RAW 7.31.2006 - News & Notes

• Vince and Shane talked about Stephanie having a baby and announced a DX v. McMahons match @ Summerslam. DX's music kept playing and stopping for some reason. DX eventually came out and showed phony baby pictures of Vince and Shane. They showed a picture of what was supposed to be Steph's new baby but it was just a picture of a baby with Triple H's head on it. We here @ Wrestleblogger have uncovered the real picture of the new baby. (Only David will get the joke)
  
• Nitro defeated Carlito and Shelton in a 3-way match to retain the IC Title.
  
• Orton cut a promo and introduced his own reality show called 'Orton Knows Best'. He brought out actors playing each of the Hogan. The actor playing Hulk looked so realistic that it caused erroneous Internet reports stating that the real Hulk was going to appear tonight. In my opinion the Hogan actor looked exactly like the real one except the actor wasn't as big. Afterwards Orton went over and slapped Lawler. Lawler then challenged Orton to a match @ Raw in Memphis next week. Orton later accepted.
  
• Estrada gave the McMahons some Cuban cigars which they then planted in HHH's bag. 'Federal Authorities' later found them in the bag and took HHH away for questioning so he wouldn't be in HBK's corner when he fought Umaga. I think that this proves that Triple H isn't on steroids since the 'Federal Authorities' didn't seem to find any in his bag. Umaga defeated HBK after the McMahons distracted HBK. After the match the McMahon worked Shawn over and told him that next week it would be HHH v. Umaga.
  
• Trish & Candice defeated Mickie & Victoria. Torrie officiated.
  
• Foley cut a promo about Ric Flair then Flair came out to cut one of his own. A lot of personal stuff was said. Flair looked like he gave Foley a legit punch to the face. Foley still refused to give Flair a rematch.
  
• Cena squashed Matt Striker. Edge and Lita did commentary from an announce table near the Titantron.
  
• Rebecca was eliminated from the Diva Search.
  
• Rory of the Highlanders defeated Johnny from the S. Squad.
  
  

Earlier in the day WWE.com reported that someone spray painted a giant DX symbol on WWE Headquarters. This looked to be obviously part of the angle, but no mention of it was made on RAW. Here's a picture of it.

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RAW 7.24.2006 - News & Notes

• Shawn Michaels started off RAW by telling the crowd that Stephanie had gone into labor this afternoon (she really did) and that Vince & Shane wouldn't be there. He also said that Triple H happened to be in the same hospital as Stephanie, but didn't explicitly say that Triple H is there because Stephanie is having his baby. Coach came down claiming to have Vince on the phone. Vince made a match between Coach and Shawn. Shawn would win the match by DQ when Umaga interfered. It was announced that Shawn would take on Umaga next week.
  
• The Spirit Squad successfully defended their tag titles against the Highlanders.
  
• Foly cut a promo via satellite ripping on Flair's overused catchphrases.
  
• This Week In Wrestling History showed a Flair v. Funk match from the G.A.B. 1989. Afterwards Flair came down and once again challenged Foley to another match. Edge interruped and Nitro attacked Flair from behind. They both double-teamed Flair until Cena made the save. Via telephone call to Coach, Vince made a Edge/Nitro v. Cena/Flair match. Cena and Flair won.
  
• An ECW commercial aired promoting a Big Show v. Kane extreme rules match for the ECW Title @ ECW on SciFi.
  
• Todd Grisham came out to the stage to announce that Stephanie had given birth to an 8 pound 7 ounce baby girl name Aurora Rose. I predict a photo of Vince and his new grandchild next week just like they had when Shane's first son was born.
  
• Shelton defeated Carlito to become the #1 contender to Nitro's IC Title.
  
• Hulk Hogan cut a promo about respect. Orton interrupted and talked about Brooke. They eventually exchanged punches.
  
• Mickie James defeated Candice. During Candice's intro Jim Ross ripped on Kenny Rogers' plastic surgery.
  
• Maryse, who was rumored to be a frontrunner in the Diva search, was eliminated. This week on SD they will play musical chairs. No, I'm not kidding.
  

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WWE Great American Bash Results [Updated]

Let's see who got more predictions correct...

Batista v. Ken Kennedy
At the start of the match Kennedy really got busted open. It's been a long time since I've seen someone other than Ric Flair juice that much. Batista was choking Kennedy in the corner and refused to break the hold leading to a DQ win for Kennedy. He may have shoved the referee away which could have also caused the DQ. I'm not sure. After the match Batista gave Kennedy a few spinebusters and a Batista-Bomb. Batista’s post-match behavior was the kind of thing that would normally signify a heel turn, but it’ll be explained away by Batista having 6 months of built-up frustration being released.
Update: It's being reported that Kennedy's cut at the start of the match was legit from when Batista threw him into the ringside stairs. There is also a story going around that Kennedy also bladed himself later in the match which if true was a foolish decision seeing as how much blood was caused from his first cut. Finally, Internet reports are stating that Kennedy's major cut was so deep that it went down to the cranium and required 20 stitches to close.
David: 0/1
Me: 0/1
The Coin: 1/1

