WCW: Heart and Soul

[The Final Countdown]

June 2002: Pre-Great American Bash News and Notes

 

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I'd always been planning on bringing in Juventud Guerrera to bolster the cruiserweight division at some point, and in early June I made him an offer. Vince must have been tipped off about it and decided to screw with me, because WWE jumped in with their own offer to Juvi the very next day. They offered him more than four times as much as I'd offered him initially. Even if I'd matched it and they backed off, he would've been one of the two or three highest paid guys in the company. I wasn't about to do that, so he's now property of WWE.

 

Well that sure didn't take long; WWE snapped up Vampiro. He's their problem now.

 

It didn't take very long for ABC, displeased with the ratings Smackdown was drawing, to move the show to a late night time slot. That had to wound Vince's pride at least a little bit.

 

Turns out that the Minnesota Stretching Crew dropping their Southern tag titles in WWE developmental territory OVW was a sign. That was the last OVW match for Brock Lesnar, who was just called up to the main roster. Lesnar was an amateur wrestler in college and is a real freak athlete with a superstar look to him, but it remains to be seen how far he'll be able to rise with how stacked the WWE roster is.

 

Terri Runnels is pregnant with what will be her second child.

 

 

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Lots happened before Nitro on June 3rd:

-Toshiyo Yamada set up some kind of video game tournament which served as nice bonding time for the women's division.

-Ricky Steamboat told some old war stories to an attentive Yang.

-Shinobu Kandoi was apparently supposed to bring the drinks for the women's video game session but forgot to do so. Dusty Rhodes caught wind of it and made sure she went to the store and got drinks for all the women after the show. Kandori has a reputation as a legit bad ass, but she laughed the incident off and shook Dusty's hand afterwards.

 

I pulled the plug on our working agreement with Japanese women's group GAEA before we had even a single exchange of talent. This was a reactionary move on my part, because the WWE's signing of Juvi has me paranoid that they'll look to target other talents simply to keep them away from me. Two members of our women's division are under PPA agreements with both us and GAEA, so I couldn't attempt to lock them up to written contracts as long as that partnership was still in place. I made the call to sever the relationship and approach the women about signing written deals with us, but I have no hard feelings towards GAEA. As long as owner Chigusa Nagayo doesn't take this decision too badly, it wouldn't surprise me at all if we rekindle the partnership later in the year.

 

Lex recently tested positive for hard drugs. He's lucky his gimmick has become a cult hit among our internet fans, otherwise I would've at least suspended him, if not fired him. His story would've been dead in the water if I took him off TV right now though, so he got off with a fine. If it happens again I'll probably have to get tougher on him.

 

Word came to me that Scott Steiner was bragging to some of the lower members of the roster about how much money he makes and how they won't make as much in their entire lives as he will in one year. I guess some of the boys were irritated about it, but I didn't think this was serious enough for me to need to step in and do something about it.

 

Mark Jindrak officially turned face when he punched Shane Douglas on the June 3rd Nitro. The turn went fairly well, but I do have my doubts about his ability to play a face. The Steiners have gradually been positioned as faces over the last month as well without any major differences in their characters other than who they're fighting, and I think it's been a complete success judging by the crowd's reactions to them against Salvation.

 

Ernest Miller isn't happy about the way I've utilized him. Understandable, but there are only so many featured spots to go around, and he's just not high on my list of priorities.

 

Scott Steiner bashed Lash Leroux, calling him a "stupid ginger with no charisma, just like all gingers!"

 

I've been seeing Kidman and Yang hanging out a lot backstage recently, so I guess they've struck up a friendship.

 

 

 

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TNA held their second show, 'Epic Event', on June 4th. The main event saw Yuki Ishikawa retain the NWA World title against BJ Whitmer, who was crowned as TNA's World champion on the first show. So they've beaten their own world champion two shows in and established that the NWA title is superior to theirs. Yep. The show itself was an improvement over the first one though, so at least there's that.

 

I'm counting this as TNA news since Marc Mero is there: he and Sable have divorced. Not really a surprise.

 

Nicole Bass is pregnant.

 

 

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NJPW held their annual Best of the Super Juniors tournament in the sold-out Budokan on June 8th. The main event was Tatsumi Fujinami retaining the IWGP Heavyweight title against Osamu Nishimura in a decent match, but it was the tournament final that stole the show in the semi main event spot. It was a heavily lucha-flavored final at that, because Negro Casas beat Dr. Wagner Jr. to win the tournament for the first time.

 

 

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Ring of Honor has brought in hardcore wrestler and former head of IWA Mid-South Ian Rotten as their head booker. That sounds like an extremely odd fit.

 

MLW's got a head booker of their own in Rudy Boy Gonzalez. Can't say I know the guy, but he's been around the business for twenty years. He was largely an enhancement guy in the ring, but he was the main hands-on trainer at the Boy Toy's Texas Wrestling Academy. That school churned out the likes of Bryan Danielson, Brian Kendrick and Paul London (all members of our company and/or developmental system), so if he's as good a booker as he was a trainer, MLW may be in good hands.

 

Kamala has retired from an active in-ring role. Perhaps a new fat guy will step up to fill the painted belly void?

 

My youngest son has been talking about some kind of new computer wrestling game called 'Extreme Warfare Revenge'. I guess it's a text game where you pretend you're in charge of a wrestling company? Sounds fun.

 

 

<hr noshade size=3>

 

 

TNA's amassed a good roster especially compared to your previous WWF diary where WCW had very little talent and they misused what talent they did have. (Didn't they have Paul Orndorff as their most talented member and then proceeded to not use him at all?) . Hopefully they do well. And yeah I'm digging Lex Luger's gimmick here. I'm also digging him driving from Japan to America. (I'm assuming he's gonna take a ferry to mainland Asia, drive from mainland Asia to England via Russia then take a ferry to America?)

 

Now I want to see a Road Trip film where Mean Gene keeps on picking up Pornstars and Lex Luger keeps on flexing.

