#cannot believe i had to gloss over no less than two homophobic comments and only one of them was remotely funny.

[hostilecityshowdown]

transcript below [thanks for posting!]

It's In The Ball, Baby!!! Predictions For 1999 By Vince Russo

[transcriber's note: some words or statements aren't transcribed for sensitivity purposes, due to use of derogatory, homophobic, misogynistic, racist, and ableist language. typical 1999 vince russo commentary. you're not missing anything. i've also italicised owen's section as it's bittersweet and a personal highlight, and out of respect, given the timing of this publication.]

[ various tarot cards litter page one and two. left to right and top to bottom: "the emperor," stone cold steve austin. "the devil," ministry undertaker. "the hanged man," val venis. "the star," dwayne the rock johnson. "the magician," mankind (and mister socko) ]

There is no question that 1998 was the most rewarding year personally for this Editor-in-Chief. As a whole, the World Wrestling Federation once again overcame all adversity in maintaining our position as the leader in sports-entertainment. Through all the ups 'n' downz we rolled with it, finishing the year stronger than we started. The experience was gratifying. One that I was truly grateful for... and I'll remember forever. BUT- as our illustrious leader sayz - THAT WAS YESTERDAY.

1999. One can only imagine what will happen next. I mean... let's face it, in 98 we saw it all. [russo summarises a few gimmicks featured in 1998.] Howdaya top that?! It's real simple. BIGGER-BETTER-BADDER-BALLZIER!!!

Stone Cold Steve Austin Some say that it's literally impossible for Stone Cold Steve Austin to top the year he had in 1998. But... is it? Whatever the challenge, the two-time former World Wrestling Federation Champion somehow, some way will find a way to overcome it. There is no doubt in [my] mind that the Texas Rattlesnake will once again reign as the Federation's Champion in 1999. Despite some "unthinkable opponents, Austin will be in the driver's seat by the dead of winter, only to come across his biggest test to date.

The Rock Ah, yes, the PEOPLE'S Champion. By the time we get to the "Grandaddy of 'em all," The Rock's run will come to a Stone Cold end. However, if the Rock's goin' down... he ain't goin' down alone. Look for the "People's Heel Boss" to hit Rock Bottom as well. However, following the short tailspin, The Rock will rise to his greatest height ever - perhaps making a few people jealous along the way.

Mankind/Dude Love/Cactus Jack SOCK RULZ IN 1999!!! You got that right - Mr. Socko will reach cult hero status in 1999, perhaps stepping on his friends along the way. The popularity may be too much for Mankind to handle, thus bringing our Cactus Jack on a more serious level. By the turn of the summer there will be no more fun and games for the double-crossed Mick Foley. Hindsight being 20/20... he never should have turned his HEAD!!!

D-Generation X Unfortunately, 1999 marks the end for perhaps the greatest faction to ever raise hell in the World Wrestling Federation. Billy and Road Dog will go their separate wayz in search of singles titles. HHH will get extremely greedy, losing Chyna along the way, [...] and X-Pac will shine as a solo competitor claiming the Intercontinental Title within the year. Only one man will be able to possibly reunite the super group and his initials will be S.M. Oh, you mean Super Man? Perhaps.

Goldust Flying solo Goldust will once again wear Federation gold. By the end of the year there will be the possibility of a family reunion; however, it won't include a wife or a daughter.

Steve Blackman Blackman will turn black heart sometime in 1999. After a succession of disappointments, the Lethal Weapon will begin to realize that nice guyz finish last. There is an outside shot of Blackman winning a title in 1999; however, it may be one of a BRAWLIN' nature.

Val Venis In a quest for absolute power, the Big Valbowski will make the mistake of picking fruit from a forbidden tree. The error of his decision will not only cost him opportunity, but perhaps even his job!

The Brood Beware of the Goth movement in 99. Together, Gangrel, Edge and Christian will change the face of the World Wrestling Federation as we know it. No, there won't be shadows, only darkness- TOTAL darkness. In the end it will all come together, and once the pieces are put into place- yo will be SHOCKED!!!

L.O.D. 2000 Trouble... HUGE trouble. After discovering that Droz was at the root of all their evils, the Legion of Doom try to salvage [...] the remains... but fail. In the end, perhaps the greatest team in the history of wrestling will be pitted against each other... with only the strongest surviving.

