partial source: Wrestling Observer
The buyrate for WWE’s first tri-brand non-“Big Four” pay-per-view, WWE Backlash 2007, has come in. Not including buyrate numbers for December to Dismember, Backlash 2007 was the least watched WWE pay-per-view since 2004. The previous low was No Mercy 2006, which did about 195,000 buys total. Looking at the graph on corporate.wwe.com, which you can see here, Backlash came in just a smidge below No Mercy 2006, which held the dubious distinction of being the least watched non-ECW pay-per-view since 2004. Judging by the graph, it looks like Backlash 2007 did approximately 190,000 buys. This number is down from last year’s show, which did 215,000 buys, and was a single brand pay-per-view no less. Also note, the number for Backlash 2007 is a preliminary estimate, so it may get a slight bump and not wind up being the least watched non-ECW pay-per-view within the past few years.
It looks like “Hurricane Steph” has claimed two more victims. It’s just coming out that WWE (with Stephanie McMahon more than likely behind the moves), quietly released two talents within the past week. Their names haven’t been reported yet, but they should be coming out within the next few days. Considering that WWE hasn’t announced anything regarding a release within the last few days, it probably wasn’t anyone from the main three rosters. The individuals in question were likely from developmental, or perhaps it was someone sitting on the sidelines (i.e. Henry O. Godwinn, Rob Conway, Too Cold Scorpio, Nick Mitchell) and not on the main roster. Or perhaps it was someone from behind-the-scenes. We’ll keep you posted on the names and stories behind them when they finally come out. There is said to be a “hilarious” story behind one of the firings.
The Sandman will be making a guest appearance at the Pro Wrestling Unplugged show on 6/16 at the New Alhambra Arena (the old ECW Arena) in Philadelphia. Both he and the late Mike “Johnny Grunge” Durham of Public Enemy will be inducted into the venue’s “Hardcore Hall of Fame.” The first two inductees were Terry Funk and Rocco Rock, who were inducted last year.
WWE Great American Bash 2007 poster REVEALED! (>>)