Yep, in TGAAB Orndorff was head and shoulders the best option WCW had to build around. I'm not sure he main evented one PPV the entire time.

 

TNA's roster isn't bad. I like some of the guys ROH has in their lower card, but I'm going to gag if Ian Rotten puts the world title on himself.

 

In before Kristi Myst tries to find new ways to get recruited every week despite Lex objecting and Mean Gene keeps helping her out.

They're a bit busy trying to cross an ocean via bus at the moment.

 

Or Great Balls Of Fire?

Way to steal the joke I was going to make, bro. Guess that's the price I pay for consolidating my comment responses.

 

General diary comments/questions/critiques: Punk is showing he is a man among boys on the microphone. If he can contain himself from messing with peoples wives he will be a great world champ for you in the future.

He's money on the microphone for sure. Jeff Hardy is pretty much God tier for in-ring performances right now though.

 

You can blame Wolfman for that. Punk will probably behave himself, unless people keep using their prediction prizes to hook him up with different women!

 

General diary comments/questions/critiques: Just finished reading to the end, loving what you are doing up till now. decided to fill this scorecard in as a dry run for the future

Smart! Get your feet wet before the next UFS contest starts with Bash at the Beach.

 

World Tag Team Championship: The Hardys vs. True Heroes {©}

Will The Hardys' promo shortcomings hurt their chances? I hope so

You'd better get used to Jeff Hardy being pushed. His in-ring performances are almost always 90 or higher, he's the first person listed on my Next Big Things and his Star Quality is at least seven points higher than everyone in the company other than Punk. Basically, you'd better buckle in tight.

 

Sting vs. King Corino

Say it with me: Sting exists to put people over

The game lists his overall record so far as 20-7. Not exactly JTTS territory, amirite?

 

"Big Poppa Pump" Scott Steiner vs. The Unnatural

Torn on this one as I think The Unnatural deserves a run on the upper card. Scott's... Scott, though.

I know what you mean.

[chrismday]

<p>World Heavyweight Championship: Diamond Dallas Page vs. <strong>Booker T</strong> {©}</p><p> </p><p>

United States Heavyweight Championship: Mark Jindrak vs. <strong>Shane Douglas</strong> {©}</p><p> </p><p>

World Tag Team Championship: The Hardys vs. <strong>True Heroes</strong> {©}</p><p> </p><p>

Cruiserweight Championship: <strong>American Dragon</strong> vs. AJ Styles {©}</p><p> </p><p>

World Women's Championship: <strong>Manami Toyota</strong> vs. Etsuko Mita {©}</p><p> </p><p>

#1 Contender: <strong>Rey Misterio Jr.</strong> vs. The Destroyer</p><p> </p><p>

Sting vs. <strong>King Corino</strong></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>"Big Poppa Pump" Scott Steiner</strong> vs. The Unnatural</p><p> </p><p>

Doomsday vs. <strong>The Natural Born Thrillers</strong></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Alexis Laree</strong> vs. Daffney</p><p> </p><p>

Yang vs. <strong>"Fallen Angel" Christopher Daniels</strong></p><p> </p><p>

What will be match of the night?</p><p>

<strong>Booker/DDP</strong></p><p> </p><p>

How many championships will change hands?</p><p>

<strong>2</strong></p><p> </p><p>

Will Lex Luger make it to the show?</p><p>

<strong>No</strong></p><p> </p><p>

TIEBREAKER: How long will the main event be? (minutes and seconds)</p><p>

<strong>28:16</strong></p><p> </p><p>

Who will be the next World Heavyweight Champion? (worth 3 points)</p><p>

<strong>Jeff Hardy</strong></p><p> </p><p>

General diary comments/questions/critiques:</p>

[Dead_Jester]

<p>World Heavyweight Championship: Diamond Dallas Page vs. <strong>Booker T</strong> {©}</p><p>

-No way is Booker dropping the strap this soon.</p><p> </p><p>

United States Heavyweight Championship: Mark Jindrak vs. <strong>Shane Douglas</strong> {©}</p><p>

-Douglas is money at the moment and won't be losing it to Jindrak</p><p> </p><p>

World Tag Team Championship: <strong>The Hardys</strong> vs. True Heroes {©}</p><p>

-Hardys win the match but not the Titles...yet</p><p> </p><p>

Cruiserweight Championship: American Dragon vs. <strong>AJ Styles</strong> {©}</p><p>

-Expecting Chavo to do something dastardly in this one.</p><p> </p><p>

World Women's Championship: <strong>Manami Toyota</strong> vs. Etsuko Mita {©}</p><p>

-Toyota has been build up nicely and while this was a tough pick I wouldn't be surprised to see her take the Title from Mita</p><p> </p><p>

#1 Contender: <strong>Rey Misterio Jr.</strong> vs. The Destroyer</p><p>

-Rey has been more reliable than Destroyer in terms of behaviour.</p><p> </p><p>

Sting vs. <strong>King Corino</strong></p><p>

All hail the King</p><p> </p><p>

"Big Poppa Pump" Scott Steiner vs. <strong>The Unnatural</strong></p><p>

-Another tough choice but I can see Salvation getting involved, besides Dustin has been on a rise since the gimmick change and this would further cement his status.</p><p> </p><p>

Doomsday vs. <strong>The Natural Born Thrillers</strong></p><p>

Damn another tough one, but Clarke seems to be on the outs so while I expect the Thrillers to split eventually I don't think it'll be here.</p><p> </p><p>

Alexis Laree vs. <strong>Daffney</strong></p><p>

-If I'm right about Toyota taking the belt then I have to side with the heel.</p><p> </p><p>

