Batista, JBL might swap shows
April 24, 2005
BY BLACKJACK BROWN
As was announced Monday by Vince McMahon, the WWE will hold its second annual draft lottery in a few weeks. What Vince didn't announce was the strong backstage rumor that the WWE hasn't been thrilled with the feud between Batista and HHH and that the new champ could be on his way to SmackDown in a blockbuster trade.
Batista is way over with the fans, has drawn big crowds and put on top-quality matches. But really, where do Batista and HHH have to go from here? Moving Batista to SmackDown immediately would give the Thursday show a ratings boost and would set in motion a series of feuds with Kurt Angle, Big Show, Mysterio and John Cena.
The word is that JBL could be the man on his way to Raw in a trade. His act might play better on Raw, and the Monday night crew could use a new headline-quality heel.
AROUND THE RING: Hulk Hogan's match at Backlash is his last in the WWE -- for now. Of course, it is extremely likely that the Hulkster will be back again, but for the moment the WWE and Hogan are taking things one match at a time. ... Some in the WWE are concerned Chris Jericho might not re-sign when his contract expires.
April 24, 2005
BY BLACKJACK BROWN
As was announced Monday by Vince McMahon, the WWE will hold its second annual draft lottery in a few weeks. What Vince didn't announce was the strong backstage rumor that the WWE hasn't been thrilled with the feud between Batista and HHH and that the new champ could be on his way to SmackDown in a blockbuster trade.
Batista is way over with the fans, has drawn big crowds and put on top-quality matches. But really, where do Batista and HHH have to go from here? Moving Batista to SmackDown immediately would give the Thursday show a ratings boost and would set in motion a series of feuds with Kurt Angle, Big Show, Mysterio and John Cena.
The word is that JBL could be the man on his way to Raw in a trade. His act might play better on Raw, and the Monday night crew could use a new headline-quality heel.
AROUND THE RING: Hulk Hogan's match at Backlash is his last in the WWE -- for now. Of course, it is extremely likely that the Hulkster will be back again, but for the moment the WWE and Hogan are taking things one match at a time. ... Some in the WWE are concerned Chris Jericho might not re-sign when his contract expires.