June 12, 2002

The world of wrestling is starting to experience major changes. Wrestling fans are asking themselves if the Stone Cold era is over in WWE. We are starting to see the emergence of another wrestling federation as NWA-TNA begins pick up speed and make a run at the wrestling world. The Rock is spending all of his time in Hollywood and leaving wrestling fans to wonder if they will ever see “The People’s Champion” in the ring full time. Wrestling fans are anticipating a possible Bill Goldberg return. Will it happen and is it even worth the anticipation? A transition is upon us. How will the wrestling world respond and will it be tipped on its axis?

After Austin walked out on RAW Monday night, it left WWE officials and wrestling fans wondering if we have seen the last of the Stone Cold era in WWE. Many people claim Austin is acting selfishly and does not want to put anyone over but himself. Others say he has reason to be upset because the WWE writers are doing a poor job with his character. I addressed Stone Cold in my last column. I stated that his character is becoming too predictable and deep down; I believe Stone Cold feels the same way.

What will happen to Austin? Will he continue to perform at the main event level in WWE? Will he leave WWE to join another federation? Will he leave the wrestling world completely? Anything can happen at this point in time. Regardless of the outcome, rest assured that Stone Cold has made a permanent mark on the wrestling business and he will do what is best for himself and his fans.

Jeff Jarrett and his father seem to have the ball rolling very nicely with their new federation, NWA-TNA. They have acquired some talented wrestlers so far and they seem to be geared towards giving the fans the best wrestling on television today. The question now is whether or not the wrestling fans will take to the new federation and give it a chance to make a run at WWE. NWA-TNA has assembled a great staff of writers. The potential of seeing entertaining storylines is endless.

It is time for another federation to step up to the plate and maybe TNA has what it takes to do it. NWA has a tradition far greater than WWF/WWE. If any federation can give WWE a run for their money at this stage for the wrestling world, it is NWA-TNA. It will require “Total Non-stop Action” in order to draw interest from the fans and give fans the variety and spark they are starving for. Keep a watchful eye on Jeff and Jerry Jarrett’s promotion. Great things could happen there.

The Rock has gone Hollywood and it is possible we may see him there more than we will see him in the wrestling ring. Who can blame him? He can make more with one movie than he can doing years of work with professional wrestling. Of course, The Rock will always be affiliated with wrestling in some fashion, but not the way he used to be. One of the greatest wrestling entertainers of all time may not grace us with his flamboyant persona any longer. How will the wrestling world adjust to losing The Rocks full attention? It leaves the door open for future stars to emerge, but none will be quite as entertaining as The Rock. How much will The Rock’s absence affect wrestling and will his Hollywood success become as great as everyone is predicting?

Bill Goldberg’s name has been circulated heavily through the Internet rumors. Will he return and align himself with Vince McMahon or will he keep himself removed from wrestling forever? Many fans must consider whether Goldberg is even worth the effort of bringing him back to wrestling. His wrestling skills were never that great and he does not possess the physical intimidation he once held. Wrestlers such as Brock Lesnar and Triple H have a better physical presence and are far better wrestlers. What can Goldberg bring back to wrestling that will make it better and more entertaining? That is a question everyone can ponder.

Wrestling is about to change. Will it be for the better or for the worse? Only time will tell. All wrestling fans pray it is for the better. Maybe it will take the wrestling world being drastically tipped on its axis in order to bring stability and entertainment back to this great sport we call professional wrestling.