The Wrestling Booking Sheet online newsletter

Issue # 248

Date: Saturday May 15th, 1999 7:10 pm

The Wrestling Booking Sheet

GOLDBERG UNHAPPY?
Add Goldberg to the list of very unhappy campers, and boy have there been alot
of those of late. Goldberg, who has several years left on his contract which I
believe is at $800,000 per year, attempted to renegotiate it upwards. He is the
company's biggest current media star but is far below the likes of Hogan, Hart,
Nash, Hall, Savage, Sting and Page (all at 1.5 million per year and up) and
feels he should be at their level; so far, Bischoff hasn't been accomodating.
Reported by Dave Meltzer of The Wrestling Observer

SUPER ALLIANCE?
Big story taking place. On 5/13, Mitsuharu Misawa, Seiji Sakaguchi, and Keiji
Mutoh had a meeting to discuss having New Japan, All Japan, and the WWF all work
together for a Tokyo Dome show. Misawa and Mutoh shook hands, as a picture of
Giant Baba was behind them. Misawa wants WWF participation, and the New Japan
side doesn't care.
Reported by Zach Arnold at: http://www.1wrestling.com/

DR. DEATH UPDATE
When Steve Williams was inJapan for the Dome show, he asked Misawa about
getting his job back and was told "maybe". All Japan had filled William's spot
with Vader, and with business just so-so, its not a definite that they would
want to add his high salary deal to the company books.
Reported by Dave Meltzer of The Wrestling Observer

LATEST UPDATE ON SMITH & RUDE WCW CONNECTIONS
Davey Boy Smith is now able to move around somewhat and even leave the house.
He's wearing a full bodycast and is talking about being able to wrestle and
doing so in the WWF, as he's been in contact with Vince McMahon. Even though he
was sent a termination notice from WCW, WCW is continuing to pay him and the
checks indicate that they will continue coming.

Despite rumors everywhere to the contrary, there is no indication what if
anything WCW will do in regard to what was left on Rick Rude's contract.
Michelle Rood hasn't received anything from WCW and Bischoff has been
non-committal with her about anything financially that the company is going to
do.
Reported by Dave Meltzer of The Wrestling Observer

HOUSE OF WRESTLING SET TO RETURN
In a short time, The House of Wrestling newsletter (HOW) will be making its
return to the internet. A free newsletter published by Jared Spinelli, HOW has
earned its spot as one of the top sheets on the net. For your free
subscription, send a blank
e-mail to: h-o-w-subscribe

To subscribe to The Wrestling Observer, send $11 for 4 issues to:
The Wrestling Observer
P.O. Box 1228
Campbell, CA 95009-1228

THUNDER SPOILER
At the conclusion of this issue we have the results for next weeks Thunder; as
always, if you want to be surprised, skip this section...
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===========================================
HAK ON WCW LIVE
Reported by Dave Scherer at: http://www.1wrestling.com/
Hak on WCW Live - 5/11/99 (Highlights)

On working in WCW:
"Kevin Nash likes me, so he pretty much calls the shots. He gives like, me and
Bammer creative control of what we do, you know what I mean? He tells us who
wins or loses, but there's not a lot of guys that can tell you how to play our
game, guys that have been in our kind of matches. I think he does that with a
lot of his guys, let's you do your own thing. I think Kevin's smart like that."

On making the transition from ECW to WCW:
"Everything's the same, except working for a multimillion dollar company. The
boys are the boys, and the fans are the fans. On the aspect of when you walk
through the curtain, whether there's 20,000 people or 2,000 people there, I
don't get any more energy out of there being ten times more people there. My
workrate's still the same, my heart rate still feels the same, the adrenaline
flows the same, except its a little bit different when you're not so drunk.
(laughs) In WCW, you're not going to be drinking before the matches up there.
But besides that, with them letting me do "Hak's rules" matches, and Kevin
giving me free reign to do what I want during the matches, as long as no fans
are getting hurt. You notice, when we have most of our matches, things do stay
right in the ring. You can't be swinging those trash cans and
things, because as soon as a fan gets hurt, if a couple of fans get hurt during
our matches, they're going to pull the plug on us, and then where the hell am I
going to be then. So I'm out there protecting the fans, as much as my own
interest in the wrestling business."