Yang vs. <strong>"Fallen Angel" Christopher Daniels</strong></p><p>

-Poor Yang</p><p> </p><p>

What will be match of the night? Booker vs. DDP</p><p> </p><p>

How many championships will change hands? 1</p><p> </p><p>

Will Lex Luger make it to the show? Yes</p><p> </p><p>

TIEBREAKER: How long will the main event be? (minutes and seconds)</p><p>

20:26</p><p> </p><p>

Who will be the next World Heavyweight Champion? (worth 3 points)</p><p>

-Rey Misterio Jr.</p>

[shawn michaels]

<p>World Heavyweight Championship: Diamond Dallas Page vs. <strong>Booker T {©}</strong></p><p> </p><p>

United States Heavyweight Championship: Mark Jindrak vs. <strong>Shane Douglas {©}</strong></p><p> </p><p>

World Tag Team Championship: <strong>The Hardys</strong> vs. True Heroes {©}</p><p> </p><p>

Cruiserweight Championship: American Dragon vs. <strong>AJ Styles {©}</strong></p><p> </p><p>

World Women's Championship: <strong>Manami Toyota</strong> vs. Etsuko Mita {©}</p><p> </p><p>

#1 Contender: <strong>Rey Misterio Jr.</strong> vs. The Destroyer</p><p> </p><p>

Sting vs. <strong>King Corino</strong></p><p><strong>

</strong></p><p>

<strong>"Big Poppa Pump" Scott Steiner</strong> vs. The Unnatural</p><p> </p><p>

Doomsday vs. <strong>The Natural Born Thrillers</strong></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Alexis Laree</strong> vs. Daffney</p><p> </p><p>

Yang vs. <strong>"Fallen Angel" Christopher Daniels</strong></p><p> </p><p>

What will be match of the night? <strong>DDP vs. Booker T</strong></p><p> </p><p>

How many championships will change hands? <strong>2</strong></p><p> </p><p>

Will Lex Luger make it to the show? <strong>No</strong></p><p> </p><p>

TIEBREAKER: How long will the main event be? (minutes and seconds) <strong>21:15</strong></p><p> </p><p>

Who will be the next World Heavyweight Champion? (worth 3 points) <strong>Rey Misterio</strong></p><p> </p><p>

General diary comments/questions/critiques: Make DDP Champion! Make it happen! <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p>

[Wolfman84]

<p>World Heavyweight Championship: Diamond Dallas Page vs. <strong>Booker T</strong> {©}</p><p> </p><p>

United States Heavyweight Championship: Mark Jindrak vs. <strong>Shane Douglas</strong> {©}</p><p> </p><p>

World Tag Team Championship: <strong>The Hardys</strong> vs. True Heroes {©}</p><p> </p><p>

Cruiserweight Championship: American Dragon vs. <strong>AJ Styles</strong> {©}</p><p> </p><p>

World Women's Championship: Manami Toyota vs. <strong>Etsuko Mita</strong> {©}</p><p> </p><p>

#1 Contender: <strong>Rey Misterio Jr.</strong> vs. The Destroyer</p><p> </p><p>

Sting vs. <strong>King Corino</strong></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>"Big Poppa Pump" Scott Steiner</strong> vs. The Unnatural</p><p> </p><p>

Doomsday vs. <strong>The Natural Born Thrillers</strong></p><p> </p><p>

Alexis Laree vs. <strong>Daffney</strong></p><p> </p><p>

Yang vs. <strong>"Fallen Angel" Christopher Daniels</strong></p><p> </p><p>

What will be match of the night? <strong>The Hardys vs. True Heroes</strong></p><p> </p><p>

How many championships will change hands? <strong>1</strong></p><p> </p><p>

Will Lex Luger make it to the show? <strong>No</strong></p><p> </p><p>

TIEBREAKER: How long will the main event be? <strong>18:39</strong></p><p> </p><p>

Who will be the next World Heavyweight Champion? <strong>Rey Misterio Jr.</strong></p>

[bonnie]

<p>Long time reader, first time predictor!</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>

World Heavyweight Championship: Booker T {©}</p><p> </p><p>

United States Heavyweight Championship: Shane Douglas {©}</p><p> </p><p>

World Tag Team Championship: The Hardys</p><p> </p><p>

Cruiserweight Championship: AJ Styles {©}</p><p> </p><p>

World Women's Championship: Etsuko Mita {©}</p><p> </p><p>

#1 Contender: Rey Misterio Jr.</p><p> </p><p>

Sting</p><p>

comment: think the fued will continue better if sting wins</p><p> </p><p>

"Big Poppa Pump" Scott Steiner</p><p>

Comment: got a feeling Dustin will come out strong somehow, maybe dq?</p><p> </p><p>

The Natural Born Thrillers</p><p> </p><p>

Daffney</p><p> </p><p>

"Fallen Angel" Christopher Daniels</p><p> </p><p>

What will be match of the night? Scott v Dustin </p><p> </p><p>

How many championships will change hands? 1</p><p> </p><p>

Will Lex Luger make it to the show? No</p><p> </p><p>

TIEBREAKER: How long will the main event be? 19:50</p><p> </p><p>

Who will be the next World Heavyweight Champion? Rey Misterio Jr.</p>

[evileddie10]

<p>World Heavyweight Championship: Diamond Dallas Page vs. <strong>Booker T {©}</strong></p><p> </p><p>

United States Heavyweight Championship: Mark Jindrak vs. <strong>Shane Douglas {©}</strong></p><p> </p><p>

World Tag Team Championship: The Hardys vs. <strong>True Heroes {©}</strong></p><p> </p><p>

Cruiserweight Championship: American Dragon vs. <strong>AJ Styles {©}</strong></p><p> </p><p>

World Women's Championship: Manami Toyota vs. <strong>Etsuko Mita {©}</strong></p><p> </p><p>

#1 Contender: <strong>Rey Misterio Jr.</strong> vs. The Destroyer</p><p> </p><p>

Sting vs. <strong>King Corino</strong></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>"Big Poppa Pump" Scott Steiner </strong>vs. The Unnatural</p><p> </p><p>

