The Wrestling Observer/Dirt Sheets

[Perfectly Straightedge]

[Perfectly Straightedge]

ECW might just lose their first ever PPV "Barely Legal" scheduled for Christmas Eve 1996.
 

The Mass Transit incident was a professional wrestling event during an Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) house show on June 23, 1996, at the Wonderland Ballroom in Revere, Massachusetts. 17-year-old Erich Kulas, an aspiring professional wrestler who used the ring name "Mass Transit," was seriously injured in a tag-team match against The Gangstas; the most severe injury occurred when Kulas was bladed too deeply by Jerome "New Jack" Young, severing two of his arteries. Further controversy arose when it came to light that Kulas had lied to ECW owner and booker Paul Heyman about his age and professional wrestling training.

What this means for the current Pay Per View Event Barely Legal still remains to be seen, but this could explain why ECW Owner has decided to use this upcoming draft as a means to stay away from New Jack and show good faith to the Pay Per View Provider Request TV. Paul Heyman has been said to be "pleading and begging" the provider for the chance not to cancel the PPV. It looks like The Gangstas will be the scapegoats for their being "fired" from the promotion.

Paul Heyman wanted to show another chance at goodwill when the PPV provider had asked for The Sandman not to be on the card for Barely Legal before the Mass Transit incident, and now this Mass Transit Incident has happened. Request TV demanded that Sandman not be on the show. Heyman, who has been loyal to The Sandman, promised him that he would allow him to appear but it seems The Sandman was upset this was even a discussion and didn't shut it down. This is what led to ECW pulling their exemption of The Sandman and many others as they all requested their exemptions be removed due to loyalty to The Sandman. Now that Sandman was drafted during the draft by the new rival W*ING promotion based out of L.A. It looks like Heyman might have lucked into getting his first PPV back on television, but the biggest problem is that Sandman is not happy with Heyman, and from multiple sources, The Sandman plans to let Paul E. know just how upset he is.

Paul Heyman has said to be on pins and needles, especially since the upstart W*ING promotion has been saying they plan on taking a fight to ECW. Paul Heyman has said to have gotten a significant backer to help in this upcoming battle where ECW feels they are not just competing against W*ING but also ECW and WWF. The backer has not revealed himself, but it's said that Heyman has convinced this backer to give ECW a certain amount of money which explains how ECW was able to sign some significant free agents as Jake Roberts, Brian Pillman, and Roddy Piper to name a few. Piper who said that he still has some matches left in him has said that he won't just return to the ring to do it and that he has to have a story behind it.

[Control21]

 

Quote

 

Wrestling News and Notes Newsletter

8/6/1996

RINGS:

• Fighting Network RINGS made headlines this week when they announced they had signed Rumina Sato, Hayato Sakurai, Caol Uno, and Akihiro Gono. They were widely considered to be Shooto's most promising and skilled fighters and their jump to RINGS, which is still mostly worked, is surprising some observers in Japan. Shooto has been struggling since Sayama's departure earlier this year and financial struggles on top of internal in-fighting may have pushed them out. Regardless, some sources in Japan say that it isn't that surprising since all four have talked about how much they loved UWF growing up in the 1980s...

 

• UWFi continues to fall apart as the once super-hot promotion faces long odds. The fact they jobbed out many of their stars to NJPW in the last two years of the NJPW vs UWFi feud has not helped matters. Kazushi Sakuraba announced he left the promotion this month, and Yoshihiro Takayama's contract has also expired recently. It is currently unknown where they will end up. Pancrase is said to be interested in Sakuraba, and UFC has made overtures to the promising grappler as well. Takayama has attracted interest from AJPW and NJPW, and Giant Baba in particular is said to be "in love" with him. Some sources in Japan say RINGS could be interested in both. RINGS previously signed Kiyoshi Tamura after he left UWFi in May, and he had a series of great matches with Sakuraba before leaving...

 

• Akira Maeda has made several trips to Brazil in the past year, looking to expand RINGS to a new country that is now a hotbed for talent in the MMA world. Whether or not he can convince fighters to try worked matches from a culture not known to be receptive to the idea remains to be seen. It is expected that Ricardo Morais and Adilson Lima will appear on the next RINGS show this month at least. It is not currently known if they will be doing shoots or regular RINGS matches...

 

• WOWOW's relationship with RINGS and Akira Maeda has faced some challenges over the past year. WOWOW, which is similar to HBO in America and has relied on RINGS to provide boxing-like special events since 1991, is pivoting to more popular sports such as soccer (football), F1, and ice hockey. Still, according to reports in Japan, Maeda still has some allies in WOWOW and may be trying to convince them to provide more funding to better compete with a shifting landscape in both professional wrestling and MMA...

 

 

[jeff5819]

MAJOR CHANGES TO WWF TV AFTER SUMMERSLAM.

“Major changes” could reportedly be implemented on WWF Raw in the near future providing a major deal can be completed.

According to Dave Meltzer in this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter, unspecified changes are being discussed for the brand, however, when these are implemented all depends on the timing of the company’s impending return of at least one former WWF Champion along with an influx of new talent and potentially some other returning Superstars.

