01/05/01 Internet Rumor
Mick Foley is taking time off from WWF television and appearances. He wanted to spend the holiday's and the New Year's with his family. In fact he will be taking the bulk of January off as well. Foley will return at the end of the month and re-start his on air feud with Vince and Stephanie McMahon. Look for Foley to possibly return alongside Linda McMahon.

01/19/01 Internet Rumor
Speculation has it that we may see a return by Linda McMahon sometime between now and WrestleMania X-Seven. She will most likely return to seek revenge on Vince McMahon and anyone who is aligned with him at that time. [Mark Peters]

02/15/01 Thursday Smackdown
Mr. McMahon walked  to the ring, carrying a heart-shaped box of chocolates. The chairman said he wanted to share a heartfelt moment with the fans -- his Valentine's Day gift to his wife, Linda.  Mr. McMahon then showed footage on the TitanTron of him visiting Linda at the home.

In the footage, the chairman told his desolate wife that he still loved her, which is why he placed her in such a ritzy sanitarium. He then handed his wife some roses, although he said it was too bad she couldn't appreciate them, the same way he said she never appreciated him. Mr. McMahon then said that his wedding band was a token of just how much he still loved her -- and he showed her his wedding band, which was conveniently on his middle finger! He said that a lot of people thought that he and Linda were divorced, but he said he wisened up once she got sick.

He said that when she got sick, he got 100 percent of everything, but if he had gotten divorced, then Linda would have gotten 50 percent of everything. Vince also said that Valentine's Day was about friendship -- and he brought in Trish Stratus. The chairman introduced Trish to Linda. Trish said that Linda reminded her of her grandmother. Trish then kissed Linda on the forehead, and said that Linda was cold as ice. Mr. McMahon said that some things never change. The chairman then said that since Linda couldn't appreciate the roses anyway, he was going to give them to someone who would appreciate them -- and he gave the roses to Trish! Mr. McMahon and Trish then left Linda sitting there.

Back in the ring, Mr. McMahon introduced the crowd to two of his closest friends -- William Regal and Trish Stratus! The two walked to the ring, and Mr. McMahon gave the box of chocolates to Trish. Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley then walked to the ring with a look on her face which could turn a man to stone. The chairman told his daughter to stay away from the ring -- but Stephanie got in the ring, speared Trish and slapped Regal! Regal and Mr. McMahon separated the two ladies, who were irate at each other!

Back in the parking area, an angry Trish told Mr. McMahon that she wanted to fight Stephanie! Mr. McMahon said no, and he and Regal put Trish into a limousine. Regal then suggested to Mr. McMahon that a Stephanie-Trish match on Pay-Per-View could make a pretty penny for the chairman, and the owner -- who just moments earlier was repulsed by the thought -- suddenly he seemed interested in making such a match for No Way Out!  [wwf.com]

02/19/01 Monday Night Raw
In the McMahon/Helmsley locker room, Stephanie asked Triple H if he was ready. The Game told his wife to calm down, as their match was still a ways off. Stephanie told Triple H that she was going to go for a walk to clear her head before their match against William Regal and Trish Stratus later in the night.

Stephanie couldn't wait until the match later in the night -- she headed straight to the ring! Stephanie said that her father wasn't at the arena, which left her in control. Stephanie said she was disgusted by the footage of her father's and Trish's visit to the sanitarium to see Linda McMahon, which aired last Thursday on SmackDown!

Stephanie said that her father and her had worked very hard to put her mother in her place, since there was only room for one dominant female per family. In the World Wrestling Federation, Stephanie said that female was her. Stephanie said that she had taken care of her mom, but now she had another meddlesome bitch to deal with! She said that Trish should have stayed in the backseat, where she was more comfortable! [wwf.com]

WebMaster's Note:  Got a feeling that Momma McMahon is going to have something to say to Stephanie before this is all over!

03/08/01 Thursday Smackdown
In a backstage locker room, Mr. McMahon was on the phone with someone, saying that he was very proud of Monday's humiliation of Trish Stratus. The Federation chairman said he also had some major humiliation in store for SmackDown!, which would be even better that what he did on RAW, since it was personal.

Back in Mr. McMahon's locker room, the Federation chairman spoke to Trish Stratus on the phone. Apparently, Trish was on her way to the arena, with Linda McMahon accompanying her!

Later, Mr. McMahon and Trish walked to the stage, and Trish wheeled out Linda McMahon, who was still in a catatonic state. The chairman said that even though Linda was heavily medicated, she could still hear everything he was saying. Mr. McMahon said that every Monday and Thursday, he instructed the workers at the sanitarium to wheel his wife in front of television so she could watch her husband run the Federation. He said he could only wonder what Linda was thinking on RAW when he told Trish to remove her clothes. He said that in doing so, Trish had earned his loyalty and respect, something Linda never had.

Mr. McMahon said that Linda had seen a lot on Monday, but he thought she still needed to see more. The chairman then took Trish in his arms and kissed her passionately, right in front of his estranged wife!

Triple H and Stephanie then arrived at the arena, only to run into Trish and Linda backstage! Stephanie was thrilled to see her mother, and Triple H was also happy to see his mother-in-law. A catatonic Linda could only sit in her wheelchair and stare into space as her daughter and son-in-law exchanged pleasantries with her.
 [wwf.com] For Pics - Click Here.

