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This can be our topic to post WWF news! I'll get started.
I got this information off of www.theprp.com. It appears as if the WWF Forced Entry CD has been re-named to WWF Forceable Entry and the complete track list is now out:
The track listing has been set for the upcoming, "WWF Forceable Entry", compilation album. The effort shapes up as follows:
01 - Drowning Pool - "The Game" (HHH's Theme)
02 - Kid Rock - "Legs" (Stacey Kiebler's Theme)
03 - Creed - "Young Grow Old"
04 - Disturbed - "Glass Shatters" (Stone Cold Steve Austin's Theme)
05 - Limp Bizkit - "Rollin" (Dead Man Mix) (Undertaker's Theme)
06 - Our Lady Peace - "Whatever" (Chris Benoit's Theme)
07 - Rob Zombie - "Never Gonna Stop" (Edge's Theme)
08 - Breaking Point - "One Of A Kind" (Rob Van Dam's Theme)
09 - Marilyn Manson - "The Beautiful People" (The WWF Smackdown Remix)
10 - The Union Underground - "Across The Nation" (Test's Theme)
11 - Sevendust - "Break The Walls Down" (Chris Jericho's Theme)
12 - Saliva - "Turn The Tables" (The Dudleys's Theme)
13 - Monster Magnet - "Live For The Moment"
14 - Stereomud - "End Of Everything "(Raven's Theme)
15 - Nuerotica - "Ride Of Your Life" (Kane's Theme)
16 - Cypress Hill - "Just Another Victim" (Tazz's Theme)
17 - Dope - "No Chance" (Vince McMahon's Theme)
18 - Boy Hits Car - "Lovefurypassionenergy" (Lita's Theme)
The album is expected out on March 26th through Columbia.
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Bret declines WWF comeback
By BRET HART -- For SLAM! Wrestling
I got a call from the WWF this week.
I can't say I was shocked. I wasn't even surprised. In fact, it was predictable because Wrestlemania is in Toronto.
It'd probably be the biggest pop in the history of pro wrestling -- Bret Hart walks out unannounced -- after everything that's happened.
For Carl DeMarco, the guy who runs the Canadian arm of the WWF, it would have been a huge coup. Imagine, delivering Bret Hart to Vince McMahon.
Anyone who knows me knows that it would have been an unconscionable sacrifice. Still, as an old friend, Carlo thought he had a shot at it. It didn't matter to him what I did on the show as long as I was on the show.
Since my concussion prevents me from wrestling, he asked me to ref the main event, Triple H vs. Chris Jericho for the undisputed federation championship.
It was brought up how my recent appearance on a WWA PPV was unfitting for me and that my stock is at an all-time low. I guess I need to point out I'm retired from wrestling and my minimal involvement with the WWA has been because the promoter is a reputable guy who I've wanted to help get off to a good start. At the very least, he's been good to his word.
The persuasive argument was this is Wrestlemania, much more fitting. You tell me how fitting it is for me to end up as a special ref in a semi-main event?
I listened to the offer but found it offensive the WWF would expect me to so easily dismiss everything that's happened and parade myself out there giving the impression to the world that our differences have been worked out. Montreal. Owen. The manipulated divide-and-conquer derision of the Hart family, showing no respect to my father or even my poor mother, who died without seeing any resolution to it. Why would I minimize any of that?
Because, in return, they'd give me access to video footage and still shots. They own every picture and every inch of film of every match I had over the last 16 years of my career.
So now, as a 'trade off', they offered me the same access McMahon already promised me when I met with him on a park bench in Calgary the day before Owen's funeral, two-and-a-half years ago.
Four days later, when my people called his to work out the details, they were told Vince recalls no such conversation.
It will no doubt surprise a lot of people to know Vince and I were going to set up a meeting when Raw came to Calgary last May in order to sort out my footage and air our differences. Vince cancelled the meeting, sending a message he was too busy, which I appreciated because I was having reservations about our talk myself. The time didn't feel right to me. At least we'd almost opened the door for some dialogue, which I thought was a huge step. But that very same day, they went and did the Montreal finish right here in Calgary -- and somehow I'm not supposed to view that as a slap in the face?
So now, 10 months later, the WWF says getting my archive is a trade-off. If I do this, they'll do that. Why are there now conditions to Vince's promise?
To be honest, I did consider doing it.
Before Montreal, we were about to start production on a comprehensive video anthology of my career. After Montreal, it was scratched. I thought it was a shame, especially since the screw job at Survivor '97 became the clear line of demarcation in the business, the time when the heroes of the Next Generation were replaced by the bombastic sexual ratings ploys of the Attitude chapter. I thought it was important to document what WWF wrestling was like in the era when I was champion -- for future generations who might never know or understand the time-honoured traditions of what pro wrestling used to be.
Also, I am in the process of writing a book and I thought it might be nice to put a few specific WWF photos in it -- which, I've been told, Vince won't let me do. Is it because they don't think the company will be portrayed in a good light? I think what everyone needs to realize is that for 14 years, McMahon and I did have an amicable, prosperous relationship. I haven't forgotten that.
With one last-ditch effort, the guy who runs WWF Canada gave me other options. Instead of being a ref, I could come out and punch Vince -- not for real, of course, just make it look like retribution!
In that one phony punch, everything that's happened would be minimized into an angle. Maybe wrestling fans would love it. My fans would hate it. And so would I.
Thanks but no thanks.
The guy who had it right, this time, was Vince. He said I'd never go for it.
Vince, thanks for the invitation. Now here's mine. If you want to air our differences, all you have to do is pick up the phone. I think a private conversation is in order, not some public spectacle at the expense of my dignity.
To all the boys on the card, I wish you a good show and I hope you understand and respect my reasons for not being there.
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XWF's CEO
by Fred Topel
Don’t call her Sable. She’d probably take it graciously, but Vince McMahon would slap you with a lawsuit bigger than Hulk Hogan’s 24-inch pythons. I’ll try to think of some more wrestling metaphors later, but the point is, Sable was a character played by actress Rena Mero.
Rena Mero is quite physically fit and, of course, bears a striking physical resemblance to Sable, but she is a real person. After leaving the WWF a champion, she is working on her movie career, but will be back in the wrestling scene with a new league, the XWF. XWF is being started by Greg “The Hammer” Valentine, Brian Knobbs and Jimmy “Mouth of the South” Hart as a family-friendly alternative to the WWF, which has become a showcase for gross-out stunts. Rena will be the CEO of the new league.
I met Rena at the National Association of Television Program Executives (NATPE) convention in Las Vegas, where the XWF had set up a wrestling ring on the convention floor. Rena greeted fans and potential business partners, schmoozing and signing autographs (I got one for myself, too). When there was a lull in the crowd, I got to ask her some questions about wrestling, fan flirtations and, of course, nudity.
beer.com: What was the appeal for you of this new wrestling league?
Rena Mero: Well, they made me an offer I couldn’t refuse. I learned so much about what the talent want and how they wanted to be treated, and how the fans want to be treated, as well. We want to respect the talent and the fans and I believe that that’s what’s missing in this industry. Now, being the CEO of this company, knowing what I know, I have an opportunity to really make a difference in the wrestling industry.
b: Will you be fighting in the XWF?
R: No. I have been there and done that. Being the former world champion, I have hung up my wrestling boots. Right now I am more interested in pursuing my acting career, which being the CEO of this company definitely gives me the opportunity to do.
b: Is Rena allowed to have any similar traits to Sable?
R: Vince McMahon owns the character Sable, but Rena is a real person. Rena is going to be a spokesperson for this company and the CEO, and hopefully she’ll be able to make a difference in this industry. I’m very glad that people are starting to realize that Rena is a real person and Sable was only a character that she played. Most people know me and refer to me as Rena now, so it was a transition that I made and the fans received it very well. They have supported me throughout my career now, and being Rena is definitely an advantage to me because I’m a real person. Sable was only a character.
b: What wrestlers were role models for you?
R: I don’t think that any wrestlers were role models to me. I think every wrestler is very talented in their own way and provides something to the show. My role models are anyone who stands up for themselves, who has strong convictions and who do what they want to do with their lives regardless of what anyone else thinks of them. Those are my role models.
b: Will having done "Playboy" complicate the family image of XWF?
R: Absolutely not. I believe that the people that are interested in wrestling watch wrestling for a whole different reason than they would view "Playboy." I believe the two complemented each other. It gave me an opportunity to cross over into a whole different world. The two "Playboy" layouts that I did were the fastest selling in history and me being the only woman ever to be on the cover twice in one year has certainly given me a voice and an opportunity to pursue other things.
b: When you meet your fans, do guys ever hit on you?
R: Not only guys, but women, as well. You know, most of our fans are extremely respectful of us. They respect what we do and we respect them in return, so we have wonderful fans. It’s never been a problem.
b: If someone tried anything sleazy, would you beat him up?
R: Absolutely not. Now, I have people that would do it for me. No, as I said, as many years as I’ve been modeling before I got into the wrestling industry -– and now doing television and movies –- I’ve never had a problem. Fans are always very respectful and very nice. I think you give off a certain vibe and are treated the way that people perceive you. Most people treat me with much respect and I appreciate that.
b: What is your workout routine and how has it changed over the years?
R: My workout routine has not changed over the years. It’s been very steady. I work out about five days a week. I have a personal trainer that trains me. I combine weights and cardio. I train the entire body and do different body parts every day. Sometimes I do heavy weights and sometimes I do heavy reps. It just depends. I don’t train for muscle size. I train for conditioning and toning and definition.
b: Do you have any movies coming up?
R: I certainly do. At this time, I’m not allowed to speak much about it. I can tell you the title of it is "Dead by Friday." It is a feature film for [theatrical release]. I was just in "Corky Romano." I shot three movies for HBO this year and I’m up for several different pilots on television.
b: Have you been involved in any of the wrestling video games?
R: We had to do voiceovers for the characters, and we had to do the photographs. They made them into our likeness.
b: Did you ever play them?
R: No. I’m not into video games. You know, I’m a very active person and it takes me a lot to sit down and be still, so I’m always on the go.
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InDemand.com, one of the companies who show WWF PPVs, have practically confirmed the tedious WWF roster split. They have posted the following preview for the WWF Backlash PPV on their site:
"Be there as the NEW RAW franchise helmed by Vince McMahon takes on the warriors of its new competitor NEW Shakedown, headed by Ric Flair. It's sure to be history in the making."
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It now seems certain that the roster split will take place after WrestleMania. However, the WWF has changed the split date several times before, so it is in no way set in stone. Another interesting note from the preview is that InDemand call Ric Flair's show "Shakedown." This could be a spelling error by InDemand, or it could be the name of Ric Flair's show that will replace Smackdown.
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TNN are set to air an hour long WrestleMania special on March 12th, at 9pm. The show will be called "WWF Flashback: The Best of WrestleMania," and will feature some of the best moments from WrestleMania.
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Interview with Big Show
by Phil Speer
Earlier this week, WWF.com had the opportunity to interview the Big Show, who was just returning after sitting out a few weeks due to an injured knee. Show was very candid as he discussed the nWo -- including his friend Hollywood Hulk Hogan -- arriving in the World Wrestling Federation, his own Federation career, his recent marriage and much more.
