First off, two major injuries have taken out two of the TWF's top stars in The Rock and Shawn Michaels. RAW and PrimeTime will certainly miss these two in action. To update each man's situation, Shawn Michaels is visiting with a neurosurgeon in San Antonio and is being told that a return at this point is seriously in question. After talking to Shawn via phone last night, I was assured he's in good spirits and enjoying time with his wife and young son.
The Rock's variety of injuries are gonna prevent him from any physicality until about July 1st but The Rock will continue promotional appearances for the TWF as well as listen to the many Hollywood offers he will be getting.
FOUL PLAY From where I sit, Foul Play was a tremendous effort by all involved and I think really put to rest any feelings that the roster split won't work. I was very impressed with the efforts of Nails and Nemesis in that grueling Last Man Standing match and I think Evil Intentions will only be better.
It was nice to see Sam Wilde and Eddie Guerrero back in the TWF. Eddie Guerrero is truly one of the best pure wrestlers you'll ever see and I loved the character and in ring ability of Wilde. He has a lot to offer and I'm glad we'll get to see him continue to develop.
The tag team division still has some work to go through on each show but I've been really impressed with the pairings of some of the new teams. Rob Van Dam and Sabu could certainly beat anybody and Sean O'haire and Albert give the New Breed a solid team that has really jelled well. Spike and Saturn are a great combination as well and I think any of these 3 teams are capable of getting to the top.
The Lightheavyweight division on RAW is getting better every day with the emergence of Justin Sane, High Octane, Rey Mysterio, Jr. and The Hurricane. Shannon Moore should be on the active roster soon and we've added Jamie Knoble to the SMW roster as well.
Speaking of SMW, John Heidenreich, the former New Orlean Saint was signed to a deal earlier this week. This 6'7" 300 pounder has a chance to be something special. Ron Waterman should be called up by the end of Summer and Bull Buchanan may get another shot at the big time. We are still trying to schedule times when we can air SMW TV Tapings on TWF stations but right now it hasn't worked out well. Look for this to change within the next few weeks as TNN is looking for a timeslot actively.
As if it wasn't clear above, I think the roster split was a needed boost for the company. Not only does it decrease the travel times for everyone, but it increases the possibility of storylines and keeps them fresher in the process. I look for both divisions to further establish themselves as seperate entities and those related to this are looking at ways to make each stronger.
RANDOM THOUGHTS
Bill Goldberg's AOL/Time Warner contract is not fully settled, contrary to some internet reports, but when it is, we will sit down and talk contracts with him.
I think RAW and PrimeTime are neck and neck as far as entertainment value as each has established veterans and great looking youngsters as well as things unrelated to each other such as the Lightheavyweight division on RAW and the Toughman competitions on PrimeTime.
I've been most impressed with Dylan Jansens. This kid is on a collision course with greatness. Speaking of greatness, how far away are Drew Blood and Jordan Rockwell? What about Bahamut and Strife? And on a final note, if you haven't already done so, make sure you order Evil Intentions. I think you'l miss history if you don't.
