WCW

-The reports say that Sid has signed with WCW for 2 years, with an option for the third year. That's good, I just hope nothing stops Sid this time from ruling the world. What I mean by that, is that I hope no stupid injuries or softball seasons get in the way of his new WCW career. Sid still has so much potential, and he does draw a crowd. Just look what his WWF title run did for him. The crowd loved him, and he finally got the world title recognition that he always drove for. Sid will help out the ratings, but that's not enough.

-The word is that WCW is very pleased with the No Limit soldiers. They feel that the group draws attention, not to mention its capability to produce some wrestlers. They think that by introducing a wrestler, or a wrestler that needs a gimmick into the No Limit soldiers, he can get some attention with Master P by their side. WCW is tossing around ideas of a few young members of the Power Plant joining the No Limit Soldiers, as well as those wrestlers that have nothing going in their wrestling career.

-The word is that Shane Douglas is just about to enter WCW. A few stuff, like let's say Ric Flair amonst other things are getting in his way. If you aren't familiar with their situation, Shane and Flair have had war of words, but not directly to each other. Shane Douglas is known for ripping on the Nature Boy during some of his ECW interviews, and Flair has been firing comments back behind the scenes. People say that Bischoff only wants Shane for a match with Flair, but I doubt that. That's probably a small ratings, but right now Eric Bischoff is doing anything he can to get those ratings up, and new wrestlers or personalities can help lift ratings.

-I've heard that Roddy Piper is actually happy with the current angle that he's in. It appears that he likes being a heel again, and he's missed it for all of these years. He misses starting trouble with face wrestlers, and this Young vs. Old angle is a perfect time to resurface as a heel, not to mention causing chaos with the Nature Boy, Ric Flair. Hopefully he gets in better shape, because he's as flabby as Flair now.

WWF

-Many think that the King of the Ring could feature the Undertaker vs. Hunter Hearst Helmsley. This is stemming from the recent Monday Night match up where they had to be held back from each other after losing to the Rock. That would be a good angle, and the match at the King of the Ring would be a perfect time for Triple H to win the WWF title...it if happens. It would be a classic feud between the top wrestlers in a group, plus Triple H can finally get over with his world title win versus the Undertaker. If they give Triple H the title, they could finally establish him as a main eventer.

-Many reports suggest that RAW might be turning Live full time. This is coming from the fact that they will need Tuesdays, which are normally used for taping RAWs, for the new Smackdown show coming this September, unfortunately, on UPN. That's a good reason, BUT, the WWF is actually proud of their Taped RAWs. Just look at the ratings. WCW live shows never stand a chance anymore versus a taped show, so why spend extra money for a live show. That's how they see it, but I still say the live shows are much better.

-The WWF seems to be finally proud of the crowd response that the BIG SHOW, Paul Wight is recieving. They feel that the crowd is starting to cheer for him more now than when he first began as a face. The WWF also likes the response they got from his recent "Chokeslam from Hell" on the Undertaker. In my opinion, to get the Big Show really over, get him out of that stupid Union. That stable is boring to me, and without Mankind leading the way, it seems lifeless. I say, keep going after the Undertaker. Beat the demons out of him, so that one day the 'Taker wakes up and becomes great again..then you have a great match.

And the saga continues....

Mr. Tito Presents: Wrestling's Biggest Influences

#6 Stone Cold Steve Austin

How can a gimmick that has only been around for about 3 years be an influence. Well, Stone Cold is one of the reasons that the WWF came back on top after the WCW took their throne. Stone Cold destroys every wrestler in merchandise sales, and he's beginning to become well known, making guest appearances in television shows or talk shows.

Not only has he brought life back into the WWF, he also started the "badass" attitude. His fowl mouth and his crazy antics helped draw attention from fans, and they even began to cheer him. He's simply become Hogan-like in the way he draws attention.

If I did this a few years ago, Stone Cold would not be on this list at all. But for the past few years, he's been a huge influence on wrestling and also the fans. If you ask many non wrestling fans who is the biggest star of the WWF, they can mention Stone Cold instead of Hogan like they used to do. Stone Cold has come a long way from what he used to be, and he's made a great impression on the sport of wrestling. That's why he's a huge influence.

@Well kiddies, that's it for today. Only 5 more influences to go!! Joy! This is #81 in a row for those who are counting, so 100 here I come! Anyways, Thunder is on tonight, joy, and chill till the next episode. This is Mr. Tito, the Phattest Columnist...and I don't get paid for it, signing off.

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Mr. Tito © 1999