The Weekly Rumors - Wrestling - http://maxpages.com/wrestlingiswwf/August

The second ever "WWF Smackdown!" aired on Thursday evening in front of the fans who are blessed to have UPN or an affiliate in their area. The show was nothing close to a disappointment, however, at the same time, nothing earth-shattering took place, apart from one tiny little incident to close the event off. We all know what that is and of course I'll get into a bit more detail later on. If anyone missed Thursday's action, all the results are available at the Smackdown Report.

The overnight Nielsen numbers for last night's shows were released earlier today and as expected, WWF Smackdown hammered home a strong 5.7 rating, off of hourly ratings of 5.4 and 5.9. Many will view this rating as something unsuccessful, especially when put against the mid-6s that RAW pulls in week in and week out. However, what must be considered is that RAW is aired on the cable network "USA", whereas Smackdown was aired on the broadcast network "UPN". The cable universe only comprises roughly 70% of the entire television population. I guess what I am trying to say is that more people watched Smackdown than has ever watched RAW. As well, Smackdown's numbers (double that of previous shows in that timeslot) propelled UPN fourth overall amongst stations in the two hour period. With all that said, both the WWF and officials at UPN have to be very pleased at how things turned out.

Oh yes, WCW Thursday Thunder continued its downward spiral by producing I believe its worst rating ever, a 2.0 score for the one hour spot. Of course, a big assist for the not-so-pleasant rating goes out to Smackdown.

As mentioned a bit earlier, Shawn Michaels finally assumed a more prominent role in regular angles by once again turning heel, as he helped friend Triple H win his match against The Rock. Now naturally, thoughts will immediately shift to whether or not Michaels can muster up one or more future matches against either The Rock or another WWF performer. Despite the fact that Shawn looked in tremendous shape and the fact that he may actually be healthy enough to return to the WWF roster, it still appears that HBK will not be lacing up the boots one last time. Anyone else think we've found the lucky contestant chosen to be revealed as the man who mysteriously raised the briefcase and/or the man who dropped the block on then champ, Steve Austin? If this is made aware to the fans, it wouldn't surprise me one bit. Shawn also recently participated in the latest "Byte This" program and some very interesting and revealing stuff to say. Among some of them:

-Basically took a subtle shot at both Steve Austin and The Rock by saying that Triple H is the only man since himself to actually "earn" the WWF title. HBK also commented that Triple H has stood by him through thick and thin, unlike others who have fled the WWF for other promotions. It is for this reason that Shawn said he will do the same and in the process, not steal Triple H's thunder.
-The inevitable question of whether he will ever wrestle again was also brought up, and in short Shawn stated that his back is still not 100% and because of that, he will not return to the ring and "cheat" the fans. His main point is that if he cannot wrestle at his old, incredible self, he will not come back and risk losing that reputation.

If you would like to read a full report of what Shawn had to say, click HERE.

The Blonde Bytch Project was notably absent from Thursday's festivities, however, according to Lucas, the vignette(s) are just being editted and will undoubtedly make its way onto WWF TV sometime soon. Despite the fact that I first mentioned the skits were a shot at Tammy Lynn Sytch, it may ultimately be a mock on BOTH Tammy and Sable. The Blue Meanie has previously and sarcastically imitated Sable with the infamous "Sable Grind" and by tying in the "Bytch Project" as well, it may be killing two birds with one stone, so to speak. Of course, we must also note that Tammy "Sunny" Sytch has at least a small chance of returning to the WWF, whereas Rena "Sable" Mero's return will surely never happen. Another interesting note that has been passed along by several readers is that Sytch is currently touring in Australia and is weirdly using the name "Sunny" or so I am told. That name as we all know, is owned and copyrighted by the World Wrestling Federation. If you haven't noticed, my only goal in life is bringing Sunny back to the familiar comforts of the WWF. Please God, help me. Ok, now I'm getting a tad carried away.

