Hey folks, it's Rudy Seitzer with the final (probably) GRAPEVINE of the year.

You folks at home finally got to see what happened in Orlando. I can't express how much fun it was to be able to go interview Shane Southern and Troy Windham in the ring. The pretaped ON TIME in Charleston airs later this week... in fact, for some of you, by the time you read this, you'll have seen ON TIME in your local market. Not to ruin it for you, but don't miss the Deacon/Hornet match... and aftermath. I hope you enjoy it... I've had a blast with the new ON TIME show this year, even if it means dealing with little Billy Buckley.

ON TIME was picked up for the 2003 season, and it looks like the TV taping schedule has been expanded to include more dates. It means that you're going to get to see a lot more of some of the great shows that previously only those in attendance got to see.

The new season goes live as the calendar turns, first featuring SHOWTIME in Raleigh and ON TIME in Norfolk. The SHOWTIME lineup runs the gamut from veteran to CSWA newcomers put into some great matches, including a GUNS/Ryan rematch for the Greensboro Title.

Speaking of GUNS and Ryan, those two are part of the growing number of 'stables' around here. By my count we've got the GXW contingent, the 'new' PLR, the Intruders, and now, Southern and Troy. I wouldn't be surprised to see a couple of other guys (*cough* Lawrence Stanley *cough*) join up with Mr. N'awlins and Mister CSWA.

So, let me get this straight. Out of the goodness of his heart, Chad Merritt issues an ultimatum to Evan Aho that he's going on the injured list and being pulled off bookings. We all know that Merritt doesn't do anything out of the goodness of his heart, his feet, or his misshapen little heart. Granted, we all know Evan's shoulder was in bad shape. But more importantly, he had just lost the CSWA World Title... and how would Chad get his glorious Windham/Aho rematch if Aho was busy losing matches due to his injury?

If you don't realize how much Merritt wants the title off Windham, then you haven't been around long. Of everyone in this company, Windham is the one man that Merritt has absolutely no control over. There may be others that rank high in that category, but right now, Windham is the ultimate untouchable when he comes to Merritt's power plays.
Why you ask? Because he doesn't care. For him, it's not about the CSWA, Merritt, or even the sport. When I figure out what it is about for him, I'll let you know.

And how does Merritt react when he doesn't have control? Let's just say things could get very interesting. Merritt obviously had one pulled over on him by someone in regards to all these GXW wrestlers signing. He's got a 'rogue' World Champion in Windham; someone he can't control. He's got another triumverate of veterans, The Intruders, who can't be anticipated. Overall, it's enough to make Merritt very nervous... and that makes him very dangerous.

Folks, that's it for me. I hope you've had a great holiday season, and have a safe and happy New Year.