The Wrestling Booking Sheet online newsletter

Issue # 319

Date: Monday September 20th, 1999 9:10 pm

The Wrestling Booking Sheet

TAZ COMMENTARY
Reported by Matt Hatter at: http://www.tazmission.com
Taz posted a message to his fans on his official website following his
defeat at 'Anarchy Rulz':

"Last night at Anarchy Rulz, I obviously lost the ECW World heavyweight
belt. I never thought that I would say this, but I was proud to lose.
It was the most emotional thing, professionally, that I've been through
in my 13 years as a pro wrestler.

ECW will be in my heart for the rest of my life and I will never forget
what ECW, Paul Heyman, all the wrestlers, referees, promoters,
merchandise staff, ring crew and security have done for me in my six
years in this company.

This past weekend, I pulled aside most of the wrestlers that I'm close
with and explained to them what I am doing and why. Unlike some people
who would say 'Who cares what people think of you? You gotta support
your family', I do care what my peers think of me. I asked most of the
guys if it would be okay if a small part of the locker room could still
be mine. And everybody, obviously, was real cool about it.

As far as the wrestling fans go, for any fan that feels I sold out or
was hypocritical in any way, I'm sorry that you feel that way. But, you
don't have a clue when it comes to my business (or any other wrestler's
business, for that matter) as far as what happens behind the scenes.
Yes, its true, if it wasn't for the fans, wrestlers wouldn't make the
money they do, but that doesn't give you the right to pass judgment on
someone you don't even know.

For those people who are supportive of my decision, I thank you. Please
keep supporting me. I need all the help I can get. I'm very excited
about where I'm about to work and I hope I can obtain half the success,
if not more, at my new job, as I have done here in ECW.

In closing, I want to thank Paul Heyman personally. He has stuck by me
through good times and bad, both professionally and personally. We have
been friends for ten years, and we will remain friends for the next ten
years. I cannot put into words how thankful I am to him for inventing
and creating the character Taz. Because, if it wasn't for Paul, no one
would even know who the hell I am. Paul E., thank you. I love ya!
(sometimes, haha)

P.S. for Paul: The truck is in Canarsie.(an inside joke between Taz and
Paul E.)"

SCHILLER SAYS NO TO STEINBRENNER DEAL
Reported by Dave Scherer at: http://www.1wrestling.com
Harvey Schiller says he will not be leaving Turner Sports to take a job
with George Steinbrenner's organization. Schiller tells USA Today that
he's staying with Turner. "This is where I belong," Schiller said.

There has been wide spread media speculation in recent months that
Schiller would take the Steinbrenner job, but Schiller's comments to
USA Today appear to have put those rumors to rest.

NEW JAPAN NEWS
Reported by Zach Arnold at: http://www.1wrestling.com
Naoya Ogawa vs. Shin'ya Hashimoto at the 10/11 New Japan Tokyo Dome
show will be for the NWA World Heavyweight Title. Both men will do a
publicized contract signing at the New Japan Korakuen Hall show in
Tokyo on 10/10.

Masa Chono was absent from the New Japan 9/18 Nagoya Aiichi Prefectural
Gym show because he re-aggrevated a cervical hernia injury. His health
is not great. Chono, during his Sendai tag league match, felt as if he
was "paralyzed," so he will more than likely be pulled from the rest of
the tour. Chono's trainer said that the injury right now isn't as bad
as it was last year, but that he needs some serious rest. Chono is
aiming for his return to be at the 10/11 Tokyo Dome show.

On a side note, Chris Benoit & Dean Malenko will be touring New Japan
from October 15th to October 21st.

GvsE APPEARANCE FOR MANKIND & THE BIG SCHWAG
Brett Wagner, aka as The Big Schwag (The Biggest Manager In Pro
Wrestling Today), will be appearing alongside Mick Foley on the October
10th edition of GvsE (on the USA Network Sunday nights). Look for the
Schwag as "TESTICULES", the wrestler who sells his soul to become the
Heavyweight Champ and finally gets a showdown match against "The Ugly"
Mick Foley. I know that I'll be watching, and we'll remind you about
the appearance a few days before.
===========================================
ADVERTISEMENTS
Sunday October 17th12-2 pm, Bret "Hit Man" Hart
Sports Center Collectibles in Philly, PA, 610-524-2116
Portion of the autograph money will be donated to the Owen Hart
Memorial
Childrens Fund.