On Chastity:
"Me and her talked for about an hour today on the phone, and I just can't
believe, she's telling me Jay Leno talked about it, Letterman, or some other
guy. People have done articles in like the New York Post or something. I could
see if the girl was Sable, I mean, geez, I can't believe they have so little
news that they jumped on this so hard. Considering her level in the business,
you'd think she was a superstar, the way they're treating this piece of news.
its unbelievable...........(On Saturday Night Live) She was mentioned in the
same sentence as Monica Lewinsky, and that just cracks her up. She's past the
point of being upset or pissed off. But her parents found out about it, from one
of her Dad's friends, stuff like that. You know, there's two sides to every
story, and everybody's got skeletons in their closet, if you'd seen half the
skeletons in my closet, you'd be like, that porno flick or whatever the hell she
did, would mean nothing. We all have skeletons. Who the hell are any of us to
say what she did was right or wrong?"

On his most memorable moment in ECW:
"its more like a couple, like Funk out of a box, the blind angle, a lot of
stuff that I did with Nancy [Woman], stuff with Sabu. its not just one moment,
there's a lot of moments that define the Sandman in ECW. I can't pick just one,
at a minimum there's two or three."

On his relationship with Paul Heyman:
"We have none. I don't call him to say "how are you doing" or
anything........I'm on the road right now, I'm on the road 20 days a week, I'm
glad I get enough time to watch my kids play in a ballgame. I don't have time
for my best friend. I haven't talked to Tod Gordon in the last week. He finally
called me and said "Where the hell have you been?" I said, "Tod, its
unbelievable, I just don't have the time"...........its pretty hectic. I don't
have enough time to call my best friend, let alone a former employer."

On the name "Hak":
"My brother named me Hak when I was five years old, when he was 7 and a half,
just turning eight. I've had it for a long time. I'm glad I'm using the name Hak
now, because my brother that gave me that name died last year. I feel like I did
something for him by doing that and we can probably put the Sandman to rest. "

On Shane Douglas:
"I have no clue, but I have heard some rumors. I talked to Denise, and her rumor
was that he signed for $400. I talked to Tod, and he said he hasn't heard
anything definitive yet. He tried to talk to Shane, and the phone number he has
for him isn't working right now, so he's probably keeping himself in a cocoon
right now, until he can figure out the best plan of action for him, and to tell
you the truth, its probably not a bad idea."

On his old entrance (with beer, cigarettes and cane):
"Well, they told me "no you can't" so I said okay. And that ain't going to
change. I wish I could do it, because I think I could then relate to the
audience much more, but there's no chance of that happening. So I bring out a
trashcan full of stuff now, and have tables under the ring. There's no
difference. A gimmick's a gimmick, no matter what it is.
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ECW HARDCORE HEAVEN PREVIEW
Written by reader: ZzWiLLiEzZ
Its funny how everyone is blirting out rumors of Paul Heyman and how ECW is
slowly fading away due to the money problems. I'm pretty sure ECW does have
these problems, but still with all these problems, Heyman continues to book some
of the best shows a wrestling fan has ever seen.

ECW returns to Pay Per View on Sunday night for Hardcore Heaven 99. The event
is shaping up to be one heck of a show. The card compares to what we saw at
Cyberslam 99, which may have been ECW's best show ever from ECW Arena.

Taijiri vs. Little Guido - We start off with this very entertaining battle
between the two. Guido has really become a wrestler in the past few months and
his effort has been amazing. Taijiri is one of ECW's best talents and most
entertaining workers. This one should be a solid match, with Taijiri pinning
Guido in the end.