We were told the returning former champions deal been finalized is holding up major changes happening but there is talk of at least exploring major changes for Raw with new ideas been put forward in order to combat the recent changes in WCW.

It’s currently unclear when exactly who the former champion is but given both Bret Hart and Diesel are currently out of contract. Theres also rumors of an influx of new talent coming in. Some of the names mentioned as incoming talent are the Belfast Bruiser Fit Finlay from Ireland, former WCW tag Champion the Patriot. Who has recently been teaming on the Independent circuit with his new partner Tom Brandi and going by the team name of Stars and Stripes. A name which The Patriot trademarked upon his release from WCW.

As for what the changes could be, there’s no real indication past WWF wanting to change things up. Whether these changes will affect WWF’s creative remains to be seen, however, a recent report has suggested that the creative influence of a new booker may also be behind the changes and recent hirings.

Some in WWF are sceptical of these changes but are willing to give it a chance as it could be the WWF’s last chance to go back to the golden days of the Rock ‘n’ Wrestling era.

[SirEdger]

WCW CREATIVE CHANGES COMING; SCALING BACK ON TALENT ACQUISITION

 

It seems like Eric Bischoff's ambitious plan to compete with WWF has hit a little snag as according to our sources, Time Warner president and owner of WCW, Ted Turner has decided to opt for a more progressive approach, rather than going full blown snatching stars from New York. It seems like Ric Flair might have gained a bit more influence backstage as he's been whispering in the ear of Turner that with the current contracts of Hulk Hogan, Randy Savage & Lex Luger, there is a lot of money that has already been spent and more big names signing to WCW could indicate less money available to re-sign some of the already established talents like Arn Anderson, Sting & Chris Benoit. This has already been the case as Bischoff was about to offer a massive contract to both Scott Hall & Kevin Nash but that would've prevented Booker T of Harlem Heat to renegotiate his contract; which has been the case. As of now, Booker T is still without a contract with WCW and both Stevie Ray and WCW management are working hard to solve this issue and hopefully reunite Harlem Heat.

With that said, several talents popular in the Mid-South area will be given a chance to shine in WCW and to get over, as a special emphasis is seemingly gonna be given to the Cruiserweight division, even using some of those Cruiserweights in the World TV title division. With that said, Hulk Hogan still remains pretty influent as he was able The Booty Man and the Nasty Boys are still on the roster. In the case of Ed Leslie, plans are aligned for a revamped Dungeon of Doom with Leslie going back to his Zodiac plus a new member to the group that is unknown yet. More to come as soon as plans unfold.

[Perfectly Straightedge]

Taz and Raven WALK OUT ON THE NWA

That's right, Taz and Raven were initially scheduled to partake in the debut episode of The NWA. They decided to walk out. The story making the rounds is that Dusty Rhodes held a talent meeting at the debut episode of NWA and asked publically during the meeting that whoever was upset and wanted to leave would sign their walking papers right then and there. Two men spoke up, and that was Taz and Raven. Dusty, being a man of his word, granted them their release and waived their non-compete clauses, and in turn, they signed instant deals with Ted Turner and Eric Bischoff to the World Championship Wrestling effectively leaving The National Wrestling Alliance.

Paul Heyman stood silent most of the meeting and was visibly upset over Taz and Raven leaving the company. This is when Heyman finally spoke up, and it's said that Heyman won over the locker room in typical Heyman fashion. The NWA Locker Room is more vital than ever and bonded together. Paul Heyman and Dusty Rhodes shook hands and swore they were in this together and would lead the wave of professional wrestling.

The biggest story of them all will The NWA survive this or is all this is doomed to fail. Only time will tell.

[MLB]

TAKA Michinoku departs W*ING USA

TAKA Michinoku has left the LA based W*ING USA promotion. Depending on who you believe, TAKA was either fired or quit. It appears to have been a mutual decision with other recent departures Tajiri and Funkai, as TAKA found himself the odd man out and was not featured on W*ING USA's first taped event. Sources backstage observed a screaming match between TAKA and Onita immediately following '96 Tears. Our sources revealed that Onita shouted TAKA was not hardcore and TAKA threw a bottle of water at Onita before being separated by Tarzan Goto and W*ING security.

With a roster spot opened, Onita has signed Homicide from Jersey All Pro Wrestling. Onita was impressed by Homicide's combination of brawling and lucha, and Homicide is expected to be at the next W*ING TV show.  

As for TAKA, he is one of the premier wrestlers in the world and should quickly find a new home in the 1996 project.

[MLB]

Terry Funk returning to the ring for W*ING USA sooner than expected?

There is breaking news of Terry Funk taking an indefinite leave of absence from W*ING USA's commentary team effective immediately, which has led to rampant speculation Funk is setting the stage for a comeback to the ring sooner than originally expected. Reports have emerged of Terry working out at the Double Cross Ranch with his brother Dory Jr. and students. Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer will be filling in for Funk in the booth at upcoming W*ING USA shows.

It is unclear what motivated the accelerated return of Funk in W*ING USA as the original agreement was for Funk to remain on commentary until next year at the earliest. It is also unknown, but widely speculated upon, that the decision was made as a reflection of Hayabusa's ability to draw at top of the card for an American audience in Onita's eyes. 

