Backstage No Mercy news, WWE response to Hogan/TNA, Update on RVD leaving WWE
    Submitted by Ben Johnson on Sunday, October 19, 2003 at 1:28 PM EST

  • Kurt Angle is really psyched about his match tonight. Angle has been a big supporter of John Cena for quite some time, and feels Cena has what it takes to be a big star. Additionally, Cena's debut WWE TV match was against Kurt Angle, and was considered tremendous. Many feel that Cena, himself, can earn all the street credentials he'll need with an impressive performance tonight - and who better to have that opportunity against than Kurt Angle?

  • Most backstage are frustrated over how matches like Gowen/Hardy and Mysterio/Tajiri have received almost no hype, while the McMahon match has been all over TV (and media ads) for the past several weeks. Since Vengeance, which was mostly built around the McMahons, Angle, Lesnar, and Big Show, didn't do a good buyrate, there are some who feel that No Mercy should've been built in a slightly different fashion.

  • WWE is said to be worry-free about Hogan's recent deal with NWA:TNA. While the fact that Hogan is with TNA will make them more attractive to cable companies, WWE is not under the impression that he'll help buyrates or revenue to a large extent.

    Credit: PWTorch.com Audio



  • In an update to the story that broke this week, Rob Van Dam is indeed not a guarantee to re-sign with WWE once his current contract expires.

  • Sources close to the situation say that RVD doesn't really care where he ends up when his deal runs out this summer (in fact, he's not really even interested in talking with WWE about the contract at this point). While WWE strongly wants to hang onto RVD (as reported, the possible reason for giving RVD an IC Title run), Rob has lost interest due to the lack of a push he's gotten in WWE, and now is not at all set to remain with WWE for years to come.

  • Most feel that, barring a major push that changes his mind, RVD will opt for TNA or Japan once his deal runs out.

    Credit: PWTorch.com VIP

  • Major News & *SPOILERS* For A Sequel To 'Deuce Bigalow' + Britney Spears In XMEN? & Huge News On Rocky 6! Matrix Revolutions Dirt & Spoilers & Torrie's Revealing WWE.com Pic + Tons More Entertainment News & Live Coverage (>>)




    *NEW GALLERY* Exclusive! The WWE Superstars and Divas Out PARTYING HARD!

  • Quick Links -
    [Back to LOP] [News Archives] [Results] [Columns] [Forums]