Articles

State of Wrestling Address 2003 (1.30.03)

2003 looks to improve upon last year's mistakes; big rumors abound.�

by Mellow Joe
TheProWrestler

Thursday, January 30, 2003

This year began strong, as usual, with the Royal Rumble. Always a big event, the 2003 Rumble was no exception. 2002 saw its fair share of high points too, including The Rock vs. Hollywood Hulk Hogan at Wrestlemania.
2002 had it's surprises, like the WWE debut of Eric Bischoff. New tag teams like 3 Minute Warning and Shelton Benjamin and Charlie Haas show a lot of potential for 2003 also. Other new additions like Randy Orton, Batista, and John Cena are set to make a major impact on the wrestling world. Who was the comeback of the year? Some would say the nWo, some say Hogan, some say Scott Steiner. Others say Kevin Nash, but I beg to differ. We've all seen that one before. The Heartbreak Kid Shawn Michaels was definitely the comeback the fans have been waiting for. Perhaps the most well rounded entertainer to ever lace up the boots, Michaels has what it takes to be at the top of the WWE roster.
2002 had it's low moments, like the loss of the British Bulldog. A legend in his own right, Davey Boy Smith will always be remembered for his in-ring abilities. Plus he had the best hanging vertical suplex ever - hands down. Other lows included Al Wilson (Torrie Wilson's dad) and Dawn Marie falling in love. Oh, how sweet. Give us a break! Somebody hit me in the head with a chair - quick!!! Nobody wants to see that crap, although things did get better in 2003. The storyline ended with the death of Al Wilson, much to the joy of fans everywhere. That was the dumbest story line since Mark Henry fell in love Mae Young. Speaking of stupid storylines, how about the one with Triple H and Kane. Sure it lead to great matches, but the whole Kane is a murderer thing was stupid. And that hidden camera in the funeral parlor was about enough to make the entire staff of this web page stop watching WWE permanently (and we're all life long fans by the way). And they wonder why ratings were down.
But, ratings are up and speculation is high. Last year, the WWE loaned The Rock out to Hollywood (the town, not the Hulkster) for several months. Austin had some personal issues to take care of and essentially walked out. With the top two stars out, it gave the others a chance at the spotlight. Brock Lesnar, Rob Van Dam, and Edge are some examples. Even Bubba Ray Dudley was doing well in the solo ranks.
Speculations continue to abound. Rumors of Stone Cold Steve Austin's return seem well founded. I expect we'll see him return to wrestle at Wrestlemania, with lots of television appearances beginning in February, and throughout March. The Rock should be back in time for Wrestlemania also. Various news agencies have reported that The Rock is a very hot item in Hollywood, and has at least six movie offers on his plate for 2003. We will see The Rock in the ring in 2003, but how much we will see remains to be seen.
Other possible returns in 2003 include Rhyno, and maybe Lita. Lita suffered a very bad neck injury, and might not ever wrestle again, however, she may return as a manager, but don't quote me on any of that.
The biggest rumor of 2003 is the return of Bill Goldberg. Will he come to the WWE? If the price is right, and he gets to win, I believe he will. The rumor is that Goldberg will make two wrestling appearances, one at Wrestlemania in March, and the other at Backlash in April. Throughout March and April, Goldberg will make appearances of Raw and/or Smackdown. Who will he fight? Rumor has it Goldberg will face The Rock, then Steve Austin. Don't quote me on any of this either, unless I'm right. Then you can tell everyone Mellow Joe told you.
2003 is shaping up to be one of the best years in wrestling period. Whether it will or not remains to be seen. If the big returns pay off, the rumors come true, and they still manage to surprise us somehow, then 2003 will take wrestling to a whole new level.
Mellow Joe is lifelong wrestling fan and radio show host. If you live in western Kentucky, you can hear him Sunday mornings on Revolution 91.7 WWHR.