NATE STEIN - HIGHLIGHTS OF NEPA AND MORE THIS WEEK (06/22/02)

CHIKARA has shows every Friday until at least the end of September at Bud Carson's Pro Wrestling World at 1313 Linden ST in Allentown, PA. However, every fourth Friday of the month starting next week will be KIYROKU, the area's ONLY female based pro wrestling organization which states on their site, "dedicated to bringing you women's wrestling at it's very best, without the nonsense. No catfights. No evening gown matches. This is about serious wrestling from serious wrestlers...who just happen to be women."

PWF announces a talent exchange with Zero-One in Japan from June 27 to July 7.  Next show July 14, with one interesting stand-out match - a Canadian Lumberjack match with Steve Corino v. Jack Victory where various PWF wrestling and THREE LUCKY FANS (!?) will have leather straps.

PWF-NE just came off Convergence with wrestlers from PWF-Universal and PWF-MS.  Newly crowned PWF-MS Cruiserweight champion (from PWF-NE) Tim Kilgore will be at PWF-MS in July to defend his title.

WXW's next show is June 22 in Hazelton.  Their show set for tonight in Danbury, CT has been rescheduled to July 5, followed by their debut at the ECW Arena on July 6.

WSWF announces a benefit show for Camp Dost in Millville, PA on July 11.  Camp Dost is a camp for children suffering with cancer.  They have a co-operative show with AAWF in Hanover on June 22. 

Hardway Wrestling returns July 19 to the Northampton Fire Department in Northampton, PA.

Ring of Honor returns to Philly on June 22 with the opening round of their title tournament consisting of "The New F'N Show" Jerry Lynn, "The Anarchist" Doug Williams, "The Fallen Angel" Christopher Daniels, Low Ki, American Dragon, Spanky "The Show Stopper", "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles, The Amazing Red, "The All Around Best" Xavier, "The Black Nature Boy" Scoot Andrews, Jay Briscoe, Prince Nana, Paul London, Jody Fleisch, Jonny Storm, and Bio-Hazard.

JCW crowns its latest J-CUP winner, RECKLESS YOUTH!  Unfortunately, competitor C.M. Punk received what was believed to be a second concussion that night and sustained a skull fracture and had blood removed from his spinal column.  The "Battle at Bergenfield" is June 29.

CZW announces talent and show exchanges with E.P.I.C. in California.

JAPW's Fat Frank provides its BIG announcement; no more free JAPW shows.  Next show in Seaside Heights on June 22.

IHPW responds to recent comments stating, "1)IHPW will be back in action in September.  2)Johnny Thundar is no longer with IHPW, thanks for your hard work, but we are moving in a new direction.  3)There will be some sort of thing happening with the IHPW this summer. I just cant address what it is, because it is not confirmed.  4)The next in line for a title shot is Inferno.  5)While it's a flattering idea, no we will not have Stone Cold Steve Austin on our shows!"

'In the Ring With the Bald Guy' returns with guest hosts Marshall Law and Love Bug and talk about this busy wrestling weekend. Get in the Ring (1240 AM WGBB in NY/NJ/CT) has Jerry Lawler and Todd Gordon.  Live Audio Wrestling talks about the Steve Austin Situation and with Dave Meltzer and Royce Gracie.

Some quick Ross Report notes:

• Injury Reports:  Edge will have light work to test his shoulder, Goldust has compressed disks in his back and a degenerative disc disorder, Raven has foot pains, Billy pulled his groin (NOTE:  yes, even with that stretch), Tim White had shoulder surgery and should return in 3-4 months with 75-80% of motion returning, Tazz will be out of ring action (NOTE: YES, LONGER) due to a lump on his side, and Eric Angle has an appointment on July 24 to check on his return status.
  
• Ross mentions he has not talked with Austin yet since his leaving, hopes that Russo is a good contributor to the company, passing of Hall of Fame announcer Jack Buck, thoughts on King of the Ring (NOTE:  pay attention to several comments regarding lack of time to develop storylines), thoughts on developmental talent, Rey Mysterio, Tough Enough III casting July 10-12, signing or not of Goldberg, and his cookbook is in paperback.