~~~~~THE TBL NEWSLETTER~~~~~
____________________
Brought to you by:
The Balrog’s Lair – http://www.geocities.com/Colosseum/Track/5869/
____________________
Contents:
I. Note from the Editor
II. News & Rumors
III. Columns
IV. Advertisements
____________________
Note from the Editor:
The Balrog
balrog275@geocities.com
Note from the Editor:
Thanks to those who let me know what to do with the site. Changes are in effect. In this issue, The Wrestling Profit returns and tells us ALL about the WWF/WCW lawsuit and Sevenpac gives his farewell article. There is also an eye-opening commentary provided by “Freakboy” John E. Funk about online wrestling and celebrity-ism. Also, the Cruiserweight/Lightheavyweight situation is discussed in the news & rumors section. Hang in there, because here we go!
____________________
News & Rumors:
(From various sources, too numerous to name)
TBL Reporter’s Circle: burnonelng@aol.com / aaron@tstonramp.com
^^^Brian Christopher & Rey Mysterio Jr.^^^
The lightheavyweight tag team of “Too Much” looks like it is going to break up. Brian Christopher is one of the top lightheavyweights in the world, but he cannot utilize his skills in the terribly underpushed lightheavyweight title division. Some folks at Titan have considered letting the belt and division go, but Jim Ross said that that would be ridiculous as they are some of the best workers and athletes in the business. I have to agree with him. The WWF has the opportunity to reign supreme with the light guys because the WWF’s lighter guys have personality, something that the Cruiserweights lack in WCW. Speaking of the WCW, the word out of Atlanta is that the next person to hold Dean Malenko’s Cruiserweight Title will be none other than Rey Mysterio Jr. The WCW wanted to make Dean like they made Jericho, a guy who could not be beaten. However, with Rey coming back with FIFTEEN more pounds of muscle on him and a few more moves in his inventory, he would make a model Cruiserweight champion. Let’s hope that this Lightheavyweight/Cruiserweight situation rectifies itself, soon!
^^^Jesse Jammes^^^
The Roaddog has signed or is about to sign a bigger and better deal with the WWF. He has no intentions of joining the WCW. The WCW has made a mockery of his family ever since back in the day. “The Armstrong Curse” they call it. Well, in Titan-land, the Armstrong curse comes along with a tag team belt and one helluva push!
^^^The Latest Lawsuit^^^
In the latest lawsuit to hit the WCW, Nasty Boy Jerry Saggs has filed suit against the WCW front office for allowing Kevin Nash and Scott Hall to perge from the storyline a hit him with a chair. Jerry Saggs joins both former WCW employees Greg Valentine and Ricky Steamboat in lawsuits against the front office. Also, the WWF is involved in a lawsuit against the WCW, which is documented below in the Columns section. With this latest lawsuit, don’t look for Nasty Boy Brian Knobbs to return to the WCW as originally planned. Although he is a friend of Hogan (FOH), it is well documented that Bischoff holds grudges against those who sue him.
^^^Marc Mero at Over the Edge^^^
With the latest twist to the Mero/Sable feud, Sable gets to choose Mero’s opponent for the next PPV and the man who will try to win her her freedom back. There is already speculation that this will be someone along the likes of the Undertaker or Dan Severn. Most “insiders” feel that it WILL be someone from within the organization, perhaps even Dustin Runnels.
^^^New Tag Teams in the WWF/WCW^^^
There are rumors that the “dynamic” team of Furnas & Lafon want to comeback to Titan. Both have said the opposite, but in this industry, money talks and well, you know the rest! In the WCW, High Voltage has been very loud about wanting to go back to the Japanese market on a regular basis. They are a pretty big team over there and are respected by the fans. Reportedly, this was talked about in the NJPW/WCW talks this past week.
____________________
Columns:
The Gospel
By: The Wrestling Profit
rblogh@sprint.ca
I’ve been gone for awhile but now I’m back and better then ever. In today’s Gospel, Toronto house show results, update on the wwf law suit against wcw and the top 10 pound for pound wrestlers in the world. So lets get going.