Doomsday vs. <strong>The Natural Born Thrillers</strong></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Alexis Laree</strong> vs. Daffney</p><p> </p><p>

Yang vs. <strong>"Fallen Angel" Christopher Daniels</strong></p><p><strong>

</strong></p><p>

What will be match of the night?</p><p>

DDP/Booker</p><p> </p><p>

How many championships will change hands?</p><p>

0</p><p> </p><p>

Will Lex Luger make it to the show?</p><p>

No</p><p> </p><p>

TIEBREAKER: How long will the main event be? (minutes and seconds)</p><p>

22:51</p><p> </p><p>

Who will be the next World Heavyweight Champion? (worth 3 points)</p><p>

Rey Misterio Jr.</p>

[Jackets]

<p>World Heavyweight Championship: Diamond Dallas Page vs. <strong>Booker T {©}</strong></p><p> </p><p>

United States Heavyweight Championship: Mark Jindrak vs. <strong>Shane Douglas {©}</strong></p><p> </p><p>

World Tag Team Championship: <strong>The Hardys</strong> vs. True Heroes {©}</p><p> </p><p>

Cruiserweight Championship: American Dragon vs. <strong>AJ Styles {©}</strong></p><p> </p><p>

World Women's Championship: <strong>Manami Toyota</strong> vs. Etsuko Mita {©}</p><p> </p><p>

#1 Contender: <strong>Rey Misterio Jr.</strong> vs. The Destroyer</p><p> </p><p>

Sting vs. <strong>King Corino</strong></p><p> </p><p>

"Big Poppa Pump" Scott Steiner vs. <strong>The Unnatural</strong></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Doomsday</strong> vs. The Natural Born Thrillers</p><p> </p><p>

Alexis Laree vs. <strong>Daffney</strong></p><p> </p><p>

Yang vs. <strong>"Fallen Angel" Christopher Daniels</strong></p><p> </p><p>

What will be match of the night? The Hardys vs. True Heroes</p><p> </p><p>

How many championships will change hands? 2</p><p> </p><p>

Will Lex Luger make it to the show? Nope</p><p> </p><p>

TIEBREAKER: How long will the main event be? (minutes and seconds) 21:53</p><p> </p><p>

Who will be the next World Heavyweight Champion? (worth 3 points) Rey?</p><p> </p><p>

General diary comments/questions/critiques: Love the first-person approach in this diary. I'm hooked!</p>

[Beejus]

<p>Booker T - <em>As much as a Page win would be a great cap for his return, Booker has been built up so much over the past few months that I can't see him dropping the belt this soon.</em></p><p>

Shane Douglas - <em>Bret's worry about Mark playing a face will lead to him losing this one.</em></p><p><em>

I feel a little like I threw Jindrak to the wolves by giving him a US title shot, but there just weren't really many options to go with when it came to handing out title shots.</em></p><p>

The Hardyz - <em>Time to establish them as the top tier team.</em></p><p>

AJ Styles - <em>Chavo will try to interfere, leading to Dragon stopping him and getting rolled up for the loss.</em></p><p>

Manami Toyota - <em>New champion at the Bash! USA! USA! USA!</em></p><p>

Rey Misterio Jr - <em>Feels like the safe bet.</em></p><p>

Sting - <em>DQ win when the Empire strikes, if nothing else.</em></p><p>

Scott Steiner - <em>Big Poppa Pump IS a face! That's pretty cool, because it will be a very interesting role reversal if he cashes in his title shot against Booker down the line. For now though, he stays very strong in picking up a victory over Dustin, even if by DQ.</em></p><p>

NBT - <em>I'm kinda thinking that the NBT failed their test run, otherwise you would have just drifted them apart. Doomsday, however, feels like another big miscommunication could lead them to split.</em></p><p>

Daffney - <em>Blinding mist gimmick is best gimmick.</em></p><p>

Christopher Daniels - <em>Daniels vs. AJ is coming.</em></p><p> </p><p>

MOTN: Steiner vs. Unnatural</p><p>

Titles: 1</p><p>

Luger: Yes; the Flex Express needs to be at the Great American Bash! Maybe he can bodyslam that huge, evil sumo scourge, Kaz Hayashi, for 'MURICA.</p><p>

Next champ: Scott Steiner</p><p> </p><p>

Totally excited for the Bash!</p>

[K-Nection]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I feel a little like I threw Jindrak to the wolves by giving him a US title shot, but there just weren't really many options to go with when it came to handing out title shots.[/i]</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Yeah I think Brett needs to consider bringing back the TV title or maybe even a Japanese Title (since WWE has the European. I think you mentioned some Japanese companies that closed maybe you can buy one of those belts and bring in the champ on a PPA to drop it to one of your roster and continue the lineage)....I know he has the cruiserweight belt but it don't help out guys who are lower carders that are over the weight limit. I felt handing Alex Wright a U.S. Title shot was too much but also giving him a Tag Shot was a throwaway as he didn't have a regular partner (Really wanted TFC to pick up Al Snow and revive the gambler gimmick to tag with him <img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />).</p>

[Bluestillidie00]

Just caught up, great stuff!

