The Wrestling Booking Sheet online newsletter

Issue # 279

Date: Saturday August 21st, 1999 3:03 pm

The Wrestling Booking Sheet

TOP TEN FRANCHISE PICKS
I’d like to thank those of you who sent in your Franchise Picks. While
some of us found it difficult to narrow down our lists, I know that I
had a
great time figuring out my choices. While some of the results surprised
me, I understood the logic behind all of the top choices. There were
486
ballots received, with a #1 pick worth 10 points, a #2 pick worth 9
points,
etc. There were 208 wrestling personalities that received votes, with
the
top 100 listed below. Next to the name of the performer is the amount
of votes received; in parenthesis, the number of first place votes.
Without further ado…

1) The Rock 3233 (136)
2) Steve Austin 2598 (100)
3) Chris Jericho 2344 (44)
4) Rob Van Dam 1453 (30)
5) Mick Foley 1238 (19)
6) Chris Benoit 1154 (14)
7) Triple H 1034 (7)
8) Bill Goldberg 1019 (14)
9) Shawn Michaels 844 (24)
10) Sting 726 (13)
11) Bret Hart 700 (16)
12) Taz 551 (5)
13) Kevin Nash 521 (3)
14) Sabu 472 (3)
15) Edge 446 (1)
16) The Undertaker 394 (4)
17) Hulk Hogan 391 (6)
18) X-Pac 317 (4)
19) Kane 301
20) The Big Show 283 (3)
21) Jim Ross 281 (1)
22) Road Dogg 276
23) Vince McMahon 272 (8)
24) Ric Flair 253 (1)
25) Raven 253 (3)
26) Billy Kidman 221
27) Shane Douglas 214 (2)
28) Scott Hall 208
29) Bad Ass Billy Gunn 205
30) Rey Mysterio Jr. 189
31) D’Lo Brown 131
32) Jerry Lynn 127 (1)
33) Booker T 126 (1)
34) Debra McMichael 123 (1)
Buff Bagwell 123
36) Dean Malenko 121
37) Randy Savage 115
38) Tammy Lynn Sytch 113 (4)
39) Jeff Hardy 108 (1)
40) Justin Credible 105 (2)
41) Matt Hardy 99
42) Buh Buh Ray Dudley 93
43) Mitsuharu Misawa 92 (1)
44) Vampiro 86 (1)
45) Eddie Guerrero85
46) Perry Saturn 84
47) Jerry Lawler 83
48) Chyna 80 (1)
49) Scott Steiner 70
50) Sid Vicious 64
51) Hak 63 (1)
The Ultimate Warrior 63
53) Test 60
54) Tommy Dreamer 58
55) Christian 56
56) Ken Shamrock 55
57) Lance Storm 54
58) Val Venis 53
59) Bob Holly 51
60) D-Von Dudley 50
61) Joey Styles 47
62) Super Crazy 45 (1)
63) Al Snow 43
64) Gorgeous George 41
65) Curt Hennig 40 (1)
66) Rena Mero 38
67) Kenta Kobashi 37
Juventud Guerrera Jr. 37 (1)
69) Diamond Dallas Page 34
70) The Godfather 32 (1)
71) Kanyon 32
72) Hayabusa 31 (1)
73) Psychosis 30
Toshiaki Kawada 30 (1)
Keiji Muto 30
76) Ernest Miller 28
Disco Inferno 28
Norman Smiley 28 (1)
Jushin Liger 28
Shane McMahon 28
81) Bobby Heenan 27
Torrie Wilson 27 (1)
83) Jeff Jarrett 26 (1)
Vader 26
La Parka 26
Gangrel 26
87) Scott Norton 25 (1)
Paul Heyman 25 (1)
89) Jesse Ventura 24
90) Davey Boy Smith 23 (1)
91) Dustin Rhodes 22
Blitzkrieg 22
93) Tony Atlas 21 (1)
94) Chris Candido 20
Stevie Richards 20
Francine 20
Terry Funk 20
98) Lodi 17
99) Dawn Marie 16
100)Steve Williams 15

A few top stars who surprisingly failed to crack the top 100:
Rick Steiner (103), Lex Luger (107), Madusa (112), Steven Regal (115),
Bam Bam Bigelow (117), Konnan (121), Arn Anderson (133),
Terri Runnels (140)
===========================================
STAFF PICKS
Steve Appy (Appy@xxxxs...)
1) Stone Cold Steve Austin
The top star in the business, with no sign of decline. Earns the spot
with his interviews and still exceptional workrate; would be a given
anyway, considering his drawing power and merchandise sales.

