The year 2003 has arrived and there are many expectations among wrestling fans this year. To many fans, 2002 was a huge bust in the world of wrestling. Fans are hoping 2003 will bring a much-needed spark to the world of wrestling. One of those potential sparks is the comeback of Stone Cold Steve Austin.

Many fans would love to see Austin back on WWE television. I must admit that I am not one of those fans. Many of you may remember my recent column titled “Austin + Absence = Relief”. If you did not read that column, you can read it at www.chairshots2cranium.com. In that column, I expressed my delight in Austin’s Absence. 

I have nothing against Austin himself. I just grew very tired of his boring and predictable character. What are fans of Stone Cold Steve Austin expecting with his potential return? Do they think Austin will be different and that is character will be entertaining? I’ll admit, his return would add a very quick spark to the wrestling world, but that spark will soon go out after a few weeks when Austin gets settled into his character again. 

We will see the same storylines as before. He rivals some other wrestler, gets beat up during the feud, they battle back and forth until the PPV, and Austin prevails in the end with the “Stunner” and a 3 count. Then, it is on to the next feud.

If and when Austin returns, I would like to cast my vote for a completely different Austin. Bring him back as the “face” character we have always known, except turn him into a drastic heel soon after his return. However, it is likely it will not go over with the fans. You will still have a great deal of fans that will cheer Austin no matter what. 

The problem with Austin’s last heel turn was he still resembled his old “face” character except for the cowardly behavior he portrayed. If writers want to really put him over as a heel, change his appearance completely. Keep the bald head, shave the goatee, give him different wrestling attire and a totally new ring entrance. Let him keep his edge about him, but change everything else.

I’ve heard mention of a 4 Horsemen return in the near future. Austin would be a good candidate as one of its members. He used to be a Horseman during his WCW days. The new Horsemen could comprise of Triple H, Steve Austin, Batista, and Randy Orton with Ric Flair as their leader. 

That is just an idea right of the top of my head and does not necessarily have to happen in order for Austin to get over as a heel. My whole point here is that if we see Austin again on television, don’t bore us with old storylines and character habits. 

I know there are many loyal Austin fans out there who will disagree with what I have said and will be a little upset. I’m sorry for that, but this is the way I feel and the way it should be if and when he returns. And for goodness sakes, PLEASE do not bring back the “WHAT?” gimmick. I’m begging you!!!!

In the coming year, there a few things that must happen in wrestling. One of those things is the strong emergence of a solid # 2 company. That company must land a TV deal and begin to rival WWE. NWA-TNA is the logical choice for the position, but it will not happen as long as they continue their weekly PPV shows. Get a TV deal and let the battle begin. 

Seeing new World Champions is another thing that should happen in the coming year. Wrestlers such as Chris Benoit, Booker T, Kane, and Batista are very good candidates for new champions. Expand the amount of Superstars in the business. It will only help the continued growth of the business.

I would also like to see the return of the Undertaker as his “Deadman” gimmick. WWE is already hinting that possibility for the Royal Rumble, but will he be in true form in his return. We shall find out very soon. 

Another event that must happen in 2003 is to drop the new tag belts on Smackdown. There is absolutely no need for them and it only drags the tag division down further. 

One last thing I would love to see in 2003 is less PPV’s and more time to build storylines and feuds. Remember back in the 80’s when we had only 4 major PPV’s. Royal Rumble, WrestleMania, SummerSlam, and Survivor Series. One PPV in the Winter, one in the Spring, one in the Summer, and one in the Fall. There does not have to be just 4 PPV’s, but I think it would help build up storylines and characters if they decreased the amount of PPV’s until the business is thriving full force again. Once characters and storylines are at its peak again, bring back the monthly PPV’s. 

What do you think about everything I have mentioned in this column? Don’t be shy, create a new email with my email address, Chairshots2head@yahoo.com, in the “TO” column and let me hear your thoughts and opinions. I want my Inbox flooded this week. Also, be sure to visit my official website, www.chairshots2cranium.com and view the many features of the site.