Punjabi Prison Match
Undertaker vs. Big Show
As reported over the weekend (including this page) due to some sort of kidney ailment Khali was unable to compete in the match. During the PPV Undertaker went after Khali backstage (after being taunted by Khali & Daivari), but was attacked by Big Show. Teddy Long then said that since Daviari and Khali were having Big Show do their dirty work for them he (Long) was going to put Big Show in the match instead of Khali. Here's the match setup. The match was like the kennal in a cell match from a few years back with a cage within a cage, but the cages were made from bamboo. Each side of the inner cage has a small sliding door on it which when opened (upon a wrestler's request) would only stay open for 60 seconds and then would be closed again and couldn't be opened for another 2 minutes. The idea was to escape both cages and if you did you would win. Here's the finish - Khali came out near the end of the match and tried climbing into the cage. 'Taker then climbed the outside of the inner cage and jumped down onto Big Show who was standing between the cages. Big Show caught him and fell backwards into the outer cage breaking it and falling to the floor while still holding Undertaker. It looked like Big Show may have fallen onto the floor first before 'Taker touched, but I think Undertaker was supposed to touch first leading to a 'Taker victory so that's what was announced. It looked like it could have been a botched ending. Upon hearing about Khali being pulled from the match over the weekend I decided to let David's pick stand. He was still right. And so was I. They were really overselling how brutal the match was. I've seen a lot more brutal matches...A LOT.
David: 1/2
Me: 1/2
The Coin: 1/2

United States Championship
Finlay (c) v. William Regal
As announced this weekend Lashley (also with liver problems) was pulled from the match. Upon hearing this news I changed my pick and the coin was re-flipped. Prior to the match Teddy Long announced that Lashley hadn't been cleared to wrestle. He brought Lashley out and told him that as soon as he is cleared to wrestle he would give him a U.S. Title shot. Finlay and Regal came out and assumed that the match was cancelled, but Long told them that it would be a normal 2-way match instead. Finlay won to retain his U.S. Title.
David: 1/2
Me: 2/3
The Coin: 1/3

WWE Tag Team Championship
Brian Kendrick & Paul London (c) vs. The Pitbulls (Kid Kash & Jamie Noble)
The Pitbulls were awesome during the match. They performed so well that I imagine seeing them moving to RAW very soon. Unfortunately, they couldn't defeat London and Kendrick.
David: 2/3
Me: 2/4
The Coin: 2/4

Cruiserweight Championship
Gregory Helms (c) v. TBA
Although WWE.com accidentally showed on Super Crazy's WWE Power 25 Rankings listing that he was scheduled to take on Helms @ G.A.B. the mystery opponent turned out to be Matt Hardy. As soon as Hardy came out I knew that he wasn't winning. I was right. My written prediction was wrong and that's the only one that counts. It also turned out that the match wasn't for the belt.
Update: Super Crazy was indeed scheduled to be Helms' opponent, but was pulled from the show at the last minute because of...(Anyone want to guess?)...Liver problems. What is it with Smackdown wrestlers and their livers? The lockerrom is filled with Larry Hagmans and Mickey Mantles.
David: 3/4
Me: 2/5
The Coin: 2/5

Bra & Panties Four Way
Ashley v. Jillian Hall v. Kristal Marshall v. Michelle McCool
I should throw this match out because the rules were a little weird. The winner of the match was the person who stripped another woman's last article of 'outerwear' off. Ashley tore off Kristal's pants after Kristal had already been stripped of her top. Therefore Ashley won even though Jillian and Michelle hadn't been completely stripped yet.
David: 4/5
Me: 2/6
The Coin: 2/6

World Championship
Rey Mysterio (c) vs. King Booker
Decent match. After a ref bump Chavo came down and nailed Rey (really, really hard) with a chair allowing Booker T to win the World Title for a 6th time. ALL HAIL KING BOOKER! ALL HAIL CHAVO TOO!!! Tomorrow morning the sun will be a little brighter & the air will be a little fresher now that Rey's title reign has ended.
David: 4/6
Me: 3/7
The Coin: 2/7

Total: David has done 5 in a row with his 4/6 correct picks. Good Job David. I only got 3/7 right. Luckily, I beat the coin which got 2/7 correct.

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WWE Great American Bash Predictions [Updated x 3]

Since David is going for 5 in a row I am giving him the honor of going first. Take it away David.

David Says: I'm going for my 5th victory in a row over the mysterious J and I'm prepared to get down and dirty to retain my crown. But really, it's not about who wins and who loses it's about me continually winning. But onto victory number 5. Mind you I am REALLY ignorant when it comes to Smackdown as I haven't watched it in almost a year so this may be J's big chance.

I Say: With that said I know that it's crunch time for me. I have to beat David this time. It's about honor. It's about integrity. It's about predicting what the buffoons on the Smackdown booking team have up their sleeves. Just like Triple H's ring music used to say - 'It's My Time. My Time!'. I believe it was after I destroyed David with my Backlash picks that we were talking about how David probably would have gotten more than 2/7 matches correctly if he had flipped a coin. I debated as to whether or not I should just flip a coin for my G.A.B. picks instead of trying to predict the match results, but in the end I decided to do both. Only my educated guesses will count towards my final total though. The coin will be treated like a 3rd picker. Heads will be faces (Get It? Heads, Faces?) and Tails will be heels - Except for the 4-way Diva match (Explained Below).