Last night, the WWF held a big house show at the Skydome in Toronto, Ontario. An estimated 23,714 people were in attendance, another solid card for the WWF. The main event had WWF champion “Stone Cold” Steve Austin defending the title against Hunter Hearst Helmsley. Now, it had been advertised that WWF owner Vince McMahon would be the special referee for this match. As it turned out, he was the outside “enforcing” referee. Also in attendance was Dude Love, who was the guest timekeeper for the match. Austin overcame the odds and defeated Helmsley, while dropping stunners on HHH, Chyna, and yes, one on Vince as well. 9.5/10
– Taka Michinoku defeated Brian Christopher 7/10
– The Headbangers over the Quebecers 4/10
– Kurrgan pinned D-Lo Brown 3/10
– Bradshaw beat Marc Mero after a Sable distraction 6/10
– Rocky Maivia defeated Faarooq by countout 5/10
– The Undertaker over Kane by DQ 7.5/10
– Jeff Jarrett defeated Steve Blackman 4/10
– Vader over Owen Hart by countout 2/10
– New Age Outlaws beat Skull/8-Ball 8/10
THE FACTS AS STATED IN THE COMPLAINT
Titan Sports, Inc., etc., (“Plaintiff”) is a Delaware corporation with its principal place of business in Connecticut. Plaintiff promotes live, and on cable, syndicated, and pay-per-view television, professional wrestling under its registered service mark “World Wrestling Federation” (“WWF”). TBS is a Georgia corporation which owns and operates several cable networks, including Turner Network Television (“TNT”) and WTBS. WCW is a Georgia corporation and a majority owned subsidiary of TBS. WCW competes directly with WWF in televising professional wrestling, associated merchandising, and licensing programs. Bischoff is a citizen of Georgia, an officer and employee of TBS, in charge of WCW’s operations and serves as a television announcer for WCW programming. Plaintiff contends that success in the professional wrestling business depends upon the development of interesting wrestling characters and story lines. Characters must have names, personalities, histories, relationships, personas, and visual appearances that appeal to consumers. Plaintiff alleges that WWF programming combines character-driven story lines with skillful wrestling while WCW has no reputation for creativity. TBS proposed interpromotional matches in order to associate WCW with WWF, but Plaintiff rejected this idea. After wrestling unsuccessfully with WCW, Scott Hall contracted to wrestle for Plaintiff. Plaintiff created a wrestling character for Hall called “Razor Ramon,” alias “The Bad Guy,” with a distinctive Hispanic accent, slicked back hair in a ponytail with a curl in the front, a toothpick in his mouth, a vest, and multiple chains around his neck. Plaintiff registered the service mark “Razor Ramon” with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The contract provided that Plaintiff retained exclusive ownership of the character’s name and likeness and the exclusive right to distribute copyrightable materials based on the character. Hall warranted that he would not enter other agreements conflicting with Plaintiff’s contract rights. Plaintiff developed Razor Ramon into one of its most popular characters. He has appeared in television broadcasts, live events, a two-hour videotape, several magazines, and is the subject of merchandise devoted to the character. He won WWF’s Intercontinental Championship at least four times. The character is well-recognized by wrestling fans.Plaintiff developed another character using wrestler Kevin Nash who wrestled unsuccessfully with defendant WCW. Nash and Plaintiff entered into a contract with provisions similar to Hall’s contract. Nash’s character was “Diesel,” alias “Big Daddy Cool.” Diesel’s trade dress included a goatee beard and moustache, black leather pants, a black leather vest decorated with silver studs and tassels, a black low cut tank-top shirt, a black fingerless glove on the right hand, black elbow pads, black wrist bands, sunglasses, and black leather boots. Diesel is visibly different from the characters previously portrayed by Nash at WCW. Diesel was added to Plaintiff’s story lines and appeared in television broadcasts, commercial videotapes, magazines, and became the subject of merchandise. Like Razor Ramon, Diesel also became widely recognized and popular, winning the WWF Heavyweight Championship in 1995.In 1993, Plaintiff promoted Razor Ramon and Diesel on its “Monday Night Raw” television program, which