To check out a cool fantasy wrestling site, including imaginary WWF vs.
WCW matches, go to: http://www.angelfire.com/pe/jujufantasybookings
===========================================
ROUNDING THE SQUARED CIRCLE
"YOU CAN PICK ONE FROM COLUMN "A" AND TWO FROM COLUMN "B"
OR
"FAMILY DINNERS COME WITH SOUP, EGG ROLLS AND A BIT OF BS"

BY SAMJERRY
Visit My Home Page At: http://members.aol.com/samjerry

First off, I'd like to express my thanks to "the millions and millions
of SamJerry fans*" that have e-mailed me in the past few days wishing
me the best. Mere words alone can't express my feelings at the response
I've gotten. All I can say is that the people behind the Newsletters
and Web Sites that carry my stuff are among the finest individuals one
could hope to know. However, like I, they pale in comparison to you,
the fans. I have been writing TV Reports for a couple of years, and
until now never knew, or even suspected, how much my stuff is
appreciated. I am truly humbled by your response. Thank you.
*Well at least the handfuls and handfuls.

That being said, I want to let you know that you are not getting rid of
me that easily. As long as I am wanted, I still plan to write Articles.
I also want to assure you that I will leave the RAW and ECW TV Reports
in capable hands. Several excellent writers have come forward and
expressed their desire to take them over.

Now that the mushy stuff is taken care of, onto what you read this
Newsletter / Web Page is for ... Wrestling.

Item: Who Says There's Nothing New In Wrestling - Part 1 - Wrestling's
Favorite Asshole is the WWF Champion: I don't plan to bore you by
rehashing the fact that Vincent K. McMahon, WWF Owner, Asshole
Extraordinaire, is the new WWF Champion. No one expects him to retain
the Title for very long; most likely losing it at Unforgiven in The Six
Pack Challenge. What is different about it is that the Owner of a
Federation has become its Champion. Other Owners/Presidents have been
involved in feuds and matches, but to my knowledge, its the first time
one has become Champion. Could this be an allegory for the demise of
Good King Eric (GKE)? With WCW ruling wrestling for a couple of years,
and then being smashed by the WWF, could Mr. Asshole's ascension to the
throne be his way of sending a final farewell to GKE.

Item: Who Says There's Nothing New In Wrestling - Part 2 - The WWF
referees are out on strike. This is another new wrinkle in wrestling.
When have we ever seen this before? The WWF Booking Committee is famous
for coming up with new angles. It will be interesting to see where this
goes. Can they be playing off the Major League Baseball Umpires
Strike/Mass Resignation? So far they have brought in a varied cast of
"scab" referees, running the gamut from the sublime to the ridiculous.
We have gone from one extreme with the likes of Harvey Whippleman, to
the other with The Brooklyn Brawler, the man who made Jobbing a Noble
Profession. At last count his record was 1 - 1,876 (This time its a
Official Count**). Are they going to be involved and facing off with
the "real" referees? The "Resigned" Baseball Umpires? The Cast of
Buffy, The Vampire Slayer? The Kindergarten Class from Stamford
Elementary School? Only time will tell. In either case, it is something
new.
**Believe that and I have stock in The Acme Luchadore Mask Co.,
Division of The Acme Corporation, to sell you.

Item: Everyone knows how to fix WCW: I am still reading Articles and
reader submissions on how to solve the quagmire that is WCW and who is
best suited to do the job. As I mentioned in an earlier Article, mere
Booking changes won't do it. Neither will the accountant type currently
in charge. He is there to try to make sense out of the books and stem
the flow of red ink. I have seen several names mentioned, including Ric
Flair's by several people. I don't think so. No matter how sharp an
individual is and how knowledgeable about the business, old friendships
and rivalry's can't just be dismissed. As I also mentioned, what is
needed is a "Vision." That takes a special person, and that person
doesn't have to be one with a wrestling background, and in my opinion
shouldn't be. In fact, I think what is needed is someone with no
preconceived notions or ideas, someone with a fresh perspective. It
happens all the time in business, and above all else, wrestling is a
business.

A perfect example of this is Michael Armstrong, Chairman and CEO of
AT&T. He came from a totally unrelated business and changed AT&T from
"Ma Bell" to "Ma Cable." He changed a stodgy organization to a vibrant
one, going from a company that was losing market share to one that
takes chances and is now a leader in several new markets. Michael
Eisner is another. He changed Disney from a complacent company to
market leader. Either of these two would be ideal candidates. There are
many others out there. Ted Turner knows who and where they are. He
needs to find the right man. That is who/what WCW needs. Anything short
of a revolutionary move like that is destined to keep WCW where it is
now. A short term, feel good move (like Flair) is not the solution.

