WWE is contemplating putting Todd Grisham on ECW to practise his play-by-play announcing technique.
There is also talk about getting an ECW authority figure on-screen. Dusty Rhodes and David Lagana came up with a list of names that are being discussed. One of Rhodes’ suggestions was Paul Heyman, although Vince immediately nixed it. The idea was that Heyman would have a brief run as General Manager, get attacked by the New Breed, then return as a babyface manager of the Originals, paticularly Rob Van Dam (with the idea that Van Dam would then be less keen to leave). Heyman was also suggested as a teacher for OVW and Deep South but he turned that down. There has been no change in Van Dam’s contractual situation, although some, most notably Shane McMahon, are pushing for him to be re-signed.
NBC is still planning to go ahead with Saturday Night’s Main Event in June and probably the second contractually obligated show of the year later on in the summer. Despite the hype about SNME returning last year, WWE are not especially fussed about it now. The feeling is that, unlike in the ’80s, NBC can’t provide an audience of new viewers to sell their product to, plus WWE gets paid the same whether the shows air or not.
Credit: Wrestling Observer newsletter (click here for subscription information)