Could it even be possible that a coin can predict the winner of a wrestling match better than 2 people who have close to 50 years of wrestling knowledge combined!?? Or could it be possible that the Smackdown Booking team is actually using a coin to determine the match outcomes? Perhaps the coin has the advantage...Hmmmm

World Championship
Rey Mysterio vs. King Booker
David Says: This match could go either way. Mysterio is one of the weakest champions ever to hold the Heavyweight title but King Booker isn't really being groomed to be the champ. I like the new Booker T but King Booker is more of a funny silly gimmick. As always I go with Mysterio but in my heart I'm rooting for Booker T.
I Say: I've said it before and I'll say it again - Rey's title run is horrible! A few months ago Rey was losing every week. Albeit non-title matches, but losing nevertheless. I read that a possible scenario at some point was going to be having Khali defeating Rey and then have Batista defeat Khali for the belt. I don't see Khali getting the belt though....ever! I have also heard that at house shows Batista was teasing a heel turn. That would be another way to get the belt back on Batista. There is also a third scenario though. A few months ago when filming a TV spot for Summerslam Batista and Booker got in a tussle. Rumors were that it was all a work and that it was staged so Batista would have a possible feud to return to. It is because of that that I am picking Booker to defeat Rey for the title only to drop it to Batista @ Summerslam. Booker has been over as of late with the whole gimmick where he actually believes that he is truly royalty. He is definitely World Title material. WWE Title? That's another story. Could Chavo turn on Rey and cost him the title? One last thing concerning Booker - It doesn't make much sense that since Booker can't beat Lashley for the U.S. Title that he should be going for the World Title.
The Coin Says: Rey wins.

Batista v. Ken Kennedy
David Says: Batista comes off as the champ in absence. This will be the start of a long series of victories leading up to his regaining the title. I like Ken Kennedy. He has great mic skills, a memorable catch phrase and he's a terrrific wrestler. He just lacks that hook to get people really interested. This will be a lopsided match with Batista dishing out must of the punishment. The WWE will try to reestablish him as a monster.
I Say: Kennedy looked to be getting a moderate push before he was sidelined with an injury. Ironically it was the same injury as Batista. Since coming back Kennedy seems to be kind of getting lost in the shuffle. No way that Batista loses. He's got too much at stake.
The Coin Says: Kennedy....Kennedy

Update: There are Internet reports stating that The Great Khali is being pulled from the card due to health reasons which is said to be related to a diseased liver. He will be replaced by ECW's Big Show and the match is still scheduled to be a Punjabi Prison Match. It would make more sense to make it a street fight or something instead.For the time being I have decided that since the person that David picked to win the match is still in the match David's pick stands. Unlike the U.S. Title match listed below, this match will still count torwards his final total.

Punjabi Prison Match
Undertaker vs. Big Show
David Says: Oh my gosh!!!! The Great Khali has NEVER lost a Punjabi Prison Match in the WWE. Now what in the world is a Punjabi Prison Match? Khali has been getting the better of the Undertaker for quite some time and it's time for the Undertaker to exact some revenge on the 7 foot 5 soupcan. The Great Khali really needs an enormous turbin, colorful puffy pants and a flying carpet. Then he would be interesting. Hopefully, before the match, Khali will cut another brilliant promo saying something like, 'Undratragha, Naw Ghu We Fass Jaw Dru Gina If Proffasha Wrastin, Great Khali' Winner: Undertaker
I Say: Back when Khali was scheduled to be in this match I would have picked the Undertaker to win, but now that Big Show is in it I'm not so sure. Big Show is the ECW World Champ and it really wouldn't make much sense to have 'Taker beat him. On the other hand, I really can't see 'Taker losing 2 PPVs in a row (even though they are 2 months apart). I am really torn on this one. I'll go with Undertaker's ego and assume that it won't let him lose. Undertaker to still win. I wouldn't be surprised if we've seen the last of Khali. How are they going to explain his removal from the card (storyline wise). No matter what happens in this match Undertaker will be getting over.
The Coin Says: Big Show

Update: The following match was scheduled to be a Triple Threat match including Lashley. WWE.com is reporting that due to health-related issues Lashley will be unable to compete. The match is now a 1-on-1 match for the U.S. TItle. This match will not count torwards David's total.

United States Championship
Finlay (c) v. William Regal
David Says: Let me put my thinking cap on for this one. Regal never wins. By the way - Am I the only one who thinks that Regal throws the sissiest looking punches in the history of wrestling? In fact every move he makes seems awkward and timid. And this from a fan of Regal. Finley is still just Finlay so I'm going to have to go with Lashley.
I Say: I originally picked Lashley to regain the title, but since he's been removed from the macth I have to pick Finlay to retain. I really can't see Regal picking up the belt. He doesn't come off as being at the U.S. Title level right now. I did feel the same way about Orlando Jordan and they gave him the belt so anything can happen. I still see a chance of Finlay's 'Little Bastard' getting him DQ'd.
The Coin Says: Regal [Finlay was heads since both he & Regal are heels]

WWE Tag Team Championship
Brian Kendrick & Paul London vs. The Pitbulls (Kid Kash & Jamie Noble)
David Says: Is this what the Tag Team championship has come to. What happened to the days of the Hart Foundation and Edge and Christian and Demolition and the Powers of Pain. The Pitbulls are absurd. ABSURD I tell you. I so don't care but I'll go with Kendrick and London because me Ouiji board told me to pick them.
I Say: The fact that London and Kendrick have the title speaks to how horrible the WWE tag teams are (both RAW & SD). I agree with David in wishing that some of the better tag teams of years past were still around. I disagree though that the Pitbulls are absurd. I am a huge fan of Kid Kash and Noble is slowly growing on me. For that reason I'll pick Pitbulls to pick up the victory.
The Coin Says: London and Kendrick win.

