Tough Enough Updates: Jackie, Harvard Chris, Nidia, and More!

For those of you who, like me, are tired of “parents” groups complaining of violence on TV, the WWE actually did something about it. This, along with a $3.5 million settlement (among other considerations) is the result of the WWE’s lawsuit against the Parents Television Council: http://www.parentstv.org/Main/letters/wweretraction.asp

We’ll start off the report today with what will probably be the final word (except, of course, for my endless carping) about the TE2 finale, suggested by an astute reader. The supposed reason that the WWE chose two women is that the women aren’t required to have as much wrestling skill as the guys. In addition, obviously, the WWE thought they needed more women wrestlers in the federation, where they had many, MANY guys fighting for the mid-card positions that Jake or Kenny would receive.

In other words, it would be easier to integrate the women into the shows quicker.

The question this raises is an important one: WHEN did they make this decision? Did they effectively choose their winners when the final cuts of Anni and Pete were made? Most importantly, in my mind, was Jake right on the ball when he complained that the men never had a chance?

Speaking of no chance, let’s turn to Jackie. She’s been continuing her one-woman offensive against every other woman in the WWE, including Linda, Trish Stratus, and sweet, sweet Molly Holly. If ever there were dead-solid PROOF of what I’ve been preaching, this last Monday’s match with Trish is it. I don’t think any single spot hit in that match. It’s been unanimously panned in every internet report I’ve read, and been described by many as “the worst match of 2002.”

Now, Trish Stratus isn’t exactly Ricky Steamboat, but I find it hard to believe that the end of Trish’s recent run of excellent matches had nothing to do with Jackie. Why is Linda on the sidelines while I have to watch this crap?

And those who use the defense that Jackie is meant to be T&A, well, anyone watching the Divas special last week can argue that one with you, too. I’ve received comments ranging from “amateur stripper” to “walks like a man.” When your sexuality is referenced by a Howie Mandel movie, maybe it’s time to pack it in.

For those of you firing up the email programs, telling me to get over it, don’t waste your time. As long as Jackie soils my TV screen on Mondays, I’ll complain about it.

Nidia also continues her annoying character, a recent highlight being her boyfriend Jamie Knoble showing off their new double-wide trailer he bought with the Crusierweight championship bonus. They proceeded to get all excited about the fact that the trailer had running water. Hey, I don’t write ‘em. Personally, I’m just waiting for Hillbilly Jim to reveal that he’s the father of Jamie and Nidia.

Harvard Chris continues to impress in his angle against Bradshaw. He was given a taped promo spot in the most recent Raw, quite a nice push for the man.

Chris’ fellow runner-up on TE1, Josh, was scheduled for this Wednesday’s NWA:TNA PPV. He was to take place in the six-man “X” Championship match, but it was announced Monday that he would be replaced with no explanation. On one hand, it is possible that WWE gave him a developmental deal to keep him off their competitor’s show, but on the other hand, you’d have to wonder if the WWE would go to such lengths. We’ll update you on this situation when we have more information.

Thanks again to Jeff Nettleton for the following updates:

I keep forgetting to mention Taylor’s website, www.taylorstuff.net. I’m mentioning it now. She has updated the site with details of her most recent match in Japan for the Arison promotion. Word is that she’s more than one step behind the Japanese women, but that’s to be expected in such a shoot-style. Again, we’ll keep you updated on the latest.

Hawk won his first match against Rod Steel, who I’ve heard of but have never really seen. No word on how his X-Men 2 audition has gone.

Danny lost to Billy Reil in his match on June 22 for Jersey All-Pro Wrestling. Danny will be at the JAPW show Saturday July 13th in Seaside Heights, NJ. Also, he'll be at the MCW "Shane Shamrock Memorial Show" next Wednesday the 17th in Glen Burnie, Maryland. Be sure to check him out if you're in the area.

I mentioned the NWA:TNA earlier. On their second show, they had a ‘lingerie battle royal’ with a number of former valets and female wrestlers. One of the participants was named Erin, with a cheerleader gimmick. According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, she was one of the 25 finalists for TE1. She was supposedly a lock to make the 13 when it was discovered that she made a little TOO nice-nice with one of the judges. Needless to say, she was cut immediately.

According to one of my sources, Erin was actually a semi-finalist from Tough Enough 2, not Tough Enough 1. Erin was disqualified for some 'inappropriate conduct' with one of the judges at a nightclub and in the casinos. It wasn't quite to the level of the hot-tub incident, but since it was with one of the WWE judges, it was decided that it would compromise the integrity of the show. {snort} If they only knew.

Paulina has been rumored to be training in the OVW training facility, but she hasn’t been signed to a contract. We all know that Paulina has been spotted by Dale Sherman at some OVW shows in Louisville, but no one seems to be sure what her status is.

We also haven’t seen any news on Matt, after the “revelation” six weeks ago that he had been offered a developmental deal.

Finally, a few words on TE3. Final selections will be made this weekend in Los Angeles, which will essentially make up our Casting Special. Anyone with inside information is welcomed to email me at mikmaria@earthlink.net, with confidentiality, of course, assured.

No real word on WHERE the actual show will take place. As we’ve reported in our Newsline, all around good neighbor and drunkard Kelsey Grammar objected to the TE3 crew filming in his neighborhood. Yes, God forbid they do anything weird or unusual in Los Angeles.

I have two theories on this: either Kelsey saw the “MTV” attached to the project and figured it was some sort of Spring-Break-ish beach house party thing, or he saw last season and didn’t want that type of crap going on near him. Even a model citizen like Kelsey has his limits, I guess.

E-mail Mike at: mikmaria@earthlink.net.

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