We will continue to keep fans updated on Terry Funk's status going into W*ING USA's second taped event next month, Bloodstar. 

[Perfectly Straightedge]

With the news about his passing. I am very glad that you went this way with Funk. Sometimes the best thing to do is pivot and this is an AWESOME Pivot! We need The Funker active in W*ING USA!

[MLB]

Damian 666 arrested

After what was described by police as a psychotic episode at a hotel around 330AM, Damian 666 has been released from a psychiatric hold by Los Angeles authorities. Police noted in their report that drug paraphernalia was recovered at the scene. Initially responding to an anonymous 911 call, police reported Damian became aggressive and had to be involuntarily restrained. W*ING USA has released Damian 666 until his legal status can be resolved, with his appearance before a judge scheduled for late September in a Los Angeles County Superior Court. 

Damian 666 is the second participant in the W*ING USA Turbo Violence tournament to have left abruptly after TAKA Michinoku quit the company. A replacement for Damian 666, who had advanced to the 2nd round, is expected to be chosen soon. 

[Autistic Dragon]

(From the August edition of the Wrestling Observer.)

Smokey Mountain Wrestling is Back!

After bursting onto the scene in early 1992, Jim Cornette's Smokey Mountain Wrestling would spend the next three years entertaining fans across the Southeast, gaining a cult following for it's classic old-school feel and Southern "wrasslin" style before closing its doors in November of 95. With Mr Cornette since signing with the World Wrestling Federation it seemed SMW was well and truly resigned to the history books. However things took a surprising turn this past July when it was announced that Mr Cornette had sold the rights to Smokey Mountain Wrestling, not to his current employer Mr McMahon but to a business consortium lead by a Mr Bert Prentice.

Mr Prentice has experience running a wrestling promotion, starting Ozark Mountain Wrestling in 1994 before rebranding it as North American All-Star Wrestling late last year. He also has experience as a manager in Jerry Jarrett's USWA promotion in Memphis, even stepping into the ring on a few occasions. Mr Prentice has secured deals for the revived company to air on TV stations throughout the company's traditional touring areas Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia, the Carolinas and the Virginia's. Rumors abound that Mr Prentice is looking for a cable TV station to be the promotions permanent home but he has refused to comment on the matter at this time.

Through a series of appearances on local news and radio shows that the first show of the new era of Smokey mountain Wrestling will take place on Sunday, September third at the Civic Coliseum in Knoxville Tennessee. Reports say that while the event,which will be called "Rebirth", will not be televised, cameras will be present for an eventual VHS release. The event will be structured around a one night tournament to crown a new Smokey Mountain Wrestling Heavyweight Champion. No matches have been announced but star confirmed for the event include SMW regulars like "Dirty" Dutch Mantell, "Primetime" Brian Lee, Ricky Morton & Robert Gibson The Rock n Roll Express and Jake "The Snake" Roberts and many more. Bell time for the event is 7:PM

[MLB]

Ken Shamrock to appear in W*ING USA?

UFC star Ken Shamrock was spotted backstage at W*ING TV's recent taping in Los Angeles. This was a very interesting development given Onita's pointed remarks about RINGS and shoot style during that same broadcast. Ken Shamrock's brother, Frank, is currently with Akira Maeda's promotion in Japan. Ken Shamrock has a professional wrestling background starting in 1989, and his rookie year included a WWF dark match loss to Barry Horowitz.

WWF and WCW did not show interest in Ken Shamrock despite his recent pay per view success with the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Ken Shamrock is expected to appear for W*ING USA after Bloodstar in October. 

With the recent acquisitions of Ken Shamrock, Bam Bam Bigelow, Raven, and the rumored comeback of Terry Funk, W*ING USA has significantly bolstered it's upper card and continues to gain momentum in the wake of ECW's sudden closure. 

[SirEdger]

MAJOR SHAKEUP IN THE NWA: MULTIPLE WRESTLERS FROM WCW ON THEIR WAY INTO NWA

It seems the power struggle between Eric Bischoff and Ted Turner at WCW HQ finally was the straw that broke the camel's back, with numerous marquee WCW stars wanting out of the company; the likes of Ric Flair, Arn Anderson & Chris Benoit have all sent their notices to WCW and requested to be out of their contracts. It didn't take long before Dusty Rhodes & Paul Heyman heard about this and decided to offer them and anyone else contracts with the NWA. Barry Windham, who was recently poised to go to WCW, took Dusty & Heyman on their offer and bolted to the NWA along with multiple midcarders who also jumped ship.

But one particular name jumped off the page in returning to the NWA and it is Taz. After having originally have walked out prior to the NWA Power debut episode, it is said that Paul Heyman was able to smooth things over and convince Taz to return to the fold. With such multiple creative plans having put in motion now changed, thanks to the multiple talent movements, it's been rumored that the first Battle of the Belts special event will be slightly delayed in order to adjust things accordingly. So far, the only match currently set in stone is the NWA World Television Championship held by 2 Cold Scorpio.

More details as we get them.