[Briskout]

<p>Fan Scorecard:</p><p> </p><p>

World Heavyweight Championship: Booker T {©}</p><p> </p><p>

United States Heavyweight Championship: Mark Jindrak </p><p> </p><p>

World Tag Team Championship: The Hardys</p><p> </p><p>

Cruiserweight Championship: AJ Styles {©}</p><p> </p><p>

World Women's Championship: Mita {©}</p><p> </p><p>

#1 Contender: Rey Misterio Jr. </p><p> </p><p>

King Corino</p><p> </p><p>

"Big Poppa Pump" Scott Steiner </p><p> </p><p>

The Natural Born Thrillers</p><p> </p><p>

Alexis Laree </p><p> </p><p>

"Fallen Angel" Christopher Daniels</p><p> </p><p>

What will be match of the night? Booker / DDP</p><p> </p><p>

How many championships will change hands? 2</p><p> </p><p>

Will Lex Luger make it to the show? Like.. to the arena? Lol. No</p><p> </p><p>

TIEBREAKER: How long will the main event be? (minutes and seconds) 18:44</p><p> </p><p>

Who will be the next World Heavyweight Champion? (worth 3 points) Steiner</p><p> </p><p>

General diary comments/questions/critiques:</p>

[SIser187]

<p>World Heavyweight Championship: Diamond Dallas Page vs. <strong>Booker T</strong> {©}</p><p>

Might be done in a way to continue this program.</p><p> </p><p>

United States Heavyweight Championship: Mark Jindrak vs. <strong>Shane Douglas</strong> {©}</p><p>

Shane might hold this thing for a while.</p><p> </p><p>

World Tag Team Championship: <strong>The Hardys</strong> vs. True Heroes {©}</p><p>

Kind of thinking a DQ finish here.</p><p> </p><p>

Cruiserweight Championship: American Dragon vs. <strong>AJ Styles</strong> {©}</p><p>

Wonder if a heel turn is brewing here.</p><p> </p><p>

World Women's Championship: <strong>Manami Toyota</strong> vs. Etsuko Mita {©}</p><p>

Gambling on a swap here.</p><p> </p><p>

#1 Contender: <strong>Rey Misterio Jr.</strong> vs. The Destroyer</p><p>

Rey-Rey vs Booker at the top wouldn't be a bad idea.</p><p> </p><p>

Sting vs. <strong>King Corino</strong></p><p>

Might be a screwy end but the heel wins here.</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>"Big Poppa Pump" Scott Steiner</strong> vs. The Unnatural</p><p>

Scott has a ton of business here.</p><p> </p><p>

Doomsday vs. <strong>The Natural Born Thrillers</strong></p><p>

Coin flip for me.</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Alexis Laree</strong> vs. Daffney</p><p>

I just like one better than the other. XP</p><p> </p><p>

Yang vs. <strong>"Fallen Angel" Christopher Daniels</strong></p><p><strong>

</strong></p><p> </p><p>

Think there's millage to eventually put Christopher Daniels as a challenger in the cruiserweight division.</p><p> </p><p>

What will be match of the night? Main event. Booker vs DDP. DDP while on time decline has delivered in big situations. This should be no different.</p><p> </p><p>

How many championships will change hands? 1</p><p> </p><p>

Will Lex Luger make it to the show? Yes. Even though Gene will be complaining about something.</p><p> </p><p>

TIEBREAKER: How long will the main event be? (minutes and seconds) 21:09</p><p> </p><p>

Who will be the next World Heavyweight Champion? (worth 3 points) Debating between Jeff and Rey-Rey. Ultimately I'm going Jeff Hardy due to his high star quality and getting him more mic time will only improve what is probably the weakest part of his game at this point.</p>

[Bluestillidie00]

<p>World Heavyweight Championship: <strong>Diamond Dallas Page</strong> vs. Booker T {©}</p><p>

<em>New Champ imo, one last run on top for Dally</em></p><p> </p><p>

United States Heavyweight Championship: Mark Jindrak vs. <strong>Shane Douglas</strong> {©}</p><p> </p><p>

World Tag Team Championship: <strong>The Hardys </strong>vs. True Heroes {©}</p><p> </p><p>

Cruiserweight Championship: American Dragon vs. <strong>AJ Styles {©}</strong></p><p> </p><p>

World Women's Championship: Manami Toyota vs. <strong>Etsuko Mita </strong>{©}</p><p> </p><p>

#1 Contender: <strong>Rey Misterio Jr.</strong> vs. The Destroyer</p><p> </p><p>

Sting vs. <strong>King Corino</strong></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>"Big Poppa Pump" Scott Steiner</strong> vs. The Unnatural</p><p> </p><p>

Doomsday vs. <strong>The Natural Born Thrillers</strong></p><p> </p><p>

Alexis Laree vs. <strong>Daffney</strong></p><p> </p><p>

Yang vs. <strong>"Fallen Angel" Christopher Daniels</strong></p><p> </p><p>

What will be match of the night? Dragon vs AJ</p><p> </p><p>

How many championships will change hands? 2</p><p> </p><p>

Will Lex Luger make it to the show? No</p><p> </p><p>

TIEBREAKER: How long will the main event be? (minutes and seconds) 20:11</p><p> </p><p>

Who will be the next World Heavyweight Champion? (worth 3 points) DDP</p>

[Nobby_McDonald]

My youngest son has been talking about some kind of new computer wrestling game called 'Extreme Warfare Revenge'. I guess it's a text game where you pretend you're in charge of a wrestling company? Sounds fun.

 

It will never catch on.

[Nobby_McDonald]

World Heavyweight Championship: Diamond Dallas Page vs. Booker T {©}

 

United States Heavyweight Championship: Mark Jindrak vs. Shane Douglas {©}

 

World Tag Team Championship: The Hardys vs. True Heroes {©}

 

Cruiserweight Championship: American Dragon vs. AJ Styles {©}

 

World Women's Championship: Manami Toyota vs. Etsuko Mita {©}

 

#1 Contender: Rey Misterio Jr. vs. The Destroyer

 

Sting vs. King Corino

"Big Poppa Pump" Scott Steiner vs. The Unnatural

 

Doomsday vs. The Natural Born Thrillers

 

Alexis Laree vs. Daffney

 

Yang vs. "Fallen Angel" Christopher Daniels

 

What will be match of the night? Sting v Corino

 

How many championships will change hands? 1

 

Will Lex Luger make it to the show? Yes

 

TIEBREAKER: How long will the main event be? (minutes and seconds) 26:12

 

Who will be the next World Heavyweight Champion? (worth 3 points) Sting

 

General diary comments/questions/critiques: Keep up the great work.

[Armando Payne]

I legit thought I missed the Prediction time. But I didn't so here it goes.