2) Chris Benoit
The next great star, and is capable of wrestling a style that
complements any opponent (even the mediocre at best). His tough guy
intensity comes off as legit, and is arguably the best worker in the
world
(certainly in this country).

3) The Rock
His charisma makes him the real thing, and he seems like he'll only get
better. I'd love to see him & Benoit compete over the top spot
eventually…

4) Bill Goldberg
I know that he hasn't "paid his dues"; so what? The audience reacts to
Goldberg the same way they would a competitive athlete, and like the
Rock, he has "it" (that unique charisma that captivates the crowd).
Given seasoning, Goldberg can develop a realistic "shooting" style that
will increase his credibility.

5) Ric Flair
A choice I agonized over, since my focus was on the younger performers.
I guess being a proud "Flair mark" may have affected my reasoning. Of
course, the fact that he's an established television draw, incredible
interview, and can still work a compelling match may have also been a
factor. I would love to book his retirement angle in style, instead of
leaving it in the hands of a vindictive Eric Bischoff.

6) Chris Jericho
We will all find out this year if Jericho has what it takes to be a
main eventer; my guess is that he will truly establish himself. In a
year, he could be higher on the list.

7) Mick Foley
Double knee surgery would disqualify most performers from this list;
with Foley, it can be overlooked. Foley has delivered some of the more
compelling, dramatic interviews ever, and the nuances he gives his
characters make him a fascinating performer. Even with a possibly
toned down ring style, Foley has the brains to remain a main eventer.

8) Jim Ross
Ross calls a match as a sporting event, and his attention to detail
brings the
product instant credibility. The best at what he does, and a vital
asset when it comes to getting a performer over.

9) Billy Kidman
Although unproven as a draw, Kidman has an appeal that propelled him
from the opening match to a high mid-card role. I feel its just a
start, and
there will be better things to come. Even putting aside his aerial
work,
Kidman could become one of the brightest stars in the business.

10) Booker T
A great example of untapped potential. His 1998 TV Title runs showed
us
that he was for real, and he can be marketed as a true sports star.
Already a
solid worker, and he will only get better if consistently booked
against top opponents.
===========================================
SamJerry (SamJerry)
My federation would be built around the best young talent there is and
build
from there. This would ensure that barring injuries, contracts, etc.,
they would be with me for a long time into the future.

1. Rob Van Dam
The best wrestler in the world. He can match strength with most anyone
and
his aerial skills are unsurpassed. He has ample mic skills that I would
have
him work on.

2. Edge
The most talented young wrestler there is. He displays outstanding mat
skills,
combining them with excellent aerial moves. Will only get better.

3. Sabu
Known as the Most Suicidal, Homicidal, Genocidal wrestler in the world
and
for good reason. He plays both face and heel with equal ease.

4. The Rock
A good wrestler, who will improve as he ages. Has no peer on the
mic. Has already been World Champion and will be again. Equally
good at being both a face and heel.

5. Triple H
Has been improving steadily and is poised to become World Champion.
Is very good on with the mic and generates both face and heel heat with
ease

6. Goldberg
Even though very rough in ring skills, has already been World Champion.
Will only improve as time goes by. Has only been a face to this point,
but
could easily become a heel and be over in that capacity.

7. Chris Jericho
An excellent wrestler who needed the proper venue to shine. Is
outstanding with the mic. Plays heel and face with equal heat.

8. Bubba Ray Dudley
Arguably part of the best tag team today and one that will go down as
one
of the best tag teams of all time. The perfect heel tag team. Bubba Ray
generates more heel heat then anyone ever.

9. D-Von Dudley
The other half of The Dudley Boyz tag team. He and Bubba work like
a very well oiled machine. They are the model of what tag teams should
be.

