The Wrestling Booking Sheet online newsletter

Issue # 260

Date: Monday May 24th, 1999 11:10 pm

The Wrestling Booking Sheet

NEWSLETTER HIATUS
The Booking Sheet has reached a crossroads and it will be taking time off to
evaluate its options. At this point, I'm not sure which editorial direction
the newsletter will take, and we will be taking a month off to find out. We
will be back, and hopefully the results will be worth the delay.

In the meantime, many of you will need to find alternative fixes for your
wrestling thirst. Here are several options that I highly recommend:

The BEST source of wrestling news anywhere is the Wrestling Observer. Dave
Meltzer provides an insight into the business that an internet audience would be
amazed by; most of what I understand about the wrestling business (and there is
alot I don't), I owe to the Observer. To subscribe, send $11 for 4 issues to:
The Wrestling Observer
P.O. Box 1228
Campbell, CA 95009-1228

Another terrific source of information is the Pro Wrestling Torch. Edited by
Wade Keller & Jason Powell, I've enjoyed The Torch a great deal since that
fateful October in 1992 when I first read it. In addition, The Torch also
boasts a fair writer by the name of Bruce Mitchell...
To subscribe to The Torch, send $36 for 20 issues to:
The Pro Wrestling Torch
P.O. Box 1228
Minneapolis, MN 55420

Now, its time for the free online sources. There are HUNDREDS of newsletters
out there, and MANY great ones, all with something good to offer. At the risk
of neglecting some terrific newsletters, I'm going to recommend four of them:

First off, Jared Spinelli publishes The House of Wrestling, a newsletter that
has earned its reputation with both integrity and excellence. With some of the
best writers around on their roster (including the honored SamJerry), HOW is
worth your time. To subscribe, send a blank e-mail to:
h-o-w-subscribe

The Pro Wrestling Informer is another of the best; Gatts is guiding PWI quickly
up the newsletter food chain. To subscribe, send a blank e-mail to:
prowrestlinginformers-subscribe

Another high quality, underrated newsletter is SNNV, Christopher Murray's online
masterpiece. To subscribe, send a blank e-mail to
sdnv-newsletter-subscribe

Last but not least is The Bagpipe Report. TBR has set the pace when it comes to
the online newsletter market, and it continues to be one of the only reliable
sources of news on the internet. Both Blake Norton & Steve Senerchia are
committed to putting out the best possible product (as many of you already know.
To subscribe, send a blank e-mail to bagpipe_report-subscribe

There are two newsboards that I can recommend; The Big 3 Newsboard & RWIN.
They can be found at:
http://www.cataclysmal.com/big3/index.html
http://www.ultimowrestling.com/rwin/index.shtml
Both David Tyler & Joe De Leon have worked hard to put together a winning team
and I can vouch for the overall quality of both boards. You'll be more informed
if you check them out.
===========================================
WCW Nitro Report forMay 24th, 1999
By Steve Appy

Live from Greenville, SC
Nitro began with a tasteful salute to Owen Hart, a three bell count for the
fallen star.
Not overdone, and considering the complex politics, the right note. Tony
Shiavonie announced that the thoughts of WCW were with Bret and the entire Hart
family.

As Raven & Saturn entered the arena, the tag team champions were attacked by the
new team of Bam Bam Bigelow & Diamond Dallas Page. DDP & Bigelow left the
champions destroyed, unconscious underneath a pile of weapons.

Van Hammer pinned Chavo Guerrero Jr. in 3:59
Hammer's gone through a makeover, foregoing the hippie gimmick and using a
costume that emphasizes his huge frame. Why WCW would waste TV time building
Hammer is beyond me, since its impossible to get past two points: he has zero
charisma and even less coordination. Hammer pinned Chavo after a modified
Gordbuster.

Gene Okerlund interviewed Disco Inferno, bruised and battered after Savage's
attack on Thunder. Disco questioned Savage's motives, stating that Savage may
be threatened by the younger talent in WCW. Disco was interrupted by Ernest
Miller & Sonny Onoo, and Miller launched a cowardly attack on the charismatic
underachiever. Miller's attack "injured" Disco's face, and we are left with the
hope that Disco will be triumphant in the rematch. After throwing out his usual
challenges, the nWo Black & White goaded Scott Norton into destroying the Cat.
Norton quickly dominated Miller, sending both Onoo & The Cat scurrying from the
ring.

