– Chris Benoit was originally scheduled to return at No Mercy as MVP’s mystery opponent. They had been working with one another in Atlanta behind closed doors, putting together their match with assistance from Dusty Rhodes. However, at a producers meeting before the PPV, it was decided that the quality of Benoit’s return should not be jeapordised by what would likely be a poor performance by MVP. Dean Malenko raised the possiblity of having Benoit wrestle William Regal instead, and Vince McMahon agreed.
– Although nothing has been formally decided yet, many people expected that Rob Van Dam would win the ECW title at the December to Dismember PPV. However, Vince McMahon has decreed that he doesn’t think RVD can draw with the belt and so he is, for the moment at least, unlikely to get it back.
– In yet another Vince bit, he was apparently unhappy at the Undertaker/Kennedy match on No Mercy, feeling that Undertaker sold too much and hurt his mystique.
– The reason Ricky Steamboat wasn’t used as one of Ric Flair’s associates on Raw this week is that, due to a unique divorce settlement, his ex-wife Bonnie has ownership rights to the character and the name “Ricky ‘The Dragon’ Steamboat”. If he were to appear on TV, he would probably have to use his real name, Richard Blood.
– WWE is planning on releasing a Lillian Garcia album next year.
– WrestleMania XXIII is expected to have a strong nostalgic theme, including bringing back many of the celebrities who appeared at WrestleMania III. Bob Uecker has already been contacted, most others won’t be until early next year.
Credit: Wrestling Observer newsletter (click here for subscription information)
