A Fall Preview for the Big Three

WWF

The World Wrestling Federation changes networks for all of their cable television programs at the end of the month (assuming the USA Network loses their appeal). “Sunday Night Heat” is the only show not headed to TNN, which switches to MTV this fall. With the possibility of the United Paramount Network (UPN) folding in January, “Smackdown!” may also be forced to change networks.

The WWF will receive a boast of momentum (as if they need it) with the most anticipated return of “Stone Cold” Steve Austin. The “Rattlesnake” is on schedule for a mid October return to the squared circle, but is expected to return to television in the weeks leading up to his first match back. The promotion is expected to focus on an Austin-Rock program leading up to next year’s Wrestlemania in Houston.

The fall will also mark the return of a few familiar faces - Billy Gunn and the Big Show. Gunn underwent shoulder surgery back in March, and has been off television since that time. The Big Show recently returned to television following a knee injury. The Show was abruptly sent home to improve his attitude and heal his injuries. For the time, Wight has been dispatched to Ohio Valley Wrestling in Louisville.

WCW

The future of the company remains in doubt with the pending merger of Time Warner and America Online later this fall. Rumors of Eric Bischoff and/or Hulk Hogan buying the promotion have started to circulate.

At one time, WCW planned a Goldberg-Scott Steiner match to headline its annual Starrcade PPV; however, it is anyone’s guess which two will headline this year’s card. The creative team will do its best to recapture Goldberg’s immense popularity and his drawing power as a babyface. Also, expect Sting to receive a more prominent role in the week and months to come.

The landscape of WCW television is changing. This fall, Thunder will be taped on Monday nights following each live Nitro. There is talk within the company about turning Thunder into a magazine/recap type show since there is virtually no way WCW can keep an audience interested for four hours of wrestling in a single night.

WCW’s syndicated program Worldwide will eventually became a recap show as well and no longer feature first run matches. WCW has cancelled their Saturday show on TBS in yet another cost cutting measure.

ECW

ECW’s last airdate on TNN is September 22nd. The promotion is hopeful of landing a late Saturday nighttime slot on the USA Network. If ECW is able to land an agreement with USA, the network may invest in the company and upgrade the production of the television show, which is sorely needed.

Paul Heyman is hoping that Justin Credible can become the monster heel he needs to finally set Rob Van Dam on a wild chase of the ECW World title. If the creative Heyman deems Credible a strong enough heel champion, expect the Credible-RVD program to commence sooner than later.

The promotion has an impressive roster of young talented wrestlers. Heyman, who has a keen eye for untapped talent, will push Kid Kash (recently crowned Television champion), Tajiri, Steve Corino, Simon Diamond, Swinger, C.W. Anderson and Rhino. Along with Van Dam and Credible, these up and coming stars are the future of the company.

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