WebMaster's Note: If you've ever noticed Vince always gets his comeuppance whenever he acts like a complete ass.  Got a feeling he's really going to get it this time.  I think Trish and Linda are going to end up working together to get even with the WWF chairman.

03/09/01 Internet Rumor
After Raw's segment between Vince McMahon and Trish Stratus many fans are left wondering what the future will be for the two. Trish may very well be putting on an act to get some revenge on Mr. McMahon and Stephanie in the future. At some point we may even see Linda McMahon and Shane McMahon come back to take Trish’s side and going up against Vince and Stephanie. Keep in mind, this whole feud had sparked over the controversy of who the dominant female in the WWF truly is; Stephanie or Trish. In actuality the true dominant female in the WWF is the C.E.O., Linda McMahon. So we may see Linda and Shane come back together to restart the McMahon family feud. [Zach Zawarski]

03/09/01 Internet News
The Associated Press quoted Linda McMahon as saying the following: "While World Wrestling Federation Entertainment continues to evaluate the XFL on a weekly basis, we stand committed to our long-term goal of making the XFL a viable brand of alternative football." McMahon issued the statement after she was quoted on Tuesday as saying that the WWF was evaluating their involvement in the XFL on a week by week basis. That led the New York Post to write a storywhich said that the WWF may bail out on the fledgling, floundering football league at the end of the season. [Matt Watts]

03/16/01 Internet Rumors
Trish Stratus seems to have re-emerged onto the scene with Vince McMahon. There has been ample speculation surrounding this matter. The most likely reason is that there was no other angle to put Trish into at the time, which could also lead to more heat between Steph and Trish. With Linda back on TV, the McMahon family relationship seems heavily exposed. This will probably build up in the coming weeks, with a possible conclusion at Wrestlemania. Look for Linda to make a full recovery around Wrestlemania time. [James Dylan]

----- Shane McMahon is expected to get heavily involved with his father Vince and Trish Stratus. At first it looks like Shane will be happy for Vince, respecting Vince's authority. An angle the WWF are toying with is where Shane and Trish will have a secret fling, with Vince eventually finding out about it. If this storyline comes into effect, the McMahon family war will really take off on WWF TV. When Linda is fully recovered, she will have some form of revenge on her mind, for suffering so much humiliation. [James Dylan]

03/19/01 Monday Night Raw
Shane McMahon came to the ring for a public announcement. Shane said that it was a great thrill ride to be Vince's son. He said he grew up watching Vince do what he wanted to do to whomever he wanted to do. And Shane also watched people try, and fail trying, to stop Vince - Stone Cold, The Rock, Mick Foley among them. Shane then asked Vince if he wanted to play, because he was holding a contract, one that would allow Vince and Shane to play at the biggest show in the business! Shane then challenged Vince to a match at WrestleMania, if Vince had the grapefruits!

Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley instantly came to the ring upon hearing Shane's challenge. Stephanie said that Vince was doing what he was doing to Linda because he loved them! Stephanie then demanded Shane to rip up the contract! As she continued to beg Shane to change his mind, Vince McMahon and Trish Stratus came out to the stage! Mr. McMahon said that he could only think of one thing - Linda sitting watching Shane in the ring. Vince said he didn't think Linda would be very proud of him. Vince then sent Trish down to the ring to grab the contract so Vince could sign it. Vince walked down to the ring saying he'd never backed down from a challenge in his life, and he signed the contract! Then Vince climbed up in to the ring, as Stephanie tried to keep her father and her brother separated. Before Vince got in the ring, Triple H ran down and attacked Shane from behind! Mr. McMahon told the Game to Pedigree Shane, and Vince told Shane he would never forgive Linda for giving birth to him!

Vince said he would wheel Linda down to the ring at WrestleMania so she could watch Vince beat Shane's ass! Triple H's beating of Shane continued in the back, where the Game beat Shane across the parking area as Vince screamed on! As Vince told Shane their WrestleMania match would be a street fight, Triple H shoved Shane into a limo, and Vince told the driver to take him home to his mother!  [wwf.com]

03/23/01 Internet News
STAMFORD, Conn., March 23, 2001 - World Wrestling Federation Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: WWF) today announced its purchase of the World Championship Wrestling (WCW) brand from Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. (TBS Inc.), a division of AOL Time Warner.

The purchase of WCW creates a tag team partnership with the World Wrestling Federation brand that is expected to propel the sports entertainment genre to new heights.

In keeping with the company's strategic alliance with Viacom, new WCW programming is anticipated to air on TNN in the near future. The possibility of cross-brand storylines and intrigue, however, may start as early as Monday night during WWF Raw Is War on TNN and the final performance of WCW Monday Nitro Live on Turner Network Television (TNT).

The binding agreement provides World Wrestling Federation Entertainment with the global rights to the WCW brand, tape library, and other intellectual property rights.

"This acquisition is the perfect creative and business catalyst for our company," said Linda McMahon, Chief Executive Officer of World Wrestling Federation Entertainment. "This is a dream combination for fans of sports entertainment. The incendiary mix of World Wrestling Federation and WCW personalities potentially creates intriguing storylines that will attract a larger fan base to the benefit of our advertisers and business partners, and propel sports entertainment to new heights."