 

World Heavyweight Championship: Diamond Dallas Page vs. Booker T {©}

 

I Can't see Booker T losing it right now. I'm predicting Booker wins via countering a Diamond Cutter with a backslide for the 1-2-3.

 

United States Heavyweight Championship: Mark Jindrak vs. Shane Douglas {©}

 

I think I predicted a Filthy Animals feud for the championship and technically... I'm right. Just not in the way I recalled

 

World Tag Team Championship: The Hardys vs. True Heroes {©}

 

I could vote for The Hardys but seeing CM Punk save a Piper's Pit segment kinda makes me want to keep the belts on these guys.

 

Cruiserweight Championship: American Dragon vs. AJ Styles {©}

 

*To the tune of American Males theme tune* AMERICAN. DRAGON. AMERICAN. DRAGON. AMERICAN. DRAGON. AMERICAN DRAGON. AMERICAN DRAGON. Now in saying that, I really, really, really love predicting Schmoz finishes in title matches as you know. And I'm kinda predicting now to finally pull the switch on Chavo turning on AMERICAN DRAGON as soon as The American Male has AJ locked into submission, AJ's gonna tap, everyone's gonna pop, new champion and then Chavo comes in beats them both up with the Cruiserweight belt, hits A-MERRY-CAN DRAGON with the Gory Bomb, puts the championship over AJ Styles, hits him with the Frog Splash then picks up the belt and holds it.

 

World Women's Championship: Manami Toyota vs. Etsuko Mita {©}

 

Just cause I want to see The Empire still hold on to something. She'll drop it when they get another title.

 

#1 Contender: Rey Misterio Jr. vs. The Destroyer

 

On the one hand, I'd love this prediction to be wrong, like I'd love The Destroyer to just squash Rey Rey here in like 03:21. But on the other hand, how in the blue hell are you going to sell a Heel v Heel Main Event? Babyface v Heel Main Event dictates Rey Rey to win. But Rey's gonna win via flash pin then The Destroyer's gonna, well, destroy... him after the match to keep him looking strong.

 

Sting vs. King Corino

 

Sting can barely go anymore, just have King kill him off and have Sting like be a trainer or road agent or something.

 

"Big Poppa Pump" Scott Steiner vs. The Unnatural

 

Because he seems to have a wee bit more upside then Unnatural.

 

Doomsday vs. The Natural Born Thrillers

 

 

Apparently I got these two mixed up... I coulda swore Sean O'Hair was Mark Jindrak's partner... I'm predicting a heel turn god damnit, and that'll happen here. Do the old Rick Martel/ Tito Santana type split here. Give Doomsday the win.

 

(On the other hand, due to my negligence I'm predicting a title win for Mark Jindrak... Whatever do the same storyline here and have the winner face Mark at the next PPV.)

 

Alexis Laree vs. Daffney

 

See Scott Steiner but switch the names over.

 

Yang vs. "Fallen Angel" Christopher Daniels

 

This is one of his first matches. If he wins and if the ratings are good stick with him, if he wins but the ratings for this match ain't so good then kill his push for now.

 

What will be match of the night?

 

Booker T v DDP followed by AJ Styles v American Dragon.

 

How many championships will change hands?

 

1

 

Will Lex Luger make it to the show?

 

No, he's currently on the outpost of Siberia teaching Huskey's how to flex.

 

TIEBREAKER: How long will the main event be? (minutes and seconds)

 

27:56 (I was going to vote for like a 45 minute time limit draw because this question spooked me, I thought you were foreshadowing a time draw because of asking for a first time in a while the time of the match and usually when a time comes out of the blue it foreshadows a time limit draw.)

 

Who will be the next World Heavyweight Champion? (worth 3 points)

 

The Destroyer. (Hear me out here. Next PPV Booker T v Rey ends in a double DQ when The Destroyer interferes then the PPV after it's a triple threat which The Destroyer wins.)

 

General diary comments/questions/critiques:

 

Still a darn great diary.

[RKOwnage]

<p>World Heavyweight Championship: Diamond Dallas Page vs. <strong>Booker T {©}</strong></p><p>

<em>I really want Page to have one more run, but I think you've invested a lot into Booker at this point. Don't get me wrong though, I'm behind Booker as the champion for sure.</em></p><p> </p><p>

United States Heavyweight Championship: Mark Jindrak vs. <strong>Shane Douglas {©}</strong></p><p>

<em>Shane is a star of this diary. Jindrak is nothing but a look. I'd wait to put over someone with legitimate potential.</em></p><p> </p><p>

World Tag Team Championship: <strong>The Hardys</strong> vs. True Heroes {©}</p><p>

<em>I think this is the move, if only to keep the tag division fresh. The Thrillers held the belts for a long time, and I think that True Heroes dropping the belts here would help avoid another overly long reign. I think I would put the Hardys over here and then have True Heroes win the belts back down the line. Assuming you're not splitting them to push Punk yet.</em></p><p> </p><p>

Cruiserweight Championship: American Dragon vs. <strong>AJ Styles {©}</strong></p><p>

<em>Dragon isn't quite there yet, I don't think.</em></p><p> </p><p>

World Women's Championship: Manami Toyota vs. <strong>Etsuko Mita {©}</strong></p><p>

<em>I don't see her dropping it yet.</em></p><p> </p><p>

#1 Contender: <strong>Rey Misterio Jr.</strong> vs. The Destroyer</p><p>

<em>I'm a big fan of what you've done with Mike Awesome and Salvation (I was considering doing something similar with Mitchell/Daniels/Mordecai in my 2004 diary), but Misterio should get the win here to take on Booker.</em></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Sting</strong> vs. King Corino</p><p>

<em>I think it'll be a DQ. I know it's 2002 and you've done a hell of a job building Corino, but it's just tough for me to pick him over Sting.</em></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>"Big Poppa Pump" Scott Steiner</strong> vs. The Unnatural</p><p>

