Ashish's 2001 Pro-Wrestling Predictions:

• Eric Bischoff takes over WCW as speculated and makes immediate changes. Changes will go on to include the return of Hulk Hogan to a high profile spot, heavy free agent signings, and better TV production. WCW's backstage situation will increase in turmoil though, bringing back memories of WCW's wild backstage antics from a few years ago.

• The XFL will become a major success due to the creative approach by the WWF and NBC's marketing muscle. It will become a major success in only its first year and lift the WWF's standing as a major mainstream company, as well as expand the power of Vince McMahon. The XFL's success will also cause minor problems inside the WWF corporation, with focus being split between football and wrestling.

• Rob Van Dam signs with WCW following the take over by Eric Bischoff. RVD comes in to mid-card status with the promotion, but is given a good program and reaches solid success in WCW that lifts him to near main event status by the end of the year.

• Shawn Michaels will return to the WWF at WrestleMania and face Kliq buddy HHH in a very well hyped match. The match will go own to steal the show at WrestleMania. HBK will be put over heavily in the match and while HHH won't job, the finish will put HBK over more than the Game. HBK will then be baited back into another match later in the year.

• Scott Steiner will continue to impress as WCW Champion during the start of the year, however, Eric Bischoff's return will impact his standing on top of the promotion. Steiner will drop the belt to Goldberg in a well built feud but will remain a prime contender for the belt throughout the year.

• WWF TV ratings will continue to drop at the start of the year as pro-wrestling interest declines. Heavy focus on the XFL will also lower the WWF's product quality, opening the door for a hungry Eric Bischoff to start making some noise with WCW again.

• WCW will see Nitro ratings start to increase by the 3rd quarter of 2001. While their backstage situation worsens, TV production and promotion will improve, as will the surprise factor that elevated Nitro to #1 years ago.

• One current WWF star will end up jumping to WCW by the end of the year, opening the door for more free agent jumps in 2002 and further establishing another WWF/WCW war. The WWF will be heavily focused on the XFL and it won't be until the free agent jump that they once again shift focus to wrestling and start improving their product.

• ECW will continue to suffer from major problems throughout the 1st quarter of 2001. Jerry Lynn, Rob Van Dam, Kid Kash, and a few other high profile names will leave the promotion. ECW will look to be on its last legs but an alliance with a wealthy financial backer will help ECW reach a TV deal and solidify its position in the wrestling community. While ECW will only garner a late weekend time slot, it will provide them with the exposure they need.

• A major wrestling name will make a temporary stop in ECW late in the year that will cause a major buzz and improve ECW TV ratings. The appearance will boost ECW morale and give the promotion a much needed boost heading into 2002.

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