was broadcast weekly at 9:00 p.m. EST. In 1995, defendant TBS began broadcasting a competing program “WCW Monday Nitro” at the same time. Plaintiff alleges that TBS’s broadcast continually disparaged WWF, while WCW agents circulated false rumors of Plaintiff’s impending bankruptcy in order to lure wrestlers to WCW.In 1996, enticed by WCW’s promise of lucrative, guaranteed contracts, Hall and Nash contracted to wrestle with WCW. After the contracts were executed, Plaintiff alleges that defendant Bischoff planned to capitalize on the goodwill of the Razor Ramon and Diesel characters. Hall and Nash were to appear on WCW’s broadcast as Razor Ramon and Diesel, supposedly representing WWF in an interpromotional battle. Before the broadcast, WCW’s 900 hotlines told consumers that Razor Ramon and Diesel were considering leaving WWF for WCW, although in reality, they had already done so. Defendants expanded the introductory broadcast to two hours, starting before Plaintiff’s competing broadcast. Hall appeared in the persona of Razor Ramon, although the broadcast did not refer to him by name. The end of the broadcast falsely conveyed that interpromotional matches would thereafter air on TNT. Fans sent letters evidencing their presumption that Hall was performing as Razor Ramon for WWF on TNT. Plaintiff attempted to dispel the rumors by broadcasting that Hall and Nash were no longer associated with the WWF. Nevertheless, Hall appeared on two further WCW broadcasts, perpetuating the false presumption. Bischoff also indicated that the interpromotional matches would be seen on an upcoming pay-per-view program. Hall and Nash did appear on the pay-per-view program as the characters Razor Ramon and Diesel. Defendants, however, did not refer to them by any name.
Titan Sports, Inc. v. Turner Broadcasting Systems Inc., 981 F.Supp. 65 (D. Conn. 1997)
The top 10 pound for pound wrestlers in the world.
10) Al Snow – a wide variety of moves and a great performer.
9) Kidman- has all the moves just needs a push.
8) Owen Hart- has done it all except a world title.
7) Ultimo Dragon- One of the biggest international stars in the world.
6- Taka Michinuku- has speed and can fly with the best.
5- Eddy Geurrero- Chavo should shut up and listen to one of the best.
4- Dean Malenko- makes up for his boring attitude with amazing mat skills.
3- Chris Jericho- The greatest Crusierweight champion of all time.
2- Bret Hart- May be the best ever. At only 235.
1- Rey Misterio jr- for his size he’s unbelevable.
The Wrestling Profit
rblogh@sprint.ca
TAO of Funk
By: “Freakboy” John E. Funk
Mr.Freakboy2@juno.com
YA’ KNOW WHO I AM? I’M YOUR NIGHTMARE LITTLE MAN! You can all breathe a sigh of relief Funkaholics. That sweet taste in your mouth known as Freakboy has returned with yet another Funkalicious diatribe to soothe the soul and uplift the…oh, who cares! Message to N.Y. WWF fans. My friend and I are going to MSG on June 5 to take in the nights festivities, but most importantly, get our hands on SummerSlam tix. If you’ll be going, give a shout out and I’ll look for you. We’ll be going in early to throw back a few pints before the show starts.
Ok, so there I was on my computer. I had gotten an IM from one of my Funkaholics that just wanted to say hello, so we started chatting for a little bit. Near the end of the conversation, they had said that they were surprised by how nice I was. When I asked what they meant by that, they had said that whenever they try talking to a coulminst or someone else on the internet, that person is very rude and arrogant. The sad thing is, this isn’t the first time someone has brought this to my attention, nor has it been the first time someone was surprised I was nice to them. My question is, why?
People on the interent seem to build this imaginary world around themselves. They write a column or post “news” on a “news” board, and in their minds they’re celebrities. Once they hit their “stardom,” that’s where the ego comes in. Suddenly they’re too good to reply to people’s E-Mail and it’s beneath them to talk with anyone that isn’t up to their level. You need proof, take a swing by any given message board. You always have a group of people who think that their word is cannon, and fuck everyone else. They know what they’re talking about, and anyone who disagrees is in junior high school. Some even carry this attitude with them when they’re at the arenas. This, my brethren, IS A CROCK OF SHIT!