Super Crazy vs. Taka Michinoku - This may very well be the best match on the
card. Two wrestlers who have tons of talent square off. I was so excited to see
Taka back in ECW at Cyberslam. He certainly is an amazing addition to the
roster. Super Crazy is becoming a top star in ECW. The fans love this guy, and I
do too. Personally, I hope to see Taka stealing one from Crazy in the end.

Lance Storm vs. Tommy Dreamer - The most hateful rivalry in ECW today. Storm is
one heck of a wrestler, and I'm praying ECW holds on to him. Tommy Dreamer has
really shown improvment in the last months and I am looking forward to this
match. I think Dreamer wins it in the end, and maybe we'll see the return of the
Funker.

Justin Creadible vs. ??? - It doesn't seem like Shane Douglas is going to show
up for
this, so I guess we'll see Creadible declaring himself the new Franchise. I know
that Credible is going to fight, so I see Sabu coming down to give him a match.
Back at the Arena, Creadible said he banned Sabu from all wrestling arenas.
Hopefully, Sabu will get the pin and the feud won't end there.

Dudley Boyz vs. ??? - Since D-Von and Buh Buh Ray pinned Axl and Balls at ECW
Arena on Saturday, they are no longer the number one contenders. I see them
coming out and making a challenge to anyone. Thus brings out New Jack and
Mustafa, and eventually Balls and Axl. The 3 Way Dance is Hardcore to the bone
and New Jack comes away with the Tag Titles.

Rob Van Dam vs. Jerry Lynn - This should be the best match of the night,
hopefully 5 stars too. RVD and Lynn are both two of ECW's best workers and most
loved by the fans. Lynn has been gaining so much respect lately, and is even
called the "New FN Show". I see a wonderful match with Lynn pulling the upset
and ending the title reign of RVD.

Taz vs. Chris Candido - Taz and Candido have been going back and forth with a
sort of macho man fued. At the Arena, Candido injured Chetti and then Taz added
to the injury of Chetti. Its going to be an ok match,... I don't think its main
event though. I'd rather put RVD and Lynn in the Main Event spot. Taz wins it.

All in all, it should be an enjoyable Pay Per View,... and about a B+ show on my
scale. (Living Dangerously was a B- and Cyberslam was an A+). Its certainly
worth the money though. Long live EC FN W.
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*** FINAL PRESS RELEASE ***
PILLMAN MEMORIAL SHOW
The Heartland Wrestling Association (HWA) and the elite people in the world of
professional wrestling will gather for a night of tribute, auction, and
wrestling at the Cincinnati Gardens on Wednesday, May 19th.

14-time Heavyweight Wrestling Champion of the World “Nature Boy” Ric Flair will
join former ring adversary Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat as V.I.P. hosts for
Pillman ‘99 (the second annual HWA Brian Pillman Memorial). Flair is considered
by many to be the greatest performer in the history of professional wrestling.
Steamboat has not appeared at a major wrestling event in four years and will no
doubt receive a hero’s welcome from the Cincinnati crowd.

Pillman ‘99 will feature live wrestling from both the World Wrestling Federation
(WWF) and World Championship Wrestling (WCW) on the same show. There is very
little chance that fans will have an opportunity to see wrestlers from both of
the two major U.S. wrestling companies on the same show at any other time this
year.

The triple main event consists of one WCW tag team match and two WWF singles
matches. The WCW tag match pits Konnan and WCW Cruiserweight Champion
Rey Mysterio, Jr. against Chris Benoit and Dean Malenko of the Four Horsemen.

The WWF has promised Mick Foley (A.K.A. “Mankind” with Mr. Socko) vs.D-lo
Brown, and in addition, Al Snow (w/Head and the WWF Hardcore Title) vs. Road
Dogg Jesse Jammes.

Ten matches total will take place, including a “legends” match between former
NWA North American Champion Terry Taylor and former WWF Tag Team Champion Dr.
Tom Prichard (accompanied by the beautiful Missy Hyatt).