Item: Nicole Bass Is suing The WWF for $120 Million For Sexual
Harassment: The first thought is not who harassed her, but "You have
got to be kidding me." One of her charges is that someone "grabbed" her
breasts. What man is his right mind would consider grabbing them? What
man not is his right mind would consider grabbing them? The mere
thought of it turns my stomach, as I'm sure it does with every other
man (with the possible exception of The Mystery "Grabber"). Talk about
being hard up. Maybe the WWF Booking Committee can develop a gimmick
based on him. On a serious note, (Yes, I sometimes do get serious) Ms.
Bass has made a living out of being a "she male," and now is upset
about the way things have gone. Interesting that the amount of her suit
matches Reno (Sable) Mero's, as do several other things she has cited.
I am 100% dead set against any form of sexual harassment, but this case
does an injustice to all women who have undergone this form of abuse.
===========================================
WCW MONDAY NITRO, LIVE FROM: CINCINATTI, OHIO
By Rick Phelps (wrestleric)

A video montage was reaired of the turn of Sting. It was announced that
Goldberg was in the house and that Chris Benoit would receive a world
title shot against Sting tonight.

Juventud Guerrera/Psychosis versus Kidman/Rey Mysterio Jr.
In what could be considered an upset, Psychosis and Juvi took the win
with a
dropkick from Psychosis on an airborne Kidman. As Konnan and Eddie
Guerrero
came to the ring, Kidman attempted to unmask Psychosis, but was stopped
by
Chavo Guerrero Jr. Chavo then challenged Kidman to face Psychosis next
week
in Atlanta with the mask of Psychosis on the line against the hair of
Kidman on the line.
Winners: Juventud Guerrera/Psychosis via pinfall

Brian Knobbs w/Jimmy Hart versus Goldberg
After receving numerous chair shots, Goldberg came back to spear
andJackhammer the nasty one for the win. Goldberg then challenged Sid
Vicious to meet him for the U.S. title at Halloween Havoc.
Winner: Goldberg via pinfall

--A clip was shown of how Chris Benoit defeated Dean Malenko to receive
a world title shot.

--Mene Gene interviewed Ric Flair. The Nature Boy said he was back and
demanded Sting. Chris Benoit came out and said that he can understand
why Flair wants Sting, but he has a world title shot coming to him
tonight and that he is going to take it.

--The two Cincinatti finalists for the Nitro Girl search were
introduced.

Sting (c) versus Chris Benoit *World Heavyweight Championship*
After a long see saw match, Lex Luger hit Benoit with the bat allowing
Sting to make the cover for the win. Flair tried to make the save but
was on the other end of a Diamond Cutter, courtesty of DDP. Hulk Hogan
made the save.
Winner: Sting via pinfall (Retains World Title)

--The main event at next week's Nitro will be Hulk Hogan/RicFlair/Bret
Hart
facing Sting/Lex Luger/Diamond Dallas Page.

Berlyn versus Scott Armstrong
After the bell, Berlyn held Armstrong in a rear chinlock until brother
Brad Armstrong made the save.
Winner: Berlyn via pinfall

--The Insane Clown Posse and Vampiro got off of the ICP tour bus as
Vampiro and Violent J were telling Shaggy 2 Dope what he needed to do
to become the
Cruiserweight champion later in the night.

--Mene Gene interviewed Diamond Dallas Page. DDP said that Sting and
Luger
gave Ric Flair the chance to retire, and since he didn't take it, that
he was going to take the Nature Boy to bang town permanently tonight.

Blitzkrieg versus Evan Karagias
Not only did Karagias win the match, he won an opportunity to face the
Cruiserweight champion on Thunder. Sid then entered and destroyed both
men before accepting Goldberg's challenge for Halloween Havoc.
Winner: Evan Karagias via pinfall

Eddie Guerrerow/Filthy Animals versus Perry Saturn w/The Revolution
While the referee was dealing with the fighting on the outside between
the Revolution and the Animals, Shane Douglas nailed (with a foreign
object) Guerrero in the back of the head. Saturn angrily and hesitantly
covered Guerrero in this return match from last week's Nitro.
Winner: Perry Saturn via pinfall

--Mean Gene interviewed Hulk Hogan. The Hulkster said that between his
match
at Halloween Havoc against Sting and the six man tag team match next
week, there would be alot a$$ kicking going on. He said that he never
thought that he would have anything in common with Flair and Hart, but
they do, and it is the intention of beating their opponents next week
on Nitro.

--Clips were shown of a part of an Insane Clown Possee followed by
clips of the tag team match between the ICP and the West Hollywood
Blondes from last week.

Shaggy 2 Dope w/Violent J and Vampiro versus Lenny (c) w/Lodi
*Cruiserweight Championship*
The match began with Lodi's stalker being arrested for jumping in the
ring. Lenny retained the belt after rolling up the Shaggy one, who
rammed heads with Lodi. Winner: Lenny (Retains Cruiserweight Title)

--A special look at the Nitro Girls was shown, promoting their search
for a
new Nitro girl.