WWF.com: How are you doing physically?
Show: Physically I'm doing great. They drained 75 c.c.s of fluid out of my knee three weeks ago. I was really OK after the week because it was just more like a real bad bruise. I guess the doctor talked to (the Federation's talent relations department) and told them he wanted me to take another week off. J.R. (Jim Ross, senior vice president of talent relations) and them thought it'd be a good idea. So I sat home another week. I did some training and took care of a bunch of things at home that I needed to take care of.
WWF.com: Anything you want to elaborate on?
Show: I got married (to my fiancée, Bess). We just did a real quickie. We've been together three years. We just called a friend of mine -- he's a notary. He married us. We went and got a license and got married. We got married the 11th.
WWF.com: Did you get any opportunity to have a honeymoon?
Show: No, no. Being together is the honeymoon. Besides, I got too much I'm trying to do here to worry about taking off and doing honeymoons. I really want to get going here and get involved in some stuff.
WWF.com: Your injury -- what happened?
Show: I dropped down to a knee. It was just a freak thing. I found the only spot in the floor that didn't have any padding. And even with all the padding in my kneepads -- it was just a freak thing -- I just jammed it. It swelled up. It throbbed like a toothache. There was nothing really mechanically wrong with it; it was just that all my weight came down on it and just bruised it I guess. It was on a house show against the Undertaker. You really got to be a moron to get hurt against the Undertaker because he's so smooth and so light to work with. The only way you can get hurt working with him is if you hurt yourself. It kind of p'ssed me off a little bit because I had some good matches with Taker and we were really doing some good things, and then I had that stupid little injury. I'm not letting it get me down; it's healed up now.
WWF.com: Yeah, I noticed in the Ross Report he said that you were "told" to take the extra week off, seemingly implying that you didn't want to take it off.
Show: Oh, I didn't want to at all. I was really upset about it, because so many of our guys work hurt and injured, and are such competitors. I don't want to sit at home like some (pansy) that can't go, because I can.
WWF.com: How is your smoking habit? Are you still cold turkey?
Show: Yeah, I don't smoke at all now. I quit Dec. 25. I'm done with it.
WWF.com: You haven't had one since then.
Show: Nope. No, sir.
WWF.com: Have you found that it has helped your wind yet, even though it has only been a few months?
Show: Oh yeah, my wind is real good. I'm not going to be a Bruce Jenner Olympic sprinter, but to do what I've got to do, I've got good wind. It's an ongoing process.
WWF.com: How did the Stacker II commercial shoot go? What do you think of the final product?
Show: It went real good. It was funny. I had a good time doing it. Elliott Sadler and Kenny Wallace are two great, funny, funny country guys. Good dudes. So I had a good time with it. I liked (the finished product). I know we've got another one coming out where I've got a few more lines. Hey, I'm just thankful for the opportunity -- that Stacker II wanted to use me and J.R. approved it. Hell, I'm just grateful for it. Anytime you get a chance to get yourself on TV, it's a good thing.
WWF.com: J.R. suggested in another Ross Report that you'd probably get some "ribbing" as a result of being in the commercial. Is that true?
Show: Yeah, that's OK. I don't mind. I mean, it's one thing about the boys -- they don't rib you if they don't (care) about you. It's when they don't talk about you that you've got problems.
WWF.com: Are you excited about the international tour?
Show: Oh yeah. It's always great when you get to bring our product to countries where they don't normally get a chance to see us live. They see the television product, but to get the feeling of a live venue where you see the energy of The Rock and guys like that, it's a real treat for the international fans. I'm just glad to be on the card.
WWF.com: You have been to Malaysia before -- recently -- on behalf of the Federation.
Show: Yeah, I went to Malaysia once before. There are some good friends I met -- TV 3 and Marcus (Luer, of Total Sports Asia) and some of those people there. I'm really excited about seeing them again. I've never been to Singapore, so I'm looking forward to going there and seeing that. I'm just happy to be back on the road. I really love my job and I'm really thankful every day that I have it. I want to do more and be a part of it. The next time, if I get hurt, I'm just going to keep my mouth shut. That way they can't send me to the doctor.
WWF.com: It's interesting that you got married just before March, when you and the other superstars are going to be extremely busy with the international tour and WrestleMania. Did you realize that?
Show: It doesn't matter. My wife is my best friend. She's the only person I hang out with. She's my best friend at home. We've got two dogs, three cats, four birds, four Oscar fish -- we've got a house full of animals and probably there will be a bunch of little Big Shows on the way.
WWF.com: So you definitely intend to have kids?
Show: She wants four boys. It's the Greek in her. I've got a daughter already from my first marriage. Now that my ex-wife and I have gotten the divorce part out of the way, I'm really looking forward to working on the relationship with my daughter and making her part of Bess and my life as well. I'm really happy right now. I'm a little p'ssed that that doctor made me sit out two weeks, but other than that I'm OK.
WWF.com: What do you think of nWo coming in?
Show: I think it's cool. It's exciting. Those guys are all experienced. They've done everything there is to do in this business. It's going to be nice to see how they can affect our product here in the World Wrestling Federation -- how they can help the ratings and attendance, and help put out a better product for the fans I hope. It all looks good on paper.
WWF.com: It must be particularly exciting for you because of Hogan coming in, who is a good friend of yours.
Show: Yeah, Hulkster's the reason I got in the business. He's always been very good to me, very honest and graciously kind. So it's good to see him. I'm still waiting for Hulk to get in his groove. I know him really well and I've seen some of the stuff that he has done. And I like some of the stuff that has been done. But when he gets his feet in and gets comfortable ... This is a big deal for him too, to be back in the World Wrestling Federation. Hulk and Vince McMahon made the World Wrestling Federation in the '80s and the early part of the '90s. I'm sure he's trying to feel things out again, but once he gets his feet on the ground, I think he'll be able to do some good things.
WWF.com: Are you concerned about your spot on the roster? I mean, there are just so many top guys right now.
Show: I'd be a damned fool if I said I wasn't concerned. I've just got to rely on the fact that Jim Ross believes in me (and) Vince believes in me, or else they wouldn't have me around. Jim Ross has always been very honest with me, very candid. I haven't gotten the big "coach speech" lately, so I guess I've been doing things OK. J.R. is not going to pat me on the back and tell me I'm a good boy, but a smile and a handshake from J.R. means you're doing OK. When he pulls you in his office to talk to you, that's when you don't want to go. I haven't been pulled in the office in over a year and a half. I guess I'm doing all right.
WWF.com: Hogan said in an interview with us that he's concerned that you sometimes lack focus. Is that accurate?
Show: Yeah, he's absolutely right. In the first part of my career in the World Wrestling Federation, coming from WCW, I didn't understand the intensity that the top guys have here. Hindsight is 20/20. When I first came in, I had a lot of exposure, I was working with great talent and maybe I didn't understand all that. After Louisville, during the past year when I've been working here, I've got a spot at Survivor Series; I've done some good things every now and then interacting with the guys. It's all coming. I'm still trying to improve my work. I've got a lot of years left. I've got six or seven years left on my contract. So I'm still here to improve and get better. I keep listening to guys like Undertaker and (Stone Cold Steve) Austin -- guys who have been through the muck and the mud -- and those guys are helping me and giving me their advice. I think it's coming along well. Rome wasn't built in a day.
I'm learning as I go -- learning about character, being a good talent and a good spokesperson for the company.
WWF.com: Are you concerned about locker room morale with the nWo being here? There are stories that they weren't the most cooperative talents in WCW.
Show: I don't know. I'm usually the last guy to know everything. I try to take care of my own -- make sure I do all the right things. I don't worry about what other people do too much. So I'm not watching the morale or anything like that. I just try to have a smile on my face and try to stay upbeat. If there are morale problems, I haven't seen anything yet. I don't know if there are problems; I think there is just another level of competition coming in where -- like you said -- there are so many top guys and so little time. I think it's just another example of all us having to raise our competition levels. I've had my share of bad things (said about me) too. I had a lot of heat when I came up here too because of stories that people heard about me, and I created a lot of my own problems. I think with anyone coming into a new company, people have a certain way of doing things, and you have to adapt and adjust. The World Wrestling Federation is a place where we all work together as a team. (Hogan, Hall and Nash) are consummate professionals. They've been in the business a long time. They know the ups and downs and the ins and outs. And I'm sure they'll adjust and do things accordingly.
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The tag team title match scheduled for Wrestlemania between APA and champions Billy & Chuck is apparently no longer on the card. The two teams wrestled on Smackdown! last night and the WWF has taken this match off of their official Wrestlemania website. The new tag team match scheduled for Wrestlemania now according to Dave Meltzer is a four-way involving Chuck & Billy, APA, the Hardy Boyz and the Dudley Boyz.
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For anyone that is interested, WWF.com has debuted a somewhat new design.
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Here are the major news and notes from this week's Ross Report over at wwf.com:
- Lance Storm is working through a bruised elbow.
- Scotty Too Hotty gets his neck examined next week in San Antonio but he has not experienced any further problems from his last exam.
- Mike Awesome could be ready to go from knee surgery on April 4.
- Kanyon will be released from doctor's care around March 20. He has been sidelined due to ACL surgery.
- Bob "Hardcore" Holly is ready to return from his arm injury.
- Steve Blackman is having severe headaches stemming from a neck problem.
- Results from the WWF's week long training camp will be released today. The results will be analyzed and from that will be determined which talent will be offered developmental deals.
- Talent currently in Asia will probably be available to work Smackdown! next week on Thursday but not the house shows after that.
- The impending roster split is beginning to take shape. Talent will work either RAW or Smackdown!.
- Hulk Hogan will come out with a biography later this year.
- Jerry Lawler will also work on coming out with a book about his life soon, but it will be released after Hogan's...either late this year or early next.
- The WWF will be coming to Honolulu, Hawaii in June.
- JR hopes to see Shawn Michaels in San Antonio and believes that Michaels can be a valuable personality once the roster splits into two.
- XPac returns to action this weekend.
- Look for Torrie Wilson to get more involved in a storyline in the coming weeks.
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Here are the top 10 Billboard.com Recreational Sports videos:
1) Do You Believie In Miracles?
2) WWF: Austin 3:16: Uncensored
3) Allen Iverson: The Answer
4) WWF: The Rock - Bring It On
5) WWF: Vengeance
6) WWF: Survivor Series
7) 2001 World Series
8) WWF: Rebellion
9) WWF: Lita-It Just Feels Right
10) The Best Of Backyard Wrestling 2: More Hardcore Than Ever Before
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It appears as if Jazz may start working with the Dudley Boyz in the near future.
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Former WCW star, Vampiro, will be in Houston, TX on March 9 to work for the Elite Wrestling Federation.
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While there are still tickets available for Sunday’s WWF house show in Ft. Worth, TX and Monday's RAW from the Frank Erwin Center in Austin, TX as of this report, Thursday’s special LIVE edition of Smackdown at the Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio, TX is sold out.
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With the WWF returning to Texas and Shawn Michaels' home city of San Antonio, there is the possibility of seeing HBK return in some fashion although it is still speculative at this point.
More next week!