Mike Tenay entered the office of WCW President Ric Flair as Nitro went to a
commercial.

Flair promised El Dandy that he will make him "the biggest Latin star in the
world" if he threw a match to David Flair. As Buddy Lee Parker confronted Flair
about his own unkept promises, Parker was forced into a suicide mission against
Chris Benoit.

Gene Okerlund interviewed Ric Flair; angered about Charles Robinson's injury,
Flair banned the Elbow off the Top Rope, "guaranteeing that Nash would roll
Savage into a ball".

Tony Shiavonie announced that the scheduled Kevin Nash/Bret Hart Tonight Show
Challenge was postponed, with Bret spending time with his family in Calgary.

David Flair (w/TorrieWilson & Ric Flair) defeated El Dandy via submission in
1:25
When Flair had trouble with the passive El Dandy, Arn Anderson stormed the ring
and used the Spinebuster to disable the underrated Luchador. David quickly
applied the Figure Four for the quick victory.

Gene Okerlund interviewed Buff Bagwell; Buff echoed Disco's comment about Savage
being threatened by the younger wrestlers. Buff vowed victory in his TV Title
match against Rick Steiner later tonight.

In a video highlighting Bischoff's reign, WCW fraudently took credit for New
Japan's 1995 show in North Korea, which drew 140,000 fans. In actuality, the
only WCW wrestler on the card was Ric Flair, who lost in the main event to
Antonio Inoki.

Billy Kidman eliminated Hugh Morrus in 7:52 to win a Cruiserweight Battle Royal
Psychosis, Juventud Guerrera Jr., Prince Iaukea, Damian, Ciclope, Chavo Guerrero
Jr., Blitzkrieg, Kaz Hayashi, Billy Kidman, Lash Laroix, Johnny Swinger and Evan
Koragious were the twelve participants; the winner becomes the #1 contender for
the Cruiserweight Championship. Interrupting the action, heavyweight Hugh
Morrus stormed the ring and eliminated almost everybody, until he was left
against Billy Kidman. Of course, making the jobber Morrus decimate the
Cruiserweight division killed the little credibility the division had left. As
Kidman was prone for the "No Laughing Matter", Rey Mysterio made the save, and
the "Giant Killer" sent Morrus stumbling over the top rope for a Kidman victory.

Gene Okerlund interviewed WCW Commisioner Roddy Piper; after ordering Savage to
join him in the ring, he was instead joined by Madusa, Gorgeous George and Miss
Madness. In perhaps his funniest line in years, Piper remarked "This must be
Silicon Valley." As Piper berated the harem, Flair, DDP, and Bigelow triple
teamed Piper into oblivian. As payment for their assistance, Flair granted DDP
& Bigelow a tag team title shot at The Great American Bash.

Angered over being passed over for a title shot, Benoit & Malenko expressed
frustration over their lack of push. First Disco, then Bagwell, now the
Horseman. Will WCW finally give these young prodigys a change?

As a trainer taped Piper's injured ribs, Piper challenged Flair, Bigelow & DDP
to a six man tag later, with his two partners yet to be determined. Bobby
Heenan speculated if Hogan could be one of Piper's partners...

Curt Hennig joined Shiavonie & Heenan on commentary, and looks to be entering a
program with Konnan. I wonder who Konnan pissed of to earn that one...

Chris Benoit (w/Dean Malenko) defeated Buddy Lee Parker via submission in 3:36
Benoit played the monster (and since his offense looks so credible, his height
was never an issue). Benoit gained the victory with The Crippler Crossface.

Buff Bagwell defeated WCW TV Champion Rick Steiner via disqualification in 4:37
As crude as ever, Scott Steiner got a babyface reaction from the confused
Greenville crowd. Rick Steiner was DQ'ed when Scott freely interfered; Luger &
Sting made the save, with Luger driving a monster truck into the aisle. Kind of
hokey, but a good visual.