03/26/01 Monday Night Raw
As RAW came back from break, Mick Foley walked out to the ring! After a rousing ovation, Mick said that it was nice that the fans remembered who he was. Foley said that it was not to promote his new book, which hits stores in May. He was actually in Cleveland because he thought WrestleMania wouldn't be right without Foley involved! Mick said that he was getting involved in one of the biggest matches at WrestleMania, but before Mick could finish, Vince walked out to the stage and told Mick that he was trespassing! Mick said that he hated to disagree with Vince, but he knew he could be a part of WreslteMania, because he remembered an interesting bit if history. Foley recalled his days as commissioner, and the day Vince fired him. Foley said that on December 5, 2000, before he was fired, he had an important business meeting with Linda McMahon! Foley then showed a home video of his meeting with Linda, where Foley signed a huge stack of documents! Mick said that the most important document was the one that said Foley could be the special guest referee for any match of his choice at WrestleMania!

And the match Mick would officiate would be the Street Fight between Vince and Shane!  [wwf.com]

04/01/01 Wrestlemania X-Seven PPV
Backstage, Mr. McMahon told Trish to wheel Linda to ringside once Shane was immobile. As Vince and Stephanie were about to head to the ring, Michael Cole entered his locker room and asked about the shocking developments involving Vince and Shane from Monday night. Mr. McMahon said that something shocking would happen at WrestleMania -- in fact, he guaranteed it!

WCW chairman Shane McMahon was psyched for the street fight against his father, World Wrestling Federation chairman Vince McMahon. Prior to the match, Shane gave a special shoutout to some of his new friends from WCW, who were sitting in the skybox at the Astrodome. Shane then introduced the special referee for the bout. Mr. McMahon was accompanied to ringside by Stephanie, whose jumpsuit was adorned with the words "Daddy's Girl."

Vince slapped Shane as the match got underway. Vince choked out his son, but Shane battled back. Stephanie then got in the ring and slapped Shane!

Shane continued to battle with Vince, as the fight continued outside the ring. Shane scored with a clothesline off the security wall, and then got out a kendo stick from under the ring, nailing his father repeatedly! Shane then started jukin' and jivin', punching his father loopy! With Vince down, Shane took the top off the Spanish announcer's table. He hit his dad in the head with a TV monitor and put his dad on the table. Shane then went to the top rope and went for the elbow -- but Stephanie moved Vince from the table, sending Shane crashing through!

Suddenly, Trish walked down the aisle, wheeling down a sedated Linda McMahon! Trish looked like she was helping Vince to get up, but she instead slapped Vince! Stephanie then slapped Trish, but Trish slapped right back! Trish and Stephanie got in the ring and battled it out. Mick Foley pulled Stephanie off Trish, and Stephanie slapped Mick. Stephanie then slapped Mick, and Mick and Trish chased Stephanie from the ring!

With Shane still out, Vince realized that his sedated wife was at ringside. Vince looked at her with evil intentions, but Mick came back and told Vince not to think about doing anything. As Mick tried to wheel Linda from ringside, Mr. McMahon assaulted Mick with a steel chair. Vince then grabbed Linda's wheelchair and put his sedated wife into the ring! Mr. McMahon sat up a chair in the corner and sat Linda down. He then went outside the ring to get Shane -- he wanted to make Linda watch him torture Shane!

Mr. McMahon threw four garbage cans into the ring, nailing Shane with one of them, and screaming at Linda as he did so! But when he turned his back on Linda for the third time, Linda arose from her chair, much to Vince's shock! Linda then kicked her own husband below the belt! Mick Foley continued the assault for Linda, and then Shane got involved. Shane then put a trash can in Vince's face in one corner, and ascended the turnbuckle on the other side of the ring. The Boy Wonder then dropkicked the trash can into his father's head from across the ring! Shane then pinned Vince to win the match, and gave his mom a big hug! [wwf.com] For pics - Click Here.

WebMaster's Note: We told you in the beginning of March that Trish and Linda would end up working together and that Vince would get it in the end.

04/02/01 Monday Night Raw
Live from WWF New York, Shane McMahon told J.R. that he had a great time at WrestleMania. He said that it might be unnatural for a father to beat on a son and vice-versa, but he was proud of what he did. Now that Linda was doing all right, Shane said he was going to focusing his attention on WCW. He said that now that his mother was back on his feet, he hoped Linda would hit him in a place that might hurt a little more than the gonads - he smiled as he said he looked forward to Linda cleaning out Vince's checkbook.  [wwf.com]

04/09/01 Monday Night Raw
Mr. McMahon told Stephanie that he had a bad feeling about the rest of the night, especially after what J.R. said about Shane. Stephanie told him not to worry, but then she noticed Linda McMahon on a nearby monitor. Vince stammered for a moment, and then asked Stephanie to grab him a drink of water.

As Linda walked through the back of the arena, the APA greeted her and said it was nice to see her. Then, Chyna saw Mrs. McMahon and she greeted her as well. Linda McMahon then began to make her way out to the ring. Linda said she had three announcements to make.

The first one - that she has fully recovered and she is now of sound body and mind, and that allows her to resume her full responsibility as CEO of the World Wrestling Federation. Second - that she was very proud of her son Shane and she wanted to wish him luck with WCW. The third announcement had to do with her husband, Vincent K. McMahon. And in order to make that announcement, Linda wanted Vince to join her in the ring!

