Maybe It's Just Me...

Maybe it's just me, but doesn't Rowdy Roddy Piper look like Adolf Hitler on the cover of the new WWE Magazine? And doesn't Vince look like a cross between Andy Griffith & Howdy Doody?

















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RAW 8.28.2006 - News & Notes [Updated]

The McMahon/DX feud is getting way too much airtime. They really need to cut it down to less than 25% of the show. Hopefully the feud will get some sort of final resolution @ Unforgiven.

Speaking of DX and the McMahons, the whole 'Vince Likes Cocks' joke is getting a little old. As is Triple H talking about how the 'Mystery Man' who married Stephanie has a giant penis.

I am so sick of John Cena with the same schtick week after week. Why couldn't he have just signed that Smackdown contract on Raw instead of making it part of a match stipulation?

Chris Masters in definitely looking a lot leaner than last time he was on TV, but he doesn't look nearly as slimmed down as he did in that OVW picture that was making the rounds on the Internet a couple weeks back.

I'm surprised that they are openly acknowledging Trish's legit upcoming retirement and using it as part of a storyline. She really should get one last title run before she leaves because of all that she did to restart the Women's division, but time's running out so I doubt it will happen. We'll see though.

Why can't they just train these Divas to actually wrestle instead of putting them in these overdone pillow fights, bikini matches, evening gown matches, and schoolgirl paddle on a pole matches like they had on Raw?

What the f*ck did Jeff Hardy do to deserve the chance to become the #1 contender to Nitro's IC title? Just show back up in WWE?

I've seen the trailer for 'The Marine' about 5 times already and that's only counting first-run programming.

The WWE training promotions have so many talented guys ready to get the chance to step up. There is no reason that a roster slot should be taken up by Hacksaw Jim Duggan. He's had his day in the spotlight. Give someone else a shot. It's not like he's some icon like Flair or Foley who the fans actually still care about.

That Melina/Nitro press conference was pretty stupid. Nitro did seem pretty confortable in what I think may be the first promo I've heard him cut. Melina, on the other hand, looked a little thrown off by the crowd's jeering.

I think it's pretty much a lock that Mickie regains the Women's Title next week in Atlanta - where Lita is announced as being from. Trish will likely cost Lita the title.

Leave Regal and Finlay on Smackdown. It's enough with the guest appearances on Raw events. Why they hell do they have someone with so much potential, Kennedy, associating with them? Kennedy looked to have such a bright future. He defeats Batista twice in a row and now he's a glorified jobber.
Update: Less than 24 hours after I wrote that I thought that the WWE had unfortunately turned Kennedy into a jobber, what do you think they do?...At this week's Smackdown TV tapings Kennedy defeated Finlay & Bobby Lashley to capture the U.S. Championship. It looks like someone @ WWE is reading WrestleBlogger.

Whoever is picking the camera shots that go on air really needs to NOT show a close-up of wrestlers blading. Or maybe the wrestlers need to not make it look so obvious.

That's enough with the plugged-in sound effects. They sound completely fake.

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Kurt Angle Released From WWE [Updated x 2]

WWE.com has announced that 6-time World Champion and Olympic Gold medalist Kurt Angle has been released from his contract and is no longer with the WWE ending his near 7 year relationship with the company. Very few details have been made public other than that he was released due to 'personal issues'. This is definitely the biggest release by the WWE in the past few years and definitely the biggest story in wrestling this year. I would have to say that this release is bigger than Brock Lesnar's. It should be noted that the official announcement on WWE.com was done in a very respectful way and appears to leave the door open for a possible return sometime down the road. While I am surprised and disappointed at Angle's release I can't help but think that maybe it was for his own good.

While Angle hasn't been very outspoken about his displeasure with being transfered to ECW, it's no secret that he would have preferred to stay on Smackdown or back to RAW. He was however trying to make the best of the situation. Also, Angle has been struggling with an addiction to pain killers. His addiction was bad enough to warrant a suspension within the last month or two. It was during that time that Angle was sent to a rehab program which apparently did not work. I believe that Angle's addiction stems directly from his desire to compete without allowing his body to heal up from the normal nagging injuries that wrestlers go through. This desire to compete also caused problems for him in the past few weeks too. It was after coming back from his suspension that he pulled a groin muscle during a match with RVD and as a result of that injury that he was taken off of the active roster. According to reports Angle was very outspoken when it came to his desire to work through the injury when it was obvious that he was in severe pain. Adding to all this was the fact that Kurt Angle is in the process of a divorce from his wife who is currently pregnant with the couple's second child.

