March 3, 2003 Observer Newsletter: Paul Heyman removed from SmackDown creative, more

World Wrestling Entertainment has made several creative changes including the elimination of most of the influence of Paul Heyman from the creative process as well as an apparent pulling the trigger on the plans for splitting the PPV shows.

As reported here several weeks ago, the plans, effective at King of the Ring, is to promote eight brand specific PPV shows per year and four dual brand PPV shows. It is expected this announcement will be made officially at the company’s stockholders quarterly investment conference which comes after this issue’s deadline.

King of the Ring, which takes place on 6/15 in Houston, will be an All-Raw show. Vengeance, which takes place on 7/27, will be the first All-Smackdown show. SummerSlam on 8/24 will be a joint show, while Unforgiven (9/21 in Philadelphia) will be a Raw show, No Mercy on 10/19 will be a Smackdown show, Survivor Series will be a joint show, and Armageddon on 12/14 will be a Raw show. Royal Rumble and Wrestlemania next year will also be dual brand shows.

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