Update: Despite being listed on the final card according to a wrestling newsboard, the Cruiserweight match below has not been announced on WWE.com's official G.A.B. card. Obviously in the event that this match doesn't take place, it will not count towards final totals.

Gregory Helms Defends the Cruiserweight Title
David Says: I'm way out of things as far as Gregory Helms is concerned. Last I saw he was the Hurricane but I see that he's brought back a more mainstream look. He was on RAW when I watched Smackdown and Smackdown now that I watch Raw. Still, he's a talented wrestler and I hope he wins against unnamed opponent.
I Say: Like I have said before, it's pretty hard to pick the winner of a match unless you know both participants. To be honest I'm not even sure if Helms is on SD that often. I usually just tape the show and go back to watch it later fast-forwarding through the boring parts. This includes Helms eventhough I find him mildly entertaining. For all I know he could only be doing house show at this point. If I had to guess who his opponent will be I would have to lean torwards Psicosis or Super Crazy, but it'll probably be some huge letdown like Funaki or Scotty Too Hotty. Nothing against them, but it seems they are only used to put other guys over. It wouldn't be a total surprise to see an ECW guy show up and defeat Helms allowing ECW to have 2 singles titles like Raw & SD. I'll pick Helms' opponent to win. The WWE always seems to pick horrible mystery opponents and I can't imagine this time being any different. I always seem to go with the unnamed wrestler and I always seem to lose. Here's to hoping for a change.
The Coin Says: Helms' opponent wins [Helms' opponent was heads since Helms is a heel].

Bra & Panties Four Way
Ashley v. Jillian Hall v. Kristal Marshall v. Michelle McCool
David Says: There are so many woman in the WWE that they all just seem to blend together into a pile of silicone and bleach. The results of these matches are completely irrelivent but the man known simply as 'J' insists I make a prediction (lest he stomp his feet and ban me from the Wrestleblogger hot tub). So I will consult my tea leaves. And the winner will be.... Ashley.
I Say: I could (and should) do what David usually does for Diva matches - Say I don't care and throw out any name, but I won't. I am uncertain whether this match is a regular 4-way with each diva wrestling in undergarments or whether the idea is to strip your opponents' clothes off. The results of Diva matches like this rarely have any rationale behind them and that makes picking them a little harder than other matches. Michelle McCool is coming off of that victory @ SNME so I guess I'll go with her. I wouldn't be surprised to see Ashley win either though.
The Coin Says: Kristal Marshall [First flip was to see if it would be one of the first 2 listed or one of the second 2 listed (It was one of the second 2). Then another flip to see whether it was Kristal or Michelle]

Summary
David's Picks: Rey, Batista, Undertaker, Lashley, Kendrick & London, Helms, & Ashley
My Picks: Booker, Batista, Undertaker, Finlay, Pitbulls, Helms' opponent, & Michelle McCool
The Coin's Picks: Rey, Kennedy, Big Show, Regal, Kendrick & London, Helms' opponent, & Kristal Marshall

Final Thoughts: It's too bad that 3 of the participants fro the PPV had to pull out due to injuries (Henry, Lashley, & Khali). I am also a little surprised that the coin is still picking Finlay & Undertaker to lose their respective matches. Perhaps the coin has an inside source @ WWE that is feeding him injury information before it's officially announced. Perhaps the coin is causing them somehow...

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RAW 7.17.2006 - News & Notes

• DX challenged the McMahons to a tag match. They declined, but Vince made a match between Shawn & Shane of which Shawn won via DQ after the S. Squad attacked him.
  
• Carlito defeated Shelton to become the #1 contender for Nitro's IC Title.
  
• This Week In Wrestling History highlighted MTV's 1984 'Brawl To End It All' at which Wendy Richter ended Moolah's 27 year title reign.
  
• Trish & Torrie defeated Mickie & Victoria with Candice as the guest referee.
  
• Foley cut a promo 'via satellite' saying that he wouldn't give Flair another match. Later in the night Foley cut another promo saying basically the same thing. The second promo was followed by Flair in the ring cutting his own promo about wanting a hardcore match against Foley. He was interrupted by Nitro who told Flair the same thing that Mick said. They tussled a little bit until Flair knocked Melina off of the apron 'by accident'. I get the feeling that although Foley's promos were passed of as being live they were actually taped. He said that he liked Melina's match from Monday. If it was really live I would have expected Foley to say last Monday instead of just Monday, but I could be wrong.
  
• Highlanders defeated 2 jobbers. After the match they challenged the S. Squad to a tag title match. Backstage DX told the Highlanders to go into Vince's office and eat all of his food. I'm pretty sure that the Highlanders will win the titles with the help of DX.
  
• Umaga defeated Cena by pinfall after Cena got distracted by Edge while the ref's back was turned.
  
• Randy Orton defeated Eugene. After the match Orton talked about Hogan and Brooke.
  
• Amy was eliminated from the Diva Contest. Afterwards she threw thongs out to the crowd. She also looked to be crying. Next competition is a Dance-Off @ Smackdown.
  