I think that being released will provide Angle with the necessary time that he needs to deal with these issue, the substance abuse, divorce from his wife, and his refusal to allow his deteriorating physical condition to get worsen. I am presuming that a 90-day no-compete clause was part of his contract which prevents him from jumping to TNA or the indies. Hopefully within the next 90 days Kurt Angle will move past these issues and take the needed steps required for him to make a return to the WWE with a clear head. I have very little doubt that we have seen the last of Kurt Angle in the WWE. I am curious to find out whether Angle's release was asked for by him or if it was WWE's idea. I find the latter more believable considering Angle's passion for the business.

[Update]
More details regarding Kurt Angle's sudden release from the WWE have been made public. The former WWE champion has granted an interview with WWE.com regarding the situation. Angle is saying that his body in bad condition and that he needs time to heal both physically and mentally. Angle also acknowledges the addiction to painkillers, but says nothing more than just that he has a 'problem with medication'. It is also revealed that his release was a mutual decision with the WWE (although I find that somewhat hard to believe 100%). As far as Angle's most recent injury, he explains that not only did he pull a groin muscle in that match with RVD, but he pulled in abdominal muscle and hamstring during the same match. While Angle does say that Vince McMahon has left the door open for an Angle return to the WWE, Angle says that he has to heal both physically and mentally before he can even consider a return. Angle says that in the event that he does return to the ring he will be adjusting his in-ring style to more of an amateur style.

Speculation regarding Angle's future is already starting. A lot of people are saying that if he does return to wrestling and it's not WWE, chances are he may try wrestling in Japan.

[Update 2]
Just as I initially suspected, Kurt Angle's release was not a mutual decision and the entire decision was the WWE's. It has come to light that the only reason the interview with WWE.com was done by Angle was to allow him to 'save face' and cover-up the fact that Kurt Angle was basically being fired. It is also being reported now that in addition to the groin, ab, and hamstring injuries, Kurt Angle's neck is once again injured and that by not taking the needed time off to recover he would need another neck surgery similar to the one he had a few years back (as did Steve Austin, Chris Benoit, and Lita). Only this time it will most likely be career ending. While Angle most likely will require the surgery somewhere down the road regardless of whether or not he takes time off from the ring it is believed that by allowing his neck some time to heal some from its current state he woule be able to make somewhat of a return to wrestling before requiring the surgery.


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Happy Birthday Vinnie Mac!

I almost missed it, but I just want to extend Birthday wishes to the King of all wrestling promoters, Vincent Kennedy McMahon. Mr. McMahon turned 61 today. Show'em the guns Vinnie Mac!











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RVD Still Being Punished?

About 6 weeks ago when RVD lost both of his World Titles and was suspended for 30 days without pay I figured that once he came back all would pretty much be forgiven. While I didn't think that he would automatically be back in the title picture upon his return I figured that the slate was pretty much wiped clean. Upon viewing this week's ECW on SciFi I think I may have been wrong. It looks like RVD's punishment will continue in the form of a feud with Bob Holly. Yes, the same Bob Holly that stomped the shit out of a defenseless student under the guise that he was demonstrating how to work stiff. The same Bob Holly that decided that he was going to try to make Brock Lesnar look foolish by becoming dead weight when Brock went for a powerbomb and ended up getting dropped on his head and getting a broken neck.

Following RVD's match against Danny Doring RVD was doing hsi typical pot-match posing and out of nowhere Holly came out and nailed RVD with a chair. Why don't they just get rid of Holly? Or at least put him back on Velocity for good. Why transfer him to ECW? If he's going to be in ECW just make him a jobber. I never want to see him win a match ever again. Does RVD really deserve being put in a feud with Bob Holly? Hasn't he (and the wrestling fans) suffered enough. Hopefully next week RVD will destroy Holly and we'll never see that redneck again.

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RAW 8.21.2006 - News & Notes

• RAW started with Edge in the ring talking about the Cena era being officailly over and the Rated R era officially being started. Lita was then shown outside the arena where she threw the Spinner Belt (it was obviously a fake) into the Long Island Sound. A new belt was then lowered from the ceiling. It was basically the exact same as the Spinner Belt, but had a spinning Rated R logo instead of the WWE logo. Jeff Hardy then came out and attacked Edge. Coach would later grant Edge a non-title match vs. Hardy. During the match Lita tried saving Edge by pulling him out of the ring. The bell rang and it looked like that may have caused a DQ win for Hardy. Cena then rushed the ring and fought Edge to the back and out of the arena. After some fighting on the docks Cena threw Edge into the Long Island Sound. I think that Cena was supposed to cause the DQ, but the timing got screwed up.
  
