News/spoilers for week begining 15th July

[Stephanie McMahon's sidekick!]

Randy Orton Suffers Pretty Serious Injury
Story By: Matthew Boone
July 15, 2002

Thanks to Colin Ryan for sending in the following:

I just attended the live WWE Event in St. John's Newfoundland, featuring the Smackdown! roster (Sunday, July 14th). I thought I should pass along that during the Randy Orton vs. Batista match, Orton landed badly after a stiff clothesline from Batista, and Orton was immediatly injured. Batista realized this and pinned him, a mere 2 minutes into the match. The injury was totally legit, as shown by the length of the match, and that Orton was down in the ring for up to 10 minutes following the pin. The refs and paramedics, along with the head of WWE Canada, were in the ring helping him, and brought out a stretcher, but he was eventually able to limp out with some help. I thought I should pass this along, and heres hoping Orton is alright.

In addition, I have been told that Orton was sent to a local hospital in the St. Johns, NF. area to be checked for whiplash effects and a possible concussion. We will keep you updated on Randy Orton's phyiscal status as more details become available.

[Stephanie McMahon's sidekick!]

Austin/WWE Update, Steve/Debra Conflicts, Police Report; & More
Story By: Justin Rowland
July 15, 2002

Last week, a story was ran by the National Enquirer on Steve Austin's domestic issues with Debra. Keep in mind that the National Enquirer is a national tabloid filled with bizarre stories, most of which are made-up and some are injected with quite a bit of false information. Take the following as you will.

In the article, an "insider" disclosed that "Both his professional life and personal life are spiraling out of control." They also have quotes from Melanie Pillman who stated that "The marriage between Steve and Debra is rocky at best," she said. She claimed "Austin wanted to get out of wrestling, saying that if he quits, she'll leave him. She is captivated by the fame and their arguments are getting more frequent. She flatly refuses to have kids because she doesn't want to lose her figure. Steve is devastated by her decision." The rest of the article gave many details from the police report that was submitted to the police by Debra later on during the week of the incident.

To update on the Austin situation, many sources are reporting that many wrestlers are leaning towards WWE management in the controversy, but even though this is occuring, nobody is saying anything negative about Austin in fear that they think he will be back sooner or later.

[Stephanie McMahon's sidekick!]

Huge WWE Locker Room Heat Against Stephanie McMahon
Story By: Matthew Boone
July 15, 2002

The following news is derrived from the Pro Wrestling Torch Newsletter:

Stephanie McMahon is the subject of some locker room heat lately. Many claim she is very frustrated recently and does not take well to non-writers questioning the direction of her writing teams.

In addition, Stephanie is said to be short-tempered when it comes to wrestlers suggesting storyline proposals. Apparently Stephanie is condescending when wrestlers suggest storylines she does not like or does not understand.

When wrestlers complain about their lack of push, Stephanie McMahon is said to be very gun-shy as to what to say to explain why they aren't getting the time and roles they deserve. Stephanie usually gives the excuse that they aren't given higher roles on television because they are still trying to get them to connect with the live crowd.

[Stephanie McMahon's sidekick!]

Orton/Confidential *Spoiler*, AJ Styles To WWE Update, Jericho, more
Story By: Daniel Edler
July 15, 2002

Source: Various

-- AJ Styles spoke out recently on the main reason he turned down a WWE contract when he was offered one earlier this year, citing that the WWE didn’t offer enough money to "move up to Cincinnati full time, and take care of my family at the same time".

Styles also confirmed in the interview that he will stay with NWA-TNA, even if WWE offered him a contract which does meet the above requirements.

-- Thanks to reader for sending in the following:

I was just clicking through kerrang.com and I found this interview,

kerrang.com/nav?page=kerrang.news.detail&fixture_news=153132&resource=153132

It is Fozzy being interviewed. Quite interesting.

-- And finally, it was reported earlier today that Randy Orton suffered an injury at last night’s house show in St. Johns. Reader recaps of the show do not make it much clearer, but to completely dismantle an idiotic rumor, it was definitely not a work to put Randy Orton over.