Mr. McMahon confidently walked to the ring and attempted to hug his wife, but she just pushed him away! Vince then demanded a microphone and told Linda he knew why she was there - because she was going to apologize to him for what she did at WrestleMania. Linda interrupted Vince and told him to shut up! Linda then showed footage from last year when Vince demanded a divorce from Linda. Mrs. McMahon said she was stunned that night, and he broke her heart and made her very sick. But not sick enough to be medicated against her will! Then Linda showed footage of Mr. McMahon and Trish Stratus to show how sick Vince became during her illness. Linda said that after WrestleMania, she still hadn't gotten enough revenge! Mr. McMahon then publicly apologized to Linda, even getting down on his knees! Linda then looked at Vince and told him to read her lips, because she wanted a divorce!

As Linda McMahon was leaving, Lita came up and told her that what had just happened was really inspiring. After Linda got in her limo, Vince ran up and demanded that she roll her window down! The limo just sped away. Vince then noticed Lita standing there and told her what inspired him - Lita and the Hardyz in a match against Stephanie, Triple H and Stone Cold Steve Austin! [wwf.com]

04/16/01 Monday Night Raw
As RAW opened, World Wrestling Federation Chairman Vince McMahon made his way out to the ring. Mr. McMahon said that it was just one week ago, in that very ring, that his wife Linda told him she wanted a divorce. Vince said that marriage was a sacred vow and that that vow should last forever - literally till "death do us part!" Mr. McMahon said that he believed that divorce should be illegal - it caused nothing but hardships and heartache, plus you were required to divide you assets! Vince then told Linda, who he said was watching at home, that he would not grant her a divorce! He promised to fight it in order to make his marriage work.  [wwf.com]

04/20/01 Internet Rumors
After Linda's divorce request on Raw, legal disputes are inevitable. Vince McMahon made a solemn statement several weeks ago that he wanted a divorce, and it looks like Linda will use his unthoughtful words to her advantage. The WWF storyline involving the McMahon family saga is set to continue long beyond Backlash, and is expected to be settled around King of the Ring time. It is thought that the WCW involvement will start to show through in a few months, when current WCW employees are back on their toes. Shane McMahon will obviously be the driving force of the future WCW storyline. [James Dylan]

----- The Linda-Vince McMahon divorce angle should stay in the scenes and really pick up after Backlash with an expected return of Mick Foley somewhere in the mix. Apparently the two fields open as a return excuse to bring back Foley full-time whether it be non-competitive or what have you, Foley will be brought back with the large stack of documents he signed as an excuse. The only other legitimate way to bring Foley back would be Vince/Linda go through with the on-air divorce and Linda brings back Foley as "her" commissioner. [Matt Boone]

04/27/01 Internet Rumor
A rumored idea being tossed about among the WWF creative team is that Linda's storyline of divorce and her owning 50% of the World Wrestling Federation, she would claim that she owns rights of some wrestlers contracts, so she would take them to World Championship Wrestling. This would make a lot of sense but nothing is confirmed as of yet. [Steven Carrier]

04/30/01 Monday Night Raw
Mr. McMahon and Stephanie made their way to the ring for the chairman's State of the Federation address. Mr. McMahon started by saying he was infinitely proud of Steve Austin and Triple H because they were different from anyone else, in that both refuse to live a life of mediocrity. Instead, they seize the moment, they create their own rules and they are leaders. Mr. McMahon then said he'd be remiss if he didn't mention what he thought were two blemishes at Backlash -- Shane McMahon's win over the Big Show, and Kane nailing Stephanie in the face with his boot, giving her a bruise on the side of her mouth.

As a result -- in the interest of fairness and complying with Austin's wish to defend the Federation Championship -- Mr. Mr. McMahon ruled that Austin would go one-on-one with Kane with the Federation Championship on the line. Mr. McMahon then turned the mic over to his daughter Stephanie, who introduced Austin and Triple H -- holders of every major championship in the Federation. Before the Power Trip had a chance to gloat, Linda McMahon appeared on the TitanTron live from WWF New York! Linda hated to spoil the party, but she indicated that Mr. McMahon's private life was a mess. She announced that their divorce attorneys were scheduled to meet this Friday, but she was willing to halt those proceedings if certain events were to occur.

So, in the interest of fairness, Linda ruled that since Kane's physical condition prevented him from competing for the Federation Championship -- and that he should have the night off -- Austin was to defend the title against the Undertaker! With that, Linda wished Mr. McMahon a good night! [wwf.com]

05/04/01 Internet Rumor
In a recent interview with Linda McMahon she stated the WWFE is going to approach the concept of making movies. Be it for TV, Video, or Feature Productions released in theatres. This confirms the rumor of the WWF wishing to purchase "Artisan Films/Studios". [Pat O'Connor]

06/11/01 Monday Night Raw
RAW IS WAR exploded live from the sold-out Richmond Coliseum in Virginia as Commissioner William Regal entered the ring. Mr. Regal said that he had a simple question - where has all the sportsmanship and decency gone? He said that last week's match between Mr. McMahon and Stone Cold and Chris Jericho and Chris Benoit would be forever tainted. Tainted because Chris Benoit was promoting nudity and poor sportsmanship by pulling on Austin's shorts to pin him!

Before he could go on, former Commissioner Mick Foley interrupted and joined Regal in the ring! Mick said that he wanted to admit that many times in the past, he had been guilty of committing tomfoolery! Mick said he wanted to announce a very important guest, but before he could announce his guest, Regal asked security to take Foley away.