I got this information off of www.theprp.com. It appears as if the WWF Forced Entry CD has been re-named to WWF Forceable Entry and the complete track list is now out:
The track listing has been set for the upcoming, "WWF Forceable Entry", compilation album. The effort shapes up as follows:
01 - Drowning Pool - "The Game" (HHH's Theme)
02 - Kid Rock - "Legs" (Stacey Kiebler's Theme)
03 - Creed - "Young Grow Old"
04 - Disturbed - "Glass Shatters" (Stone Cold Steve Austin's Theme)
05 - Limp Bizkit - "Rollin" (Dead Man Mix) (Undertaker's Theme)
06 - Our Lady Peace - "Whatever" (Chris Benoit's Theme)
07 - Rob Zombie - "Never Gonna Stop" (Edge's Theme)
08 - Breaking Point - "One Of A Kind" (Rob Van Dam's Theme)
09 - Marilyn Manson - "The Beautiful People" (The WWF Smackdown Remix)
10 - The Union Underground - "Across The Nation" (Test's Theme)
11 - Sevendust - "Break The Walls Down" (Chris Jericho's Theme)
12 - Saliva - "Turn The Tables" (The Dudleys's Theme)
13 - Monster Magnet - "Live For The Moment"
14 - Stereomud - "End Of Everything "(Raven's Theme)
15 - Nuerotica - "Ride Of Your Life" (Kane's Theme)
16 - Cypress Hill - "Just Another Victim" (Tazz's Theme)
17 - Dope - "No Chance" (Vince McMahon's Theme)
18 - Boy Hits Car - "Lovefurypassionenergy" (Lita's Theme)
The album is expected out on March 26th through Columbia.
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Bret declines WWF comeback
By BRET HART -- For SLAM! Wrestling
I got a call from the WWF this week.
I can't say I was shocked. I wasn't even surprised. In fact, it was predictable because Wrestlemania is in Toronto.
It'd probably be the biggest pop in the history of pro wrestling -- Bret Hart walks out unannounced -- after everything that's happened.
For Carl DeMarco, the guy who runs the Canadian arm of the WWF, it would have been a huge coup. Imagine, delivering Bret Hart to Vince McMahon.
Anyone who knows me knows that it would have been an unconscionable sacrifice. Still, as an old friend, Carlo thought he had a shot at it. It didn't matter to him what I did on the show as long as I was on the show.
Since my concussion prevents me from wrestling, he asked me to ref the main event, Triple H vs. Chris Jericho for the undisputed federation championship.
It was brought up how my recent appearance on a WWA PPV was unfitting for me and that my stock is at an all-time low. I guess I need to point out I'm retired from wrestling and my minimal involvement with the WWA has been because the promoter is a reputable guy who I've wanted to help get off to a good start. At the very least, he's been good to his word.
The persuasive argument was this is Wrestlemania, much more fitting. You tell me how fitting it is for me to end up as a special ref in a semi-main event?
I listened to the offer but found it offensive the WWF would expect me to so easily dismiss everything that's happened and parade myself out there giving the impression to the world that our differences have been worked out. Montreal. Owen. The manipulated divide-and-conquer derision of the Hart family, showing no respect to my father or even my poor mother, who died without seeing any resolution to it. Why would I minimize any of that?
Because, in return, they'd give me access to video footage and still shots. They own every picture and every inch of film of every match I had over the last 16 years of my career.
So now, as a 'trade off', they offered me the same access McMahon already promised me when I met with him on a park bench in Calgary the day before Owen's funeral, two-and-a-half years ago.
Four days later, when my people called his to work out the details, they were told Vince recalls no such conversation.
It will no doubt surprise a lot of people to know Vince and I were going to set up a meeting when Raw came to Calgary last May in order to sort out my footage and air our differences. Vince cancelled the meeting, sending a message he was too busy, which I appreciated because I was having reservations about our talk myself. The time didn't feel right to me. At least we'd almost opened the door for some dialogue, which I thought was a huge step. But that very same day, they went and did the Montreal finish right here in Calgary -- and somehow I'm not supposed to view that as a slap in the face?
So now, 10 months later, the WWF says getting my archive is a trade-off. If I do this, they'll do that. Why are there now conditions to Vince's promise?
To be honest, I did consider doing it.
Before Montreal, we were about to start production on a comprehensive video anthology of my career. After Montreal, it was scratched. I thought it was a shame, especially since the screw job at Survivor '97 became the clear line of demarcation in the business, the time when the heroes of the Next Generation were replaced by the bombastic sexual ratings ploys of the Attitude chapter. I thought it was important to document what WWF wrestling was like in the era when I was champion -- for future generations who might never know or understand the time-honoured traditions of what pro wrestling used to be.
Also, I am in the process of writing a book and I thought it might be nice to put a few specific WWF photos in it -- which, I've been told, Vince won't let me do. Is it because they don't think the company will be portrayed in a good light? I think what everyone needs to realize is that for 14 years, McMahon and I did have an amicable, prosperous relationship. I haven't forgotten that.
With one last-ditch effort, the guy who runs WWF Canada gave me other options. Instead of being a ref, I could come out and punch Vince -- not for real, of course, just make it look like retribution!
In that one phony punch, everything that's happened would be minimized into an angle. Maybe wrestling fans would love it. My fans would hate it. And so would I.
Thanks but no thanks.
The guy who had it right, this time, was Vince. He said I'd never go for it.
Vince, thanks for the invitation. Now here's mine. If you want to air our differences, all you have to do is pick up the phone. I think a private conversation is in order, not some public spectacle at the expense of my dignity.
To all the boys on the card, I wish you a good show and I hope you understand and respect my reasons for not being there.
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XWF's CEO
by Fred Topel
Don’t call her Sable. She’d probably take it graciously, but Vince McMahon would slap you with a lawsuit bigger than Hulk Hogan’s 24-inch pythons. I’ll try to think of some more wrestling metaphors later, but the point is, Sable was a character played by actress Rena Mero.
Rena Mero is quite physically fit and, of course, bears a striking physical resemblance to Sable, but she is a real person. After leaving the WWF a champion, she is working on her movie career, but will be back in the wrestling scene with a new league, the XWF. XWF is being started by Greg “The Hammer” Valentine, Brian Knobbs and Jimmy “Mouth of the South” Hart as a family-friendly alternative to the WWF, which has become a showcase for gross-out stunts. Rena will be the CEO of the new league.
I met Rena at the National Association of Television Program Executives (NATPE) convention in Las Vegas, where the XWF had set up a wrestling ring on the convention floor. Rena greeted fans and potential business partners, schmoozing and signing autographs (I got one for myself, too). When there was a lull in the crowd, I got to ask her some questions about wrestling, fan flirtations and, of course, nudity.
beer.com: What was the appeal for you of this new wrestling league?
Rena Mero: Well, they made me an offer I couldn’t refuse. I learned so much about what the talent want and how they wanted to be treated, and how the fans want to be treated, as well. We want to respect the talent and the fans and I believe that that’s what’s missing in this industry. Now, being the CEO of this company, knowing what I know, I have an opportunity to really make a difference in the wrestling industry.
b: Will you be fighting in the XWF?
R: No. I have been there and done that. Being the former world champion, I have hung up my wrestling boots. Right now I am more interested in pursuing my acting career, which being the CEO of this company definitely gives me the opportunity to do.
b: Is Rena allowed to have any similar traits to Sable?
R: Vince McMahon owns the character Sable, but Rena is a real person. Rena is going to be a spokesperson for this company and the CEO, and hopefully she’ll be able to make a difference in this industry. I’m very glad that people are starting to realize that Rena is a real person and Sable was only a character that she played. Most people know me and refer to me as Rena now, so it was a transition that I made and the fans received it very well. They have supported me throughout my career now, and being Rena is definitely an advantage to me because I’m a real person. Sable was only a character.
b: What wrestlers were role models for you?
R: I don’t think that any wrestlers were role models to me. I think every wrestler is very talented in their own way and provides something to the show. My role models are anyone who stands up for themselves, who has strong convictions and who do what they want to do with their lives regardless of what anyone else thinks of them. Those are my role models.
b: Will having done "Playboy" complicate the family image of XWF?
R: Absolutely not. I believe that the people that are interested in wrestling watch wrestling for a whole different reason than they would view "Playboy." I believe the two complemented each other. It gave me an opportunity to cross over into a whole different world. The two "Playboy" layouts that I did were the fastest selling in history and me being the only woman ever to be on the cover twice in one year has certainly given me a voice and an opportunity to pursue other things.
b: When you meet your fans, do guys ever hit on you?
R: Not only guys, but women, as well. You know, most of our fans are extremely respectful of us. They respect what we do and we respect them in return, so we have wonderful fans. It’s never been a problem.
b: If someone tried anything sleazy, would you beat him up?
R: Absolutely not. Now, I have people that would do it for me. No, as I said, as many years as I’ve been modeling before I got into the wrestling industry -– and now doing television and movies –- I’ve never had a problem. Fans are always very respectful and very nice. I think you give off a certain vibe and are treated the way that people perceive you. Most people treat me with much respect and I appreciate that.
b: What is your workout routine and how has it changed over the years?
R: My workout routine has not changed over the years. It’s been very steady. I work out about five days a week. I have a personal trainer that trains me. I combine weights and cardio. I train the entire body and do different body parts every day. Sometimes I do heavy weights and sometimes I do heavy reps. It just depends. I don’t train for muscle size. I train for conditioning and toning and definition.
b: Do you have any movies coming up?
R: I certainly do. At this time, I’m not allowed to speak much about it. I can tell you the title of it is "Dead by Friday." It is a feature film for [theatrical release]. I was just in "Corky Romano." I shot three movies for HBO this year and I’m up for several different pilots on television.
b: Have you been involved in any of the wrestling video games?
R: We had to do voiceovers for the characters, and we had to do the photographs. They made them into our likeness.
b: Did you ever play them?
R: No. I’m not into video games. You know, I’m a very active person and it takes me a lot to sit down and be still, so I’m always on the go.
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InDemand.com, one of the companies who show WWF PPVs, have practically confirmed the tedious WWF roster split. They have posted the following preview for the WWF Backlash PPV on their site:
"Be there as the NEW RAW franchise helmed by Vince McMahon takes on the warriors of its new competitor NEW Shakedown, headed by Ric Flair. It's sure to be history in the making."
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It now seems certain that the roster split will take place after WrestleMania. However, the WWF has changed the split date several times before, so it is in no way set in stone. Another interesting note from the preview is that InDemand call Ric Flair's show "Shakedown." This could be a spelling error by InDemand, or it could be the name of Ric Flair's show that will replace Smackdown.
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TNN are set to air an hour long WrestleMania special on March 12th, at 9pm. The show will be called "WWF Flashback: The Best of WrestleMania," and will feature some of the best moments from WrestleMania.
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Interview with Big Show
by Phil Speer
Earlier this week, WWF.com had the opportunity to interview the Big Show, who was just returning after sitting out a few weeks due to an injured knee. Show was very candid as he discussed the nWo -- including his friend Hollywood Hulk Hogan -- arriving in the World Wrestling Federation, his own Federation career, his recent marriage and much more.
