May 20, 1991
- The big news this week is all about the Sports Illustrated story from back in March about Vince McMahon and the WWF. People within the industry are essentially calling it a "puff piece" and say that SI pretty much just wrote a glowing press release for WWF that wasn't realistic. Outside of the industry, the big issue seems to be about why SI wrote the story in the first place. Amateur wrestling, a "real" sport, rarely gets any coverage in the magazine, so people are upset that SI dedicated a full 6-page article to "fake" pro wrestling. In case you missed it in one of the previous issues:
- Speaking of magazine articles, Spy Magazine wrote a piece about Vince McMahon's bodybuilding federation and their war with the IFBB. Much of it focusing on the rampant steroid abuse in the world of bodybuilding, and painted both the IFBB people and especially Vince McMahon as dishonest steroid-pushers. They also make the Verne Gagne comparison, saying that Vince is planning to use his marketing machine to change the rules of the game, while the IFBB will get left behind if they continue to stick to the old way of doing things.
- Herb Abrams' new wrestling company UWF (Universal Wrestling Federation) has been doing TV tapings, despite not having a TV deal or place to air them yet. Now they have plans for a PPV event called Brawl At The Beach, scheduled for June. Given that they have no television deal in order to promote it, Dave is predicting a disaster of a show (remember, this is pre-internet. Without a TV deal back then, how else do you draw crowds?). The only real highlight is Bob Backlund making his first American wrestling appearance in over 5 years, in a match with Ivan Koloff.
- WCW's SuperBrawl is this weekend and fan interest doesn't seem to be that great, although not terrible.
- Rick Rude finally got his official release from his WWF contract, and the deal allows him to wrestle anywhere except WCW for now. Dave's not sure that would hold up in court if Rude decides to challenge it.
- Dave throws a random newsbit in here, stating that Babe Ruth actually did some stints as wrestling referee back in the 1940s, and then just moves along as if he didn't say that ridiculous shit. What the fuck?! Googled and sure enough:
- Steve Keirn is headed to WWF under the ring name The Gator (close...)
- Tito Santana will be returning with a new name and gimmick. Hmmmm...
- Paul Orndorff wants to come back to WWF as Sid Vicious's manager. Pretty sure that ain't happening, buddy. Speaking of, Sid should be starting house shows in July.
- At the latest WCW tapings, there were several debuts. Mr. Hughes "debuted" (he's been there before) wearing a shirt, tie, and sunglasses. Johnny B. Badd, a "muscular jobber" portrayed by a guy named Marc Mero debuted, doing a gay act and managed by Teddy Long. Steve Austin makes his debut as "Stunning Steve" and managed by Vivacious Veronica. Black Blood (Billy Jack Haynes under a mask) debuted, billed from France, but speaking perfect English.
- [WATCH: Marc Mero vs. Sid Vicious (this was his last match as Marc Mero before debuting as "Johnny B. Badd" at the next TV taping. I couldn't actually find his debut Johnny B. Badd match. It's also Sid's 2nd to last match before going to WWF)] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcaMYiReoYo)
- Sid Vicious is still expected to show up at SuperBrawl and do the job to El Gigante, but it's not a guarantee.
- Big Van Vader has nearly quit WCW twice in the past few weeks over contract disputes with Jim Herd. WCW wants Vader to sign for 4 years and give worldwide merchandising rights to his character to WCW. Vader only wants to sign for 1 year and only give up American merch rights. They seem to have settled on American merch rights and an 18-month contract for now.
- WCW will be announcing a new junior heavyweight division at the Clash in June.