Before security could come to the ring, Linda McMahon walked down the rampway! William Regal told Linda he was very excited to see her. Linda cut him off, and told him she had been thinking about and appropriate main event for King of the Ring. She said that Jericho and Benoit were both deserving of a title shot! Linda said that Stone Cold should face both men in individual matches - first, a match against Benoit. If he should win that, he would face Jericho later! Linda then rescinded, because she had a different idea, one that was given to her by Mick Foley! Foley pointed out to Linda something Stone Cold said last week - that he could beat both Benoit and Jericho at the same time! Linda announced that the King of the Ring main event would be Stone Cold facing Benoit and Jericho in a Triple Threat match!

Linda said that was what she wanted, and what her lawyers wanted, and what Vince would want - because it would make Linda's lawyers happy! She asked Regal if that was what he wanted, and the commissioner agreed to the match!

As Stone Cold Steve Austin arrived at the building, Linda McMahon greeted him, and he immediately got in her face. Mick Foley said that he didn't like how Austin treated Debra and he didn't like how he was treating Linda. Foley informed Austin of the King of the Ring match, which further incensed the Rattlesnake! Mick and Linda then left the building as Austin steamed. [wwf.com]

06/18/01 Monday Night Raw
Backstage, Stone Cold and Debra were talking in their locker room, and Austin said he needed a confidante. Debra said she could help him, but Austin shrugged her off. He said he needed a confidante, someone who knew about being a champion. Debra reminded him that she was Women's Champion, and the Rattlesnake laughed at his wife!

Stone Cold entered Regal's office, and Regal informed Austin that Spike wanted him in a match tonight. Regal suggested a six-man tag, with Austin and the Dudley Boyz against Spike, Chris Jericho and Chris Benoit. Austin said OK. The Rattlesnake then said he needed someone to talk to, someone to confide in. Regal said he was always there for him, but Austin said he wasn't talking about Regal, he was talking about Tajiri. Austin asked Regal to leave, and the commissioner did so.

Stone Cold sat in Commissioner Regal's chair and complained to Tajiri that Linda McMahon was ruining his life. Austin said he would never let a woman run his life. Stone Cold said it wasn't right for him to be treated that way, and he asked Tajiri what he thought the answer was. Tajiri mumbled to him in Japanese, and Austin said Tajiri was a very wise man. Commissioner Regal then came in and said that it was time for Tajiri's match, so the two headed to the ring!

Backstage, a limo arrived at the arena, and out walked Vince McMahon! McMahon was approached by the Brooklyn Brawler, who asked the Federation chairman how he was doing. Vince said he was doing pretty well, except for the fact that his wife's divorce attorneys had just put him through the ringer. McMahon then asked where Stone Cold was, and the Brawler told him that Stone Cold was in his office.

Stone Cold was polishing his Federation Championship when Mr. McMahon came in. McMahon asked Austin how he was feeling mentally. Austin said he was focused, and felt good. Mr. McMahon said he wanted to ask Austin about a couple of things, specifically about the hug Austin gave him last week on RAW IS WAR, and the look on Austin's eyes. He asked Austin what he was thinking. The Rattlesnake said it was just a good old-fashioned hug. McMahon then asked about the petition, saying that Linda wouldn't change her mind, and that Linda wasn't a rational woman. Vince said he was also angered that Austin decided to defend the Federation Championship against Spike without consulting with him. McMahon then questioned why Austin would put himself in a six-man on RAW. Austin said he was sick of Vince, and he gave Mr. McMahon an ultimatum -- it was him or Linda! The Rattlesnake then walked out of the locker room, leaving a perplexed Mr. McMahon behind. [wwf.com]

06/21/01 Thursday Smackdown
In Mr. McMahon's locker room, the Federation chairman was on the phone when Stone Cold Steve Austin entered his locker room. McMahon quickly hung up, and Austin asked Vince about the ultimatum he gave him on RAW -- him or Linda. He asked Vince if he had made up his mind. The chairman said he was still thinking about it, but he said Austin probably could predict which way he would go. Austin said he had a present for the chairman -- and gave him a hunting bow! Stone Cold even gave Mr. McMahon his hat! The chairman was taken aback by the whole situation!

Mr. McMahon was playing with the hunting bow when Stone Cold and Debra walked in. Debra was holding a stack of homemade cookies. Vince said the cookies were delicious, and Austin said they tasted like crap, and he liked to skim them across the river! Austin then yelled at his wife for putting too much sugar on the cookies!

Austin then went back to Mr. McMahon, and the chairman again thanked him for everything. Stone Cold then gave Mr. McMahon a framed and autographed picture of the two men shaking hands at WrestleMania! Austin said that the two of them were like the old song -- "That's What Friends Are For."

Later, Stone Cold was looking for Vince McMahon backstage, and he asked a technician where Vince was. The technician responded that he thought Vince had left the building, and Austin said that was impossible, since Vince wouldn't have left without telling him good-bye! During the break, Stone Cold entered Mr. McMahon's locker room to find the cookies, picture, hat, and bow and arrow lying on the couch, with Mr. McMahon nowhere to be found. Austin took the stuff back for safe keeping until he saw the chairman again.