WWF.com: How are you doing physically?
Show: Physically I'm doing great. They drained 75 c.c.s of fluid out of my knee three weeks ago. I was really OK after the week because it was just more like a real bad bruise. I guess the doctor talked to (the Federation's talent relations department) and told them he wanted me to take another week off. J.R. (Jim Ross, senior vice president of talent relations) and them thought it'd be a good idea. So I sat home another week. I did some training and took care of a bunch of things at home that I needed to take care of.
WWF.com: Anything you want to elaborate on?
Show: I got married (to my fiancée, Bess). We just did a real quickie. We've been together three years. We just called a friend of mine -- he's a notary. He married us. We went and got a license and got married. We got married the 11th.
WWF.com: Did you get any opportunity to have a honeymoon?
Show: No, no. Being together is the honeymoon. Besides, I got too much I'm trying to do here to worry about taking off and doing honeymoons. I really want to get going here and get involved in some stuff.
WWF.com: Your injury -- what happened?
Show: I dropped down to a knee. It was just a freak thing. I found the only spot in the floor that didn't have any padding. And even with all the padding in my kneepads -- it was just a freak thing -- I just jammed it. It swelled up. It throbbed like a toothache. There was nothing really mechanically wrong with it; it was just that all my weight came down on it and just bruised it I guess. It was on a house show against the Undertaker. You really got to be a moron to get hurt against the Undertaker because he's so smooth and so light to work with. The only way you can get hurt working with him is if you hurt yourself. It kind of p'ssed me off a little bit because I had some good matches with Taker and we were really doing some good things, and then I had that stupid little injury. I'm not letting it get me down; it's healed up now.
WWF.com: Yeah, I noticed in the Ross Report he said that you were "told" to take the extra week off, seemingly implying that you didn't want to take it off.
Show: Oh, I didn't want to at all. I was really upset about it, because so many of our guys work hurt and injured, and are such competitors. I don't want to sit at home like some (pansy) that can't go, because I can.
WWF.com: How is your smoking habit? Are you still cold turkey?
Show: Yeah, I don't smoke at all now. I quit Dec. 25. I'm done with it.
WWF.com: You haven't had one since then.
Show: Nope. No, sir.
WWF.com: Have you found that it has helped your wind yet, even though it has only been a few months?
Show: Oh yeah, my wind is real good. I'm not going to be a Bruce Jenner Olympic sprinter, but to do what I've got to do, I've got good wind. It's an ongoing process.
WWF.com: How did the Stacker II commercial shoot go? What do you think of the final product?
Show: It went real good. It was funny. I had a good time doing it. Elliott Sadler and Kenny Wallace are two great, funny, funny country guys. Good dudes. So I had a good time with it. I liked (the finished product). I know we've got another one coming out where I've got a few more lines. Hey, I'm just thankful for the opportunity -- that Stacker II wanted to use me and J.R. approved it. Hell, I'm just grateful for it. Anytime you get a chance to get yourself on TV, it's a good thing.
WWF.com: J.R. suggested in another Ross Report that you'd probably get some "ribbing" as a result of being in the commercial. Is that true?
Show: Yeah, that's OK. I don't mind. I mean, it's one thing about the boys -- they don't rib you if they don't (care) about you. It's when they don't talk about you that you've got problems.
WWF.com: Are you excited about the international tour?
Show: Oh yeah. It's always great when you get to bring our product to countries where they don't normally get a chance to see us live. They see the television product, but to get the feeling of a live venue where you see the energy of The Rock and guys like that, it's a real treat for the international fans. I'm just glad to be on the card.
WWF.com: You have been to Malaysia before -- recently -- on behalf of the Federation.
Show: Yeah, I went to Malaysia once before. There are some good friends I met -- TV 3 and Marcus (Luer, of Total Sports Asia) and some of those people there. I'm really excited about seeing them again. I've never been to Singapore, so I'm looking forward to going there and seeing that. I'm just happy to be back on the road. I really love my job and I'm really thankful every day that I have it. I want to do more and be a part of it. The next time, if I get hurt, I'm just going to keep my mouth shut. That way they can't send me to the doctor.
WWF.com: It's interesting that you got married just before March, when you and the other superstars are going to be extremely busy with the international tour and WrestleMania. Did you realize that?
Show: It doesn't matter. My wife is my best friend. She's the only person I hang out with. She's my best friend at home. We've got two dogs, three cats, four birds, four Oscar fish -- we've got a house full of animals and probably there will be a bunch of little Big Shows on the way.
WWF.com: So you definitely intend to have kids?
Show: She wants four boys. It's the Greek in her. I've got a daughter already from my first marriage. Now that my ex-wife and I have gotten the divorce part out of the way, I'm really looking forward to working on the relationship with my daughter and making her part of Bess and my life as well. I'm really happy right now. I'm a little p'ssed that that doctor made me sit out two weeks, but other than that I'm OK.
WWF.com: What do you think of nWo coming in?
Show: I think it's cool. It's exciting. Those guys are all experienced. They've done everything there is to do in this business. It's going to be nice to see how they can affect our product here in the World Wrestling Federation -- how they can help the ratings and attendance, and help put out a better product for the fans I hope. It all looks good on paper.
WWF.com: It must be particularly exciting for you because of Hogan coming in, who is a good friend of yours.
Show: Yeah, Hulkster's the reason I got in the business. He's always been very good to me, very honest and graciously kind. So it's good to see him. I'm still waiting for Hulk to get in his groove. I know him really well and I've seen some of the stuff that he has done. And I like some of the stuff that has been done. But when he gets his feet in and gets comfortable ... This is a big deal for him too, to be back in the World Wrestling Federation. Hulk and Vince McMahon made the World Wrestling Federation in the '80s and the early part of the '90s. I'm sure he's trying to feel things out again, but once he gets his feet on the ground, I think he'll be able to do some good things.
WWF.com: Are you concerned about your spot on the roster? I mean, there are just so many top guys right now.
Show: I'd be a damned fool if I said I wasn't concerned. I've just got to rely on the fact that Jim Ross believes in me (and) Vince believes in me, or else they wouldn't have me around. Jim Ross has always been very honest with me, very candid. I haven't gotten the big "coach speech" lately, so I guess I've been doing things OK. J.R. is not going to pat me on the back and tell me I'm a good boy, but a smile and a handshake from J.R. means you're doing OK. When he pulls you in his office to talk to you, that's when you don't want to go. I haven't been pulled in the office in over a year and a half. I guess I'm doing all right.
WWF.com: Hogan said in an interview with us that he's concerned that you sometimes lack focus. Is that accurate?
Show: Yeah, he's absolutely right. In the first part of my career in the World Wrestling Federation, coming from WCW, I didn't understand the intensity that the top guys have here. Hindsight is 20/20. When I first came in, I had a lot of exposure, I was working with great talent and maybe I didn't understand all that. After Louisville, during the past year when I've been working here, I've got a spot at Survivor Series; I've done some good things every now and then interacting with the guys. It's all coming. I'm still trying to improve my work. I've got a lot of years left. I've got six or seven years left on my contract. So I'm still here to improve and get better. I keep listening to guys like Undertaker and (Stone Cold Steve) Austin -- guys who have been through the muck and the mud -- and those guys are helping me and giving me their advice. I think it's coming along well. Rome wasn't built in a day.
I'm learning as I go -- learning about character, being a good talent and a good spokesperson for the company.
WWF.com: Are you concerned about locker room morale with the nWo being here? There are stories that they weren't the most cooperative talents in WCW.
Show: I don't know. I'm usually the last guy to know everything. I try to take care of my own -- make sure I do all the right things. I don't worry about what other people do too much. So I'm not watching the morale or anything like that. I just try to have a smile on my face and try to stay upbeat. If there are morale problems, I haven't seen anything yet. I don't know if there are problems; I think there is just another level of competition coming in where -- like you said -- there are so many top guys and so little time. I think it's just another example of all us having to raise our competition levels. I've had my share of bad things (said about me) too. I had a lot of heat when I came up here too because of stories that people heard about me, and I created a lot of my own problems. I think with anyone coming into a new company, people have a certain way of doing things, and you have to adapt and adjust. The World Wrestling Federation is a place where we all work together as a team. (Hogan, Hall and Nash) are consummate professionals. They've been in the business a long time. They know the ups and downs and the ins and outs. And I'm sure they'll adjust and do things accordingly.
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The tag team title match scheduled for Wrestlemania between APA and champions Billy & Chuck is apparently no longer on the card. The two teams wrestled on Smackdown! last night and the WWF has taken this match off of their official Wrestlemania website. The new tag team match scheduled for Wrestlemania now according to Dave Meltzer is a four-way involving Chuck & Billy, APA, the Hardy Boyz and the Dudley Boyz.
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For anyone that is interested, WWF.com has debuted a somewhat new design.
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Here are the major news and notes from this week's Ross Report over at wwf.com:
- Lance Storm is working through a bruised elbow.
- Scotty Too Hotty gets his neck examined next week in San Antonio but he has not experienced any further problems from his last exam.
- Mike Awesome could be ready to go from knee surgery on April 4.
- Kanyon will be released from doctor's care around March 20. He has been sidelined due to ACL surgery.
- Bob "Hardcore" Holly is ready to return from his arm injury.
- Steve Blackman is having severe headaches stemming from a neck problem.
- Results from the WWF's week long training camp will be released today. The results will be analyzed and from that will be determined which talent will be offered developmental deals.
- Talent currently in Asia will probably be available to work Smackdown! next week on Thursday but not the house shows after that.
- The impending roster split is beginning to take shape. Talent will work either RAW or Smackdown!.
- Hulk Hogan will come out with a biography later this year.
- Jerry Lawler will also work on coming out with a book about his life soon, but it will be released after Hogan's...either late this year or early next.
- The WWF will be coming to Honolulu, Hawaii in June.
- JR hopes to see Shawn Michaels in San Antonio and believes that Michaels can be a valuable personality once the roster splits into two.
- XPac returns to action this weekend.
- Look for Torrie Wilson to get more involved in a storyline in the coming weeks.
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Here are the top 10 Billboard.com Recreational Sports videos:
1) Do You Believie In Miracles?
2) WWF: Austin 3:16: Uncensored
3) Allen Iverson: The Answer
4) WWF: The Rock - Bring It On
5) WWF: Vengeance
6) WWF: Survivor Series
7) 2001 World Series
8) WWF: Rebellion
9) WWF: Lita-It Just Feels Right
10) The Best Of Backyard Wrestling 2: More Hardcore Than Ever Before
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It appears as if Jazz may start working with the Dudley Boyz in the near future.
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Former WCW star, Vampiro, will be in Houston, TX on March 9 to work for the Elite Wrestling Federation.
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While there are still tickets available for Sunday’s WWF house show in Ft. Worth, TX and Monday's RAW from the Frank Erwin Center in Austin, TX as of this report, Thursday’s special LIVE edition of Smackdown at the Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio, TX is sold out.
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With the WWF returning to Texas and Shawn Michaels' home city of San Antonio, there is the possibility of seeing HBK return in some fashion although it is still speculative at this point.
More next week!
What is the point Shaneo. it's just news of another site that we all know- and to get your word count up!