[ various tarot cards litter page three and four. left to right and top to bottom: "strength," kane. "the tower," ken shamrock. "judgement," d-x. "the high priestess," sable. "the fool," al snow (and HEAD) ]

Bart Gunn The Lumberin' Lefty will continue to KO opponents until members of an outside world step up for the challenge. Now, I'm not sayin' that Bart will get beat, but what I am sayin' is that it may take a TANK to stop him!!!

The Devil's Advocates After disappointing World Wrestling Federation careers, Faarooq and Bradshaw finally tap their potential en route to becoming a cold, ruthless killing machine. From his perch, Jackyl pulls the strings as the devilish duo capture tag team gold. WARNING: There may be more here than meets the eye... MUCH more!

Oddities The Parade may grow, but only after losing their leader along the way. A major influence may assist in making the Oddities perhaps the hippest happenin' in the land; however, their lovely lady may not be down with it. In the end she may eventually jump tracks in search of a much darker tunnel.

Al Snow & Head Al Snow's Cult following will have a tremendous impact on the Federation in 1999. Not only will HEAD merchandise go through the roof, but look for Al to put together a unit consisting of outcasts and underdogs who will come into their own under his guidance and leadership. Yes, the J.O.B. Squad will finally find a home.

The Undertaker You ain't seen nothin' yet!!! The Undertaker will be prominent in 1999- more dark, more eviil than we've ever witnessed in him before. In an effort to attain supreme power, Taker will turn to the supernatural and develop a [...] cult following that will endanger the future of the World Wrestling Federation. Believe me- Mr. McMahon will learn the true meaning of the Dark Side.

Kane Perhaps the only man capable of dismantling the Undertaker's evil empire, Kane knows the strengths and WEAKNESSES of the Lord of Darkness. Even though the brothers will remain bitter enemies, Kane will become a huge fan favorite and perhaps even ultimately the savior of the World Wrestling Federation.

Ken Shamrock In order to combat the factional forces that will threaten the Federation in 1999, look for Ken Shamrock to form a tactical group of "shooters" that will take up action to serve and protect. Some will be familiar faces, but look for former business associates of Shamrock to join the cause as well.

Owen Hart There is no doubt that Owen Hart will once again reach championship status in the Federation in 1999. Before the year is out, it will be a breakthrough year for the youngest Hart, as he breaks from the shadows and establishes himself among the elite.

Mark Henry & D'Lo Brown Both up-and-coming superstars will come into their own in 1999. They will experience a long run as tag team champions due to the guidance of an unlikely leader.

The Godfather Wait until you see who he hires as his madame.

"Dr. Death" Steve Williams See Ken Shamrock.

Jeff Jarret & Debra McMichael In 1999 we will find out rather quickly that "Debra gets what Debra wants." With looks that kill, and a mind just as dangerous, Ms. Debra will have a dramatic influence on Jeff Jarrett's career. It's been a few years since he's worn gold, but- with partner- Jarrett will don it again [...] in 1999. P.S. Don't be surprised if Debra "crosses the battle lines" sometime during the summer months.

Marc Mero & Jacqueline The honeymoon may be over between the Marvelous One and his lady in 1999, but look for both to achieve success on their own. Jacqueline will continue her quest for the Federation Women's Title, while Mero may take on more of a "business" role in the ranks.

Dan Severn See Ken Shamrock.

Big Boss Man Look for the Big Boss man to beef up his security staff in 1999, leaving those who choose to break the law... wishing they never had.

Tiger Ali Singh Tiger will achieve great success in 1999, en route to becoming the World Wrestling Federation Rookie of the Year. Sometime around SummerSlam Tiger may pull a HUGE upset, obtaining Federation gold much sooner than anyone- including himself- could ever have imagined.

Southern Justice Under new leadership, Dennis Knight and Mark Canterbury will become the best guns for hire that money can buy.

Sable Sable will set new standards as the World Wrestling Federation Women's Champion, but will suffer greatly from a deal gone awry sometime around mid-1999. Also look for a feud with the boss to lead to Austin-like heights.

Other Notes Between now and the "Grandaddy of 'em all" a major player will join the World Wrestling Federation... and things, as we know them... will never be the same!!! [ graphic of the scratchy "WF" logo used from 1997 to 2002 ]

Also these pages bc I like them