Interrupting Hennig's commentary, Konnan charged the booth and dragged the
former Mr. Perfect into the ring. After beating Hennig post to post, the two
brawled to the back as Nitro went to a commercial break.

Mike Tenay interviewed High Morrus & Jimmy Hart; after Rey Mysterio Jr. answered
Morrus's challenge, Morrus was poised to cripple Rey (with the help of "The No
Laughing Matter" and a steel chair). Konnan & Billy Kidman made the save, and
proceeded to make Morrus look like a overwhelming monster.

Gene Okerlund interviewed Hollywood Hogan (on crutches, still in nWo gear).
Hogan emphasized his political power behind the scenes, and promised big changes
upon his return. Will he be the on screen figurehead against the aspiring young
talents?

As Kevin Nash responded to Savage's attacks, he was confronted by all three of
Savage's ladies (including Gorgeous George, once again on crutches). With the
crudest comment of the night, Nash told Madusa "As much as I like to see you
wrestle, I'd rather see your box". After a low blow brought Nash to his knees,
Savage charged the ring and took advantage of the fallen World Champion.

Ric Flair, Diamond Dallas Page, & Bam Bam Bigelow (w/Asya & Arn Anderson) fought
Roddy Piper, Chris Benoit & Dean Malenko to a No Contest in 4:45
In a stunning switch, Benoit & Malenko turned on Flair and were revealed to be
Piper's mystery partners. Malenko was in his street clothes (is he injured?).
Benoit was a one man show, and after some early offense sold for the heels the
entire match. Malenko mysteriosly disappeared, but was covered by Raven &
Saturn, who attacked DDP & Bigelow to end the match. As Nitro ended, Hollywood
Hogan stood over a prone DDP, muttering that "Payback is hell, Page."
===========================================
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===========================================
JERICHO COMMENTARY
Chris Jericho posted his latest message to his fans, courtesy of
http://www.chrisjericho.com/

5/23/99
NP: Galactic Cowboys- Space In Your Face
Hello Jerichoholics!!

I just returned from the Bruise Cruise 99 and I must say I thoroughly enjoyed
every aspect of it! It was a pleasure meeting all of you people and I hope I
did the best I could to make your vacation a memorable one. I had so much fun
snorkeling in Nassau, jetskiing and barbequing in Freeport and checking out all
of the activities on the boat itself, which included comedians, gambling, a
broadway show, fine dining and most importantly meeting all of you. I even
slept under the stars on my balcony one night! What a cool feeling to wake up
at the crack of dawn on the high seas, nothing around for miles, save water!

I'd like to thank Kent from Kentucky, Styles, Donna and Andrea from Las Vegas,
Patti, Litttle Josh who wouldn't stop hugging me, Patrick, Thelma and Frances
from Virginia, Tony the gambling fool and all the rest of the great friends I
met and made during the week. Hope to see ya next year!

Well after six weeks, myself and Doctor Gray are proud to announce the return of
my healthy ankle! I feel so good, probably about 93%. I'm ready to return and
was looking forward to coming back on Nitro this week. But the powers that be
at WCW decided in their infinite wisdom not to book me on this week's
Nitro....or Thunder...or Saturday Night for that matter! As a matter of fact, I
don't have a match booked until June 4. Now don't get me wrong, if WCW wants to
pay me to sit at home, well who am I to complain? But I just figured that in
midst of getting slaughtered every week in the ratings, as well as putting on
largely mediocre programming, they would need all the help they could get to
increase the entertainment value of their shows. But who am I to say? Just
another fact for the mental file I'm keeping.

Well, here is the big news you've all been waiting for (whatever)!!!!! I'd like
to announce the arrival of THE 80's metal cover band, FOZZIE OZBOURNE!!!!!!!,
featuring Rich Ward of Stuck Mojo on guitar and Chris Moongoose Jericho on lead
vocals!! That's right ladies and gents, your favorite songs from such metal
giants as Iron Maiden, Dio, Krokus, Judas Priest, Van Halen, Whitesnake and many
more, performed live from the most highly touted duo since Lennon and McCartney!
The band is smokin and I'd like to invite you all to come check us out!!!