As Stone Cold walked away, he ran into Mr. McMahon, who informed Austin that he had been with Michael Cole, who had threatened to sue the Federation for what happened earlier in the evening. McMahon said he had talked Cole out of it, but Cole was still thinking about suing the Rattlesnake -- and if so, Mr. McMahon insisted it was coming out of Austin's wallet! McMahon then told Austin the chairman would not be at King of the Ring, and when Austin went to hug McMahon, McMahon stopped him, and issued an ultimatum to the Rattlesnake -- retain the title at King of the Ring, or else their relationship was through! As McMahon walked away, a dejected Stone Cold thought about the ramifications of that statement, as SmackDown! went off the air. [wwf.com]

06/28/01 Thursday Smackdown
Vince addressed Shane's accusations from RAW IS WAR that Vince had blocked his son from getting a TV deal for WCW. Mr. McMahon said he was doing the public a favor. And as for SmackDown!, Vince challenged Shane to come to the ring so he and the Federation could kick Shane and WCW's asses! Instead of Shane, however, Linda McMahon came down to the ring! Mr. McMahon's estranged wife said she knew Vince didn't mean what he had said about MSG, knowing how passionate Vince was about the Federation's home away from home. Linda talked about how much the "Madison Square Garden moments" meant to her on RAW, although she said Vince had left out one important Garden moment -- when Vince asked her for a divorce last December!

Mr. McMahon tried to calm the situation, saying that he had changed since that December night. He said he was trying to be reasonable and trying to work things out with his wife. Vince said he still loved his wife. Linda said that somewhere down deep, maybe he still did love her, but along the way, it had lost its spot on his list of priorities. She then said that she wasn't on SmackDown! to talk about love, but instead to talk about fairness.

The Federation C.E.O. suggested that starting this coming Monday night, Vince allow WCW matches to be a part of RAW and SmackDown! -- if he really was a reasonable man! Vince said it was the most ridiculous thing he'd ever heard -- even more ridiculous than Linda asking for half his money in the divorce proceedings! The Federation chairman said hell no, he wouldn't allow WCW matches on his shows! Linda accused Vince of being afraid of some healthy competition, and then suggested that they give the fans what they wanted to see. She suggested that they change July's Pay-Per-View from Fully Loaded to Invasion -- a WWF vs. WCW supercard!

She asked Vince if he was afraid of the competition, and Vince said she was on! Vince promised that at Invasion, he would drive WCW right out of business! [wwf.com]

06/29/01 Internet News
Linda McMahon held a conference call with the media yesterday morning relating to the release of the WWF's fourth quarter financial report. During the call, Linda stated that there are plans for WCW to run separate house shows and pay-per-views. She said that "the goal" is to hold the first WCW pay-per-view in October.

At one point, Linda stated that there are not plans to use new television time slots for WCW programming. Linda later admitted that the idea of a separate show was discussed with various Viacom networks, but blamed production expenses and soft advertising rates for not following through on the idea.

Linda confirmed that Smackdown will eventually be broadcast live on UPN. Linda said part of the reason behind this decision was to prevent internet sites from reporting the results and storylines prior to the show airing.

Linda announced that a "Tough Enough" music CD will be produced later this year. She stated that the WWF and MTV will split profits from the CD. [Fred Cook]

----- It is expected that Linda McMahon will end up joining sides with Shane McMahon's WCW. Linda would be the main source of power for WCW wrestlers appearing on TV. [Aaron Rift]

----- In Linda McMahon's recent conference call, she said that the WWF was first interested in putting 2 hours of WCW programming on either TNN or MTV, but plans have changed. She said that down the road they may revisit the idea once WCW is getting good and solid ratings.

Linda McMahon also said that they are still trying to sell more advertisements during WWF Raw is War. She said that the inventory has yet to start selling well. The reason for is is that the cable programmers don't start buying ads until the broadcast networks have actually finished their purchases. "This is the worst upfront season across the board in eight to ten years," is what McMahon said about selling ads. [Jonathan Siderman]

07/02/01 Monday Night Raw
As RAW was about to go off the air, Mr. McMahon told Torrie backstage that he thought that one day she would be a huge superstar. As they chatted in the laundry room, Torrie began taking Mr. McMahon's clothes off! She took off the chairman's pants and then told him to close his eyes, because she had a big surprise for him! The owner did just that -- and turned around to find his estranged wife, Linda! The owner mumbled and then fell over in a heap, as his wife just stared at him. [wwf.com]

07/05/01 Thursday Smackdown
Backstage, Mr. McMahon was pacing in his office when Stone Cold Steve Austin and Debra walked in. Mr. McMahon began to tell the Rattlesnake how humiliated he was last Monday on RAW IS WAR when his wife found him half-naked in the laundry room with Torrie Wilson. Debra said she thought he got what he deserved, which prompted Stone Cold to snap at Debra.

At that point, someone knocked on the door. After the voice behind the door asked for Mr. McMahon, Angle happily let the man in the office. The man then slapped Vince with an envelope containing a subpoena for him to appear in court for divorce proceedings on July 23 – just one day after Invasion! Mr. McMahon said he couldn’t believe that women were always trying to set him up and ruin his reputation. Debra said she didn’t think that was possible. Vince said he wasn’t going to let it happen, so he decided that he was going to go to the public and tell his side of the story. He said that if he told the truth, the public would understand his stance.

