Updated 2/19/99

I'm Rudy Seitzer, and welcome to CSWA Grapevine, where we track down the rumors running rampant here in the world of wrestling.  As always, I have to start with a standard disclaimer:  we cannot verify any of the rumors reported here.  Some may be true, some may be outright false...but they've all been passed to me by various sources.  So don't come crying to Rudy...got it?

I've gotta start this off with the biggest thing to hit me in a while. ELI FLAIR - OUT. For only the secocnd time in his career, Eli Flair is taking time off due to injury. There's no word on how seriously injured that left leg of his has become, but the word around my office begins with "S" and is one of the most feared things an athlete faces.

Also noteworthy, as far as Flair is concerned, is his loss of the United States Heavyweight Title to Nemesis. This is the shortest title reign of Flair's career, though he seems to have little interest in regaining it. One word for you, and it's obvious that Sammy's legacy lives on: "Bugbrain."

What side of the fence is PLR on these days? "Iceman" Steve Radder seems to be endeared to the fans, but where does that leave Love and Powers? They were cheered when they took on the Unholy backstage, but that would put Eddy Love on the side of Mark Vizzack and Deacon. I hear they're working the two against the middle, hoping to play both sides of the CSWA against each other.

Speaking of working the CSWA against itself, Co-Commissioner Merritt's personal war took another twist at PRIMETIME in Lincoln, as he personally insinuated himself in Aaron Douglas' title defense against Randy Harders. Whether he's looking to find himself another 'Corporate' Champion or not, whether Douglas gets his ten million from his lawsuit, he may live to regret making an enemy of Chad Merritt.

Poison Ivy, estranged manager of Eli Flair, has replaced Sammy Benson's "Happy Hour" with her own "IVY League." Ms. Ivy seems to have regained the form she had in 1996 when she worked part time as a commentator. But will she truly be happy, now that she's ended her four year working relationship with him? And will her relationship with Hornet finally have some answers attached to them? We'll just have to see.

That's it for now, Fans.... I'll be keeping you posted.