• The Highlanders, Eugene, and Duggan defeated the Spirit Squad sans Mitch.
  
• Triple H and HBK were shown at the airplane hangar where Vince's (allegedly $30,000,000) private jet was parked. They had sprayed a big DX logo on the side of it. Later Vince and Shane were in the ring and said that they had called the cops and were waiting for them to arrive at the hangar to arrest DX. Instead DX was shown standing on top of WWE Headquarters. They then showed the giant DX logo that was painted on it 3 WEEKS AGO! I suppose they decided to show it on WWE.com 3 weeks before they showed it on TV trying to play it off as happening today. I guess the people who saw the picture on WWE.com three weeks ago are supposed to believe that Vince and Shane didn't notice it until they were shown it tonight.
  
• Trish defeated Victoria
  
• This Week In Wrestling History showed the first ever broadcast of Smackdown from 1999.
  
• Vince and Shane were walking backstage and Vince decided to take out his frustrations with DX out on Foley. He told Foley that he would have to join the Mr. McMahon Kiss My Ass Club tonight or someone would get fired.
  
• Kane defeated Nitro by DQ when Umaga interfered.
  
• The trailer for Cena's new movie, The Marine, was shown. I smell a Razzie!
  
• Randy Orton defeated Ric Flair, but Orton kept attacking Flair after the bell. The ref then reversed his decision and declared Flair the winner. Orton then went for an RKO, but Carlito made the save.
  
• Foley initially refused to join the KMA club until Vince threatened to fire Melina. Foley then quickly agreed to kiss his ass. He ordered Vince to drop his pants and then he kissed his ass without hesitation. Melina then gave Foley a nutshot from behind and Vince told him that just like DX he (Vince) has to words for him (Foley). Melina then said 'You're Fired'. It looks like Melina attacking Foley has just turned him face keeping her as a heel. The cameras then followed Vince and Shane to the back. They then exited the arena (Once they exited the arena an obviously pre-recorded tape started playing). They then got into a limo and drove off. It then is revealed that the limo was dragging a chain of some sort. All of a sudden the limo stops as the rear axle is ripped out of the limo just like the cop car in the movie 'American Graffiti'. The McMahons get out of the limo an a DX logo is shown spray painted on the side of the limo.
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WWE Summerslam Results

Let's take a look at how the predictions came out...

Chavo v. Rey
An average match at best. Eddie's widow Vicki came out and pleaded with both men to stop fighting, but they didn't. Vicki tried climbing onto the apron, but when she grabbed the top rope Rey fell off of it. Chavo then hit the frogsplash and got the victory. Although it was supposed to look like an accident it looks like the WWE may be going in the direction of turning Vicki heel by aligning her with Chavo and making it that she knocked Rey off the rope on purpose. Also, As Chavo was going for the frogsplash she was either yelling 'No, Chavo!' or 'Go Chavo!'. It was a little hard to tell.
Me: 1/1
David: 0/1
Dr. Mike: 0/1

ECW Championship
Big Show v. Sabu
A little shorter than I expected. It turned out being an extreme rules match. Ending came when Big Show chokeslammed Sabu through a table in the ring followed by a pin.
Me: 2/2
David: 1/2
Dr. Mike: 1/2

Legend v. Legend Killer
Hogan v. Orton
Orton got in a lot more offense than I thought he would. Orton hit the RKO and then pinned Hogan, but after the 3 count the ref noticed that Hogan's foot was on the bottom rope. The ref then ordered the match to continue and Hogan eventually won after the Big Boot and a Leg Drop.
Me: 3/3
David: 1/3
Dr. Mike: 2/3

'I Quit' Match
Foley v. Flair
A moderately bloody match. A lot of barbed wire was used as well as Flair getting bodyslammed into a pile of thumbtacks. Flair took a lot of punishment. During the match after Foley had been knocked off of the apron and onto the floor a physician came down, examined him, and decided to stop the match. The ref then called for the bell, but Flair refused to win that way so the match continued. Melina came down to plead with Foley to quit for his own good. Foley refused so she threw a towel in. The ref called for the bell again, but once again Flair refused to win without Foley actually quitting. Flair then went to hit Foley with a barbed wire wrapped bat, but Melina got in front of him. Flair was going to hit her, but Foley saved her by saying 'I Quit'.
Me: 3/4
David: 2/4
Dr. Mike: 2/4