<em>One of my favorites in the entire diary.</em></p><p> </p><p>

Doomsday vs. <strong>The Natural Born Thrillers</strong></p><p>

<em>Clark pisses Bret off backstage and does the job.</em></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Alexis Laree</strong> vs. Daffney</p><p>

<em>She's your future, it appears. Get her a win over someone WCW fans have seen before.</em></p><p> </p><p>

Yang vs.<strong> "Fallen Angel" Christopher Daniels</strong></p><p>

<em>I'm interested to see where Daniels goes. You have a really crowded roster.</em></p><p> </p><p>

What will be match of the night? <strong>The Hardys vs. True Heroes</strong></p><p> </p><p>

How many championships will change hands? <strong>1</strong></p><p> </p><p>

Will Lex Luger make it to the show? <strong>Yes.</strong></p><p> </p><p>

TIEBREAKER: How long will the main event be? <strong>16:11</strong></p><p> </p><p>

Who will be the next World Heavyweight Champion? <strong>I think RVD is going to win it back.</strong></p><p> </p><p>

General diary comments/questions/critiques: I just finished reading this from the beginning. Wow, what a ride. I'm glad I could catch on right at the end of one of the prediction cycles. Everything has been awesome so far. And I mean <em>everything</em>. Including Stevie Ray on the microphone!</p>

[Wolfman84]

That computer game joke was VERY old school TFC <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/smile.png.142cfa0a1cd2925c0463c1d00f499df2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

[KnowYourEnemy]

<p>World Heavyweight Championship: Diamond Dallas Page vs. <strong>Booker T {©}</strong></p><p>

<em>Too early for D-D-P.</em></p><p>

United States Heavyweight Championship: Mark Jindrak vs. <strong>Shane Douglas {©}</strong></p><p>

<em>When in doubt, champ retains.</em></p><p>

World Tag Team Championship: The Hardys vs. <strong>True Heroes {©}</strong></p><p>

<em>Two reasons: 1) Punk still has lots to "learn" from Storm, and second the Hardy Boyz are really way too over to get stuck in the midcard.</em></p><p>

Cruiserweight Championship: American Dragon vs. <strong>AJ Styles {©}</strong></p><p>

<em>Again, Champ holds when in doubt.</em></p><p>

World Women's Championship: Manami Toyota vs. <strong>Etsuko Mita {©}</strong></p><p>

<em>Champ holds when in doubt.</em></p><p>

#1 Contender: <strong>Rey Misterio Jr.</strong> vs. The Destroyer</p><p>

<em>Heel Champ = Face Challenger</em></p><p>

Sting vs. <strong>King Corino</strong></p><p>

<em>King Corino's Legend Killer Gimmick isn't ending... yet.</em></p><p>

<strong>"Big Poppa Pump" Scott Steiner</strong> vs. The Unnatural</p><p>

<em>Steiner is too over to lose here</em></p><p>

Doomsday vs. <strong>The Natural Born Thrillers</strong></p><p>

<em>Thrillers have more upside.</em></p><p>

<strong>Alexis Laree</strong> vs. Daffney</p><p>

<em>Wrestler over not a wrestler</em></p><p>

Yang vs. <strong>"Fallen Angel" Christopher Daniels</strong></p><p>

<em>"King of the Indies" takes another step up.</em></p><p>

What will be match of the night?</p><p>

Hardys/True Heroes</p><p>

How many championships will change hands? 0</p><p> </p><p>

Will Lex Luger make it to the show? </p><p>

CAN YOU EVEN AFFORD TO PAY HIM? I DON'T KNOW!....</p><p>

No, we won't get Lex. </p><p> </p><p>

TIEBREAKER: How long will the main event be? (minutes and seconds)</p><p>

18:54</p><p>

Who will be the next World Heavyweight Champion? (worth 3 points)</p><p>

C.M. Punk</p><p>

General diary comments/questions/critiques:</p>

[BHK6]

<p>World Heavyweight Championship: Booker T {©}</p><p> </p><p>

United States Heavyweight Championship: Shane Douglas {©}</p><p> </p><p>

World Tag Team Championship: The Hardys</p><p> </p><p>

Cruiserweight Championship: AJ Styles {©}</p><p> </p><p>

World Women's Championship: Etsuko Mita {©}</p><p> </p><p>

#1 Contender: Rey Misterio Jr.</p><p> </p><p>

Sting</p><p> </p><p>

The Unnatural</p><p> </p><p>

The Natural Born Thrillers</p><p> </p><p>

Alexis Laree</p><p> </p><p>

"Fallen Angel" Christopher Daniels</p><p> </p><p>

What will be match of the night? Booker vs DDP</p><p> </p><p>

How many championships will change hands? 1</p><p> </p><p>

Will Lex Luger make it to the show? Somehow he finds a way.</p><p> </p><p>

TIEBREAKER: How long will the main event be? (minutes and seconds) 32:18</p><p> </p><p>

Who will be the next World Heavyweight Champion? (worth 3 points) Jeff Hardy</p>

[GingeyOne]

<p>Fan Scorecard:</p><p> </p><p>

World Heavyweight Championship: Diamond Dallas Page vs. <strong>Booker T {©}</strong></p><p> </p><p>

United States Heavyweight Championship: Mark Jindrak vs. <strong>Shane Douglas {©}</strong></p><p><strong>

</strong></p><p>

World Tag Team Championship: <strong>The Hardys</strong> vs. True Heroes {©}</p><p> </p><p>

Cruiserweight Championship: American Dragon vs. <strong>AJ Styles {©}</strong></p><p> </p><p>

World Women's Championship: Manami Toyota vs. <strong>Etsuko Mita {©}</strong></p><p> </p><p>

#1 Contender: Rey Misterio Jr. vs. The Destroyer</p><p>

<em>No contest or no winner here</em></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Sting</strong> vs. King Corino</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>"Big Poppa Pump" Scott Steiner</strong> vs. The Unnatural</p><p> </p><p>