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Saturday Night's Main Event 7.15.2006 - Results [Updated]

WWE Championship: Edge (c) vs John Cena
As expected Edge retained. Cena had Edge in the STFU, but the ref was outside the ring. Lita punched him to get Edge DQ'd, but Cena thought that the ref had called for the bell since Edge was tapping. Cena wins. During the match Edge went for a superplex but he slipped and ended up giving Cena a snap suplex off the top instead.
Me: 0/1
David: 0/1

Six-Man Tag Team Match: Batista, Rey Mysterio, and Bobby Lashley vs. Finlay, Mark Henry, and King Booker (w/ Queen Sharmell and William Regal)
No surprise here. Babyfaces win. Booker T's behavior since becoming King Booker is priceless. He is so over the top, but he looks like he's actually honored to be King.
Me: 1/2
David: 1/2

Handicap Elimination match: D-Generation X (Triple H and Shawn Michaels) vs. Spirit Squad (Kenny, Mitch, Nicky, Johnny, and Mikey)
As with all elimination matches, people got eliminated quickly. Once a wrestler was eliminated they had to go into a penalty box of sorts. Unfortunately for me DX made short work of the S.Squad.
Me: 1/3
David: 2/3

Bikini Bull Riding Contest featuring: Torrie Wilson, Maria, Mickie James, Candice Michelle, Victoria, Kristal Marshall, Ashley Massaro, Jillian Hall, Michelle McCool & Kelly
Most of this match was held before the actual show. They showed clips of each Diva's turn on the bull. The two finalists were Victoria and Michelle McCool. They competed during the main show. Michelle won by staying on for 12 seconds to Victoria's 7 seconds. I get the sense that this was unscripted.
Me: 1/4
David: 2/4

Mixed Tag-Team match: Johnny Nitro and Melina vs. Carlito and Trish Stratus
A quick match which saw Trish and Carlito winning.
Me: 2/5
David: 3/5

Extreme Rules Match: Sabu vs. TBA
Another quick match. The mystery opponent was Stevie Richards. Nothing against Stevie, but I was expecting a little bigger of a name. Sabu easily won after a botched flying Arabian Facebuster.
Me: 2/6
David: 4/6

"Special Appearance": Hulk Hogan & Brooke Hogan
Brooke said that she always dreamed of standing in the ring with her dad. Hulk said that he was part of the original SNME. Orton then came out, gave Brooke a rose, and told Hulk how much he respects him. He then politely asked Hulk for a match at Summerslam. Hulk politely accepted. Later in the night Randy was in the garage talking to Brooke when Hulk interrupted them. Orton apologized to Hogan and walked off. Brooke then got in the car and as Hogan was walking around the car Orton came out of nowhere and RKO'd Hulk on the trunk of the car. Brooke got out and tended to her dad. She didn't seem to know what had happened. She also appeared to have taken a liking to Randy.

Total: I got only 2/6 matches right for 33% while David picked 4/6 matches right for 66%. I mentioned in the previous posting that David was going for 3 straight victories. It turns out that David has now won 4 straight PPVs dating back to Judgement Day. Can he make it 5 in a row with the Great American Bash? We'll See...

Other Notes:
Great Khali made an appearance. Daivari talked about how Khali is the only Giant in the WWE. ECW's Big Show came out and gave Khali respect for dominating the Undertaker. Taker then came out (very slowly) and took out Khali. Big Show then attacked him and then he and Khali worked the Undertaker over. Taker tried chokeslamming them at the same time, but instead they chokeslammed him. Backstage Big Show offered a title match to Taker at ECW on SciFi.

Update: It's being reported that Mark Henry suffered a patella injury during his match. He is expected to get surgery on it later this week. This cancels his match against the returning Batista at next weekend's Great American Bash. How's that for irony!

The early ratings for SNME are in and as expected, the show bombed. The ratings are even worse than March's edition. This likely puts the chances of another SNME in serious doubt. At least a prime-time edition. I don't understand why they don't just put the show back in late night instead of running a repeat of Saturday Night Live.

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Saturday Night's Main Event Predictions

It's the first hit in the 1-2 punch combination consisting or WrestleBlogger predictions for this weekend's Saturday Night's Main Event and next weekend's Great American Bash. This will likely be the last SNME for a very long time. WWE and NBC were expecting the ratings that they got in the 80's and early 90's and that's not going to happen. The last SNME ratings were a huge disappointment and I don't see this edition being much different. In fact, I think that they will be worse than the March edition. Everybody needs to realize that the peaks of the 80's and 90's are over and it's not fair to compare wrestling in those days to wrestling today. Yes, there will be a peak again, but it's not right now or anytime soon.

Let go to the matches and see if David can pull of the 'ECW 1NS - Vengeance - SNME' Trifecta...

WWE Championship: Edge (c) vs John Cena
I Say: As everyone knows - Never pick against Cena. For some reason I usually pick against him, so why be different now. I'm picking Edge to retain. Edge really should keep the title until at least Summerslam, but I hope it's longer. Having the WWE Title bounce around too much will kill the title and put it on the level of the WCW Title (back during WCW's run). Summerslam is considered the 2nd biggest PPV behind Wrestlemania and it's always better to have the babyface chasing the title going into a big PPV.
David Says: I hope that the WWE has enough sense to keep the title on Edge. He's already had one short title reign and I have to say that he's doing a great job as champion.

