My tape source for Nitro taped this week's over last week's before I had a chance to watch it so I missed Scott Hall's Nitro debut. Then *I* taped over this week's (3 June) Raw before watching it (all I saw was the end of the HHH vs Jake match). To make matters worse, I'm 1700+ articles behind in RSPW. If there's anything in this week's Hack Notes that doesn't make sense--this may be the reason. = = = = = = = = = = [ WCW ] = = = = = = = = = = I know it was reported a few weeks ago in Hack Notes that everyone (including ERIC BISCHOFF) in WCW is getting fed up with HULK HOGAN and he may be on his way out. Then with the horrid buyrate for the Hoganless PPV and Nitros (the latter I attribute to the poor time slot, but I'm sure Hogan believes he is the sole factor) there were rumors that Hogan was here to stay. Now multiple hotlines are reporting that "Hogan's days are numbered". (www): NATURE BOY RIC FLAIR may be making a face turn to team with Sting against the WWF team. If he does, and if RANDY MACHO MAN SAVAGE is part of the face team, they're going to have to do some major angle to explain how SAVAGE and FLAIR are buddies. (hotline): KEVIN NASH will be controlling his own angles. Let's just hope he can keep his ego in check before he becomes another HULK HOGAN. Apparently, several WCW wrestlers who aren't happy with Hogan are buddying up to Nash. Clique mark II? (hotline): HULK HOGAN's contract is coming due and "the suits" don't want to re-sign him. Someone reported on RSPW that Mean Gene's hotline (I know, I know) reported recently that Hogan got a one year extension to his contract. (hotline): TED DIBIASE will be coming into WCW as "ZILLIONAIRE TED" and will be DIAMOND DALLAS PAGE's benefactor (instead of SIR OLIVER HUMPERDINK). (aol): Announcers CHRIS CRUISE and DUSTY RHODES got in a small fight at a recent taping for WCW Pro. Cruise made a comment about Dusty's weight. Dusty threw Cruise up against a wall. Dusty later apologized for the incident. (hotline): When KEVIN DIESEL NASH debuts on the 10 June 1996 Nitro, he will jackknife ERIC BISCHOFF through the announcers table. They think this will get Nash over as a heel. :-) (wcw): The 24 June 1996 Nitro will be in Charlotte, NC. Expect the FLAIR fans to be out in full force (with signs smuggled in) as The Man takes on TOTAL PACKAGE LEX LUGER. There should be an excellent brawl as THE PUBLIC ENEMY take on THE NASTY BOYS. DISCO INFERNO will job to EDDY GUERRERO as well. Too bad the "section D" heel section seems to have dissolved about 5 years back... (torch): MARCUS ALEXANDER BAGWELL will wrestle in BOOTYMAN's place at the 16 June 1996 Great American Bash PPV, taking on DIAMOND DALLAS PAGE. Booty Man probably didn't want to put Page over cleanly (that's three people, for those keeping track at home; but Booty is the only one who didn't quit WCW over it). KONNAN will beat a jobber in a mask instead of dropping the title to STING (who will now face LORD STEVEN REGAL). The trio of WWFers in WCW will obviously have SCOTT HALL and KEVIN NASH. The third member has been rumored to be LEX LUGER, JEFF JARRETT, BRET THE HITMAN HART, UBAS, or BAM BAM BIGALOW. If my "it would be cool if..." comment about YOSHI KWAN/BLOOD RUNS COLD was the basis of all the rumors, it has rolled all the way down to the Weekly Observer Newsletter. If this generates enough talk that WCW considers it and hires CHRIS CHAMPION, I'll have to see if I can get a kickback from him. ;-) Wrestlers rumored to be heading into WCW: KEVIN NASH (June 10), MEN ON A MISSION (mid-June), SIR OLIVER HUMPERDINK, BIGALOW, THE QUEBECERS (as THE FRENCH CONNECTION (July)), TED DIBIASE (as an announcer in late August, for at least three years), BRITISH BULLDOG DAVEY BOY SMITH (end of September), JEFF JARRETT (November), CHRIS KANYON, PAT TANAKA, MEAN MIKE ENOS (either as THE MAULER or as one half of DOWN AND DIRTY), CHIP MINTON (olympian), CHRIS JERICHO, LANNY POFFO (as GORGEOUS GEORGE III), CHAVITO GUERRERO HIGH VOLTAGE (fresh out of the