You'll be wearing your copy and paste buttons out...
That's a lot, thanks for the info.
This can be our topic to post WWF news! I'll get started.
I got this information off of www.theprp.com. It appears as if the WWF Forced Entry CD has been re-named to WWF Forceable Entry and the complete track list is now out:
The track listing has been set for the upcoming, "WWF Forceable Entry", compilation album. The effort shapes up as follows:
01 - Drowning Pool - "The Game" (HHH's Theme)
02 - Kid Rock - "Legs" (Stacey Kiebler's Theme)
03 - Creed - "Young Grow Old"
04 - Disturbed - "Glass Shatters" (Stone Cold Steve Austin's Theme)
05 - Limp Bizkit - "Rollin" (Dead Man Mix) (Undertaker's Theme)
06 - Our Lady Peace - "Whatever" (Chris Benoit's Theme)
07 - Rob Zombie - "Never Gonna Stop" (Edge's Theme)
08 - Breaking Point - "One Of A Kind" (Rob Van Dam's Theme)
09 - Marilyn Manson - "The Beautiful People" (The WWF Smackdown Remix)
10 - The Union Underground - "Across The Nation" (Test's Theme)
11 - Sevendust - "Break The Walls Down" (Chris Jericho's Theme)
12 - Saliva - "Turn The Tables" (The Dudleys's Theme)
13 - Monster Magnet - "Live For The Moment"
14 - Stereomud - "End Of Everything "(Raven's Theme)
15 - Nuerotica - "Ride Of Your Life" (Kane's Theme)
16 - Cypress Hill - "Just Another Victim" (Tazz's Theme)
17 - Dope - "No Chance" (Vince McMahon's Theme)
18 - Boy Hits Car - "Lovefurypassionenergy" (Lita's Theme)
The album is expected out on March 26th through Columbia.
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Bret declines WWF comeback
By BRET HART -- For SLAM! Wrestling
I got a call from the WWF this week.
I can't say I was shocked. I wasn't even surprised. In fact, it was predictable because Wrestlemania is in Toronto.
It'd probably be the biggest pop in the history of pro wrestling -- Bret Hart walks out unannounced -- after everything that's happened.
For Carl DeMarco, the guy who runs the Canadian arm of the WWF, it would have been a huge coup. Imagine, delivering Bret Hart to Vince McMahon.
Anyone who knows me knows that it would have been an unconscionable sacrifice. Still, as an old friend, Carlo thought he had a shot at it. It didn't matter to him what I did on the show as long as I was on the show.
Since my concussion prevents me from wrestling, he asked me to ref the main event, Triple H vs. Chris Jericho for the undisputed federation championship.
It was brought up how my recent appearance on a WWA PPV was unfitting for me and that my stock is at an all-time low. I guess I need to point out I'm retired from wrestling and my minimal involvement with the WWA has been because the promoter is a reputable guy who I've wanted to help get off to a good start. At the very least, he's been good to his word.
The persuasive argument was this is Wrestlemania, much more fitting. You tell me how fitting it is for me to end up as a special ref in a semi-main event?
I listened to the offer but found it offensive the WWF would expect me to so easily dismiss everything that's happened and parade myself out there giving the impression to the world that our differences have been worked out. Montreal. Owen. The manipulated divide-and-conquer derision of the Hart family, showing no respect to my father or even my poor mother, who died without seeing any resolution to it. Why would I minimize any of that?
Because, in return, they'd give me access to video footage and still shots. They own every picture and every inch of film of every match I had over the last 16 years of my career.
So now, as a 'trade off', they offered me the same access McMahon already promised me when I met with him on a park bench in Calgary the day before Owen's funeral, two-and-a-half years ago.
Four days later, when my people called his to work out the details, they were told Vince recalls no such conversation.
It will no doubt surprise a lot of people to know Vince and I were going to set up a meeting when Raw came to Calgary last May in order to sort out my footage and air our differences. Vince cancelled the meeting, sending a message he was too busy, which I appreciated because I was having reservations about our talk myself. The time didn't feel right to me. At least we'd almost opened the door for some dialogue, which I thought was a huge step. But that very same day, they went and did the Montreal finish right here in Calgary -- and somehow I'm not supposed to view that as a slap in the face?
So now, 10 months later, the WWF says getting my archive is a trade-off. If I do this, they'll do that. Why are there now conditions to Vince's promise?
To be honest, I did consider doing it.
Before Montreal, we were about to start production on a comprehensive video anthology of my career. After Montreal, it was scratched. I thought it was a shame, especially since the screw job at Survivor '97 became the clear line of demarcation in the business, the time when the heroes of the Next Generation were replaced by the bombastic sexual ratings ploys of the Attitude chapter. I thought it was important to document what WWF wrestling was like in the era when I was champion -- for future generations who might never know or understand the time-honoured traditions of what pro wrestling used to be.
Also, I am in the process of writing a book and I thought it might be nice to put a few specific WWF photos in it -- which, I've been told, Vince won't let me do. Is it because they don't think the company will be portrayed in a good light? I think what everyone needs to realize is that for 14 years, McMahon and I did have an amicable, prosperous relationship. I haven't forgotten that.
With one last-ditch effort, the guy who runs WWF Canada gave me other options. Instead of being a ref, I could come out and punch Vince -- not for real, of course, just make it look like retribution!
In that one phony punch, everything that's happened would be minimized into an angle. Maybe wrestling fans would love it. My fans would hate it. And so would I.
Thanks but no thanks.
The guy who had it right, this time, was Vince. He said I'd never go for it.
Vince, thanks for the invitation. Now here's mine. If you want to air our differences, all you have to do is pick up the phone. I think a private conversation is in order, not some public spectacle at the expense of my dignity.
To all the boys on the card, I wish you a good show and I hope you understand and respect my reasons for not being there.
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XWF's CEO
by Fred Topel
Don’t call her Sable. She’d probably take it graciously, but Vince McMahon would slap you with a lawsuit bigger than Hulk Hogan’s 24-inch pythons. I’ll try to think of some more wrestling metaphors later, but the point is, Sable was a character played by actress Rena Mero.
Rena Mero is quite physically fit and, of course, bears a striking physical resemblance to Sable, but she is a real person. After leaving the WWF a champion, she is working on her movie career, but will be back in the wrestling scene with a new league, the XWF. XWF is being started by Greg “The Hammer” Valentine, Brian Knobbs and Jimmy “Mouth of the South” Hart as a family-friendly alternative to the WWF, which has become a showcase for gross-out stunts. Rena will be the CEO of the new league.
I met Rena at the National Association of Television Program Executives (NATPE) convention in Las Vegas, where the XWF had set up a wrestling ring on the convention floor. Rena greeted fans and potential business partners, schmoozing and signing autographs (I got one for myself, too). When there was a lull in the crowd, I got to ask her some questions about wrestling, fan flirtations and, of course, nudity.
beer.com: What was the appeal for you of this new wrestling league?
Rena Mero: Well, they made me an offer I couldn’t refuse. I learned so much about what the talent want and how they wanted to be treated, and how the fans want to be treated, as well. We want to respect the talent and the fans and I believe that that’s what’s missing in this industry. Now, being the CEO of this company, knowing what I know, I have an opportunity to really make a difference in the wrestling industry.
b: Will you be fighting in the XWF?
R: No. I have been there and done that. Being the former world champion, I have hung up my wrestling boots. Right now I am more interested in pursuing my acting career, which being the CEO of this company definitely gives me the opportunity to do.
b: Is Rena allowed to have any similar traits to Sable?
R: Vince McMahon owns the character Sable, but Rena is a real person. Rena is going to be a spokesperson for this company and the CEO, and hopefully she’ll be able to make a difference in this industry. I’m very glad that people are starting to realize that Rena is a real person and Sable was only a character that she played. Most people know me and refer to me as Rena now, so it was a transition that I made and the fans received it very well. They have supported me throughout my career now, and being Rena is definitely an advantage to me because I’m a real person. Sable was only a character.
b: What wrestlers were role models for you?
R: I don’t think that any wrestlers were role models to me. I think every wrestler is very talented in their own way and provides something to the show. My role models are anyone who stands up for themselves, who has strong convictions and who do what they want to do with their lives regardless of what anyone else thinks of them. Those are my role models.
b: Will having done "Playboy" complicate the family image of XWF?
R: Absolutely not. I believe that the people that are interested in wrestling watch wrestling for a whole different reason than they would view "Playboy." I believe the two complemented each other. It gave me an opportunity to cross over into a whole different world. The two "Playboy" layouts that I did were the fastest selling in history and me being the only woman ever to be on the cover twice in one year has certainly given me a voice and an opportunity to pursue other things.
b: When you meet your fans, do guys ever hit on you?
R: Not only guys, but women, as well. You know, most of our fans are extremely respectful of us. They respect what we do and we respect them in return, so we have wonderful fans. It’s never been a problem.
b: If someone tried anything sleazy, would you beat him up?
R: Absolutely not. Now, I have people that would do it for me. No, as I said, as many years as I’ve been modeling before I got into the wrestling industry -– and now doing television and movies –- I’ve never had a problem. Fans are always very respectful and very nice. I think you give off a certain vibe and are treated the way that people perceive you. Most people treat me with much respect and I appreciate that.
b: What is your workout routine and how has it changed over the years?
R: My workout routine has not changed over the years. It’s been very steady. I work out about five days a week. I have a personal trainer that trains me. I combine weights and cardio. I train the entire body and do different body parts every day. Sometimes I do heavy weights and sometimes I do heavy reps. It just depends. I don’t train for muscle size. I train for conditioning and toning and definition.
b: Do you have any movies coming up?
R: I certainly do. At this time, I’m not allowed to speak much about it. I can tell you the title of it is "Dead by Friday." It is a feature film for [theatrical release]. I was just in "Corky Romano." I shot three movies for HBO this year and I’m up for several different pilots on television.
b: Have you been involved in any of the wrestling video games?
R: We had to do voiceovers for the characters, and we had to do the photographs. They made them into our likeness.
b: Did you ever play them?
R: No. I’m not into video games. You know, I’m a very active person and it takes me a lot to sit down and be still, so I’m always on the go.
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InDemand.com, one of the companies who show WWF PPVs, have practically confirmed the tedious WWF roster split. They have posted the following preview for the WWF Backlash PPV on their site:
"Be there as the NEW RAW franchise helmed by Vince McMahon takes on the warriors of its new competitor NEW Shakedown, headed by Ric Flair. It's sure to be history in the making."
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It now seems certain that the roster split will take place after WrestleMania. However, the WWF has changed the split date several times before, so it is in no way set in stone. Another interesting note from the preview is that InDemand call Ric Flair's show "Shakedown." This could be a spelling error by InDemand, or it could be the name of Ric Flair's show that will replace Smackdown.
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TNN are set to air an hour long WrestleMania special on March 12th, at 9pm. The show will be called "WWF Flashback: The Best of WrestleMania," and will feature some of the best moments from WrestleMania.
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Interview with Big Show
by Phil Speer
Earlier this week, WWF.com had the opportunity to interview the Big Show, who was just returning after sitting out a few weeks due to an injured knee. Show was very candid as he discussed the nWo -- including his friend Hollywood Hulk Hogan -- arriving in the World Wrestling Federation, his own Federation career, his recent marriage and much more.
