As 2006 comes to an end, WWE has already been trying to do some planning for 2007. However, if you know how the company works, you should be aware that there is no such thing as “long-term planning” here. At any rate, some news broke out as to what to expect in the upcoming months, as we enter yet another year…
Vladimir Kozlov (Oleg Prudius) made his debut on the 12/18 edition of RAW as a Sambo/MMA Champion. Not only is he nowhere near close to being a Sambo Champion, Kozlov is also horrible inside the ring, apparently. To the point where Deep South Wrestling – WWE’s training territory – has refused to air his bouts on their local TV shows. Prudius who was recently signed by WWE has very little experience, having barely wrestled since April, when he started learning. While he’s definitely not ready for an on-screen role, WWE is high on pushing him that way as he’s another generic big guy with a good physique, so expect him to be making an impact. His gimmick will be that of a nerdy Russian who thinks he’s a face, when in fact he’s a heel, similar to how his promo on RAW in Washington D.C. went. It’s a role that they put on Kurt Angle a few years ago, but the difference was that Angle was an upcoming huge star, while Kozlov probably doesn’t know what a headlock is.
Another rookie Stephanie McMahon is high on is Daniel Rodimer. In fact, although he has been wrestling only since August, he’s been booked for several WWE house shows in 2007 as a partner of Edge and Randy Orton, going up against DX in 2-on-3 handicap matches. The word going around is that Rodimer is one of Stephanie’s favorites, and he will be booked as the third member of Team Rated RKO. This also leaves Kenny up in the air, perhaps, as a face turn might be a possibility, one could speculate. McMahon thinks of Rodimer as “The New Diesel.” I guess the formula of big and tall always works with WWE, as seen in the last two paragraphs.
To wrap up the coverage of the new signings, WWE has inked a developmental deal with Russell Simpson, who is at age 32. He was last seen working for HUSTLE in Japan, and has also been used on WWE.com’s Heat show as a jobber. In with the new, Out with the old, the saying goes. Kevin Federline is not expected to stick around after his 1/1 match with John Cena, as rumors have him appearing on UK’s edition of “Celebrity Big Brother,” and the shooting of the show begins on 1/3.
One of the most common questions we get at the site is what does the future hold for former WWE ladies Lita and Trish Stratus. In Stratus’ case, she doesn’t plan to return to wrestling anytime soon, whether it be WWE or TNA, as she’s been busy in her personal life – she just recently got married – as well as in her new venture as a member of upcoming reality show/sitcom “Armed & Famous.” The synopsis of the show is that former celebrities are given a police-like role and they are followed around to see what happens, and how they hold up. I’m not sure if that was the best gig for her to get, as the celebrities on the show aren’t exactly A list, but it’s a start. Stratus is joined by former actor Eric Estrada (known for the sitcom CHiPs), singer Latoya Jackson, Ozzy Osborune’s son, Jack, and Jackass star “Wee-Man.” As far as Lita goes, TNA has expressed interest in signing her, but there’s no word yet on what Lita herself wants to do. She’s currently available for indy bookings through Maryland Championship Wrestling, as for as promoters can pay the “right” money for her. I know, personally, that Lita was interested in her own rock band, as well as some acting and the likes, but I don’t know how far she’ll go without wrestling. It’s also interesting to know how her neck is holding up. The TNA schedule is lighter than WWE’s, and will also present Lita with a lot more than just slutty dresses and disrespectful segments. I wouldn’t be surprised if she does choose TNA at some point in time, unless there’s interest from WWE.
As usual, with WrestleMania around the corner, the Hulk Hogan politicking and rumors have begun. So far, there have been two rumors which seem credibly enough as possible options for a bout at WrestleMania. One pits Hulk Hogan taking on his good friend and currently retired wrestler The Big Show. For the younger folks, one of Hulk Hogan’s greatest moments in wrestling was at WrestleMania III, at the same location WWE is doing WrestleMania next year (now known as the Ford Field, previously known as Silver/Pontiac Dome), roughly around 20 years ago where he body-slammed the huge Andre the Giant. The idea is that WWE fans want to see a repeat, 20 years later, with Big Show in the spot. Another version that’s under consideration is a tag team match Hogan is pitching – Hulk Hogan & Vince McMahon vs. The Big Show & Eric Bischoff, where the story would be whether or not McMahon will turn on Hogan. If a match featuring Hogan was indeed to take place, I would bet on it being a singles bout with Big Show, but one way or another, McMahon would be involved.
Samoa Joe made the news rounds over the past few days, when he suffered what is now said to be a second degree sprain on his MCL. After undergoing a second doctor’s examination on 12/13, he’s luckily not expected to undergo surgery, something wrestlers try really hard to prevent. Gabe Sapolsky recently mentioned that he’s not sure exactly what Joe’s status is, and that it’ll take a while for him to heal, but he should be back in action soon, knowing his will and desire. We wish Samoa Joe the best and speediest of all recoveries.
In another TNA note, the 1/25 edition of Impact will have to air at a different time, as UFC will be airing a special that night from 8 to 10 pm.
Speaking of UFC, newly-acquired superstar Quinton “The Rampage” Jackson had an interesting challenge in what seems to be the first act of the possible public “WWE/UFC war.” Jackson, whose words should always be taken with a dose of sarcasm or humor, but nevertheless, still be taken, was asked who would he fight if he could challenge anyone, the implication being it doesn’t have to be an ultimate fighter. Jackson then unloaded on WWE Champion John Cena, as he answered “”John Cena. Why he stealing my chain? What’s up with that? Tell him to fight me – the loser has to stop using the chain. I know he likes to Rap, tell him to wrap his mouth around some tic-tacks. Fo his Stinky ass breath.”