Doomsday vs. <strong>The Natural Born Thrillers</strong></p><p> </p><p>

Alexis Laree vs. <strong>Daffney</strong></p><p> </p><p>

Yang vs. <strong>"Fallen Angel" Christopher Daniels</strong></p><p> </p><p>

What will be match of the night? World Tag Team Championship</p><p> </p><p>

How many championships will change hands? 1 </p><p> </p><p>

Will Lex Luger make it to the show? No, but will appear on it.</p><p> </p><p>

TIEBREAKER: How long will the main event be? (minutes and seconds) 19.35</p><p> </p><p>

Who will be the next World Heavyweight Champion? (worth 3 points) Sting</p>

[sportsfanmas]

<p>World Heavyweight Championship: Diamond Dallas Page vs. <strong>Booker T {©}</strong></p><p> </p><p>

United States Heavyweight Championship: Mark Jindrak vs. <strong>Shane Douglas {©}</strong></p><p> </p><p>

World Tag Team Championship: The Hardys vs. <strong>True Heroes {©}</strong></p><p> </p><p>

Cruiserweight Championship: American Dragon vs. <strong>AJ Styles {©}</strong></p><p> </p><p>

World Women's Championship: Manami Toyota vs. <strong>Etsuko Mita {©}</strong></p><p> </p><p>

#1 Contender: Rey Misterio Jr. vs. <strong>The Destroyer</strong></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Sting</strong> vs. King Corino</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>"Big Poppa Pump" Scott Steiner</strong> vs. The Unnatural</p><p> </p><p>

Doomsday vs. <strong>The Natural Born Thrillers</strong></p><p> </p><p>

Alexis Laree vs. <strong>Daffney</strong></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Yang</strong> vs. "Fallen Angel" Christopher Daniels</p><p> </p><p>

What will be match of the night? DDP/Booker T</p><p> </p><p>

How many championships will change hands? 0</p><p> </p><p>

Will Lex Luger make it to the show? No</p><p> </p><p>

TIEBREAKER: How long will the main event be? (minutes and seconds) 17:23</p><p> </p><p>

Who will be the next World Heavyweight Champion? (worth 3 points) Big Poppa Pump, he's got your hookup!</p><p> </p><p>

General diary comments/questions/critiques: Enjoying this dynasty more and more every day. Love what you are doing with Lex Luger, and the fact you kept "Mean" Gene around in a comedy role. I've always felt the comedy roles are where he shined.</p>

[Cro Cop Rules]

<p>World Heavyweight Championship: Diamond Dallas Page vs. <strong>Booker T {©}</strong></p><p> </p><p>

United States Heavyweight Championship: Mark Jindrak vs. <strong>Shane Douglas {©}</strong></p><p> </p><p>

World Tag Team Championship: <strong>The Hardys</strong> vs. True Heroes {©}</p><p> </p><p>

Cruiserweight Championship: American Dragon vs. <strong>AJ Styles {©}</strong></p><p> </p><p>

World Women's Championship: <strong>Manami Toyota</strong> vs. Etsuko Mita {©}</p><p> </p><p>

#1 Contender: <strong>Rey Misterio Jr.</strong> vs. The Destroyer</p><p> </p><p>

Sting vs. <strong>King Corino</strong></p><p> </p><p>

"Big Poppa Pump" Scott Steiner vs. <strong>The Unnatural</strong></p><p> </p><p>

Doomsday vs. <strong>The Natural Born Thrillers</strong></p><p> </p><p>

Alexis Laree vs. <strong>Daffney</strong></p><p> </p><p>

Yang vs. <strong>"Fallen Angel" Christopher Daniels</strong></p><p> </p><p>

What will be match of the night?: <strong>Hardys vs. True Heroes</strong></p><p> </p><p>

How many championships will change hands?: <strong>Two</strong></p><p> </p><p>

Will Lex Luger make it to the show?: <strong>Yes, I definitely hope so!</strong></p><p> </p><p>

TIEBREAKER: How long will the main event be? (minutes and seconds): <strong>17:38</strong></p><p> </p><p>

Who will be the next World Heavyweight Champion? (worth 3 points): <strong>Scott Steiner</strong></p>

[The Lariat]

<p>World Heavyweight Championship: Diamond Dallas Page vs. <strong>Booker T {©}</strong></p><p> </p><p>

United States Heavyweight Championship: Mark Jindrak vs. <strong>Shane Douglas {©}</strong></p><p> </p><p>

World Tag Team Championship: The Hardys vs. <strong>True Heroes {©}</strong></p><p> </p><p>

Cruiserweight Championship: American Dragon vs. <strong>AJ Styles {©}</strong></p><p> </p><p>

World Women's Championship: <strong>Manami Toyota</strong> vs. Etsuko Mita {©}</p><p> </p><p>

#1 Contender: <strong>Rey Misterio Jr.</strong> vs. The Destroyer</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Sting</strong> vs. King Corino</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>"Big Poppa Pump" Scott Steiner</strong> vs. The Unnatural</p><p> </p><p>

Doomsday vs. <strong>The Natural Born Thrillers</strong></p><p> </p><p>

Alexis Laree vs. <strong>Daffney</strong></p><p> </p><p>

Yang vs. <strong>"Fallen Angel" Christopher Daniels</strong></p><p> </p><p>

What will be match of the night?: <strong>Hardys vs. True Heroes</strong></p><p> </p><p>

How many championships will change hands?: <strong>One</strong></p><p> </p><p>

Will Lex Luger make it to the show?: <strong>Yes, I think so. Then again I can see him showing up right after the show ends or later that night just for comedic value.</strong></p><p> </p><p>

TIEBREAKER: How long will the main event be? (minutes and seconds): <strong>21:48</strong></p><p> </p><p>

Who will be the next World Heavyweight Champion? (worth 3 points): <strong>It won't be for a while, but Rey Mysterio Jr.</strong></p>