Six-Man Tag Team Match: Batista, Rey Mysterio, and Bobby Lashley vs. Finlay, Mark Henry, and King Booker (w/ Queen Sharmell and William Regal)
I Say: Is it just me or is Rey's title run horrible? How many televised matches has he won since winning the belt? I really hope that Booker T wins it from him @ G.A.B. next week. This is Batista's first televised match since coming back from injury and I don't see him losing. It would be great to see him turn on Rey, but I don't see that happening. I do see it happening somewhere down the road. There is no upside to having the babyfaces lose. You'd have your champ, a guy making a comeback, and someone who's billed as unstoppable losing and that's not good for their gimmicks. Babyfaces win.
David Says: I don't really care much about Six-Man tags. Too many people to make an accurate prediction so I'll go with my old standby. If Mysterio is on your team you win.

Handicap Elimination match: D-Generation X (Triple H and Shawn Michaels) vs. Spirit Squad (Kenny, Mitch, Nicky, Johnny, and Mikey)
I Say: Vince has got to get over on DX sooner or later. Whether it happens here or at Summerslam is another question. I really, really wan't to pick the S. Squad to win since DX has to beat all 5 of them instead of just 1 like at Vengeance. Also, DX is rumored to be done after Summerslam so I would tend to imagine that they would lose in their last match together and I wouldn't normally see them losing to the S. Squad at SNME & Summerslam. What the hell, I'll pick S. Squad to win. Guarenteed McMahon involvement.
David Says: D-Generation X is due to lose. They've already got one win over the Spirit Squad in a Handicap match and DX has been humiliating the McMahon's for weeks. Unfortunately DX will STILL win. Expect lots of childish humor. I hate DX.

Bikini Bull Riding Contest featuring: Torrie Wilson, Maria, Mickie James, Candice Michelle, Victoria, Kristal Marshall, Ashley Massaro, Jillian Hall, Michelle McCool & Kelly
I Say: First, let's rule out the people that have absolutely no chance of winning. Victoria, Jillian, and Michelle McCool. Kristal Marshall and Ashley are beginning to feud on Smackdown so I see them costing each other the contest unless Ashley wins so she can rub it in Kristal's face. Maria probably won't win it either although she in probably my favorite Diva right now. Mickie's not going to win either. Her character is above the whole sex kitten act. Candice's routine is getting a little played out so I am eliminating her as well. That leaves Kelly and the one Diva that wins everything. Torrie. Torrie is way over and they are trying really hard to get Kelly over. I've even heard that Vince is a huge fan of her too so I'm picking her. Torrie is over no matter what and they need to get Kelly over as a vixen. Speaking of Kelly, they really need to either work on her character or get her some serious acting lessons. She comes off as a brainless, clueless idiot on TV. And I’m pretty sure that’s not what they’re going for. She just stands there dancing with the facial expressions of someone who just had a lobotomy.
David Says: Now THIS could be interesting. It would be even more interesting if any of the girls had actual real breasts. I'll pick Ashley Massaro.
Note: Maria and Michelle McCool have natural breasts. Victoria might also, but I can’t be sure.

Mixed Tag-Team match: Johnny Nitro and Melina vs. Carlito and Trish Stratus
I Say: Nitro and Melina have been on a roll as of late so it's a little hard to pick against them. Especially since it looks like they are going to job Trish out since she is likely to be on her way out of the WWE in the next month or two. Carlito has been put on the back burner as of late and a win would definately help get him going again. Hopefully to an IC title match and win @ Summerslam. Against my better judgement I'll pick the babyfaces to win.
David Says: Poor Carlito is just not being used well. This may not be as bad as Jeff Jarrett, woman abuser, but Carlito's talents are just not being used properly. Carlito is a natural heel. He is an awesome heel. I'm going with Carlito and Trish. Carlito as a face? That's not cool.

Extreme Rules Match: Sabu vs. TBA
I Say: It's really hard to pick this match since Sabu's opponent isn't known. My prediction is that it will be Test. The ECW fans hate the guy and by putting him in a hardcore match doing hardcore things maybe (probably not) the fans will get behind him. Sabu's only punishment since the whole drug arrest has been the $1000 and not being on TV for a couple of weeks. I think that they will have him lose. Sabu to lose is my pick even though they have been pushing the whole homicidal, suicidal, genocidal gimmick and having him lose wouldn't make much sense.
David Says: My prediction is that TBA will be RVD but instead of a match the two of them will pass a fatty back and forth and get totally baked. Winner: Uh... errr.... Sabu????

"Special Appearance": Hulk Hogan & Brooke Hogan
Note: This does not count towards predictions results.
I Say: Say goodbye to Brooke's career. Someone who wants to be taken seriously and is trying to become a legitimate star should steer clear of wrestling at all costs. If you're already a legitimate musician I say go ahead and join in the fun. She's used her father's name to get her foot in the door and get a record contract. Now is the time to put a little distance between herself and her father unless she wants to get her career squashed. My advice to Brooke - If you want to give your budding music career a chance of continuing, STAY AWAY FROM WRESTLING!!! There are 2 reasons that this whole appearance is taking place. First, NBC wanted to bring in better ratings than the last SNME and they thought Hogan would do the job. Second, they need to build up for the Hogan v. Orton match @ Summerslam. Here's how I think it will all go down. Hulk and Brooke will come to the ring to a thunderous ovation. Hogan will then plug his daughter's new single and upcoming album. She'll the maybe sing a line or two. Randy Orton will then come out and rip on Hulk and put the moves on Brooke. Hulk will get in Orton's face about hitting on his daughter and Randy will back away. Hulk will then get RKO'd leading up to the match at Summerslam. I also feel that if Brooke Hogan's career is going to be ruined it might as well be ruined by having Orton give her an RKO as well. I have another prediction as well, I predict that in a few months after Brooke's single, 'About Us', falls off of the charts, her record tanks, and she becomes little more than a one-hit-wonder Hulk Hogan will blame Vince for getting her involved in wrestling.
David Says: 'J' has asked me to predict what will happen. Brooke will do her song and near the end will get interrupted by Randy Orton who will make some inappropriate remarks prompting Hogan to give him a short beatdown. Randy will scamper up the ramp, smile and hit his signature pose leaving Hogan cursing and fuming.