The first two live gigs are on the following dates:
JUNE 18 -SPARTANBURG, SC- MAGNOLIA ST PUB
JUNE 19 -MARIETTA, GA-THE HANGAR
So if you happen to be in Atalanta or Spartanburg on these two days, make sure
to check us out. I guarantee it will rock and be a blast!!!

Congrats to the Toronto Maple Leafs for making it to the Eastern finals!!! One
more step till the cup baby!!!!!

Just to let you know, I think WCW has stopped producing my Jerichohlic T-shirts.
I have no idea why, but if you're angry and you know it, stomp your foot!!
Make sure to let them know that you're mad as hell and you ain't gonna take it
anymore!

Make sure to check out the newset addition to the site, The Fifth Column by
Shanks. I went to college with the Shankster and I think his random thoughts on
such topics as Godzilla, Elvis, Dawn of the Dead and vomit are quite
entertaining. Give it a shot and if you like it, drop him a line!!

Hope to see you all soon, if WCW allows it!!!
God Bless You
CJ
===========================================
AVERTING A RIOT
Written by reader: el_beasto
I've read through some of the reader E-Mails that were in the Wrestling Booking
Sheet. Most...I think all, said that the pay per view should have been stopped
afterward. Think about it, that's a hard thing to call. If you stop the pay
per view..for any reason, you're going to have to face the potential for
rioting. And that could end up in even more tragedy. My personal opinion is
that, even though I dislike him very much and am a WCW fan myself, Vince McMahon
did the right thing. He told the wrestlers that it was OK if they couldn't
perform to their fullest, and he cancelled what has been said to be a
controversial angle for the main event.

The tribute on RAW was also done very well. It even kept me enthralled. I
truly think
Vince McMahon deserves the thumbs up on his decisions. Owen was one of my
personal favorites. I like very few WWF superstars, but Owen Hart was one of
them...he'll truly be missed.
===========================================
OWEN THE MAN
Written by reader: Walter Hoenisch (whoenisch@xxxxs...)
I just wanted to take a moment and reflect on a time that I had the honor of
meeting the late Owen Hart (I can't believe I just typed his name that way!). It
was the Saturday before WM13 in Chicago and I took my son (Then age 3) to an
autograph signing with Owen and Davey (then Tag team champs). We waited in line
for an hour and a half and though my son was anxious to see the first wrester he
ever liked, he was very nervous when it came our turn. After shaking Owen's
hand, I introduced
my son, Andrew, to him. Owen, sensing that Andrew was nervous and even though he
had already been there longer than scheduled with a whole line still behind us,
got out of his chair and kneeled in front of my son to get eye-to-eye with him,
shook his hand a talked him into calming down, replacing a scared look in a
three year old's eyes with a smile to fill the room.

I walked away from that meeting with a beautiful picture of Owen Hart with my
son on his lap and a wonderful memory of just what a special person Owen Hart
truly is. My thoghts and prayers go out to Owen's family and though the
wrestling world will be
a little less full with his tragic passing, let's not forget that from now on,
two children will never see their daddy again. As I read somewhere this
morning, "Heaven needed a superhero so they called The Blazer". Rest in Peace,
Owen Hart.
===========================================
WHY CHOOSE SIDES
Written by reader: Torie9992
I have to agree with Jrsyboy17. Wrestling has always been a soap opera, I am a
35 year old female wrestling fan and have been watching since 1982. I
can't say I always like all the storylines by either WWF or WCW. I choose to
watch wrestling for it entertainment not it "moral" or "immoral" message. I
enjoy both WCW and the WWF. I have only watched WCW since Hall and Nash
"invaded", and before that I never really cared for Sting or Flair & Co. Now I
enjoy all of it. For me, they both eventually use the same storylines and
angles. Sometimes the WWF pulls it off better than WCW, and sometimes its the
other way around. I am always amazed at how many people feel the need the
choose sides. Why? Both organizations have plenty to offer for everyone.
Everyone has their one or two favorite wrestlers that "entertain" them. I don't
feel the need to debate WWF "adult entertainment" or WCW "hypocrisy" , I choose
to watch and enjoy both.
Torie9992
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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