WCW Power Plant) and THE ROCK AND ROLL EXPRESS had their Nitro debuts on 3 June 1996. Wrestlers rumored to be gone from WCW: BELFAST BRUISER (also rumored to be back in a couple months, late fall, or early 1997 (though he denies it)), RENEGADE, BUNKHOUSE BUCK, SHARK (now back working but without a contract), THE ROAD WARRIORS (going to Japan for 4 weeks and probably won't return to WCW), DISCO INFERNO. INJURIES: ROAD WARRIOR HAWK (ankle). = = = = = = = = = = [ WWF ] = = = = = = = = = = (www): BRITISH BULLDOG DAVEY BOY SMITH has given his 90 day notice to the WWF. He has been really unhappy with THE HEARTBREAK KID SHAWN MICHAELS and his Clique. He also hasn't been happy with the money he's been making in the WWF. Since he is currently their top heel (and involved in an angle with the top face), he feels he should be making more than the mid-carders. BBD and DIANA haven't been happy with the way the HBK angle was to resolve, though this wasn't a big factor in his choosing to leave. There are rumors that BBD had to be restrained at MSG to keep him from jumping the Clique after the card was over. Guess he won't be getting the tag straps with OWEN HART (as reported in an earlier Hack Notes). On Tuesday, word broke out that Smith may have come to an agreement with Titan to stay. (hotline): OWEN HART has given his notice and wants to jump to WCW. (hotline): THE 1-2-3 KID wants to get out of his WWF contract early in order to jump to WCW. (net): LOOSE CANNON BRIAN PILLMAN has chosen the WWF over WCW. Another source says he has a meeting with WCW this week. Another source said he skipped his meeting with WCW last week but interviewed by phone. A fourth source says he skipped his meeting with WCW last week but his attorney negotiated with WCW via phone. Get the feeling we won't know anything until he shows up on TV? (www): The WWF has sent a memo to all their boys regarding HIV testing that they plan to do in the future. (hotline): HUNTER HEARST HELMSLEY's push is off at least until this summer for taking part in th Clique-fest at MSG. (bu): All four of the WWF Samoans (FATU, his two hoodies, and YOKOZUNA) have given their notice. (aol): DISCO INFERNO may join the WWF roster. (torch): RAD RADFORD states that the standard contract with the WWF is that they "guarantee a minimum of ten dates a year at a minimum of $50 a shot". Other wrestlers have stated similar things, including the "90 day notice" and feel that they have to be on their toes or they can find themselves with no income until the end of their contract. (wwf): The winner of the King of the Ring will be a big surprise, as opposed to THE MAN THEY CALL VADER, who everyone believes it will be. There are rumors that HEARTBREAK KID SHAWN MICHAELS only apologized to the boys in the locker room because he was asked to by McMahon. (wwf): King of the Ring tournament: T M T C Vader-------+ |-Vader----+ Ahmed Johnson-------+ | |-Vader----+ Ultimate Warrior----+ | | |-(DCO)----+ | Goldust-------------+ | |-Vader----+ Henry O Godwin------+ | | |-???------+ | | Justin H Bradshaw---+ | | | |-Roberts--+ | Jake Roberts--------+ | | |-Roberts--+ | Hunter H Helmsley---+ | |-Vader S C Steve Austin----+ | |-Austin---+ | Bob Holly-----------+ | | |-Austin---+ | Savio Vega----------+ | | | |-Vega-----+ | | Marty Janetty-------+ | | |-Wildman--+ Wildman Marc Mero---+ | |-Wildman--+ | Skip Bodydonna------+ | | |-Wildman--+ Owen Hart-----------+ | |-O Hart---+ Yokozuna------------+ Wrestlers rumored to be heading into the WWF: TONY "DIRTY WHITE BOY" ANTHONY, TRACY SMOTHERS, DUANE JOHNSON (son of ROCKY JOHNSON), THE PUNISHER, WILD BILL IRWIN, TOM "JOHNNY GUNN" BRANDI, ALEX PORTEAU, BRIAN CHRISTOPHER (son of Jerry Lawler, even though both just turned heel in the USWA), DOUG FURNAS, DAN KROFFAT, BRET THE HITMAN HART, JIM THE ANVIL NEIDHART (in July, though the WWF denies that he's coming in), MR PERFECT CURT HENNIG (wrestling by mid-November), BUDDY LANDEL (October), SID VICIOUS (though the WWF denies it), MARC HENRY (olympian) Wrestlers rumored to be heading out of the WWF: THE BODYDONNAS, BRITISH BULLDOG DAVEY BOY SMITH, MANKIND, MILLION DOLLAR MAN TED DIBIASE, BOB BACKLUND (may retire), SUNNY (I really doubt this, but it has been reported by numerous sources). INJURIES: 1-2-3 KID (concussion), THE MAN THEY CALL VADER, THE ULTIMATE WARRIOR (arm), GOLDUST (20 stitches from hitting the ringpost wrong), BODYDONNA SKIP (elbow, out until early- or mid-July) QUOTE: "Ted DiBiase has had his last hurrah in the World Wrestling Federation but likewise a number of other individuals have had their last hurrah. No longer associated with the World Wrestling Federation in any manner Big Daddy Cool Diesel as well as The Bad Guy Razor Ramon. And it has been reported that both of these individuals intend to pawn themselves off as the stars they once were here in the World Wrestling Federation, and to furthermore perpetuate some sort of ruse that they are still representing the WWF while actually under contract to a rival organization." --Vince McMahon (aol): The WWF sent this letter to Scott Hall last week: Dear Mr. Hall: This letter will serve to put you on notice of your deliberate infringement of Titan's intellectual property rights in connection with your appearance this past Monday on the WCW's Nitro show. Having reviewed the tape of your appearance, the text of the various statements made by you during your appearance and the explicit references to past and ongoing story lines of Titan Sports, it is obvious that you were attempting by your appearance to suggest to the consuming public that you and others from the WWF were now going to be appearing on Turner networks in WCW programming as part of some interpromotional matches. The entire theme of the program, buttressed by WCW personnel afterwards, was that WWF wrestlers were going to be wrestling WCW performers, and that you were leading a group of WWF talent in that effort. This is, of course, completely false and was intended to confuse the viewing public. To further this attempt to mislead and confuse the public, you stayed completely within the character portrayal of Razor Ramon, a registered trademark of Titan Sports, during your appearance on Nitro. Indeed, both you and WCW personnel never even mentioned the name you intend to wrestle under at WCW, choosing instead to tell the audience they knew who you were. You dressed like Razor Ramon and utilized the Hispanic accent given to you by Titan as part of the character portrayal. Titan, of course, has no objection whatsoever to you portraying a new or different character devised either by you or the WCW but will vigorously exercise its rights in connection with your attempt to pawn off or suggest to the consuming public that your WCW appearances are in the character of Razor Ramon, in the capacity as a WWF wrestler, or as part of some interpromotional matches involving WWF participation. Accordingly, this is to advise you that Titan has exercised its rights under the contract it had with you and will be withholding future payments from you until this matter is further clarified. Titan further reserves all rights it has to take any and all further action as may be appropriate. = = = = = = = = = = [ ECW ] = = = = = = = = = = (Hack-Man): ECW is still not being shown on Prime-owned Midwest Sports Channel. They have been given the option of airing it but feel it wouldn't pull in as many viewers as what they are airing instead (usually repeats of baseball). If anyone feels like letting them know that there are ECW fans going through withdrawal, they can be reached at (612) 330-2669. (hamilton): BRIAN PILLMAN was at the 1 June 1996 ECW card and trash talked everyone and everything, including calling the GANGSTAS "niggers" and beating up MIKEY WHIPWRECK with a crutch. STEVE RICHARDS brought in DEVINE BROWN (of the HUGH GRANT scandal) but RAVEN said she wasn't a big enough whore for him. PEACHES (SANDMAN's wife) will eventually be brought in. STEVE RICHARDS and