Effective this Saturday, Shotgun and Shotgun Saturday Night are no more and instead the appropriate names they will be going by are WWF Jakked and WWF Metal. I can't remember if Shotgun=Jakked and Shotgun Saturday Night=Metal, but it really doesn't matter. Bottom line is that they different names.

Also assuming a different set-up is WWF Sunday Night Heat. With Smackdown now inserted into the rotating schedule, the WWF has opted to avoid a bigtime watering down of their product by turning Heat into a magazine type show with only interviews and highlights, as witnessed by this past episode. This Sunday, Heat presents Hell in a Cell, the epic battle featuring Mick Foley and Undertaker, where Foley did that crazy spot off the top of the cell. If you haven't watched this match before, you just have to see it to believe it.

Shane Douglas is apparently filing a legal suit against ECW for failed payment, owing to using his likeliness in published and broadcasted work. One of Douglas' biggest complaints with ECW was that he was not receiving his checks on time or at all. It remains to be seen who will gain the upper hand in this, the latest of wrestling lawsuits.
***ECW SPOILER BEGINS***

Also of note from WCW, Raven has officially been granted his release and almost immediately, he contacted ECW and ironed out a deal. So quick were the negotiations that Raven was pencilled into the recently completed inaugural ECW TV show on TNN. And as the nice fairy tale ending would suggest, Raven stepped in and won the tag titles with partner Tommy Dreamer. The airdate of the above series of tapings has been changed to next week, September 9, in part due to the fact that both TNN and ECW wanted to air a history type program for the first ever show, as to acquaint the fans with the ECW product. Full results of the spoilers is available by clicking HERE. At the show, The Dudley Boys announced (publicly) that this will be their last appearance in ECW, as both are headed over to the WWF once September rolls around.
***ECW SPOILER ENDS***

The status of Kidman and Konnan, two other WCW wrestlers, who had requested their respective releases has been determined somewhat. Neither man appears to be heading out of WCW for the time being, as Bischoff has made it be clear that they will be given their termination, however on conditions that they are not able to jump ship to either the WWF or ECW. It is for that reason that both guys, still early in their careers, have chosen to remain with WCW.

And finally, some news and notes courtesy of Jim Ross and his fabled "Ross Report":

-The condition of Steve Austin was updated, with Ross saying that his treatment is progressing along nicely, with the goal being that Austin be able to compete again at the end of September. However, Ross hinted that Austin will likely be on hand for RAWs and Smackdowns in between now and the end of September. His position as far as the September PPV goes, is also in question.
-Confirmed that the Dudley Boys have officially signed with the WWF and could on TV as soon as RAW or Smackdown. From what I've heard, they will actually debut on Smackdown, which of course will be taped on Tuesday and aired Thursday.

-The Road Dogg is expected out of action for 6 to 8 weeks. We'll have to see about this, I guess.

-Contradicted Dave Meltzer's report that Kurrgan had re-signed with the WWF. There are bigtime conflicting rumors floating around in regard to Kurrgan. Some say he has been released by the WWF, others say he is still under contract and still in Mexico. Unfortunately, I can confirm nor refute either of them.

-The WWF has not had any talks with current ECW star, Sabu.

-The British Bulldog interview was scratched from Smackdown but will indeed be aired in the coming weeks. According to Ross, it is a very controversial piece and will "raise some eyebrows". From what I gather, the WWF instead saw it more important to air the Steve Austin interview on Thursday, as the situation needed immediate attention, as far as the fans are concerned. Although the Bulldog hopes for a return on September 20, all signs point to an October 2 (re)debut in England.

That wraps this update. I'll be back again on Tuesday following the next big and now always live RAW is WAR. A quick reminder that it will be tape delayed due to US Open Tennis this Monday and the coming one as well. I will also have the next Smackdown tapings on Tuesday night or perhaps Wednesday morning. Catch you all later.
[Credit: Rajahwwf.com]

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Page Updated Thu Sep 16, 1999 8:42am EDT