boise area. Wilson wins after yankin the pants of Dawn. Some guy chucked a half full plastic beer cup into the ring. He lasted 15 seconds before security got his ass.

Eight Match: RVD versus Triple H
Triple H got on the mic and said how no other guy in the back wanted to come to Boise but I did! Then he run downs Boise people for being potato pickers. Okay. Triple H wins after the Pedigree. Nothing to spectacular in this match, good seeing RVD hit all his moves though.

After the show, I got to talk to the Fink for a few seconds. Here's our
conversation:
ME: FINKLE!!!HEY, HEY FINKLE YOUR THE nuts!
FINK: thank you, your the bomb.
ME: Thanks dog.

Pops of the night.
1. Torrie Wilson
2. Triple HHH
3. RVD
4. HurriKanes
5. The mention of tables by Bubba Ray

Heat of the Night.
1. Rico
2. ECW Alumni( Raven, Credible, Richards)
3. Regal and Storm
4. Rosey and Jamal
5. Test