THE BLUE MEANIE came out dressed like THE BLUE BLOODS. (rspw): Much anticipation for the 8 June 1996 match between DEVON STORM and SABU. (net): PPV#1 may not get off the ground until December 1996. (torch): PPV#1 is scheduled to be taped on a Friday, airing on the following Sunday. I'll be sure to put a "spoiler" warning when I post results Friday night. :-) (torch): PAUL VARELANS may train full time with TAZ and ELIMINATOR KRONUS at the ECW training school. INJURIES: Just about everyone. Worth mentioning: STEVE RICHARDS is recovering nicely, SANDMAN (knee), 2 COLD SCORPIO (staph infection in a leg after having a knee drained) = = = = = = = = = = [ MISC ] = = = = = = = = = = (hamilton): The 1 June 1996 World Wrestling Peace Festival (WWPF) had a rather small turnout (6500 in a 18000-seat arena). When ERIC BISCHOFF was announced, the place erupted with a "Bischoff sucks" chant (Eric smiled and waved; he should consider a heel turn) and then a "We want Vince" chant. In the best match of the card, REY MYSTERIO JR and ULTIMO DRAGON won by pinfall over PSICOSIS and HEAVY METAL. (aol) The next WWPF will be a two-day event in Mexico City. The dates have been announced as 30 April and 1 May 1997 (Wednesday & Thursday) but with all the confusion with the 1996 WWPF, expect the dates to change several times before then. (torch): The WWPF lost money. (www): Verne Gagne's AWA will restart, with its first show on 13 July 1996 in Rochester, Minnesota. I will be there. Send email if you're interested. (hack-man): Former wrestler Stan Kowalski (who now runs UCW/UWF here in Minnesota) carried the Olympic torch through a mile (or is that a kilometer?) of St Paul as it makes its way to Atlanta. (hack-man): 8 June 1996 7:30pm IWA card in St Paul Prom Expo Center: Black Top Bully, Nailz, etc. (hack-man): 15 June 1996 UCW card in St Paul at the Sports Garden. Derrick Starfire Dukes, The Punisher, Tony DeNucci, Wayne "The Train" Bloom, etc MUSIC: DIAMOND DALLAS PAGE is using a cheap ripoff of Nirvana and OWEN HART is using a cheap ripoff of The Artist Formerly Known As Prince. INJURIES: KOUJI KANEMOTO (broken leg, out 2+ months) = = = = = = = = = = [ RATINGS ] = = = = = = = = = = 25-27 May 1996 (from hotlines, RSPW, WWW, and Entertainment Weekly): Raw = 3.3 (live) Action Zone = 1.6 WWF Mania = 1.1 Nitro = 2.8 (first hour=2.7; second hour=2.8) Nitro Repeat = 1.2 WCWSN = 2.0 WCW Pro = 1.1 WCWME = didn't seem to be on I fear that by the time Nitro catches up to Raw (again) it will be time for Nitro to start at Disney, which should drop their ratings back down around 2 again. The NBA and the Olympics are really Vince's best friend when it comes to the Monday Night Wars. Actually, the numbers just came in for 3 June 1996: Nitro = 3.0 (first hour=2.8; second hour=3.2) Nitro Repeat = 1.1 Raw = 2.3 For Torch subscription info, write to Wade Keller This week has a condescending column from John Williams, a not-so-hot interview with Rad Radford, and not much in the way of news, but is usually a good read. You may also send a question for Alex Marvez to answer Some decent free hotlines: (212)859-3500 NY info hotline (313)252-2200 x0928 ML Curly info hotline (410)385-9530 Chad Austin hotline (215)602-2856 Philly hotline (mostly ECW) (612)362-3608 Minnesota World TV Wrestling hotline (612)649-4924 Minnesota Mick Karsh hotline Having just figured out how to do mailing lists efficiently, I will now offer to send out Hack Notes each week via email (as well as posting it to RSPW, RSPWI, and putting it on my web page). Back issues are also available on my web page. To be added to the mailing list, send me email. I take no responsibility if I forget to send it out to the mailing list when I post it, as I tend to forget things from time to time. As always, the info in this post comes from various sources: wrestlers, hotlines, online forums, newsletters, and web pages. All names are trademarks of someone else. :-) This article is copyright © 1996 Otto E Heuer. All rights reserved.