10. Joey Styles
The best announcer in the business. Know every hold there is and calls
them flawlessly.
===========================================
Mike Mooneyham (mooneyham)
1) The Rock
The next major superstar in the business; he's already well on
his way, and he has all the tools.

2) Steve Austin
The biggest money-maker in the business; he's a must.

3) Bill Goldberg
He could be on the level of Steve Austin in the right company; Goldberg
vs. Austin looms as the biggest PPV in wrestling history.

4) Ric Flair
He's still "the man," always will be "the man" and remains one of the
top
quarter-hours in the business.

5) Mankind
Few are more entertaining than this guy, no roster would be complete
without him.

6) Jim Ross
He's a must to put the rest of the list over.

7) Chris Jericho
This guy has star quality written all over him; a "can't miss" prospect
for
any company (except WCW)

8) Chris Benoit
All he has ever needed is a proper push and the right environment;
truly
one of the top workers in the world.

9) Sting
He could still be one of the biggest draws in the business and an
enduring
figure beyond his in-ring retirement.

10) Hulk Hogan
Could be used for drawing power, but would have no booking control.
===========================================
Mark George (attkdonkey)
1) THE ROCK
The Rock is a franchise in the making, and eventually will become
more marketable than Austin.

2) STEVE AUSTIN
At the top of his game, easily the biggest draw in the industry.

3) BILLY KIDMAN
A poor man's Shawn Michaels (minus the attitude). Incredible worker,
athletic, and tough.

4) CHRIS BENOIT
Arguably the best wrestler around. Given the chance, Benoit will make
any main event memorable.

5) CHRIS JERICHO
GREAT with the mic and serves as a great heal. Athleticism allows
him to compete with heavyweights.

6) BOOKER T
Championship potential with a hard, yet positive attitude. Will be the
third
leg of heavyweight division.

7) BILL GOLDBERG
The final piece to a SOLID heavyweight division. Maximize his
potential now,
before he is gone. He will not be a wrestling lifer.

8 & 9) RIC FLAIR & SHAWN MICHAELS
These two come as a package. Two of the greatest of all time. One
serves as
CEO, the other as commisioner. Add instant credibility to any
storyline they
are involved with.

10) JIM ROSS.
The best commentator in the industry. Ability to build a match is a
must.
JR can make a boat race seem exciting.
===========================================
Rick Phelps (wrestleric)
1. The Rock
You need a younger guy who can hold a crowd in the palm of his hand
to get the fans going.

2. Steve Austin
There is something to be said for someone who has an "I dont care"
and will fight at the drop of a hat....and plus can make you tons in
merchandise sales.

3. Jim Ross
There is a need for someone to call the action.......and why not hire
the best?

4. Sable
Well, you got to have the best of the female persuasion......and she is
it.

5. Taz
The Human Suplex machine.......he is what ECW is all about.

6. Sting
I want somebody that I know will always be loyal......and this man has
proven that without a shadow of a doubt.

7. Rey Mysterio Jr.
We can't forget about one of the fastest men in the business, now can
we?

8. Vince McMahon
Like him or not........the man is a genius......and I would want him on
my side.

9. Bret Hart
At least he tried to uphold honor and integrity in a crooked business.

10. Edge
Oh yes.......one day.......I predict a world title for this guy!! I
just want to be there to see it.
===========================================
Fritz Capp (pwbts)
Well now it is hard to just pick 10 wrestlers without showing what the
rest of your organization consists of :

Bookers : Ric Flair - Paul Heyman - Terry Funk - Jim Cornette - Kevin
Sullivan
(Bookers are paid a base salary with incentives that are contingent on
strength of storyline and fan receptivness)

Promotional Trainers:
Bret Hart - Al Snow - Shawn Michaels - Ricky Steamboat

Announce Team : Jim Ross - Joey Styles - Mike Tenay

Managers: Torrie Wilson - Gorgeous George - Teri Runnels - Francine

Top 10 wrestlers in decending order: (I stayed in the U.S. as many of
you are not familiar with Japanese wrestlers)

#10 : Taz - Taz is a monster in the ring and is a must have in any
federation. Can stretch an opponent quicker then you can blink an eye.

