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| Former TNA Star and new WWE wrestler Monty Brown is backstage at the arena right now and could debut tonight. Credit: PWInsider.com |
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| As Mike reported a few minutes ago, Paul Heyman is gone from WWE. From talking to a number of people in company, the impression I received was that Vince McMahon was irate about how awful the PPV was last night and wanted to pin the blame on Heyman for it. Anyone who knows anything about Heyman's booking, as I have for years now, have a pretty good idea that the show was much more McMahon than Heyman. But according to people I spoke with, Heyman got pinned with the blame for it with the theory being that "he is caught in the past and doesn't understand the new vision of ECW". You know, the vision that ends PPVs a half hour early and makes the fans boo what WWE creative books for them. The problems started yesterday at the ECW PPV when everyone realized that the show really stunk. Heyman was said to be unhappy with the way that the show was booked (big shock right) and sources backstage told me that he voiced that concern both before the show and after it. People at TV told me today that it was obvious that there were issues between Vince McMahon and Heyman because of the how the show played out on pay TV, with everyone knowing it was a disaster. Problems carried over from last night and led to the incidents that happened today. A number of sources told me that there was a meeting today around two o'clock with Heyman, Vince McMahon and Stephanie McMahon-Levesque at the building. Heyman came out the meeting and seemed like his normal self, with no one I talked to having any idea that something bad had happened. Shortly thereafter, Heyman gathered his things and left the building to go home. The word going around from everyone I talked to is that this is not a storyline in any way and he is legitimately done with the company. |
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| Paul Heyman was sent home from today's scheduled ECW TV taping and has been officially "dismissed" from WWE by Vince McMahon. This is not an angle. Heyman is already on a plane on his way home. Heyman had a meeting today that included Vince McMahon in which he apparently expressed disappointment with the product. The product that aired on PPV was different than that which was originally booked by Heyman and submitted to McMahon. There were last second changes in the show that frustrated Heyman. More to come... From Keller |
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| From WWE.com: Initial reactions by the ECW Extremists to today's announcement of Paul Heyman's dismissal seem split down tenure lines. The ECW Originals appear upset and in a state of shock, whereas the new breeds seem to have a more optimistic outlook. "I'm shocked right now," said Tommy Dreamer. "I don't know what's going on right now." Dreamer boasts the longest tenure with ECW and has known Heyman for over ten years. Fellow ECW Original, Stevie Richards was equally shocked by the announcement. "I have no idea what to say, except whatever Paul decides to do eventually, I wish him the best of luck in future endeavors," said Richards. While many of the ECW Originals were too shocked by Heyman's dismissal to react to the situation yet, Rob Van Dam had some very strong words to say. While the two have not always gotten along over the years, RVD clearly doesn't like the idea of Heyman not being a part of the brand. "I think that without Paul fighting for the better direction to take ECW I fear that it's in for some horrible changes," said Van Dam. It seems the Originals are wrestling with the idea of what an ECW without Heyman will mean. However, for those who have only been with Heyman and the brand since debuting on Sci Fi in June of this year, the future it looking bright. "To quote a famous man, Hulkamania dies when Hogan dies, 'Woo' dies when Ric Flair dies, but when that man [Heyman] is gone and while he's gone, ECW will live on," said relative newcomer Elijah Burke. "During a hurricane, some trees fall, others remain standing," explained Matt Striker. "During a hurricane, some houses fall, others remain standing. But the fishing is always better after the hurricane has passed." In an industry where nothing seems constant, one ECW Original summed up what you can always count on. "Well it just goes to show you, nothing ever surprises you in the world of [sports entertainment]," said Little Guido. |
| QUOTE (eStragand @ Dec 5 2006, 12:37 PM) |
| More I read about it..the more I'm thinking "work". Especially since Heyman's speech at the PPV is available on WWE's website. Currently, there are no real angles in "ECW", so this is their attempt to make one. If ECW's still around in two months, I'm guessing Heyman comes back then (with the baseball hat to signify he's a face). |
| QUOTE (The Last Free Voice @ Dec 7 2006, 04:17 PM) |
| Eh, can't say I'm really all that surprised or disappointed. I only watch ECW for Punk, and I'm sure he'll find another spot somewhere should ECW get pulled for whatever reason. |