Professional Wrestling’s MIAs - Missing In Action

Several notable wrestling faces have not been seen on television in quite sometime. This week, allow me to explore each case individually:

1. Hulk Hogan. The single largest drawing power of the 1980’s has not been seen since the Bash at the Beach PPV back in July. As a result of Vince Russo’s derogatory comments about the former WWF and WCW champion, Hogan, 47, filed a lawsuit against the promotion claiming Russo’s comments were “defamatory and a breach of contract.” If Mandalay Sports purchases WCW and/or if Eric Bischoff again gains power, expect the suit to be dropped, and Hogan to return to the company.

2. Bret Hart. The “Hitman” has not enjoyed the greatest year in his illustrious career. Hart suffered a concussion in a match with Bill Goldberg at last year’s Starrcade. Receiving poor advice from doctors, Hart, 43, continued to wrestle until mid January when the extent of his head injury was accurately determined. WCW has no plans for Hart at this point, and there is talk that he will be finished with the company by the end of the year.

3. “Macho Man” Randy Savage. There are behind the scenes rumblings that if WCW is sold to Mandalay Sports, that Savage, 47, may return to the company. Wherever Hogan is, the “Macho Man” is usually not far behind.

4. Sid Vicious. Vicious, 40, recently did promotional work for WCW, however, the company has no immediate plans for his return to television. His contractual obligation to the company remains a well-guarded secret.

5. Diamond Dallas Page. DDP’s contract runs until early 2002, and if he were to obtain a release, the WWF would almost defiantly bring him to New York. Page, 44, offered WCW a buy out option for himself and his wife Kimberly for a mere $.55 on the dollar, yet Brad Siegel, President of TNT, rejected his request. Page is expected to return to the company in the foreseeable future, possibly to work with Kanyon.

6. Scott Hall. While fans want him back, Hall, who turns 41 on Friday, remains in limbo. The former WWF Intercontinental champion appears content remaining at home drawing his seven-figure salary. Despite numerous off camera incidents, the company has no plans of releasing him, nor, bringing him back to television.

7. Curt Hennig. In recent months, Hennig, 41, has toured Australia (not with WCW) and Puerto Rico. It appears at this point that both the WWF and WCW are lukewarm on the idea of bringing him back.

8. The British Bulldog. Simply stated, this has not been Davey Boy Smith’s year. Upon returning to the WWF after the tragic death of his brother-in-law Owen Hart, Smith, 37, has been publicly criticized by Bret Hart for rejoining the Federation, been served divorced papers, entered a rehab center, been re-injured, and most recently, involved in an automobile accident. At this point, the WWF has no plans for Smith, and his future with the company appears bleak.

9. Dustin Rhodes. The son of “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes sits at home, waiting for WCW to develop a character and storyline for him. Rhodes, 34, has been working independent shows awaiting a call from WCW.

10. Sabu. The Homicidal, Suicidal, Genocidal Sabu, 35, remains contractually obligated to Extreme Championship Wresting until January 2003, meaning, he is limited to working American independent shows and in Japan.

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