Hello!

Here is the latest goings on in the wrestling word for April 7, 2006.

MORE ON RANDY ORTON'S WWE SUSPENSION

The net is buzzing with rumors about Randy Orton's 60 day suspension as I reported in my last column. One rumor that is just that, is that he failed the recent drug test administered to all WWE wrestlers. This is not true. The tests were baseline tests and no one was in trouble for their results. If someone tested positive for steroids or other drugs, they were informed and are expected to show lower or no traces of the substance in the next round of tests. If subsequent tests show they have the same amount (or more) of the substance, the punishments will be doled out.

Randy will appear on Smackdown this Friday (April 8) and again next week. His suspension is supposed to begin April 12 (which would be after the Smackdown taping for next week) but he may appear on one more Smackdown before taking the leave. The reason, from several sources, is that his behavior has been unprofessional. It has been well known in wresting circles that he has not been happy about the World Heavyweight Title going to Kurt Angle instead of him and, I am sure he wasn't trilled to have to lose - and be the one pinned - in his WrestleMania three way title match. Apparently, his attitude and behavior have been a thorn in WWE management's side for months but they finally were fed up and decided that a 60 day suspension might adjust Randy's attitude.

This is an unusual step for WWE to take as they usually deal with attitude problems behind the scenes without suspending anyone but, apparently they felt that Randy's attitude was not improving and they wanted to not just send a message to him but to everyone else on the roster that, if people are unhappy with things, they still need to act professionally. I am sure others have noted this and will be keeping their tempers in check a bit more from now on.

The WWE website posted a statement regarding Randy Orton on Thursday night, noting that he was suspended for not following the type of conduct that WWE wants from its performers. They didn't get into any specifics.

ANOTHER WWE WRESTLER HAS SURGERY

Val Venis underwent surgery on his elbow on April 6 and is expected to be out of action for about eight to 10 weeks. He was injured on the March 27 edition of Raw while involved in a match with the Spirit Squad. You can read an interview with Val Venis about his injury and surgery at the following link: The Big Valbowski prepares for surgery.

I certainly wish him a speedy recovery!

ROB VAN DAM SAYS WHEN HE WILL CASH HIS MONEY IN THE BANK TITLE CONTRACT

On Raw this week, Rob Van Dam addressed when he would challenge for the WWE Heavyweight Title, a shot he was awarded after winning the Money in the Bank Ladder Match at WrestleMania. Although he didn’t come out and say it in exact terms, he will be defending the title on his old turf. He will wrestle for the title on June's ECW One Night Stand pay per view. The question is who he will face. I am not sure if he will face the current champ at the time or not considering the ECW Show is supposed to be all ECW alumni and no WWE or WCW workers who haven't been in the hardcore promotion. As it stands, the three top contenders: John Cena, Edge, and Triple H all have not wrestled in ECW. Stay tuned on more about this unique situation.

BACKSLASH MAIN EVENT ANNOUNCED

WWE's April pay per view (airing April 30), Backlash, will feature a Triple Threat Match between John Cena, Edge, and Triple H for the WWE Heavyweight Title.

Also announced for the show is Vince and Shane McMahon against Shawn Michaels and … God. Yes, that is exactly how they are billing the match. What's next? The Devil vs. God with Jimmy Hoffa as special guest referee? There is a poll about the Vince/Shane vs. HBK/God match in the forum. Please stop by and leave your vote!

TNA IMPACT REMINDER

Remember to set your VCRs or DVRs if you are not going to be able to watch TNA next week as they move to Thursday nights at 11 p.m. They have a strong show preceding them, The Ultimate Fighter 3, which began April 6. The two shows should do well and TNA is expected to pick up new fans who watch the UFC reality show. If you haven't checked that show out, I highly suggest you do. This season is especially interesting because it features two coaches who have both appeared in wrestling promotions. Ken Shamrock, who wrestled for WWE and TNA, is one coach while his real life nemesis and rival Tito Ortiz, who worked for TNA for a while as a special guest referee, is the other coach. These two really hate each other and it should be an interesting season. TNA begins its Thursday run April 13 at 11 p.m. with replays of the show on Saturday nights.

IWA PEURTO RICO OWNER DEAD AT AGE 46

Victor Quinones, 46, the owner of IWA Puerto Rico (wrestling promotion), was found dead the morning of April 2 at his home. He was at an IWA show the night before and appeared to be in good health and nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Accoriding to www.wrestlingobserver.com, police who were at his home said Quinones died of natural causes, believed to be in his sleep. I will have more on this once the official cause of death is released.

WRESTLEMANIA CONTEST WINNERS ANNOUNCED

I want to congratulate my three WrestleMania Contest winners!

The contest was held on the forum and points were awarded for each correct WrestleMania prediction.

bbgirl76 (Phyllis) came in first place (with a little help, she says, from her roommate, Kelly) and will be receiving the grand prize - a boxed set of 15 WWE DVDs. Included is every pay per view from 2005 including ECW One Night Stand and the 2005 Hall of Fame Ceremony DVD! That's some prize!

Only a point or two points behind was lordcodamort (Chris) who snagged second place and a WWE Fleece Jacket.

Taking third place and a WWE T-Shirt and calendar was papalovins (Kris).

CONGRATULATIONS to my winners and to everyone who joined in. I will be having another contest shortly so be sure to watch the forum and your newsletters for the announcement.

I will be back with more news, views, and some interesting links to keep up with your favorite wrestlers on myspace.com.

Have a great weekend!

Patty

Missed last year's ECW One Night Stand pay per view? It was great! Check it out here.



Have Randy around even when he isn't on TV.