WWF.com: How are you doing physically?
Show: Physically I'm doing great. They drained 75 c.c.s of fluid out of my knee three weeks ago. I was really OK after the week because it was just more like a real bad bruise. I guess the doctor talked to (the Federation's talent relations department) and told them he wanted me to take another week off. J.R. (Jim Ross, senior vice president of talent relations) and them thought it'd be a good idea. So I sat home another week. I did some training and took care of a bunch of things at home that I needed to take care of.
WWF.com: Anything you want to elaborate on?
Show: I got married (to my fiancée, Bess). We just did a real quickie. We've been together three years. We just called a friend of mine -- he's a notary. He married us. We went and got a license and got married. We got married the 11th.
WWF.com: Did you get any opportunity to have a honeymoon?
Show: No, no. Being together is the honeymoon. Besides, I got too much I'm trying to do here to worry about taking off and doing honeymoons. I really want to get going here and get involved in some stuff.
WWF.com: Your injury -- what happened?
Show: I dropped down to a knee. It was just a freak thing. I found the only spot in the floor that didn't have any padding. And even with all the padding in my kneepads -- it was just a freak thing -- I just jammed it. It swelled up. It throbbed like a toothache. There was nothing really mechanically wrong with it; it was just that all my weight came down on it and just bruised it I guess. It was on a house show against the Undertaker. You really got to be a moron to get hurt against the Undertaker because he's so smooth and so light to work with. The only way you can get hurt working with him is if you hurt yourself. It kind of p'ssed me off a little bit because I had some good matches with Taker and we were really doing some good things, and then I had that stupid little injury. I'm not letting it get me down; it's healed up now.
WWF.com: Yeah, I noticed in the Ross Report he said that you were "told" to take the extra week off, seemingly implying that you didn't want to take it off.
Show: Oh, I didn't want to at all. I was really upset about it, because so many of our guys work hurt and injured, and are such competitors. I don't want to sit at home like some (pansy) that can't go, because I can.
WWF.com: How is your smoking habit? Are you still cold turkey?
Show: Yeah, I don't smoke at all now. I quit Dec. 25. I'm done with it.
WWF.com: You haven't had one since then.
Show: Nope. No, sir.
WWF.com: Have you found that it has helped your wind yet, even though it has only been a few months?
Show: Oh yeah, my wind is real good. I'm not going to be a Bruce Jenner Olympic sprinter, but to do what I've got to do, I've got good wind. It's an ongoing process.
WWF.com: How did the Stacker II commercial shoot go? What do you think of the final product?
Show: It went real good. It was funny. I had a good time doing it. Elliott Sadler and Kenny Wallace are two great, funny, funny country guys. Good dudes. So I had a good time with it. I liked (the finished product). I know we've got another one coming out where I've got a few more lines. Hey, I'm just thankful for the opportunity -- that Stacker II wanted to use me and J.R. approved it. Hell, I'm just grateful for it. Anytime you get a chance to get yourself on TV, it's a good thing.
WWF.com: J.R. suggested in another Ross Report that you'd probably get some "ribbing" as a result of being in the commercial. Is that true?
Show: Yeah, that's OK. I don't mind. I mean, it's one thing about the boys -- they don't rib you if they don't (care) about you. It's when they don't talk about you that you've got problems.
WWF.com: Are you excited about the international tour?
Show: Oh yeah. It's always great when you get to bring our product to countries where they don't normally get a chance to see us live. They see the television product, but to get the feeling of a live venue where you see the energy of The Rock and guys like that, it's a real treat for the international fans. I'm just glad to be on the card.
WWF.com: You have been to Malaysia before -- recently -- on behalf of the Federation.
Show: Yeah, I went to Malaysia once before. There are some good friends I met -- TV 3 and Marcus (Luer, of Total Sports Asia) and some of those people there. I'm really excited about seeing them again. I've never been to Singapore, so I'm looking forward to going there and seeing that. I'm just happy to be back on the road. I really love my job and I'm really thankful every day that I have it. I want to do more and be a part of it. The next time, if I get hurt, I'm just going to keep my mouth shut. That way they can't send me to the doctor.
WWF.com: It's interesting that you got married just before March, when you and the other superstars are going to be extremely busy with the international tour and WrestleMania. Did you realize that?
Show: It doesn't matter. My wife is my best friend. She's the only person I hang out with. She's my best friend at home. We've got two dogs, three cats, four birds, four Oscar fish -- we've got a house full of animals and probably there will be a bunch of little Big Shows on the way.
WWF.com: So you definitely intend to have kids?
Show: She wants four boys. It's the Greek in her. I've got a daughter already from my first marriage. Now that my ex-wife and I have gotten the divorce part out of the way, I'm really looking forward to working on the relationship with my daughter and making her part of Bess and my life as well. I'm really happy right now. I'm a little p'ssed that that doctor made me sit out two weeks, but other than that I'm OK.
WWF.com: What do you think of nWo coming in?
Show: I think it's cool. It's exciting. Those guys are all experienced. They've done everything there is to do in this business. It's going to be nice to see how they can affect our product here in the World Wrestling Federation -- how they can help the ratings and attendance, and help put out a better product for the fans I hope. It all looks good on paper.
WWF.com: It must be particularly exciting for you because of Hogan coming in, who is a good friend of yours.
Show: Yeah, Hulkster's the reason I got in the business. He's always been very good to me, very honest and graciously kind. So it's good to see him. I'm still waiting for Hulk to get in his groove. I know him really well and I've seen some of the stuff that he has done. And I like some of the stuff that has been done. But when he gets his feet in and gets comfortable ... This is a big deal for him too, to be back in the World Wrestling Federation. Hulk and Vince McMahon made the World Wrestling Federation in the '80s and the early part of the '90s. I'm sure he's trying to feel things out again, but once he gets his feet on the ground, I think he'll be able to do some good things.
WWF.com: Are you concerned about your spot on the roster? I mean, there are just so many top guys right now.
Show: I'd be a damned fool if I said I wasn't concerned. I've just got to rely on the fact that Jim Ross believes in me (and) Vince believes in me, or else they wouldn't have me around. Jim Ross has always been very honest with me, very candid. I haven't gotten the big "coach speech" lately, so I guess I've been doing things OK. J.R. is not going to pat me on the back and tell me I'm a good boy, but a smile and a handshake from J.R. means you're doing OK. When he pulls you in his office to talk to you, that's when you don't want to go. I haven't been pulled in the office in over a year and a half. I guess I'm doing all right.
WWF.com: Hogan said in an interview with us that he's concerned that you sometimes lack focus. Is that accurate?
Show: Yeah, he's absolutely right. In the first part of my career in the World Wrestling Federation, coming from WCW, I didn't understand the intensity that the top guys have here. Hindsight is 20/20. When I first came in, I had a lot of exposure, I was working with great talent and maybe I didn't understand all that. After Louisville, during the past year when I've been working here, I've got a spot at Survivor Series; I've done some good things every now and then interacting with the guys. It's all coming. I'm still trying to improve my work. I've got a lot of years left. I've got six or seven years left on my contract. So I'm still here to improve and get better. I keep listening to guys like Undertaker and (Stone Cold Steve) Austin -- guys who have been through the muck and the mud -- and those guys are helping me and giving me their advice. I think it's coming along well. Rome wasn't built in a day.
I'm learning as I go -- learning about character, being a good talent and a good spokesperson for the company.
WWF.com: Are you concerned about locker room morale with the nWo being here? There are stories that they weren't the most cooperative talents in WCW.
Show: I don't know. I'm usually the last guy to know everything. I try to take care of my own -- make sure I do all the right things. I don't worry about what other people do too much. So I'm not watching the morale or anything like that. I just try to have a smile on my face and try to stay upbeat. If there are morale problems, I haven't seen anything yet. I don't know if there are problems; I think there is just another level of competition coming in where -- like you said -- there are so many top guys and so little time. I think it's just another example of all us having to raise our competition levels. I've had my share of bad things (said about me) too. I had a lot of heat when I came up here too because of stories that people heard about me, and I created a lot of my own problems. I think with anyone coming into a new company, people have a certain way of doing things, and you have to adapt and adjust. The World Wrestling Federation is a place where we all work together as a team. (Hogan, Hall and Nash) are consummate professionals. They've been in the business a long time. They know the ups and downs and the ins and outs. And I'm sure they'll adjust and do things accordingly.
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The tag team title match scheduled for Wrestlemania between APA and champions Billy & Chuck is apparently no longer on the card. The two teams wrestled on Smackdown! last night and the WWF has taken this match off of their official Wrestlemania website. The new tag team match scheduled for Wrestlemania now according to Dave Meltzer is a four-way involving Chuck & Billy, APA, the Hardy Boyz and the Dudley Boyz.
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For anyone that is interested, WWF.com has debuted a somewhat new design.
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Here are the major news and notes from this week's Ross Report over at wwf.com:
- Lance Storm is working through a bruised elbow.
- Scotty Too Hotty gets his neck examined next week in San Antonio but he has not experienced any further problems from his last exam.
- Mike Awesome could be ready to go from knee surgery on April 4.
- Kanyon will be released from doctor's care around March 20. He has been sidelined due to ACL surgery.
- Bob "Hardcore" Holly is ready to return from his arm injury.
- Steve Blackman is having severe headaches stemming from a neck problem.
- Results from the WWF's week long training camp will be released today. The results will be analyzed and from that will be determined which talent will be offered developmental deals.
- Talent currently in Asia will probably be available to work Smackdown! next week on Thursday but not the house shows after that.
- The impending roster split is beginning to take shape. Talent will work either RAW or Smackdown!.
- Hulk Hogan will come out with a biography later this year.
- Jerry Lawler will also work on coming out with a book about his life soon, but it will be released after Hogan's...either late this year or early next.
- The WWF will be coming to Honolulu, Hawaii in June.
- JR hopes to see Shawn Michaels in San Antonio and believes that Michaels can be a valuable personality once the roster splits into two.
- XPac returns to action this weekend.
- Look for Torrie Wilson to get more involved in a storyline in the coming weeks.
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Here are the top 10 Billboard.com Recreational Sports videos:
1) Do You Believie In Miracles?
2) WWF: Austin 3:16: Uncensored
3) Allen Iverson: The Answer
4) WWF: The Rock - Bring It On
5) WWF: Vengeance
6) WWF: Survivor Series
7) 2001 World Series
8) WWF: Rebellion
9) WWF: Lita-It Just Feels Right
10) The Best Of Backyard Wrestling 2: More Hardcore Than Ever Before
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It appears as if Jazz may start working with the Dudley Boyz in the near future.
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Former WCW star, Vampiro, will be in Houston, TX on March 9 to work for the Elite Wrestling Federation.
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While there are still tickets available for Sunday’s WWF house show in Ft. Worth, TX and Monday's RAW from the Frank Erwin Center in Austin, TX as of this report, Thursday’s special LIVE edition of Smackdown at the Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio, TX is sold out.
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With the WWF returning to Texas and Shawn Michaels' home city of San Antonio, there is the possibility of seeing HBK return in some fashion although it is still speculative at this point.