However, it is rumored that the clothesline extracted blood from an orifice of Orton’s body.

Orton’s appearance on WWE Confidential will not be altered by this injury, as it was taped on Saturday. The appearance covers his entire "life story", his heritage, his father, becoming a WWE superstar, and the other stuff "he’s told a million times already".

[Stephanie McMahon's sidekick!]

Update On Benoit's Injury And Return To Ring, RAW Plans; More
Story By: Justin Rowland
July 15, 2002

Since Chris Benoit returned to the ring a mere two weeks ago after his year-long absence due to neck surgery, he is being reported to be totally fine and feeling great. Benoit told friends that he had no neck pain after his matches and he also said that he felt better than he expected to after his first match back.

WWE contacted Benoit last week and told him that there was a possibility that he would work a tag match on RAW, which would be his return to the ring. Basically, they had no clue what their plans were going to be for raw, because originally Benoit had asked to work a few house show matches before returning to RAW but management told him no. He hadn't even done an official match with OVW or HWA before returning.

Although "The Rabid Wolverine" will have to avoid being dropped on his head for awhile, before his first two matches he told Bubba and Spike to just work with him in the ring like they would work with anyone else, and not to cater to his neck due to the injury. If anything had went wrong in the ring, he would let them know. Despite that, Benoit is back to 100 percent physically and can now wrestle any time.

[Stephanie McMahon's sidekick!]

Nash Injury Update, Austin Walk-Out, Backstage Politics, more
Story By: Matthew Boone
July 15, 2002

The following news is derrived from the Pro Wrestling Torch Newsletter:

The point-man for RAW's creative, Brian Gewirtz, is not winning any popularity contests in the locker room lately. Many are putting the blame for Nash's injury on Gewirtz's shoulders. In what was a similar situation to Austin walking out, which many contribute to Gewirtz as well, Nash was booked in a hotshot angle to return to the ring on RAW. The same was planned the night Austin walked out, with a hotshot angle against Brock Lesnar - where Austin would lose. Nash did not have his gear with him on Monday and was not mentally or physically prepared to get in the ring in a match. While it can't be blammed soley on Gewirtz, he is taking the majority of the heat for the incident.

People in the locker room were also displeased with Gewirtz's decision book Chris Benoit, Eddie Guerrero, Booker T, and Bubba Ray Dudley in the 10-man tag as all of the aforementioned names had matches earlier in the same show. The general consensus was they had to save some wind in their first match, lowering the quality level, to have enough energy to get through a second match where they would all be winded from their first match, making both matches well short of par.

In another negative note in the locker room when it comes to Gewirtz, many aren't happy with how he has been treating the mid-card guys such as Jeff Hardy. A lot felt it was a pretty dumb move to have Hardy job left and right and then hotshot an angle with him challenging the Undertaker for the Undisputed title - expecting praise for elevating a young guy, but receiving heat for hotshotting once again.

[Stephanie McMahon's sidekick!]

Vince Russo Speaks On Leaving WWE, NWA-TNA Role; More
Story By: Justin Rowland
July 15, 2002

In a recent interview, Vince Russo stated that'll he'll be doing a little bit of both producing and booking. Vince also stated he's been working on the creative end and produced some of stuff backstage at the last NWA-TNA tapings. He also stated, his love in the wrestling business was to work with the young talent, guys who were trying to make a name for themselves, and to develop chracters and to get them to status of making them main-eventers. "I love to work with the young guys, that's what it is all about for me, and like I said, that first show where I went and looked at the NWA, you look at these young guys, like AJ Styles and people like this, and to see the look in their eyes and the hunger, and to see how much they wanted it. Those are the kinds of athletes that I really want to be working with."

