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Chairshots

8/31/01

Smackdown and Tough Enough
For long time fans of the WWF, the Kurt Angle vs. Steve Austin feud is rapidly becoming a walk down the best of WWF lane. A few weeks ago, Angle drives a milk truck to the ring to hose down Austin (as Austin did to McMahon with a beer truck.) Last night on Smackdown, Austin reminded us of his feud with HHH by leading Kurt to the parking lot where he was hit by the speeding car. The show ended with a nod to Austin's feud with The Rock as Austin tossed Angle's medals into the Detroit River (as both Rock and Austin did with the others championship belts during their feud.) So, my question is, is the WWF recycling its most memorable moments for new and long time fans to enjoy or is they just out of fresh ideas? Probably both, but at least they are trying something instead of just sitting on their hands. Smackdown overall was a good show. I can't explain why I like they Hurricane Helms gimmick, but the goofy comic references work for me. Since Helms was painting Spike to be Underdog, he really should have gone the extra mile and made Molly Holly, "Sweet Molly Purebred." All the comedy bits last night hit their mark. Let's just hope the writers don't try to capitalize on that success Monday by doubling the amount of comedy skits on Raw. Smackdown scored a 3.9 broadcast rating this week, with a 7 share. That is down from last week's 4.3.

Tough Enough (episode 11) was one of the best shows of the series last night. We got to see a nice mix of in ring training and a ton of WWF back stage footage. The contestants had a chance to show off their promo skills (or lack their of). With each and every show Maven and Nidia are showing themselves to be the only possible winners. "Harvard" Chris has the size and ability, but lacks people skills and the ability to cut a promo. Josh is still hung up on his girlfriend and also doesn't have all the right tools that a person his size needs to succeed as a wrestler. Taylor is fair, but she has a lot holding her back. She needs to become more mature, get the support of her family and really decide what she wants. It seems like being a wrestler might just be the latest fad in Taylor's life. Maven has a good head on his shoulders, a healthy respect for the wrestling business and has a very marketable personality. I'd like to see more of his in ring work on the show.

Mikey Doesn't Like it Anymore
Former ECW & WCW star Mikey Whipwreck wrestled his last match Wednesday night in Ontario Canada. Mikey defeated Little Guido in the main event and if he stays in retirement, then he will retire as the Border City Wrestling champion. Good luck Mikey.

Ross Report
Jim Ross made his Friday update to WWF.com today. Here are the highlights: Former ECW female wrestler, Jazz, has verbally agreed to a WWF deal.

"Gangrel (David Heath) and the WWF have parted ways." (What a shame. Ok, not really.)

Chaz (formerly of the Headbangers) contract will not be renewed once it expires in January. (Another crushing blow for the WWF.)

Kane's infected elbow is improving "after a three-day hospital stay." He will be examined Tuesday but will not return to TV this week.

Billy Kidman is set to return to work in "the next two or three weeks." The WWF will probably send him to OVW to work off any rust before returning to the WWF.

Jerry Lynn's surgery was successful, but he is expected to miss three months of action.

The Rock will be on "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" on Wednesday, Howard Stern's radio show on Thursday, and Rosie O'Donnell's show on Friday. Rock will also host the fall premier of "Mad TV" in September.

Tommy Dreamer, Justin Credible, Scotty Too Hotty, and Mike Awesome will work Puerto Rico events next weekend which is the WWF way of saying "keep busy, cause we don't have anything planned for you."

Last, J.R. reported that the WWF is very interested in Scott Steiner but he is still hurt. He then said, "The other "big names" seem to be very content having Time Warner pay out their existing contracts." Jim Ross: A fountain of useful information.

Kevin Nash and Shawn Michaels Update
Kevin Nash was sure that with friends like HHH and Vince McMahon, getting a job in the WWF would be a sure thing. However a lot of people believe that Nash is a locker room cancer and could disrupt the harmony that the WWF has now. Nash's old Time Warner contract expires in January.

Another thing preventing a "Clique" reunion is that the WWF feels that Shawn Michaels is not worth bringing back right now. Shawn is still injury prone and not good for their long term plans. It would also take away valuable television time from the regular full time WWF wrestlers.

Paisley to the WWF
Former WCW manager/valet Paisley, a.k.a. Nitro Girl Storm, a.k.a. Sharmell Sullivan, has signed a contract with the WWF. There is an interview with her on WCW.com. Does this mean that she will be joining the Alliance, go back to being called Storm, be teamed with Hurricane Helms and form "Blow Force"? The interview talks about her background, being let go by the WWF when they bought WCW and other chick things. Paisley will report to OVW for training.

Televesion Reminder Saturday Night: WWF Excess Monday Night: Raw Tuesday Night: Live Smackdown! Have a good holiday weekend. I'm off on Monday, so I'll catch up with you on Wednesday.

Michael Goodson

Pamela Anderson loves Powerball

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