By Jim Ross
Dec. 3, 1999
WWF.COM
This week in the Ross Report, J.R. comments on the offer Trish Stratus received from WCW, Ken Shamrock's return to the ring, D'Lo Brown's future and much more.
Random thoughts, opinion and news………..
Stone Cold Steve Austin was in Cleveland on Wednesday consulting with Dr. Henry Bohlman, orthopedic surgeon and director of the Spine Institute at University Hospitals of Cleveland. Dr. Bohlman feels the surgery will most likely relieve Austin's symptoms and enable him to return to normal life activities. Dr. Bohlman recently performed successful back surgery on Baltimore Orioles legend Cal Ripken, Jr. Austin will soon undergo a surgical procedure the world renowned orthopedic surgeon pioneered more than 27 years ago, and has performed hundreds of times at University Hospitals of Cleveland. Rehab after the surgery is about two months and then a conclusive determination can be made regarding Stone Cold's in-ring status. WWF officials are very optimistic about Austin's future, especially after Wednesday's consultation with Dr. Bohlman.
Toronto's Trish Stratus has finalized her long term contract with the WWF and should be starting soon on WWF TV. Trish reportedly turned down a lucrative offer from the WCW to sign with the WWF.
D'Lo Brown, once again for the record, has 18 months remaining on his existing contract and is expected to remain in the WWF for years to come. Contrary to what others are saying, D'Lo has no plans or desire to leave the WWF. Quite frankly, why would he want to go elsewhere at this point in his career?
Ken Shamrock has been cleared to return to in-ring work after Dec. 17. Ken looks great and seems to be anxious to get back in the ring.
The WWF's May PPV in the UK sold out in 6 hours this week in London.
A second UK PPV in 2000 has tentatively been set for early December in Sheffield. Details are still being finalized.
Madison Square Garden will host its 7th consecutive WWF sell-out Saturday night. Boston will have its 5th consecutive WWF sell-out Tuesday for Smackdown.
Smackdown overnights from the metered markets were a 5.8 rating. The national number will be coming in later on Friday.
MTV's "Timeout" program will feature Chyna in the near future.
Look for Moolah and Mae Young to be a unique part of the upcoming Billboard Music Awards TV Show.
MTV will be doing a major promotion in support of the 2000 Royal Rumble to be held in MSG on Sunday, Jan. 23.
Linda McMahon will be a guest on the Fox News Channel Friday afternoon.
Vince McMahon and the Rock were photographed this week for an Entertainment Weekly feature on the "Entertainers of the Year."
New York Magazine is also doing a feature on Vince McMahon.
Expect to see more WWF exposure in TV Guide soon, as early as January.
Al Snow and Mick Foley's MTV "Loveline" appearance will air in January.
Mankind is shooting another major Chef Boyardee commercial in New York City today.
Toy retailers are very pleased with sales of WWF Merchandise leading into the holiday season. The "Titan-Tron" seems to be doing very well.
A huge ratings victory for the WWF Monday night over the folks from Turnerland. Thanks for tuning in!
The Rock's video entitled, The Rock: Know Your Role is #1 on Billboards Recreational Sports charts. Hell Yeah: Stone Cold's Saga Continues is #2. The WWF holds 8 out of the top ten spots on the charts.
A few WWF staff members saw Universal's Man on the Moon Thursday night in Stamford and thought it was very entertaining and had a superb story of the bizarre life of the late Andy Kaufman, played by the incomparable Jim Carrey. I think you will really like the "Wrestling" scenes and content. The King, who turned 50 last Monday, did a super job playing himself and I was pleasantly surprised of how much of my commentary was used, also. I hope you check it out later this month.
Thanks and stay healthy. See you soon.