Summary:
I Pick: Edge, Babyfaces, S. Squad, Kelly, Carlito/Trish, Sabu's opponent, and Orton to RKO Hogan and Brooke Hogan's singing career to die.
David Picks: Edge, Babyfaces, DX, Ashley, Carlito/Trish, Sabu, and Hogan beating down Orton.

It looks like the DX / S.Squad, Bullriding contest, and Sabu v. Mystery Opponent matches will decide it.

wrestleblogger@yahoo.com

RAW 7.10.2006 - News & Notes

• Cena defeated Shelton Benjamin. After the match Cena attacked Edge who was doing commentary.
  
• After beating down Cena, Edge said that he and Lita were going to a hotel to celebrate. Throughout the night Edge and Lita were shown at the hotel desk, hotel bar, and in the room. Cena attcked them at the end of the night after busting through the door.
  
• Vince and Shane caught Eugene laughing at the videos of DX's antics from last week. They then made a match - McMahons v. Eugene.
  
• Melina defeated Trish.
  
• Highlanders defeated Striker and Conway just like last week.
  
• Flair started to cut a promo, but was cut off by Foley cutting a promo from backstage. Flair then said some more stuff, only to have Paul Heyman come out. Big Show came out soon after and challenged Flair to a match @ ECW on SciFi.
  
• Eugene tried apologizing to the McMahons. They pretended to accept his apology, but then they dumpeed paint on him and stuck his head in the toilet. In the process both Vince and Shane got full of paint too which sort of defeated the purpose.
  
• Viscera and Charlie Haas fought to a no decision. Lillian interrupted the match and told both guys that she just wanted to be friends with them. Haas then raked Viscera's eyes causing him to accidentally give Lillian a Samoan Drop. After showing some concern for her they both laughed and walked off.
  
• The Miz came out to host the start of the Diva Search. He did a horrible job. He got so tongue-tied and looked like an idiot. He couldn't even explain how the voting works. Each Diva had 20 seconds to explain why they should win. They all looked really nervous and did a horrible job. One girl could barely speak English and another girl pulled out a bottle of something and started squirting the other women. It was then announced that the 8 finalists would be competeing in the Diva Bikini Bootcamp on this week's Smackdown.
  
• Randy Orton defeated Val Venis. Before and after the match Orton talked about Hogan and his daughter Brooke.
  
• A very green Eugene defeated a partially green Vince and mostly green Shane. The Spirit Squad helped beat up Eugene. DX then came out to the stage and Vince tried dropping a net on them, but missed. Eugene then snuck up behind Vince for the roll-up and pin.
  

Coming later this week - WrestleBlogger Predictions for Saturday Night's Main Event!

wrestleblogger@yahoo.com

Randy Orton In Trouble Again? [Updated x 2]

There's a story beginning to break on the Internet. The story states that Randy Orton 'failed to meet the requirements to pass the WWE Wellness Program drug test'. The story goes on to say that WWE officials recently found 8 bottles of prescription painkillers in Orton's gym bag in the locker room. Furthermore, it is being reported that Randy Orton has tested positive for steroids within the past 2 months.

I for one don't believe this story to be true. Here are the reasons:

The story credits Dave Meltzer's Wrestling Observer Newsletter as the source of the original story. I went to the W.O.N. newspage and the story is nowhere to be found. Meltzer is regarded as one of, if not the best wrestling reporter out there so I am sure that people attach his name to a lot of fake stories to add believability to them.

The WWE wouldn't bring Randy Orton back to TV if he had really failed a recent drug test and tested positive for steroids within the past 2 months.

I would think that the story about the steroids would have broken a little sooner than 2 months after it happened. The stories about Joey Mercury and Chris Masters failing their drug tests were on the Internet within a day or two of them happening.

The story is being posted by a newsboard reporter whos posts always seem a little suspect. He always seems to post a headline for story and then the actual post won't provide the indicated information and will instead link to seperate site where the alleged story is located and half the time the story isn't there either. This is not a case of a 'Bottom of the Post' story either. Also, a lot of the time his posts are only up for an hour or so and then the headline is removed from the newsboard.

Update: More details have come out regarding Randy Orton allegedly violating the WWE's Talent Wellness program. It is being reported that instead of a suspension or trip to drug rehab that Vince McMahon had elected to fine Orton $2000 and hire a rehab consultant to travel with Randy Orton. It is also being reported that Hulk Hogan is the reason that Orton wasn't suspended; After hearing about Orton's failed drug test and possibility of suspension, Hogan mediated the situation in order to prevent the much talked about Hogan v. Orton match at Summerslam from being cancelled.

