WWF News: Jericho, Stephanie, Triple H, contract news, more
Submitted by Mr. Tito on Wednesday, March 27, 2002 at 12:49 AM EST



The following news and notes comes from the Dave Meltzer Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Subscription information can be obtained by CLICKING HERE.

The reason why the handicap match of Triple H vs. Stephanie/Chris Jericho was changed to a 3 way match was to break up Stephanie and Jericho's "business relationship". This idea for a 3 way was the only plausible idea that the writing team could come up with to separate Stephanie from Jericho.

Many within the WWF believe that Chris Jericho was a complete failure as the Undisputed champion, blaming it on his style of wrestling and citing that he couldn't draw heat on his own. The reason believed for pairing Stephanie McMahon with Jericho was that Jericho couldn't draw the heat needed for Wrestlemania. Some say that the addition of Stephanie "saved" the World Title match at Wrestlemania. (!!!)

There's an apparent feeling that nobody wants to say anything negative about Stephanie whatsoever in case it ever comes back to them since she's a major creative force in the WWF.

Word has been getting around about how many wrestlers Triple H badmouths at WWF production meetings, which I guess he attends when deciding what goes on the television shows. Any wrestlers who say anything negative about Triple H, whatsoever, will apparently be buried by Triple H at the meetings.

Kurt Angle just recently inked a new WWF contract, which is presumed to be a 5 year deal.

TAKA Michinoku claimed in Japan that he was sent a new contract from the WWF, since his current deal expires in June. TAKA is undecided on whether he wants to come back to the WWF, as he wants to wrestle in Japan, especially since he's starting his own promotion in April.

As it has been reported, Rey Misterio Jr. strongly leaning towards joining the WWF, if he hasn't already done so already. However, when in negotiations with the WWF, many in the wrestling industry warned him not to join the WWF, given the WWF's history of not pushing smaller wrestlers (example: TAKA Michinoku, who might not sign with the WWF, as mentioned above).

There is some interest in bringing in former ECW superstar Super Crazy to be in the new WWF Cruiserweight division.

There is a small chance that the WWF might bring back Jerry Lynn for the Cruiserweight division. Of course, there's some heat towards Lynn due to the fact that he wrestled a week after getting released by the WWF since it was felt he was milking his knee injury. The decision to release Lynn was actually made in November, and it was only a matter of time before it would have happened, as the WWF waited until he was finally cleared to wrestle.

There is a feeling in the WWF that it isn't the right time to split the roster and television shows up. It's felt that the wrestling industry isn't as strong as it used to be to make the split truly work.

When Ken Shamrock was backstage at Wrestlemania 18, he kept pitching his idea about his WWF return to management. His idea was to work 4 to 6 shows per month, while devoting time to the Mix Martial Arts promotion he wants to start up in the United States. Shamrock's deal with Pride ended with his most recent bout with Don Frye, so he's available to work with the WWF now, whether it's a part time basis or not.

The WWF would like Scott Steiner to get treated by a neurologist for his continuous nerve problems in his foot, the main injury keeping him from joining the WWF officially. Steiner, right now, is trying to help his condition through opting to do physical therapy.

New Japan wrestler Naoya Ogawa was backstage at Wrestlemania, as he was there for a photo opportunity for magazines with Jim Ross, Shane McMahon, and Hulk Hogan. Ogawa talked to head talent director, Jim Ross, about the possibility of him working in the WWF. Ross told Ogawa to send a videotape and learn to speak conversational English.

[ Credit: Dave Meltzer's Wrestling Observer Newsletter ]

(Note: When using this news, please have the dignity to credit Dave Meltzer as the source of the news and Mr. Tito/LordsofPain.net for compiling the post. Thanks!)










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