In addition, former National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) star Tim Horner will team
with Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) star Rob Conway to face OVW’s Flash Flanagan
and HWA wrestler Bull Pain.

A cruiserweight tournament featuring HWA wrestlers (Chip Fairway, Terik the
Great, Shark Boy, Chad Collyer, Matt Stryker, & Jeramy Jett) rounds out the card
with the winner to be crowned the Pillman ‘99 Cruiserweight Champion. Belltime
is set for 7pm.

Other special guests scheduled to appear include former WCW valet Woman and WCW
referees Mark Curtis and Scott Dickinson. Mark Curtis has been sidelined for
several months due to a bout with cancer and will make his return at Pillman
‘99.

Just like last year, all money raised at Pillman ‘99 will go to the Brian
Pillman Memorial Fund. Pillman, a former professional wrestler and Cincinnati
Bengal, passed away on October 5th, 1997, at the age of 35. He is survived by
wife Melanie and six children. A graduate of Norwood High School and Miami
University (OH), Brian battled adversity throughout his life, including 36
throat operations during his infancy and a potentially fatal automobile accident
which left him with a fused ankle near the end of his life.

Pillman ‘99 festivities start at 4pm with “Photos with the Stars.” Pillman ‘99
ticketholders will have an opportunity to have their picture taken with any of
the wrestlers in attendance for only $10 from 4 to 6pm.

Additional funds will be raised at a celebrity auction where silent bids will be
accepted on each item starting at 4pm and continuing throughout the evening. The
top bidders for the first few items will then be called to the ring at 6:30pm
for a final bidding process. The final bidding for the remaining items will
occur during the two intermissions scheduled during the event.

Auction items donated (most of which will be autographed) will include:
(Steamboat) clothing, including a satin “Steamboat’s Gym” jacket; (Diamond
Dallas Page) leather vest; (Woman) a gown; (Benoit) boots; (Malenko) ring
jacket; (Mysterio) a mask and T-shirt; (Konnan) camouflage pants and T-shirt;
(D-lo) chest protector; (Road Dogg) shin guards and T-shirt; (Snow) Head and
T-shirt; (Missy) mini-dress; and (Jim Ross) Stetson. An event T-shirt
autographed by all of the wrestlers on the card will also be auctioned.

Two different raffles will also take place to aid the Pillman Memorial Fund. A
duplicate NWA World TV Title belt donated by J-Mar (Reynoldsburg, OH) will be
raffled off. Likewise, a poster-sized painting of Brian Pillman (autographed by
the wrestlers) painted by David Tisdale (Charlotte, NC) will be raffled off as
well.

Tickets are on sale now at all Ticketmaster outlets. Ticket prices are $50
(first six rows, includes a free event T-shirt illustrated by Jeremy Roll of
Lebanon, OH), $30 remaining floor seats), & $25 (box seats). For further
details about the event, call the new HWA Hotline at (513)71-YO-HWA [(513)
719-6492] or check out the website at
www.mainevent.net. Members of the news media should contact Marc Hopkins at
1-800-397-3033, (513) 321-3475, or marc
Reported by Josh Bricker and http://www.mainevent.net
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UNDERRATED WRESTLERS
Written by reader: hbk_dhc
It seems everyone thought Chris Benoit was the most underrated wrestler in the
business, and indeed he was. It seems he can step down from that crown now that
he is finally getting a title push.

I would have to nominate Bradshaw as the msot underrated wrestler. You can look
at his build and tell he's in great shape. He has got to be at least 6'5" or so.
On the rare occasion the WWF lets him talk, he has appeared to have average to
above average mic skills. He's played several different gimmicks all very well.
(The redneck Texan, the big crazy Texan, the Acolyte, etc.). Right now, I
consider the Acolytes the best tag team in the WWF. But instead, WWF lets Mark
Henry and D-lo Brown get shots and they allow Kane and X-Pac to have the titles.