More next week!
I got this information off of www.theprp.com. It appears as if the WWF Forced Entry CD has been re-named to WWF Forceable Entry and the complete track list is now out:
The track listing has been set for the upcoming, "WWF Forceable Entry", compilation album. The effort shapes up as follows:
01 - Drowning Pool - "The Game" (HHH's Theme)
02 - Kid Rock - "Legs" (Stacey Kiebler's Theme)
03 - Creed - "Young Grow Old"
04 - Disturbed - "Glass Shatters" (Stone Cold Steve Austin's Theme)
05 - Limp Bizkit - "Rollin" (Dead Man Mix) (Undertaker's Theme)
06 - Our Lady Peace - "Whatever" (Chris Benoit's Theme)
07 - Rob Zombie - "Never Gonna Stop" (Edge's Theme)
08 - Breaking Point - "One Of A Kind" (Rob Van Dam's Theme)
09 - Marilyn Manson - "The Beautiful People" (The WWF Smackdown Remix)
10 - The Union Underground - "Across The Nation" (Test's Theme)
11 - Sevendust - "Break The Walls Down" (Chris Jericho's Theme)
12 - Saliva - "Turn The Tables" (The Dudleys's Theme)
13 - Monster Magnet - "Live For The Moment"
14 - Stereomud - "End Of Everything "(Raven's Theme)
15 - Nuerotica - "Ride Of Your Life" (Kane's Theme)
16 - Cypress Hill - "Just Another Victim" (Tazz's Theme)
17 - Dope - "No Chance" (Vince McMahon's Theme)
18 - Boy Hits Car - "Lovefurypassionenergy" (Lita's Theme)
The album is expected out on March 26th through Columbia.
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Bret declines WWF comeback
By BRET HART -- For SLAM! Wrestling
I got a call from the WWF this week.
I can't say I was shocked. I wasn't even surprised. In fact, it was predictable because Wrestlemania is in Toronto.
It'd probably be the biggest pop in the history of pro wrestling -- Bret Hart walks out unannounced -- after everything that's happened.
For Carl DeMarco, the guy who runs the Canadian arm of the WWF, it would have been a huge coup. Imagine, delivering Bret Hart to Vince McMahon.
Anyone who knows me knows that it would have been an unconscionable sacrifice. Still, as an old friend, Carlo thought he had a shot at it. It didn't matter to him what I did on the show as long as I was on the show.
Since my concussion prevents me from wrestling, he asked me to ref the main event, Triple H vs. Chris Jericho for the undisputed federation championship.
It was brought up how my recent appearance on a WWA PPV was unfitting for me and that my stock is at an all-time low. I guess I need to point out I'm retired from wrestling and my minimal involvement with the WWA has been because the promoter is a reputable guy who I've wanted to help get off to a good start. At the very least, he's been good to his word.
The persuasive argument was this is Wrestlemania, much more fitting. You tell me how fitting it is for me to end up as a special ref in a semi-main event?
I listened to the offer but found it offensive the WWF would expect me to so easily dismiss everything that's happened and parade myself out there giving the impression to the world that our differences have been worked out. Montreal. Owen. The manipulated divide-and-conquer derision of the Hart family, showing no respect to my father or even my poor mother, who died without seeing any resolution to it. Why would I minimize any of that?
Because, in return, they'd give me access to video footage and still shots. They own every picture and every inch of film of every match I had over the last 16 years of my career.
So now, as a 'trade off', they offered me the same access McMahon already promised me when I met with him on a park bench in Calgary the day before Owen's funeral, two-and-a-half years ago.
Four days later, when my people called his to work out the details, they were told Vince recalls no such conversation.
It will no doubt surprise a lot of people to know Vince and I were going to set up a meeting when Raw came to Calgary last May in order to sort out my footage and air our differences. Vince cancelled the meeting, sending a message he was too busy, which I appreciated because I was having reservations about our talk myself. The time didn't feel right to me. At least we'd almost opened the door for some dialogue, which I thought was a huge step. But that very same day, they went and did the Montreal finish right here in Calgary -- and somehow I'm not supposed to view that as a slap in the face?
So now, 10 months later, the WWF says getting my archive is a trade-off. If I do this, they'll do that. Why are there now conditions to Vince's promise?
To be honest, I did consider doing it.
Before Montreal, we were about to start production on a comprehensive video anthology of my career. After Montreal, it was scratched. I thought it was a shame, especially since the screw job at Survivor '97 became the clear line of demarcation in the business, the time when the heroes of the Next Generation were replaced by the bombastic sexual ratings ploys of the Attitude chapter. I thought it was important to document what WWF wrestling was like in the era when I was champion -- for future generations who might never know or understand the time-honoured traditions of what pro wrestling used to be.
Also, I am in the process of writing a book and I thought it might be nice to put a few specific WWF photos in it -- which, I've been told, Vince won't let me do. Is it because they don't think the company will be portrayed in a good light? I think what everyone needs to realize is that for 14 years, McMahon and I did have an amicable, prosperous relationship. I haven't forgotten that.
With one last-ditch effort, the guy who runs WWF Canada gave me other options. Instead of being a ref, I could come out and punch Vince -- not for real, of course, just make it look like retribution!
In that one phony punch, everything that's happened would be minimized into an angle. Maybe wrestling fans would love it. My fans would hate it. And so would I.
Thanks but no thanks.
The guy who had it right, this time, was Vince. He said I'd never go for it.
Vince, thanks for the invitation. Now here's mine. If you want to air our differences, all you have to do is pick up the phone. I think a private conversation is in order, not some public spectacle at the expense of my dignity.
To all the boys on the card, I wish you a good show and I hope you understand and respect my reasons for not being there.
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XWF's CEO
by Fred Topel
Don’t call her Sable. She’d probably take it graciously, but Vince McMahon would slap you with a lawsuit bigger than Hulk Hogan’s 24-inch pythons. I’ll try to think of some more wrestling metaphors later, but the point is, Sable was a character played by actress Rena Mero.
Rena Mero is quite physically fit and, of course, bears a striking physical resemblance to Sable, but she is a real person. After leaving the WWF a champion, she is working on her movie career, but will be back in the wrestling scene with a new league, the XWF. XWF is being started by Greg “The Hammer” Valentine, Brian Knobbs and Jimmy “Mouth of the South” Hart as a family-friendly alternative to the WWF, which has become a showcase for gross-out stunts. Rena will be the CEO of the new league.
I met Rena at the National Association of Television Program Executives (NATPE) convention in Las Vegas, where the XWF had set up a wrestling ring on the convention floor. Rena greeted fans and potential business partners, schmoozing and signing autographs (I got one for myself, too). When there was a lull in the crowd, I got to ask her some questions about wrestling, fan flirtations and, of course, nudity.
beer.com: What was the appeal for you of this new wrestling league?
Rena Mero: Well, they made me an offer I couldn’t refuse. I learned so much about what the talent want and how they wanted to be treated, and how the fans want to be treated, as well. We want to respect the talent and the fans and I believe that that’s what’s missing in this industry. Now, being the CEO of this company, knowing what I know, I have an opportunity to really make a difference in the wrestling industry.
b: Will you be fighting in the XWF?
R: No. I have been there and done that. Being the former world champion, I have hung up my wrestling boots. Right now I am more interested in pursuing my acting career, which being the CEO of this company definitely gives me the opportunity to do.
b: Is Rena allowed to have any similar traits to Sable?
R: Vince McMahon owns the character Sable, but Rena is a real person. Rena is going to be a spokesperson for this company and the CEO, and hopefully she’ll be able to make a difference in this industry. I’m very glad that people are starting to realize that Rena is a real person and Sable was only a character that she played. Most people know me and refer to me as Rena now, so it was a transition that I made and the fans received it very well. They have supported me throughout my career now, and being Rena is definitely an advantage to me because I’m a real person. Sable was only a character.
b: What wrestlers were role models for you?
R: I don’t think that any wrestlers were role models to me. I think every wrestler is very talented in their own way and provides something to the show. My role models are anyone who stands up for themselves, who has strong convictions and who do what they want to do with their lives regardless of what anyone else thinks of them. Those are my role models.
b: Will having done "Playboy" complicate the family image of XWF?
R: Absolutely not. I believe that the people that are interested in wrestling watch wrestling for a whole different reason than they would view "Playboy." I believe the two complemented each other. It gave me an opportunity to cross over into a whole different world. The two "Playboy" layouts that I did were the fastest selling in history and me being the only woman ever to be on the cover twice in one year has certainly given me a voice and an opportunity to pursue other things.
b: When you meet your fans, do guys ever hit on you?
R: Not only guys, but women, as well. You know, most of our fans are extremely respectful of us. They respect what we do and we respect them in return, so we have wonderful fans. It’s never been a problem.
b: If someone tried anything sleazy, would you beat him up?
R: Absolutely not. Now, I have people that would do it for me. No, as I said, as many years as I’ve been modeling before I got into the wrestling industry -– and now doing television and movies –- I’ve never had a problem. Fans are always very respectful and very nice. I think you give off a certain vibe and are treated the way that people perceive you. Most people treat me with much respect and I appreciate that.
b: What is your workout routine and how has it changed over the years?
R: My workout routine has not changed over the years. It’s been very steady. I work out about five days a week. I have a personal trainer that trains me. I combine weights and cardio. I train the entire body and do different body parts every day. Sometimes I do heavy weights and sometimes I do heavy reps. It just depends. I don’t train for muscle size. I train for conditioning and toning and definition.
b: Do you have any movies coming up?
R: I certainly do. At this time, I’m not allowed to speak much about it. I can tell you the title of it is "Dead by Friday." It is a feature film for [theatrical release]. I was just in "Corky Romano." I shot three movies for HBO this year and I’m up for several different pilots on television.
b: Have you been involved in any of the wrestling video games?
R: We had to do voiceovers for the characters, and we had to do the photographs. They made them into our likeness.
b: Did you ever play them?
R: No. I’m not into video games. You know, I’m a very active person and it takes me a lot to sit down and be still, so I’m always on the go.
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InDemand.com, one of the companies who show WWF PPVs, have practically confirmed the tedious WWF roster split. They have posted the following preview for the WWF Backlash PPV on their site:
"Be there as the NEW RAW franchise helmed by Vince McMahon takes on the warriors of its new competitor NEW Shakedown, headed by Ric Flair. It's sure to be history in the making."
----------
It now seems certain that the roster split will take place after WrestleMania. However, the WWF has changed the split date several times before, so it is in no way set in stone. Another interesting note from the preview is that InDemand call Ric Flair's show "Shakedown." This could be a spelling error by InDemand, or it could be the name of Ric Flair's show that will replace Smackdown.
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TNN are set to air an hour long WrestleMania special on March 12th, at 9pm. The show will be called "WWF Flashback: The Best of WrestleMania," and will feature some of the best moments from WrestleMania.
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Interview with Big Show
by Phil Speer
Earlier this week, WWF.com had the opportunity to interview the Big Show, who was just returning after sitting out a few weeks due to an injured knee. Show was very candid as he discussed the nWo -- including his friend Hollywood Hulk Hogan -- arriving in the World Wrestling Federation, his own Federation career, his recent marriage and much more.