Vince Russo also touched on the topic about WCW ratings in the last five months by saying he was not in anyway involved with the company. Russo stated, "I was sitting at home with a concussion. This guy, that I'll mention by name, Bryan Alvarez, does this whole newsletter thing where, minute by minute, second by second, he's analyzing ratings of when Vince Russo was in WCW. One of the lowest ratings periods when I was in WCW was from January 2000 through April 2000. Bryan Alvarez gave me credit for those three months, when the ratings were somewhere around a 2.5. Well, unfortunately, I hate to break the news to Mr. Alvarez, but during those three months, I was sitting home from WCW, and had nothing to do with the booking."

Vince Russo said that he and Mr. McMahon had been talking for about 3-4 weeks before Russo even came in. Russo also stated many times throughout the interview that when he entered the WWE, he felt like he walked into a very different world that's foreign to him. He stated, in his heart, he knew it wasn't the same place it was when he left. He continued on saying that a lot of changes had been made and it was a different evenironment and said that he knew it wouldn't work out and said that's really what happened.

[Stephanie McMahon's sidekick!]

WWE Firing Wrestlers, Backstage nWo Politics, more
Story By: Matthew Boone
July 15, 2002

The following are rumors derrived from 1wrestling.com:

The relationship between X-Pac and WWE management is not too well at all lately. X-Pac has been using excuses week in and week out to avoid doing jobs against certain wrestlers. At first it was not a very big situation, but when he got his way and was not forced to job to Booker T as originally scheduled for RAW a few weeks ago, it effected the status of someone's push, especially someone like Booker T who WWE is trying to establish as a top-tier player lately.

There is some talk that WWE may be looking to reduce their roster. Apparently 10 to 20 names, whether they be developmental talent, or low-card main roster talent, are in risk of being released from the company as Ron Waterman and Chad Collyer were this past week.

[Stephanie McMahon's sidekick!]

Confirmed Matches For WWE RAW Tonight
Story By: Fred Cook
July 15, 2002

Six Man Elimination Match
-Jeff Hardy, Bubba Ray and Spike Dudley vs. William Regal, Chris Benoit, Eddie Guerrero

WWE Women’s Championship
-Trish Stratus (c) vs. Molly

WWE Hardcore Championship
-Bradshaw vs. Christopher Nowinski

-Tommy Dreamer vs., Steven Richards

[Stephanie McMahon's sidekick!]

Goldberg Announces His WWE Debut, More Confirmed RAW Matches, & More
Story By: Matthew Boone
July 15, 2002

A few readers have sent word that Goldberg was recently at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston and said he had been in negotiations with WWE which apparently got a huge pop from the live crowd.

In a similar note, Goldberg recently stated on a radio show appearance that he would be back in the ring in 2002 sometime.

Jim Ross continues to claim in his weekly Ross Report that WWE has not been negotiating with Bill Goldberg. I am hearing much of the same from different people so take all of the above notes send in from readers as strictly rumor for now.

A few notes for tonight's RAW, a few more matches that are now confirmed include Rob Van Dam and Ric Flair taking on Brock Lesnar and Undertaker, as well as a singles match featuring Booker T against Big Show.

In another RAW related note, Rhyno will be hosting the RAW party at "The World" formerly known as WWF New York in Times Square tonight.

[Stephanie McMahon's sidekick!]

nWo's Future, HBK/Nash, SmackDown! Matches, & More
Story By: Matthew Boone
July 15, 2002

The following news is derrived from WrestlingObserver.com:

The only confirmed match for Tuesday's SmackDown! tapings to air on Thursday is Rock vs. Kurt Angle, which was announced last week. However, Hulk Hogan, Edge, & Rikishi vs. Test, Lance Storm, & Christian is also likely.

The Triple H ultimatum for nWo which is planned for Vengeance may or may not happen. After tonight's RAW the picture should be a bit more clear as to what direction WWE is going with the HHH/nWo storyline.

In related news, as of yesterday, X-Pac has not been booked to work tonight's RAW and he has been removed from all upcoming house shows. It is likely Nash will be absent due to his injury, so that only leaves HBK and Big Show to represent the nWo tonight. However, one would think even if X-Pac isn't booked to wrestle tonight, he will still be on the show in other capacity with the nWo.

[Stephanie McMahon's sidekick!]

