Backstage reaction to online Hassan statement, Variety, Batista article
On Friday, July 22, 2005 at 3:35 PM EST According to reports, many people within WWE were said to be surprised about the company issuing a statement on WWE.com last night regarding the future of the Muhammad Hassan character on the SmackDown brand. Despite word hitting the internet that the Hassan character would like be killed off this Sunday at The Great American Bash PPV, many were under the impression that WWE.com would wait until after the show to issue the statement. Instead, it now spoils the finish for many fans who will be ordering the event this Sunday. From what is being said, WWE posted the note on their website to satisfy UPN. There is talk already about having Hassan returning to Ohio Valley Wrestling to repackage himself as moving him to RAW would not be an option Spike TV would appreciate. We will have more on this situation later today.
Credit: Dave Scherer @ PWInsider.com
On a related note, Variety has already picked up on the story of WWE pulling the Hassan character from SmackDown due to a request from UPN. For more, click here.
IGN.com has an interview up with World Heavyweight Champion Batista. In the interview, Batista talks about his move from RAW to SmackDown, the recent draft, The Great American Bash and more. To check it out, click here.