WWF.com: How are you doing physically?
Show: Physically I'm doing great. They drained 75 c.c.s of fluid out of my knee three weeks ago. I was really OK after the week because it was just more like a real bad bruise. I guess the doctor talked to (the Federation's talent relations department) and told them he wanted me to take another week off. J.R. (Jim Ross, senior vice president of talent relations) and them thought it'd be a good idea. So I sat home another week. I did some training and took care of a bunch of things at home that I needed to take care of.
WWF.com: Anything you want to elaborate on?
Show: I got married (to my fiancée, Bess). We just did a real quickie. We've been together three years. We just called a friend of mine -- he's a notary. He married us. We went and got a license and got married. We got married the 11th.
WWF.com: Did you get any opportunity to have a honeymoon?
Show: No, no. Being together is the honeymoon. Besides, I got too much I'm trying to do here to worry about taking off and doing honeymoons. I really want to get going here and get involved in some stuff.
WWF.com: Your injury -- what happened?
Show: I dropped down to a knee. It was just a freak thing. I found the only spot in the floor that didn't have any padding. And even with all the padding in my kneepads -- it was just a freak thing -- I just jammed it. It swelled up. It throbbed like a toothache. There was nothing really mechanically wrong with it; it was just that all my weight came down on it and just bruised it I guess. It was on a house show against the Undertaker. You really got to be a moron to get hurt against the Undertaker because he's so smooth and so light to work with. The only way you can get hurt working with him is if you hurt yourself. It kind of p'ssed me off a little bit because I had some good matches with Taker and we were really doing some good things, and then I had that stupid little injury. I'm not letting it get me down; it's healed up now.
WWF.com: Yeah, I noticed in the Ross Report he said that you were "told" to take the extra week off, seemingly implying that you didn't want to take it off.
Show: Oh, I didn't want to at all. I was really upset about it, because so many of our guys work hurt and injured, and are such competitors. I don't want to sit at home like some (pansy) that can't go, because I can.
WWF.com: How is your smoking habit? Are you still cold turkey?
Show: Yeah, I don't smoke at all now. I quit Dec. 25. I'm done with it.
WWF.com: You haven't had one since then.
Show: Nope. No, sir.
WWF.com: Have you found that it has helped your wind yet, even though it has only been a few months?
Show: Oh yeah, my wind is real good. I'm not going to be a Bruce Jenner Olympic sprinter, but to do what I've got to do, I've got good wind. It's an ongoing process.
WWF.com: How did the Stacker II commercial shoot go? What do you think of the final product?
Show: It went real good. It was funny. I had a good time doing it. Elliott Sadler and Kenny Wallace are two great, funny, funny country guys. Good dudes. So I had a good time with it. I liked (the finished product). I know we've got another one coming out where I've got a few more lines. Hey, I'm just thankful for the opportunity -- that Stacker II wanted to use me and J.R. approved it. Hell, I'm just grateful for it. Anytime you get a chance to get yourself on TV, it's a good thing.
WWF.com: J.R. suggested in another Ross Report that you'd probably get some "ribbing" as a result of being in the commercial. Is that true?
Show: Yeah, that's OK. I don't mind. I mean, it's one thing about the boys -- they don't rib you if they don't (care) about you. It's when they don't talk about you that you've got problems.
WWF.com: Are you excited about the international tour?
Show: Oh yeah. It's always great when you get to bring our product to countries where they don't normally get a chance to see us live. They see the television product, but to get the feeling of a live venue where you see the energy of The Rock and guys like that, it's a real treat for the international fans. I'm just glad to be on the card.
WWF.com: You have been to Malaysia before -- recently -- on behalf of the Federation.
Show: Yeah, I went to Malaysia once before. There are some good friends I met -- TV 3 and Marcus (Luer, of Total Sports Asia) and some of those people there. I'm really excited about seeing them again. I've never been to Singapore, so I'm looking forward to going there and seeing that. I'm just happy to be back on the road. I really love my job and I'm really thankful every day that I have it. I want to do more and be a part of it. The next time, if I get hurt, I'm just going to keep my mouth shut. That way they can't send me to the doctor.
WWF.com: It's interesting that you got married just before March, when you and the other superstars are going to be extremely busy with the international tour and WrestleMania. Did you realize that?
Show: It doesn't matter. My wife is my best friend. She's the only person I hang out with. She's my best friend at home. We've got two dogs, three cats, four birds, four Oscar fish -- we've got a house full of animals and probably there will be a bunch of little Big Shows on the way.
WWF.com: So you definitely intend to have kids?
Show: She wants four boys. It's the Greek in her. I've got a daughter already from my first marriage. Now that my ex-wife and I have gotten the divorce part out of the way, I'm really looking forward to working on the relationship with my daughter and making her part of Bess and my life as well. I'm really happy right now. I'm a little p'ssed that that doctor made me sit out two weeks, but other than that I'm OK.
WWF.com: What do you think of nWo coming in?
Show: I think it's cool. It's exciting. Those guys are all experienced. They've done everything there is to do in this business. It's going to be nice to see how they can affect our product here in the World Wrestling Federation -- how they can help the ratings and attendance, and help put out a better product for the fans I hope. It all looks good on paper.
WWF.com: It must be particularly exciting for you because of Hogan coming in, who is a good friend of yours.
Show: Yeah, Hulkster's the reason I got in the business. He's always been very good to me, very honest and graciously kind. So it's good to see him. I'm still waiting for Hulk to get in his groove. I know him really well and I've seen some of the stuff that he has done. And I like some of the stuff that has been done. But when he gets his feet in and gets comfortable ... This is a big deal for him too, to be back in the World Wrestling Federation. Hulk and Vince McMahon made the World Wrestling Federation in the '80s and the early part of the '90s. I'm sure he's trying to feel things out again, but once he gets his feet on the ground, I think he'll be able to do some good things.
WWF.com: Are you concerned about your spot on the roster? I mean, there are just so many top guys right now.
Show: I'd be a damned fool if I said I wasn't concerned. I've just got to rely on the fact that Jim Ross believes in me (and) Vince believes in me, or else they wouldn't have me around. Jim Ross has always been very honest with me, very candid. I haven't gotten the big "coach speech" lately, so I guess I've been doing things OK. J.R. is not going to pat me on the back and tell me I'm a good boy, but a smile and a handshake from J.R. means you're doing OK. When he pulls you in his office to talk to you, that's when you don't want to go. I haven't been pulled in the office in over a year and a half. I guess I'm doing all right.
WWF.com: Hogan said in an interview with us that he's concerned that you sometimes lack focus. Is that accurate?
Show: Yeah, he's absolutely right. In the first part of my career in the World Wrestling Federation, coming from WCW, I didn't understand the intensity that the top guys have here. Hindsight is 20/20. When I first came in, I had a lot of exposure, I was working with great talent and maybe I didn't understand all that. After Louisville, during the past year when I've been working here, I've got a spot at Survivor Series; I've done some good things every now and then interacting with the guys. It's all coming. I'm still trying to improve my work. I've got a lot of years left. I've got six or seven years left on my contract. So I'm still here to improve and get better. I keep listening to guys like Undertaker and (Stone Cold Steve) Austin -- guys who have been through the muck and the mud -- and those guys are helping me and giving me their advice. I think it's coming along well. Rome wasn't built in a day.
I'm learning as I go -- learning about character, being a good talent and a good spokesperson for the company.
WWF.com: Are you concerned about locker room morale with the nWo being here? There are stories that they weren't the most cooperative talents in WCW.
Show: I don't know. I'm usually the last guy to know everything. I try to take care of my own -- make sure I do all the right things. I don't worry about what other people do too much. So I'm not watching the morale or anything like that. I just try to have a smile on my face and try to stay upbeat. If there are morale problems, I haven't seen anything yet. I don't know if there are problems; I think there is just another level of competition coming in where -- like you said -- there are so many top guys and so little time. I think it's just another example of all us having to raise our competition levels. I've had my share of bad things (said about me) too. I had a lot of heat when I came up here too because of stories that people heard about me, and I created a lot of my own problems. I think with anyone coming into a new company, people have a certain way of doing things, and you have to adapt and adjust. The World Wrestling Federation is a place where we all work together as a team. (Hogan, Hall and Nash) are consummate professionals. They've been in the business a long time. They know the ups and downs and the ins and outs. And I'm sure they'll adjust and do things accordingly.
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The tag team title match scheduled for Wrestlemania between APA and champions Billy & Chuck is apparently no longer on the card. The two teams wrestled on Smackdown! last night and the WWF has taken this match off of their official Wrestlemania website. The new tag team match scheduled for Wrestlemania now according to Dave Meltzer is a four-way involving Chuck & Billy, APA, the Hardy Boyz and the Dudley Boyz.
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For anyone that is interested, WWF.com has debuted a somewhat new design.
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Here are the major news and notes from this week's Ross Report over at wwf.com:
- Lance Storm is working through a bruised elbow.
- Scotty Too Hotty gets his neck examined next week in San Antonio but he has not experienced any further problems from his last exam.
- Mike Awesome could be ready to go from knee surgery on April 4.
- Kanyon will be released from doctor's care around March 20. He has been sidelined due to ACL surgery.
- Bob "Hardcore" Holly is ready to return from his arm injury.
- Steve Blackman is having severe headaches stemming from a neck problem.
- Results from the WWF's week long training camp will be released today. The results will be analyzed and from that will be determined which talent will be offered developmental deals.
- Talent currently in Asia will probably be available to work Smackdown! next week on Thursday but not the house shows after that.
- The impending roster split is beginning to take shape. Talent will work either RAW or Smackdown!.
- Hulk Hogan will come out with a biography later this year.
- Jerry Lawler will also work on coming out with a book about his life soon, but it will be released after Hogan's...either late this year or early next.
- The WWF will be coming to Honolulu, Hawaii in June.
- JR hopes to see Shawn Michaels in San Antonio and believes that Michaels can be a valuable personality once the roster splits into two.
- XPac returns to action this weekend.
- Look for Torrie Wilson to get more involved in a storyline in the coming weeks.
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Here are the top 10 Billboard.com Recreational Sports videos:
1) Do You Believie In Miracles?
2) WWF: Austin 3:16: Uncensored
3) Allen Iverson: The Answer
4) WWF: The Rock - Bring It On
5) WWF: Vengeance
6) WWF: Survivor Series
7) 2001 World Series
8) WWF: Rebellion
9) WWF: Lita-It Just Feels Right
10) The Best Of Backyard Wrestling 2: More Hardcore Than Ever Before
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It appears as if Jazz may start working with the Dudley Boyz in the near future.
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Former WCW star, Vampiro, will be in Houston, TX on March 9 to work for the Elite Wrestling Federation.
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While there are still tickets available for Sunday’s WWF house show in Ft. Worth, TX and Monday's RAW from the Frank Erwin Center in Austin, TX as of this report, Thursday’s special LIVE edition of Smackdown at the Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio, TX is sold out.
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With the WWF returning to Texas and Shawn Michaels' home city of San Antonio, there is the possibility of seeing HBK return in some fashion although it is still speculative at this point.
More next week!