X-Pac is very deserving in my opinion of titles, but Kane works for a year and a
half and is a World Champ and a 3-time Tag Champ? Kane has no mic skills at all
and has used about 4 different moves in his entire career, Tombstone, Chokeslam,
big
boot, punch. Faarooq has received his push before, but he also is deserving. If
I were a WWF Booker, the Acolytes would get the tag titles. Doing that would
allow X-Pac and Kane to enter the Corp Min/Union angle. Just my opinion.
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THUNDER SPOILER (If you want to be surprised, skip this section)
Shawn Goetzinger sent in Thunder results from 5/13 in Wichita, Kansas.
Taped 5/13 for air 5/20 Thunder results

1. Hak d. Mike Enos in hardcore match. Items used tables, trash cans, a ladder,
kendo stick, and fire extinguisher. (Chastity).

2. Ernest Miller d. Super Calo. Good heel heat for Cat. Sonny Ono interference
led to kick to chin for pin.

3. Vampiro d. Silver King via reverse Frankensteiner from top rope.

4. Konnan d. Hugh Morrus with face smash after being controlled almost entire
match.

5. La Parka d. El dandy in squash.

6. TV Title: Rick Steiner d. Scott Putski with bulldog from ropes. Steiner major
heel. New look.

7. Kidman d. Juventud Guerrera by reversing Juvi driver into roll up. GREAT high
flying match with tons of near falls for both.

Buff Bagwell interview.

8. Rey Mysterio d. Kaz Hayashi with Frankensteiner from top rope. During match,
Macho Man w/Ho's (sorry wrong federation) came to ringside. After the match,
Macho asked Rey to join him in "master plan" to deal with Big Sexy Kevin Nash.
When Rey said no, he got beat down. Save attempts by first Kidman, then Konnan
were not successful.

9. World Tag champions Raven/Saturn w/Kanyon d. NWO black & white Jobber Squad
in Freebird style. SaturnDVD on Vince, while Horace was occupied with Raven.

10. David Flair d. Barry Horowitz by submission with figure four. Clean win with
exception of one save by Horseman.

11. Disco v Curt Hennig ended in no contest; when Macho Man ran in. Buff in for
save.

12. Main event: Buff v. Savage ended in double count out, after back and forth
action. Macho continued to pummel Bagwell after bell. Security had to stop
Savage. During the mayhem, Nick Patrick was hurt. He was taken out on gurney.
After show was over, we saw Nick Patrick put into ambulance as we left the arena
(no cameras around).

Good show overall. Should be better show than recent Thunder broadcasts. The
biggest pop was when, during Rey beat down, Gorgeous George's straps broke on
her top. She fell out of her top and had to hold up the top with her hands. The
audience had a good view of her assets.
Reported by Shawn Goetzinger & Dave Scherer at: http://www.1wrestling.com/
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The staff of The Wrestling Booking Sheet
Editor: Steve Appy
Columnist:Mark George
Columnist: SamJerry
Columnist: Fritz Capp
Columnist: Rick Phelps
Columnist: Cindy Barnes
Columnist: Josh Hewitt
Columnist: Swami
Columnist: Tom Misnik
Columnist: Nate Pelley Columnist: Robert Troy (Osiris) Columnist: Tom Kirkbride Columnist: Ryan S. Oaks Columnist: Darren Kramer Any submissions sent in by readers or columnists become the property of The Wrestling Booking Sheet, and are subject to editing due to grammar, spelling, or content. Any information taken from The Wrestling Booking Sheet must be credited properly, with our E-Mail address listed. We have no problem if you want to use our stuff; just credit it properly.

"When you're young and you pick up a guitar, it feels so powerful. It feels like you pulled the sword from the stone. I used to believe that it could save the world. But I don't really believe that anymore." - Bruce Springsteen

"The greatest challenge of adulthood is holding on to your idealism after you lose your innocence and believing in the power of the human spirit after you come crashing into the limits of the real adult world." - Bruce Springsteen