WWE Stars Have A Scare In Iraq, No Way Out Plans, 08 Draft

Source – Wrestling Observer Newsletter

– While in Iraq for the Tribute to the Troops taping, several WWE superstars found themselves in grave danger. A helicopter carrying Dean Malenko, Mickie James, Carlito, Chris Jericho, JBL, and Ron Simmons was damaged while landing, stranding the superstars for five hours in a war zone in Tarmiyah, Iraq. They were in the middle of fires, smoke bombs, dead animals, and razor wire everywhere while hanging out with soldiers in an unsecure location.

– Advertising for February's No Way Out pay-per-view in Las Vegas has already begun. Right now they are pushing an Elimination Chamber with the winner getting a title shot at WrestleMania. The deal is that the Royal Rumble winner will pick which champion he faces. The top wrestlers likely from the other brand will battle for the other title shot. Names being advertised are Shawn Michaels, Jeff Hardy, Mr. Kennedy, Umaga, and Bobby Lashley. It is unusual to see advertisements out this early as historically they don't come out until a few days prior to the pay-per-view. It also appears that the plan when the ads were written is for Chris Jericho not to be in the championship picture.

– As reported yesterday here on the site, WWE is talking about holding another draft in 2008 following WrestleMania. Lots of ideas are being pitched about making major changes to all three rosters, but it is likely WWE will first get a game plan down for WrestleMania before they start the booking process to move the superstars.