Federation Chairman Vince McMahon made his way to the ring to tell his side of the story concerning his divorce. Backstage, Stone Cold and Angle watched the scene on a monitor. Speaking to the Tacoma audience, Vince said that when every person dies, they either leave a good or bad reputation. He said that his wife, Linda, wants everyone to believe that he is a womanizer, a philanderer and even a skirt-chaser. He said this past Monday on RAW, his wife and WCW’s Torrie Wilson set him up and tried to give him a bad reputation. He said that he had no intentions of going that far with Torrie. He said he was simply testing Torrie’s loyalty as a prospective Federation Superstar. He said the past few days had been pretty traumatic for him, and tonight was no exception, seeing as he was served with a subpoena to appear in court with his wife the day after Invasion. He said he simply wanted to protect his reputation, and he wanted to tell everyone watching him – including the judge that will be presiding in his hearing on July 23 – that he is sorry for everything he has done. He was sorry for ever causing anyone any pain. He was sorry for any heartbreak that he may have given. He was sorry for being misunderstood, misinterpreted, and for even being born!

At that point, Federation Commissioner William Regal said he couldn’t stand to see Vince do this. He said it was his overwhelming kindness that made him the victim in this situation. The two then had an emotional hug in the ring, which angered Stone Cold and Angle in the backstage area. Vince said that Regal was right. It was not his fault that women all over the world found him incredibly attractive and irresistable, and that it wasn’t his fault that he was a verile man. It wasn’t his fault that he was charismatic, that he was a self-made billionaire that people take advantage of or that he was well-endowed. He then thanked God that he was Vince McMahon and that he was damn proud of it! [wwf.com]

07/06/01 Internet Rumor
It is expected that Linda McMahon will end up joining sides with Shane McMahon's WCW. Linda would be the main source of power for WCW wrestlers appearing on TV. [Aaron Rift]

07/19/01 Thursday Smackdown
Back in his office, Vince was on the phone. He hung up, and explained to Austin and Debra that he was just told that his divorce proceedings were officially on hold. [wwf.com]

07/20/01 Internet Rumor
The Vince McMahon - Linda McMahon divorce storyline is apparently put off for now. The idea is for Vince McMahon to get over as a baby face so that when Austin makes his expected return sometime before or during Invasion, the McMahon-Austin-Angle storyline can continue without Austin being a heel for doing so. [Matthew Boone]

07/27/01 Internet Rumor
The Linda McMahon/Vince McMahon divorce angle looks as though it will be scrapped. With all of the new turns and twists among the invasion angle, it would only be logical if both Linda and Vince would want to team up in an effort to save their company. [Mark Peters]

10/11/01 Thursday Smackdown
Shane said that the expression wasn't said often in Moline, but life is great, and life was a lot better since RAW, when Stone Cold Steve Austin regained the World Wrestling Federation Championship. He said that Austin's win put the Alliance right back on top as the most dominant force in sports entertainment. Stephanie said that she felt great on Monday night, but after Stone Cold's win, she felt unbelievable. She said the Alliance was all about truly great people. With that, she introduced fans to the newest member of the Alliance -- Federation Commissioner William Regal!

The commissioner headed to the ring to a chorus of boos. Regal said that he was a man of integrity, and it was his responsibility to make sure that the Federation Championship was around the waist of a man who was everything a champion should be -- strong, virtuous and courageous. Unfortunately, he said, the Federation had no one to fit that description -- but the Alliance does. Regal then introduced that champion -- Stone Cold Steve Austin. The Rattlesnake and Debra walked to the ring, with Austin flaunting his newly won title. Stone Cold said he was very emotional, and wanted to thank everyone in the arena and around the world for their support in his journey back to the Federation Championship. He said that on RAW, he beat Kurt Angle, 1-2-3, and he'd felt the excitement of millions of Americans coursing through his veins, and it felt good. Austin said he had a long thank-you speech written, but had decided to make it short and sweet -- "It's over." He said he knew Angle thought he deserved a rematch, but said it's over!

As Austin chanted "It's over," Linda McMahon's music played, and out came the Federation CEO! Linda said that things were far from over for Stone Cold -- in fact, she said it was a whole new beginning. Linda said she would begin with Commissioner Regal. As of this minute, she said his services as Federation commissioner were no longer required! To be more blunt -- "You're fired!" she screamed! Austin said that she couldn't fire him, but Linda said she just did! Linda then said that there would be a new commissioner on SmackDown!

She said she had other announcements to make, but she would allow the new commissioner to make those announcements! She also reminded Stone Cold that as Federation Champion, his activities and matches were governed by the Federation commissioner. She said that as the old expression goes, when you live by the sword, you die by the sword -- it's true, it's true! Suddenly, an irate Kurt Angle snuck into the ring and attacked everyone, locking Austin in the ankle lock and punching out Regal!

Moments later, an irate Regal complained to Shane and Stephanie backstage about the humiliation he received from Linda and Angle. Stephanie said that you could choose your friends, but you couldn't choose your parents. Shane questioned who the new commissioner would be. Later in the evening we were introduced to the new commissioner - Mick Foley. [wwf.com]

10/22/01 Monday Night Raw
Stephanie came out with Shane and the two stood on the stage as Vince and Linda were in the ring. Shane said one thing that makes him sick is watching two old people kiss. Stephanie then got ready to speak, and the fans chanted 'Slut, slut, slut!' and Stephanie asked why those two old prunes don't just dry up and blow away? They've survived long enough, so why don't they move on down to Florida and retire with the rest of the elderly people? Vince said they've actually thought about that, but they've decided that now is probably not the time. Not just yet. They didn't have everything handed to them on a silver platter like Shane and Stephanie have. Everything Vince and Linda have, they earned it. The way that they earned it, well, they took risks. Calculated risks, and quite frankly, that's what they're here to do tonight. Propose another calculated risk. Vince has had it with this Alliance crap and this Invasion crap. So what he's proposing is that this thing comes to a head, once and for all. What he's proposing is that at Survivor Series, for once, that name is truly what it is.

