WWF Remains on Top, WCW Has Internal Problems, ECW Needs a New Network

WWF

This week’s “Raw” victory over “Nitro” gives the WWF its 82nd consecutive week of head to head dominance in the national Nielsen ratings. “Raw” is just one victory shy of tying “Nitro’s” consecutive head to head record. WWF’s top rated program shows no signs of weakening, and with “Nitro” gaining no momentum, “Raw” could easily add another 83 weeks to its current streak.

WWF’s largest obstacle in maintaining their remarkable ratings is not in the form of competition from WCW, but rather their transition from the USA Network to CBS/Viacom. The net results will likely land “Raw” on TNN, and “Heat” on MTV. Movement of the WWF product is expected to have an effect on their momentum, however, time will tell if it has any long-term significance.

In an unprecedented move, proving the drawing power of the company, the WWF booked the American Airlines Arena in Phoenix on successive nights for “Raw” and the “Smackdown” taping in September. The WWF has not visited Phoenix since January 1999.

WCW

Mid week, Vince Russo meet with TNT President Brad Siegel and Eric Bischoff. The meeting focused on WCW losing a sponsor (and a threat of losing additional advertisers), at a time the company is on pace to lose a reported $60 million plus.

Russo, who has voiced opposition to Standards and Practices rejection of several of his ideas, did not learn his fate with the company during the meeting. He has not returned phone calls, and at press time, his future is considered uncertain. Russo signed a lucrative contract with WCW last fall.

Siegel, for the second consecutive week, handed television-writing responsibilities to Terry Taylor. Taylor, a mat veteran who has worked for WCW and WWF in the past, has a creative mind and is well received with the talent. In Russo’s absence, Ed Ferrara and Bill Banks have been given more creative authority. Russo and Ferrara arrived in WCW together in October, but are no longer on good terms.

ECW

As a direct result of the WWF’s expected move to CBS/Viacom, ECW only has about two months left on TNN. There are rumors circulating about a possible deal with Fox’s cable outlet, FX. The USA Network still may opt to keep wrestling on their network, a decision that would benefit ECW.

ECW Owner and executive producer Paul Heyman has rejected offers to sell the company outright, however, he may be entertaining proposals from investors to purchase shares of the promotion. The only offer Heyman would except must include him retaining full creative control of the company.

Tidbits: Gorgeous George (Stephanie Bellars), the former valet and real life love interest of Randy “Macho Man” Savage, debuted in ECW Saturday night at the ECW On TNN Television Taping in Chicago … Raven (Scott Levy) met with WWF officials last week. His ECW contract expires on August 25th … WCW valet Torrie Wilson graces the cover of the August issue of Muscular Development … Former Quebecer Pierre (Carl Oulette) has resurfaced in ECW as The Pirate, Jean-Pierre LaFayette. He is expected to sign with the company …On Friday, WCW launched the official web site of Miss Hancock (Stacy Kiebler). The URL is http://www.mshancock.com

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