THE ROSS REPORT

By Jim Ross
June 9, 2000

NCAA National Champion Brock Lesnar from the University of Minnesota has signed a multiyear developmental contract with the World Wrestling Federation. The nation's No. 1 collegiate heavyweight wrestler will start his WWF career in Ohio Valley Wrestling in the next few weeks. Brock is 6 foot 3, 270 pounds and grew up on a dairy farm in South Dakota. His natural strength and athletic ability are tremendous, as is his work ethic. Hopefully, Brock will be cut out of the same cloth as Kurt Angle and will become as valuable to the WWF as the Olympic gold medal winner has become, after being groomed in the WWF talent development program. OVW is a great place for Brock to start his career and we have very high hopes and expectations for this young All American.

Stone Phillips of NBC (the network home of the XFL) spent the day Thursday with The Rock to record an interview for NBC's "Dateline" program. The airdate has yet to be determined. Phillips conducted the interview at The Rock's new home. By the way, after being a guest of Mr./Mrs. Johnson in their home recently, let me tell you it's a beautiful place. Rock's wife Dany also spoke to NBC and Stone Phillips even went to the gym with the "Great One." Should be a positive piece and we'll let you know when it will air.

Taka Michinoku and Sho Funaki will soon be re-signing with the WWF, which is excellent news from where I sit.

The Big Show's knee rehab is apparently progressing well. Much is expected of this young giant and his physical conditioning and overall work ethic is expected to be greatly improved upon his return to the ring.

Billy Gunn probably will not return until September from rotator cuff surgery. Mr. Ass is rehabbing diligently and seems to be in the most positive frame of mind he's been in quite some time. This guy has unlimited physical skills and has the potential to be a big time player. He really may be the best pure athlete on our roster.

Even though the Undertaker is not at 100 percent, he is still one of the toughest men in the business and refused to stay on the sidelines any longer. This awesome man's mental and physical toughness is to be admired by all who follow our business. Taker appeared in Raleigh, N.C., Thursday in support of SummerSlam.

Shawn Michaels will be in Phoenix this Saturday to kick off ticket sales for RAW, coming in September.

Taka and the Headbangers will be competing in Shawn Michael's Texas Wrestling Alliance on June 16, 17 and 18.

Rikishi and Too Cool will be featured in a New Crunch 'n Munch TV ad campaign to be filmed June 14 in Chicago.