Source: Chicago Sun Times
Years from now, when people look back at 2006, it will be viewed as the year in which many wrestlers had their last chance at the prize, the year in which names such as Jeff Jarrett, Ric Flair, Shawn Michaels and perhaps even Triple H had their last runs at greatness before moving aside for the stars of the future.
It sounds as if WWE’s ”Raw,” ”SmackDown” and ECW brands are digging in for a long, hard fight with TNA and are grooming tomorrow’s stars today. ECW got the attention of fans using names such as The Big Show and The Undertaker, but it will switch gears to stars such as Bobby Lashley and CM Punk, as well as names we haven’t heard yet. ”Raw” and ”SmackDown” are changing, too, as stars will be used to put over newcomers such as Oleg Prudius, Dan Rodimer, G-Rilla and Jake Hager.
TNA will continue to try to lure big names to its roster, but in the process it will let its best young performers work in the ring to open eyes. The business made a similar transformation in the late 1990s, when ”Stone Cold” Steve Austin, The Rock, Mick Foley and Triple H took the places of stars such as Bret Hart, Randy Savage and Lex Luger.
AROUND THE RING: WWE is considering moving Chris Masters and Snitsky to ECW. Both would be good additions, but WWE risks making ECW look like a landing place for wrestlers who can’t break through on ”Raw.” … Reports from backstage at ”iMPACT” tapings say that Jim Cornette and Vince Russo actually are working together. It’s no secret they don’t get along. … Lita is accepting independent bookings and is being seriously courted by TNA. She could join the company at any time. … Vince McMahon has decided that ECW could use a little more humor during the Tuey night show to keep the viewers’ interest.
