More on HBK, Austin's "What?", Spike & Molly breakup? and more Submitted by Calvin Martin on Saturday, August 25, 2001 at 1:25 AM EST
There hasn't been any talk of using Shawn Michaels in an on-air role. Michaels, in a recent appearance for the WWF promoting a house show, told media he didn't want to return to the ring. WWF sources say it's not exactly Michaels's choice. The WWF does not see him as reliable and won't risk investing in him because of it.
Steve Austin's ongoing "What?" bit wasn't created as much as "it just happened". Apparently, Austin asked the question during a promo and it clicked with the writers, who now encourage him to use it.
WWF writers feel that the Molly Holly and Spike Dudley relationship angle has run its course and are looking for a way to break the couple up. Don't expect Molly to turn heel though, as WWF officials don't believe she would be good in that role. Spike is still in good standing with the WWF, especially after volunteering to stay on the road while recovering from his leg injury.
One source reports that Tazz was pulled from house show appearances "because his work sucked." Tazz continues to frustrate WWF officials by constantly complaining about various issues. Those familiar with Tazz from his days in ECW say his attitude is actually worse now than it was back then.
The ladder match stipulation was added to the Jeff Hardy vs Rob Van Dam PPV match simply because the WWF felt it would draw better. The feeling among WWF brass after the match was that it showed off both the strengths and weaknesses of Van Dam. Overall, they weren't happy with the match compared to other ladder matches. Van Dam knows the criticism of his style but chooses not to change because he really enjoys working the way he does.
The general feeling in the locker room is that Chuck Palumbo is a better wrestler than Sean O'Haire and is likely to become a star in the future. O'Haire is seen as having some timing issues.
Jerry Lynn was bummed out that his knee injury came right after his oustanding match against Rob Van Dam that aired on Heat two weeks ago. Lynn was hoping that match would give him a boost in the eyes of management. Instead, the production team cut several minutes out of the match, and most of what was cut was Lynn's offense, which sent a message to Lynn as far as where he stands in management's eyes.
The Rock's Hollywood career has not changed him. Rock does not have his own dressing room, nor does anyone else in the WWF locker room.
Credit: The Pro Wrestling Torch Newsletter. Subscription information available at ProWrestlingTorch.com