Huge Details On What Led To Eric Bischoff To WWE
Story By: Matthew Boone
July 15, 2002

The following news is derrived from 1wrestling.com:

Vince McMahon definitely dropped a bombshell on RAW when he announced the new General Manager of RAW as Eric Bischoff.

However, there is a certain someone named Vince Russo who is probably not so shocked. In fact, it was almost Russo's exact idea presented to McMahon when he was re-hired that Vince rejected after being convinced by others in the company. Now that Russo is working for NWA-TNA, and WWE continues to become more stale each week, WWE has taken Russo's storyline and implemented it into WWE programming with slight adjustments.

There is a lot of speculation as to who the General Manager for SmackDown! will be. One would assume they would need another shocking name in that role to follow-up on Bischoff's announcement on RAW. So far names being talked about include Dusty Rhodes, who was interviewed by WWE recently for a booking position, and Stephanie McMahon.

[Stephanie McMahon's sidekick!]

Exclusive 1-On-1 Interview With Ron 'H20' Waterman
Story By: Matthew Boone
July 16, 2002

The following is an interview I recently conducted with Ron "H20" Waterman, the recently released WWE developmental talent from Ohio Valley Wrestling:

How were you notifyed of your release. What explanation was given, and who was the person to inform you of the decision to let you go?

I was emailed by JR and Johnny Ace called soon after, they were both very sympathetic and let me know the door will remain open. Creative just has nothing at this time for me.

Were you as surprised as the rest of the internet was to be let go? Many felt you were next in line to make the jump like Orton, Lesnar, Batista, and Cena had done in recent weeks.

I was somewhat supprized, I wasn't being booked as much as I would have liked to have been as of late. I knew the ball was in creatives hands. I am very proud of my fellow OVW /HWA wrestlers who are getting there shot. They have worked harder than anyone knows to get were they are right now.

What are your plans for your immediate future? Will you go to NWA-TNA, WWA, XWF, or any of the independants? Also, has anyone from the aforementioned companies contacted you since your release?

I have made contact to New Japan and am awaiting there response. I had some real positive feedback from them and feel my chances are good. I have been contacted by a few US organizations and may do some indies in the near future.

Any plans on getting back in the UFC game, or is pro wrestling the only interest of yours at this time?

It's funny you ask this, I have been contacted by more fighting productions than wrestling in the last week. I am seriously considering going back in the cage a few times as well. I feel I am still a force in MMA/NHB, It's just going to take a few monthes of preporation to get back in fighting shape again. I have been very fortunate over the last two years to stay injury free. "The harder I train the luckier I get".

Of the guys you worked with in OVW, who do you feel is the next "star" to emerge from the scenes and find himself, or herself, on RAW or SmackDown! in the future?

It's harder for me to think of any on contract that will not succeed. There are some hungry dogs in OVW/HWA!!!

You were working a lot of house shows and dark matches for WWE prior to your release. Are you discouraged at all about your chances of climbing the mountain to an OVW return, and the possibility of making it to the main roster in WWE?

I will make it to the main roster in WWE, it may just take a little longer, and a different path to the top.

If you got the call today, do you think you are mentally and physically prepared to jump right into the WWE television scene and take on an active role, or do you think you are not ready and need more time smoothing the edges and learning more?

Yes, I feel I have something to offer my fans and the people. I have a different background than most and bring something new to the table. If presented right I think it could get over big. I am and always have been a student of the game, and will continue to learn and grow with every passing day. In this business you are never good enouph, and when you think you are that is downfall.

[Stephanie McMahon's sidekick!]

Here's part two of the interview

I have been told you left on good terms with WWE and the door to return is wide open. However, if enough time passes and you do not find yourself back in WWE, or WWE developmental territories, will you look for other pro wrestling work, or retire to spend time with your wife and children?

I will pursue this dream until it happens. The Lord has blessed me with patients and determination to reach my goals. This is a very trying time for me and yes a set-back, but no one said it would be an easy road, or a walk in the park.. It will only be much sweeter when it happens. I beleave there is a reason for everything, sometimes it's just real hard to figure out.