Stephanie then said speaking of Champions, the new WCW Champion, Chris Jericho...Vince cut Stephanie off, and Vince informed Stephanie that Chris Jericho has been booked to compete tonight. He's involved in a tag team match. Jericho is going to help beat the Dudley Boyz and bring back the WWF Tag Team Titles where they belong. By the way, Jericho's tag team partner here tonight, The Rock! Quite frankly, if the two of them are up for it, there are lots more challenges headed their way tonight. Shane asked if he wants to keep throwing on challenges, what's to stop Shane from walking down this ramp and kicking Vince's ass?! Shane and Stephanie started to walk to the ring, but the Alliance Commissioner made his way out to try to restrain Shane. Vince asked Shane to come on. What is stopping him from coming into the ring? Vince got ready for a fight, and Shane said that Vince is lucky. Not in front of mom. Linda questioned that, and she told Vince to look at their children. What has happened to them? Where did they go wrong? Look at their daughter. She has become a man eater, and their son is a wuss! Shane wanted to get in the ring and fight, but William Regal stopped him from doing so.

Later Shane and Stephanie were shown, and they were upset as Vince and Linda were very pleased that Kurt Angle won the United States Championship! [powerwrestling.com]

10/25/01 Thursday Smackdown
Shane and Stephanie weren't in good moods, after the Alliance lost four championships to the World Wrestling Federation on RAW. Shane said that his own mother had the audacity to call him a wuss on RAW, and asked who that "bitch" thought she was talking to! He said he was the owner of WCW, and the man who would put it all on the line at Survivor Series. According to Shane, it was all about control, and that the Alliance would be in control at Survivor Series. He said when the Alliance won at Survivor Series, either the Federation Superstars would work for them, or they would just retire. He said that between now and Survivor Series, he would not allow the Alliance to be dismembered.

Later Vince and Linda were celebrating Al Snow's win over Tazz backstage, when Sgt. Slaughter came in with a message from Shane. Shane had sent the message that he was waiting in the parking lot, and wanted to fight Vince in a street fight. Vince said he'd been waiting for this since WrestleMania, and that this wouldn't take long. He told Linda to wait in the locker room. Vince went out to the parking lot and called out his son, but Shane was nowhere to be found.

Back in the McMahon locker room, Shane and Stephanie entered, much to Linda's surprise. Shane said that he wouldn't fight Vince in a street fight on SmackDown! -- he would do it on Monday's RAW. Shane took his mom to task for calling him a wuss on RAW, and challenged her to do it again. He physically intimidated Linda, to the point where she slapped him to break free. Shane said it didn't feel good to be slapped, and he held his mom and allowed Stephanie to slap her mom right in the face! Shane called his mom a wuss as he and his mom exited the locker room.

During the break, Shane and Stephanie ran from the arena. Moments later, Vince returned to the locker room to find Linda crying, and with a big bruise on her face. Vince asked Sgt. Slaughter to take Linda to the car, and the Federation chairman was clearly not a happy man.

The main event on SmackDown! was a Hardcore Championship match, as The Rock challenged Rob Van Dam. The men soon battled up the ramp, and as they battled back to the ring, they started using steel chairs and garbage cans. Rock scored a near-fall after a Rock Bottom onto a garbage can! Rock looked to have the title won with a sharpshooter, but Shane McMahon came down and broke it up. RVD then went up for the Five-Star Frog Splash, and Shane threw the ref back into the ring. But Rock kicked out! Shane yelled at the ref, and Vince McMahon suddenly ran to the ring, looking for his son! Vince chased his son into the crowd. [wwf.com]

11/16/01 Internet Rumor
The WWF has been talking about returning the entire Vince/Linda divorce angle in upcoming weeks. It really looks like things are going to start to heat up over the next few weeks, first with Survivor Series this Sunday. Ric Flair, as reported, is slated to possibly make an appearance on RAW Monday and with the Linda/Vince divorce angle possibly coming back into play, next week's Carolina TV tapings look to be the major turning point within the company. [Ryan Clark]

11/30/01 Internet News
On November 21st, WWF's Linda McMahon held a press conference regarding the WWF's quarter earnings and current situation. Below are re-worded news and notes from the conference call:

Linda stated that she's not happy with the current WWF ratings. She states that the WWF will continue to work hard to bring out more creative ideas for the company and regain a lot of the ratings they lost this year. According to Linda, the reason why the WWF has dropped in ratings is because of the storylines not being appealing.

Concerning DirecTV's deal with the WWF - Linda said that the WWF continues to negotiate with them and hopes to reach a deal with them sometime in the near future.

Linda said that WWF merchandise sales have dropped - but toys and video game sales are up.

WWF New York has felt the effects of September 11, 2001. The WWF nightclub has changed its name to "The World." Linda then stated that WWF New York will be more "entertainment" based soon ...

In March of 2002, there will be a TV special on the Divas on UPN the Friday leading up to WrestleMania 18.

Tough Enough 2's soundtrack is expected to be released sometime in 2002 along with Lillian Garcia's CD.

The WWF is very pleased with their recent Sony video deal. This deal has brought more mainstream publicity with their videos now being available in Wal-Mart, Sam's Club, etc.