Hogan's bike, Dreamer's gimmick, Tough Enough faction, Bautista, more
Submitted by Calvin Martin on Tuesday, May 21, 2002 at 6:59 PM EST



The following news and rumors come from the Pro Wrestling Torch Newsletter. Subscription information available at http://www.prowrestlingtorch.com

Hulk Hogan called into Florida's Bubba the Love Sponge radio show on May 7 and claimed that the motorcycle he had problems getting up the ramp the night before on Raw ran out of gas.

Rob Van Dam is working through a nagging knee injury.

When asked about the UK flight, more than one wrestler said it wasn't any different than other overseas trips the company has made over the years. "The only difference now is that with the internet being as big as it is, these things get reported." Another wrestler says that there are pranks and razzing on commercial flights, also, but incidents escalated into physical confrontations only because there weren't regular passengers aboard.

Tommy Dreamer's new gimmick is a take off on Johnny Knoxville, the host of MTV's "Jackass." While in ECW, Dreamer had a reputation for eating food that had fallen onto the floor (or out of the garbage) as a way to get a laugh from the other wrestlers. The gimmick had been planned for weeks.

The Goldust serenade of Terri on the charter flight lasted about a minute or two.

Hennig had heat on him in part for kicking a table where agent Tony Garea was sitting at a recent event.

Rey Mysterio Jr. is expected to work two weeks in the HWA before debuting on WWE TV later this month. Mysterio has worked a light schedule since WCW was sold, so the HWA assignment was made with the intent of getting him back into ring shape.

Despite Juventud Guererra's recent radio review claims, sources say WWE has not reached out to him.

Dave "Deacon" Bautista told friends that he was informed he was being called up to the active roster just days before appearing on Smackdown. A company official instructed him to buy a suit for Smackdown. He did, only to watch someone else from the company cut it with scissors before telling him that it would be part of his on-air costume. from costume. The reputation of Baustista is that he isn't as aggressive in the ring as he should be. While in OVW (where he worked as Leviathan), he was considered very respectful in the locker room.

First season Tough Enough contestant, Paulina, has been seen hanging out backstage at some recent HWA and OVW events. There is some talk that she may be added to the rumored Tough Enough faction that is expected to appear on Smackdown. Paulina lived in Colorado until recently, but a source reports that she has moved to Louisville.

Just Joe (aka Joe E. Legend) was backstage at the May 3 show in England. He has been working mostly U.K. indy shows since being released by the WWE in March 2001.

Mike Sanders is taking part in light workouts and is expected to return to the ring in two or three weeks.

Developmental wrestler Steve Bradley had an MRI on an injured knee and is still awaiting results. There is some fear that he tore his meniscus, which would require minor surgery and keep him out of the ring for four to six weeks.

Slyk Wagner Brown worked a match taped for syndication last week. Brown is the boyfriend of April Hunter, who participated in the most recent invitational tryout camp.

Early reports are that Chris Harvard is fitting in well with the other HWA trainees. The early reports on his ring work are that he is still green, but shows promise.

Shawn Stasiak is still considered "quirky" in real life by most WWE wrestlers. Although there are still a number of wrestlers who go out of their way to avoid him, Rob Van Dam likes Stasiak enough that they are travelling companions.

Observers say Brock Lesnar is starting to show small signs that his push is going to his head.

Wrestler backstage were laughing out loud at the sight of seeing Hulk Hogan dragged behind the motorcycle on Raw last week.

WWE filed an opposition notice on October 18, 2001 in an attempt to prevent the XWF from registering its name with the trademark office. WWE lawyers contest that the XWF name is likely to create confusion in the marketplace. The complaint was based on the WWF name, which the WWE still holds trademarks on in the United States.

Credit: Pro Wrestling Torch Newsletter. Subscription information available at http://www.prowrestlingtorch.com








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