First off, I’m not a celebrity. I’m just a guy that has an opinion on something that I hold very dear to my heart. That opinion is only worth something as long as there are people who want to read it. When they agree or disagree, they’re reacting. Once they stop reacting, I no longer have a column. That’s why a appreciate each and every one of my readers. It takes all of two seconds to respond to an E-Mail, and I’m never too busy that I can’t chat for a minute or so. If someone took the time to contact me to say they like what I’m doing, or even if they think I suck, I’m going to take the time to reply. I’m not saying I answer everyone. Some people just don’t give me anything to reply to, but I try. Then when I shut off my computer, I move on with my life.
I’m not saying this about all internet “personalities.” Deth2Mongo, though I can’t stand the kid now (and he seems to be afraid of taking a shower), still takes the time to answer every piece of mail he can. Same goes to SAMJERRY. Even Al Isaacs from Scoops, who probably got more mail in the time it took you to read this then I’ve gotten in a year an a half, still replies to whatever mail he can. It’s a simple courtesy to people who took the time to simply say “hey.”
I appologize for wasting an entire column on this, but it has been building for a while and I wanted to get it off my chest. I want to let people know that every time you read Tao of Funk, there’s a guy sitting infront of a computer on Long Island that appreciates you taking the time to do so. With every piece of mail, he has an ear to ear grin on his face because he feels that he reached someone. This is the same guy that hopes that everytime you read what he has to say, you give even so little as a “hell yeah” or a “hell no.” So inclosing, as the old adage goes…
“Freakboy” John E. Funk
Mr.Freakboy2@juno.com
The Stone Cold Truth
By: Sevenpac
Sevenpac@aol.com
Well everyone this is my last articale for a long while so i am going to spend some time writing about what should happen in the WWF and in WCW. As for the WWF lets all hope after Over the Edge Dude Love is done. Hopefully Vince will find someone with real talent to be his model champ, hopefully it will be Steve Regal. Another part of the WWF’s near future is the return of HBK. I hope that he rejoins dX and i don’t. If he rejoins it would further reunite the most powerful group in wrestling, the kliq. But if he doesn’t go then there has to be a few things that happen. First have the Nation break up and have the Rock joind dX. Then get one more member, possibly Sid, and then have HBK be an anti dX, he and Flair, thats right Flair, who should be in a Zybisco type role could take on dX as it becomes more nWo like everyday. Now toss Kane, and have Mark Henry feud with Vader and maybe Kuragan or Sid feud with Undertaker. Thats about all the WWF can do until Hall, Nash, Bennoit or Jerihco come up North.
As for WCW, Sting (the old Sting, he is reborn with the help of the Warrior), Lugar, Booker T., Hart, and the Warrior v. the Wolfpac (Savage,Buff, Hall, he returns, Nash, Konan, and Henning) v. nWo (Hogan, Disiple, Adams, Stiener, Stevie Ray, and the Giant), This is a big war and will last until Hogan turns face. DDP, Goldberg, Raven Saturn, and anyone else WCW has will fight for a while, and ofcorse Bennoit will get screwed. So see you all, i’ll be gone till November, i really will, So lets all hope that by then the man, the one true icon returns, and his name is The Ultimate Warrior.
Its been fun.
Sevenpac
Sevenpac@aol.com
Skyman’s Slams
By: Sky “The Skyman” Brower
skyman@aristotle.net
I have to tell you – a little over a year and a half ago I NEVER would have imagined that I would become such a wrestle-holic! Sure, I watched wrestling as a kid, and sporadically throughout my teens, but I felt I had outgrown it by the time I reached my 20s (I just turned 30 a week ago). But time does take it’s course! About 18 months ago, someone asked me how I was getting along with my new roommate, and I answered, “Great, except for the fact that he watches 4 hours of wrestling EVERY Monday night!” I hated it then, but finally got snagged by an interesting storyline, and the rest is history. I began to see that wrestling is in no way supposed to be a sport that is taken seriously, but is strictly a form of entertainment. Slowly I found myself in a world where I could live vicariously through the actions of people like Stone Cold Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels.