While in OVW, who do you feel you learned most from, and can thank for the progress you've made as a pro wrestler?

It's a family in OVW, everyone want's everyone to succeed. Danny Davis and JC are the best around and work very hard to move their talent to the next level.. I respect and admire them both very much.

What are some of the differences in training for a mixed-martial arts match, and a pro wrestling match? Is one easier than the other, or both equally tough in their own ways?

Both very hard in their own way. The psychology in Wrestling takes time to understand and then make it work. Not something that happens overnight. Like MMA it's very physical and if your not into pain stay away. In MMA for me it was more instinctual because I grew up as an amateur wrestler. I know how to take someone down and pound them. Of course there is much more to it than that, but it came much easier to me than Pro Wrestling. I had to retrain myself in many ways and that's not an easy thing to do..

Where can readers go to keep in touch with Ron Waterman. Where you can be found, and updates on your status with OVW/WWE or anywhere else you may end up?

I am going to keep my website up to date. www.ronwaterman.com. I have my training schedule, diet, journal entrees, photos, bio, and family information. My family has been a huge support for me, and that is irreplaceable. You can email me directly from my site and I try to answer all my email personaly. Thanks to all my fans and supporters, the email and support you have given me over the last few years has kept me going. I am far from calling it quits so stay tunned in. God Bless, and thanks Matt.

[Stephanie McMahon's sidekick!]

Bischoff Speaks On His Shocking WWE Debut, Being In WWE, Backstage Heat, More
Story By: Brendan Starr
July 16, 2002

Soon after last night's history making RAW ended, new RAW General Manager Eric Bischoff spoke with the official WWE website about his huge debut. However, it wasn't just the fans who were astonished at the former WCW owner's sudden debut in the company he used to constantly compete with. Due to not being backstage during the day, almost all of the WWE roster was just as surprised as the fans to see Bischoff appear. Nothing about Bischoff appearing on RAW was leaked onto the internet, surprising considering the many other occurences which were leaked before the actual happenings (the brand extension, the nWo's debut and the buying of WCW by McMahon, to name a few.

When asked about how this huge appearance came about, Bischoff stated, "We've been talking unofficially through third parties for almost a year now. We've come close to doing something a couple of times, but for a variety of reasons it's just never worked out. About a month or two ago, we'd gotten a little bit more serious in our conversations, and I got a chance to talk directly to Vince [McMahon]. I think we were able to break a lot of ice, just over the phone. Once we did that, it just seemed like it was much easier to move forward and get a deal done for sure. Really, this just came together within the last week or 10 days."

"What was it like walking through the TitanTron and down the WWE ramp? What was it like holding a WWE microphone in your hand?" asked WWE. "It was different. It was really different, for a whole variety of reasons. I just never thought that the opportunity would be there (or that) the timing would be right. And let's face it: There's a lot of bad blood. There's a lot of history, and not all of it good, between Vince and myself, and between myself and a number of other people in this company. So to actually do it, and to come here and to meet Vince really for the first time in 11 years, all the while I'm 30 seconds away from walking out in front of an arena full of people, was a very different feeling and sensation. It was adrenaline, it was a little nervousness, and it was a lot of excitement," Bischoff replied eagerly.

Bischoff stated that he arrived at the arena at about 8:45pm last night, hiding in a limousine in the parking lot. On the subject of possible backstage heat with some wrestlers on the roster, Bischoff accepted that it could and quite possibly would happen, as there are definitely some wrestlers who have a few misgivings about Bischoff's debut.

"I'm an on-camera talent," said Bischoff about his role in the company, and the possibility of him having some creative control over the company. "If the opportunity ever comes up, or if anybody ever asks an opinion, I'm happy to give it. But that's not really what I'm here for. I'm here to play a character and play a role."

Bischoff stated that some of the wrestlers he would most like to work with are The Rock and the Undertaker due to their knowledge and talent in the business.

"I'm just going to take it one day at a time, and hope that it works for everybody, and hope that it stays fun," said Bischoff to end the interview.