#9 : Billy Kidman - Excellent worker who does not allow size to
be the measure of his heart.

#8 : Rob Van Dam - Top rate wrestler who has the tools to be in
main events in any federation.

#7 : Perry Saturn - Technically sound with a belief in and for the
business, no nonsense approach with a desire to be on top.

#6 : Raven - Possibly one of the best heels in the business when
allowed to be. Fabulous workrate, excellent mic work.

# 5 : Edge - Untapped talent as of yet. We are just now starting to
see the potential that Edge has.

#4 : The Rock - Charisma, the look and ability to get the crowd
motivated. Workrate is overshadowed by mic work.

#3 : Chris Benoit - The wolverine himself. No one is more intense
or as sound as this former "Dungeon" graduate.

#2 : Chris Jericho - The "Ayatollah of Rock and Rolla" is destined
for greatness. Mic work equals his in ring ability and the girls love
the look.

#1 : Mick Foley - The chairman of the board, the king of hardcore...NO
ONE
does it quite like Mick....but all should try.
===========================================
THE NUMBERS GAME
Some figures that emerged from the voting:
WWF personalities received 57.2% of the votes; WCW received 27.7%,
ECW received 12.5%, and 2.5% were split between Japanese/Independent
Promotions.

WCW’s Top Ten Personalities were:
Chris Benoit, Bill Goldberg, Sting, Bret Hart, Kevin Nash, Hulk Hogan,
Ric Flair, Raven, Billy Kidman & Shane Douglas.

ECW’s Top Ten Personalities were:
Rob Van Dam, Taz, Sabu, Jerry Lynn, Tammy Sytch, Justin Credible,
Buh Buh Ray Dudley, Tommy Dreamer, Lance Storm & D-Von Dudley

The Top Ten Female Personalities:
Debra McMichael, Tammy Sytch, Chyna, Gorgeous George, Rena Mero,
Torrie Wilson, Francine, Dawn Marie, Madusa, & Mona Madness

The Top Ten Male Personalities who are Announcers, Bookers or Managers:
Jim Ross, Vince McMahon, Jerry Lawler, Joey Styles, Shane McMahon,
Bobby Heenan, Paul Heyman, Jesse Ventura, Bill Alphonso & Arn Anderson

The Top Ten Japan Based Personalities:
Mitsuharu Misawa, Kenta Kobashi, Hayabusa, Keiji Muto, Toshiaki Kawada,
Jushin Liger, Vader, Masa Chono, Shinya Hashimoto & Atsushi Onita
===========================================
ADVERTISEMENTS
http://www.wrestlingonthefringe.com
Former WCW Magazine Editor Patty Therre has put together
a wresting web site that was 100% created by women (except
for the terrific reports provided by our own Rick Phelps!).
Check out all of the trivia, reports, info and all of the rest of
the stuff that we all love. Find it at:
http://www.wrestlingonthefringe.com

ATTENTION ECW FANS! Want to get EXTREME?!
Then visit http://www.purely-ecw.com and meet
Judge Jeff Jones on August 23!

The King Of Major Leauge Wrestling Tournament needs just a few more
wrestlers, so if your a good e-wrestler check it out!
http://www.angelfire.com/ny/UltimateGang/MLW.html
===========================================
HART vs. HOGAN, ROUNDONE
Last night (8/20), in San Francisco, CA, Bret Hart and Hulk Hogan had
their
first singles match (besides an aborted Nitro showdown in October
1998).
Here's a quick rundown of the result:

Reported by Danny K. & Joe De Leon at:
http://www.ultimowrestling.com/rwin/index.shtml

Hulk Hogan vs. Bret Hart
Great match with Bret even getting Hogan into the Sharpshooter before
Steiner
and Sid run in to end the match. The here comes Sting!!! Then all the
Rednecks
run in to fight with the other four but Goldberg!! came in and speared
all the WTRs.
After the ring was cleared Goldberg, Hogan, Hart and Sting all
embraced!!! Should
be a great Nitro with Bret Hart back in action!!!
===========================================
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.

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