Wrestling Observer Newsletter Update

- The latest iPPV, Starrcade, did about 2,000 buys. The original hope was for 3,000, but it was never going to get there anyway. This should be seen as a pretty big positive regardless, since 2,000 is about the same number as ROH's Final Battle and not that far off from ROH's Best in the World - which still holds the record on iPPV buyrates.

- The company is taking a hiatus until a television taping on 1/7. This will cover the next three shows and start the build to the next iPPV, which is supposed to take place at the end of February. From talking with Dave Lagana (the interview for which will be available on the web site shortly), the next iPPV will be a concept show revolving around one match. The idea will be to spend the next few weeks introducing new talent and promoting the iPPV concept. It's probably going to be some type of gimmick battle royal based on early indications. We won't really know for certain until 1/12, when the next episode of WCW Underground airs.

- There seems to be a hang-up all of a sudden with John Hennigan (John Morrison in WWE) and his contract. He was hired almost immediately after being let go, but apparently not there's an issue and he might not be debuting any time soon.

- I was told that the finish of the six-man tag match at the iPPV with JML and the Briscoes taking on Three Kings was something of a response to Austin Aries' behavior backstage. He took four finishers that night - one from Mark, one from Jay, one from Mark and Jay, and finally one from JML. For what it's worth, it seems whatever issue he had with management might have been eased out and there should be some pretty big changes for him in the future.

- I've heard a lot of rumbling about there being some NOAH involvement in the near future.