Dueling Chair Shots
by Kurt La Mont
column date 12/3/99

Memo to Paul E:  Bring HBK to ECW. Do whatever it takes to bring him in.  If
he truly has an interest to come in do what it takes to bring him in.  The
possibilities with him are endless.  I'm marking out right now thinking
about it.  Look at the buzz that Rick Rude created when he came in.
Michaels is in a similar situation as Rude was, as he can't wrestle anymore
but he can add a ton to the overall product.  He might be the most
charismatic wrestler ever.  Find a way to get it done.

The one thing that bothers me is that the rumor is that part of his
motivation would be to help put Justin Credible over.  Don't you think that
Paul E. has done this enough already?  How much more could possibly be done
to put this guy over more?

Why would HBK want to come in?  Personally, I think that Michael's misses
performing.  It's part of that huge ego of his.  He seems to be in the WWF's
doghouse and there's no chance that WWF would let him work for WCW, so ECW
is HBK's only real option to perform on a big stage.

Vince and Paul E. seem to have an amiable relationship so I imagine that
something could be worked out.  The obvious one is to release Taz from his
contract immediately and let Vince use him.  Hell, Paul E should do this
anyway.  Neither Paul E or Taz is benefiting from Taz being paid to sit at
home.

New Roster Additions:
I don't think I ever would have said that I thought ECW's talent roster was
too full but I think that point is getting close if it hasn't reached that
level already.  Paul E. is spending money on talent like it was going out of
style.  This is largely attributable to the Acclaim deal (see the previous
DCS for in depth analysis on that).  With only 2 hours of TV a week having
so many wrestlers might not be the best thing.  There's not enough time to
get over everyone.  There's going to be quality talent on the undercard
that's getting buried because of this as well as veterans who will be upset
at not getting enough TV time.  This could become a problem in the future.

Here's my take on all of the wrestlers who appeared at the latest show:
Too Cold - He was the reason why I was the only person who watched the
Legends of Wrestling PPV.  One of my favorite wrestlers who I hope is in ECW
for a longtime.

Tracey Smothers - This guy cracks me up as well as being a solid veteran
presence in the locker room.

Super Calo - No one puts on luchadore matches like ECW.  I'm sure he'll
continue the tradition.  Another solid addition.

Glacier - I can't say I'm too excited about Ray Lloyd being in ECW but maybe
he'll prove me wrong

Dusty Rhodes - This is a head scratcher.  I'm sure Paul E can do some good
things with him but I'm not sure if I want to see Dusty wrestling now, let
alone 10 years ago.