These further details are once again being credited to Dave Meltzer and his Wrestling Observer Newsletter and once again the story is nowhere to be found on the Observer's web page. The link to these further details was again posted by the same reporter I discussed earler. Here's a question - If you are a reporter on a particular site why wouldn't you post the story on that particular site? Why would you send readers to a different site? Yeah, I know that a lot of these wrestling sites are all affiliated and share reporters, but it would be like CNN saying 'Hey, we just broke this huge story, but we're not going to tell you about it. If you want to know about it turn to Headline News.'.

I'm still skeptical as to whether this story is true or not, but time will tell.

Update: In what appears to be the final update to this story, it looks like this story is totally false. Randy Orton has not failed a drug test either recently nor in the past 2 months and 8 bottles of painkillers were not found in his gym bag. I am happy to say that I was correct in not believing the story at any point. What I do believe is that I deserve what is referred to as 'Big Ups', 'Mad Props', and dare I say 'Dap'.

wrestleblogger@yahoo.com

RVD Loses The ECW Title & Gets Suspended [Updated]

Exactly 24 hours after losing the WWE Title to Edge on Raw RVD has now lost his ECW Title to Big Show during ECW on SciFi. Going into this past weekend the ECW on SciFi main event was scheduled to be RVD defending both titles against Edge, but after RVD and Sabu got arrested this past weekend on drug charges the WWE had no choice but to remove both titles from RVD. It should also be mentioned that Sabu, who was scheduled to be RVD's tag partner on RAW and was undoubtedly scheduled to appear on ECW on SciFi, wasn't part of either TV show except for a small video clip shown on SciFi and wrestling Stevie Richards in a dark match. On a side note - the video clip showed Sabu talking which is something that he shouldn't be doing. They have got to get Bill Alfonso back and have him do the talking for Sabu, but that's a topic for another day.

For those who are wondering how RVD lost the WWE Title read the Raw News & Notes column below. As for the ECW Title, here's the setup: ECW on SciFi started with Big Show demanding that Paul E. give him a title match with RVD. RVD later accepted the match. During the match Big Show took out the ref. RVD later went for the 5-Star Frogsplash and when he went for the cover Paul E. came into the ring to do the 3-count (just like 1NS). Paul E. counted to 2, but refused to make the third count. RVD got up to see why Paul E. wouldn't make the 3-count and when he turned around Big Show nailed him with a chair and a chokeslam. Paul E. then made the 3-count allowing Big Show to pick up the win and the title. It should be interesting to see why Paul E. turned heel on RVD.

Following the match, WWE.com posted a kayfabe column stating that Paul E. has suspended RVD for 30 days. While it looks like a storyline is being used to explain RVD's punishment stemming from the arrest, WWE.com was very quick to post a 'shoot' column about the arrest not long after the story originally broke on the Internet.

No word yet on Sabu's punishment, but I think it is safe to assume that it will be similar to RVD's.

Update: WWE.com is reporting that RVD's suspension will be without pay and that Sabu's punishment will be a $1000 fine. The difference could be because RVD is being charged with marijuana possession and Sabu is only being charged with possession of drug paraphernalia.

I can already hear the critics out there - 'Man, Vince is killing RVD. WWE Sucks. They're ruining ECW. So what if RVD smokes a little pot.'

wrestleblogger@yahoo.com

RAW 7.3.2006 - News & Notes

• Lita defeated Torrie
  
• S.Squad defeated Eugene, Jim Duggan, Snitsky, Viscera, & Val Venis
  
• DX, who Vince banned from the building, decided to throw a cookout in the parking lot. They later took over the production truck out back and were screwing around with the microphones, sound effects, video replays, etc. throughout the night. They even set off fireworks in Vince's limo (although it was obvious that they were set up behind the limo instead of inside).
  
• The Highlanders debuted and defeated Striker & Rob Conway
  
• Carlito defeated Nitro by DQ.
  
• Umaga defeated a jobber
  
• This Week In Wrestling History showed Hulk Hogan's heel turn @ Bash at The Beach in July 1996
  
• Randy Orton cut a promo about Brooke Hogan that will lead to an Orton/Hulk Hogan match @ Summerslam
  
• The original main event (A Triple Threat Tag match between Edge, RVD, and Cena with each man having a mystery partner) was scrapped and instead they did the Triple Threat match for the title that was originally scheduled for SNME Edge pinned RVD to become the WWE Champion once again. The reason the match was changed was a decision made in the last 24 - 48 hours stemming from RVD's arrest (with Sabu) over the weekend for marijuana possession. They obviously had to get the WWE title off of him as soon as possible. However, I am fairly certain that this entire match (including result) was the match that we would have seen @ SNME.
  

I am curious to see what happens with RVD and Sabu. Both guys are major players in the new ECW. The WWE's own 'Talent Wellness' program does not leave the WWE with no other choice but to suspend or fire both of them and without them in ECW the recently restarted promotion will likely face failure. I am confident that if they had not been arrested the planned RAW main event would have likely gone forward as planned. WWE's website has openly acknowledged the weekend arrests and stated that WWE Head of Talent Relations Johnny Ace had decided that both men would be available for ECW's tv show this week. The announced main event for this week's ECW show was RVD defending the WWE Title against Edge. What happens next remains to be seen.

wrestleblogger@yahoo.com