I’m am seeing now that this goes way beyond me, because wrestling as a whole has skyrocketed in popularity over the last few years. As one of my friends describe it, it is “a guy’s soap opera” (though no one can ignore the increasing amount of female fans). Even my girlfriend, who still hates wrestling, notes the impact on society. She is an elementary school teacher, and has had to stop more than one student from doing “crotch-chops” in the classroom (she has me to thank for the tutorial). She recently told me that kids in the playground, instead of pretending to be G.I .Joe like I did as a kid, play NWO vs. WCW… hehe. And just a week ago, I was shocked and slightly embarrassed in a doctor’s office when a young girl who looked no older than 10 complimented me on my “HELL YEAH” t-shirt. . Yes, times have changed!
So here I am today, a wrestle-holic. I watch RAW, Nitro and Thunder religiously, plus shows like WWF Livewire (which usually has some extra footage). I participate heavily in a wrestling e-fed and am the odds-on favorite for the Cruiserweight Championship Title this Sunday. I have communicated with and am having a custom belt made for me by the man who creates all the WWF belts. I spend a ton of hours online getting the scoops and making friends in the wrestling community. And last but not least…. I write this column! Maybe someday I’ll change, but until then I remain…
Sky “The Skyman” Brower
skyman@aristotle.net
Rounding the Squared Circle
By: Sam Jerry
SAMJERRY@AOL.COM
YOU KNOW YOU’VE WATCH TOO MUCH WRESTLING ON TV WHEN…
20. You walk into church and high five people in the pews as you walk down the aisle.
19. You purposly blade yourself while shaving.
18. Everytime you see an Elvis impersonator, you ask for his autograph and get upset when it’s not signed “Honkey Tonk Man”
17. You attack your friends from behind with a chair, and look around the room, waiting for crowd reaction.
16. You shake someone’s hand, you pause and hesitate, while looking around nervously.
15. You walk up to get your diploma, and the graduation song is playing, you turn to the audience and shout “OOOOHHHHH YEEEAAAAHHH!” and bite a Slim Jim.
14. You won’t come out of your room until your parent’s play your theme on the stereo.
13. If your excuse for not finishing homework is you were looking for your smile.
12. You Leapfrog over people while playing football, then turn around and clothesline them.
11. Everytime you go to church, you wait for the minister to quote something from the Book Of Austin.
10. You have wrestling tournaments with your stuffed animals.
9. You Job to your stuffed animals.
8. Everytime you leave a room, you shout “AND THAT’S THE BOTTOM LINE, SON!”
7. During an argument, you consistanly do groin chops.
6. You want people to leave you alone, you feel up your chest and deeply inhale.
5. You wear white and black make-up when you go to Canada’s Wonderland, and insist they hook the bungee cord to the back of your coat at the Bungee Jump.
4. Everytime a teacher’s pet passes by your desk, you mumble “Lousy Babyface”, and stick your foot out to trip him.
3. Everytime you walk pass someone lying down, you feel the sudden urge to put them in a Sharpshooter.
2. Everytime you come in contact with a roll of duct tape, you wrap it tightly around your wrist.
1. Your teacher gives you detention, you give them a Stone Cold Stunner and walk out of class, flashing your middle fingers.
Sam Jerry
SAMJERRY@AOL.COM
____________________
Advertisements:
http://www.geocities.com/Colosseum/Sideline/8703/index.html – If your into fantasy federations, or e-wrestling in general, then the UCW, Universal Championship Wrestling® is for you! The UCW isn’t like the others….. we cater to those who like to sit back and read a good card…the action is extreme, the quality is top notch! Applications are welcome for new talent! Do you have a character that your dying to see make it in the world of pro wrestling? Well then get on board and send your notes for subscription and/or charcters to the following address: PaganGraves@Webtv.net care of Rick Elsey, President & CEO of Universal Championship Wrestling® The Action Awaits!!
http://www.fortunecity.com/olympia/ali/230/index.html – The Alliance-100% Original Roleplaying Federation is set to open its doors on June 1st! Be there when it happens!
____________________
Copyright © 1998 TBL Productions