Random musings from my brand new gray derby while anticipating No Mercy which is only two days away.

The triple threat main event of Angle vs. Van Dam vs. Austin should be very good. Possibly excellent. The talent is there, that's for sure. It's just a matter of how well three different styles will mesh together. Of course, now you have the proverbial monkey wrench in Vince McMahon in the picture.

I mentioned last week that I believed The Rock-Chris Jericho match-up for the WCW Championship at No Mercy could be a classic. I think this week's TV firmly established my statement that this will be a classic confrontation. >From where I sit, this feud is an example of what we need more of in the Federation; hatred between two opponents. No gimmicks, no silly angles involving kiddie pools, just hatred. Sounds simple, but oh so effective.

I think the ladder match for the Intercontinental title will be a sleeper. The storyline for Edge and Christian isn't as strong as it should be, but I believe their work will make up for it. These two young Canadians are a couple of great hands.

Test vs. Kane will be a helluva match. It's a battle between the stud and the hoss.

Booker T and Undertaker should have a solid outing. Might have bowling shoe tendencies at times, but the effort will be there. Both have minor injuries to work through, but once again, the effort will be there. No doubt about it.

The first-ever lingerie match in WWF history will be a time for us all to sit back, relax, and take a deep breath before the main event. It sure as hell won't be a technical masterpiece so you can throw the star system out the window. It's a unique contest, however, since Torrie and Stacy will start the match in their underwear. It's a time like this when I wish "The King" was on commentary with J.R. instead of "The Queen."

Dudley Boyz vs. Tajiri & Big Show should be entertaining. Same can be said for Hurricane & Lance Storm vs. the Hardy Boyz. With the exception of Show, all of these talents are great hands that can be counted on. Show, by god, isn't a stud, blue-chipper, or hoss, but an ox. A very charismatic ox.

Russ McCullough, a former three-year starter in football for Missouri, has a lot of raw athletic ability. He's got a ways to go, but this guy is going to be a bonafide stud.

Some may call me "old school," but the marquee says "wrestling" dammit.

Randy Orton will be working a WWF live event this weekend in Columbia, Missouri. He'll also work dark matches before Raw and Smackdown this week. This kid has a good head on his shoulders.

I'm still hoping the crusierweight/lightheavyweight division is given the attention it deserves. Unfortunately, the WCW Crusierweight and the WWF Lightheavyweight Championships won't be defended in St. Louis at No Mercy.

Mick Foley's "Halloween Hijinx" is #8 on the New York Times Children Best Seller's List. Not bad considering the Federation hasn't done a "hard sell" for it. Unless you count Mick's cheap self-promotion whenever he gets the chance.

The criticism I've read about Good Ol' J.R., Jr. has me baffled to say the least. Too cynical? That's hogwash in my view.

My Sooners are favored by 36 over Baylor this Saturday. Nebraska is next week, but I hope Coach Stoops doesn't have his team overlooking the Bears for what's on the horizon. Hopefully, it will be a blowout--and an early one too, so I can get down to the rodeo--which will allow the first stringers to get some much needed rest.

I'll be back Monday with some No Mercy thoughts.

As always, that's my prerogative.

J.R., Jr.
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