--Mene Gene interviewed Rick Steiner. DFG said he feared no man because
he is the man. Steiner said there were only two men that could walk the
road, Sid Vicious and Scott Steiner, who made his way to the ring. Big
Poppa Pump said that he has heard of many records being broken, and the
one he would beat by January is Wilt Chamberlain's sexual escapade
record. Steiner then said that no one leaves the NWO without paying the
price and that Hulk Hogan had better pray because the "big, bad, booty
daddy" was coming after him.

Kanyon versus Booker T w/Stevie Ray
A missile dropkick was all she wrote for Kanyon as Booker went to the
pay window.
Winner: Booker T via pinfall

Diamond Dallas Page versus Ric Flair
The Nature Boy took this match by DQ when he was attacked by Sting and
Luger.
Hogan tried to make the save but received many shots to the knee from
Sting with the baseball bat.
Winner: Ric Flair via disqualification
===========================================
IN RESPONSE TO STRAIGHT SHOOTING
Written by reader: Brad Smoley (bsmoley)

I'd just like to point out that PWBTS's own Fritz Capp seems to be
letting a little readership go to his head. How can a
columnist/reporter (whatever you want to call it) expect to be taken
seriously as a credible journalist when he lets his own agendas and
personal grudges get in the way of reporting or commenting on the news.
I find it incredible that in one sentence he writes about Mike Samuda's
gap in credibility and then not once, but twice berates Mark Madden for
no apparent reason other than a personal dislike for the man. I say
"apparent" because if there are other reasons that he is blasting
Madden in his column, he hasn't made clear what they are.

I'm kind of irritated now because I'm sure that ridiculous "thong
angle" thing will be reported on a number of websites all over the net
that just don't know any better. That's really how a lot of these
stupid rumors get started, by people who seem to be credible making bad
jokes and other people believing them. Ask Micasa about that, he might
have a story about Disco to tell you, maybe.

Oh, and as for Madden's comments about the WWF's panicking into putting
Vince into their number one spot, he openly said, in his opinion, that
it was more about a thinning creative focus now that there are 5 hours
of high profile programming (if you still count Heat) that they have to
fill instead of 3, and the fact that they have to deal with 2 separate
networks both wanting the better show on their airwaves. Just an
observation.
-Brad
===========================================
VINCE THE MASTER MANIPULATOR
Written by reader: PsychoGaBe

One thing that got me when Vince faced Triple-H for the strap was that
the
A§§hole chant, born out of hatred for Vince himself, was directed
towards his
opponent. I thought that was great. No one, besides the Rock, can
pull a
face/heel turn like Vince. Oh yeah, has anyone noticed that Duane
Johnson has gone from "Rocky Maivia," to Farroq's second-in-command, to
The People's Champ, to the Corporate Champ, and back to the Rock we all
know and love? What a guy. Spectacular in-ring skills and he is
unparalleled on the mike.
===========================================
RAW & ECW PARALLELS
Written by reader: SHough1

Am I the only one who sees it? The unending similarities between the
original RAW and ECW on TNN? Think about it, Raven/Dreamer-ECW/TNN,
1-2-3 Kid- Razor Ramon on Raw? Both were in the Manhattan Center, now
known as the Madhouse of Extreme. Everyone jumps to criticize ECW
because of all the tapes and merchandise and clips and this and that
and this and that, etc., etc., etc., etc.

Now, RAW, back when it was one hour, let's admit it, sucked. Part of it
was that old set, part of it was the way the crowd seemed so small, it
was like WCW Saturday Night. Now imagine SCSA's music hitting and him
winning the title in that atmosphere versus the new one? Now think
about Raven coming out in that smallish arena and beating the Dudleys,
let's face facts, it looked OK. It could have come off great in the ECW
Arena, or in the Spectrum. Think about the 20,000 people in the
Spectrum popping for Raven returning, what kind of a picture does it
make? They can't afford it but hell, it would be great.

Now the advertisements? Where do you think Paul gets the money to pay
for: Ring, rent, wrestlers, etc., etc., etc.? Come on, I mean they may
not have a very deep talent pool, in terms of numbers. But let's look
at this company: Raven, Dreamer, Taz (if he stays), Sabu, Jerry Lynn,
The Impact Players, Corino, Rhino, Super Crazy, Tajiri, Mike Awesome,
Masato Tanaka, Mikey Whipreck (maybe) and, the cornerstone and future
world champ, Rob Van Dam, the whole F'N Show. Now does this sound like
a company that can fail?

The commercials, that's a problem, just tape the program and watch it
at a later date, fast forward through the commercials. Also, I loved
the Raven interview on Friday, its great. And remember what he said
"Dreamer, you scarred my face, but I've been crucified for your sins."
That's a great comment. Thank you, Good bye.
-Sam
===========================================
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