World Championship
Booker v. Batista
A pretty boring match if you ask me. Batista won by DQ when Sharmell came in and started hitting Batista.
Me: 3/5
David: 2/5
Dr. Mike: 3/5

DX v. McMahons
Before the McMahons even walked down the aisle they called for the Spirit Squad to come out. They hit the ring, but were shortly destroyed by DX. The McMahons then called for Kennedy, Finlay, and Regal to come out. As they were battling DX Vince and Shane called Big Show out who got the better of DX. The McMahons then entered the ring to start the match. For about the first 75% of the match HHH was still laid out on the outside of the ring. Triple H eventually made it into the ring. In the middle of the match Umaga came out and gave both DX guys the Samoan Spike. As he was making his way back up the ramp Kane came out and fought Umaga into the back. Shane went for the coast-to-coast trashcan drop kick, but HBK superkicked him out of mid-air. Vince then received a superkick and pedigree before being pinned.
Me: 4/6
David: 3/6
Dr. Mike: 4/6

WWE Championship
Cena v. Edge
A decent match. Towards the end of the match Lita slipped Edge a pair of brass knucks. Cena then went for the FU on Edge, but Lita jumped into the ring and onto Edge's back. It looked like Cena was going to FU them both at the same time, but instead he just flipped Lita off Edge. As the ref was getting Lita out of the ring Edge nailed Cena with the knucks to get the pinfall.
Me: 5/7
David: 3/7
Dr. Mike: 4/7

Totals: I did it. I finally beat David to end my losing streak. I got 5/7 matches right while David only got 3/7 right. Dr. Lano managed to get 4/7 correct. I'm too tired to gloat right now. Mabye I'll gloat some on Monday.

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WWE Summerslam Predictions

I Say: It's once again time for Wrestleblogger predictions. This time it's Summerslam. Ok, I'll admit it. I'm in a bit of slump. David has won 5 times in a row with his predictions and it's time for me to get back into my groove. You may recall that for the Great American Bash I included the predicted results as done by the flip of a coin to see if a coin can pick matches as accurately as me. Luckily, I got more right than the coin did. Not by much though. In fact, I only picked one more match correctly. This time there will once again be a third set of picks. They will be from a very special guest. Dr. Mike Lano. For those unfamiliar with Dr. Lano, he is a wrestling photographer and historian of sorts. His work has been seen in probably all of the major wrestling magazines out there. He's been covering wrestling longer than I've been alive. Dr. Lano happens to also be a dentist in addition to being a fountain of wrestling knowledge. I think I heard a story once about him doing dental work on Mick Foley. Currently Dr. Lano can be heard hosting a wrestling podcast called Wrestling Reality which can be found at http://wrestlingreality.blogspot.com. I encourage everyone to check it out if you get the chance. Now to David's opening comments.

David Says: So the big question is have I won five in a row or six. In all the excitement I seem to have lost count. The problem with standing on top of the mountain of success is that there's only one place to go and that's down. I must say that the rarified air of victory has given me a certain clarity of thought. Like a baseball player who's in the zone and feels as if he's swinging at beachballs. My mind has synced with the bookers and the predictions now seem so simple. I just pray that I can manage one more correct prediction than the mysterious 'J' to keep the crown.

NOW LET'S GET IT ON!!!!!!!!!!!

'I Quit'
Foley v. Flair
I Say: This match has the potential to steal the show. I expect a lot of blood. From what I hear both of these guys are normally more than willing to do what is best for the company and put the other guy over, but I'm not sure that they can both keep that mentality when it comes to each other. Word is that they have in reality agreed to disagree regarding their opinions of each other, but I'm sure that there is still a little heat between them. Although Foley said that he would never do a damn thing to help Flair out I think that Foley will make Flair look good in this match. While I see a realistic chance of both of these guys winning the match I'm going to give it to Foley.
David Says: Foley is the opposite of Rey. Always vote against Foley. I'm rooting for Foley but I know that he's there to job. I expect Flair to pull out all the stops including the 'old man beg off', the 'old man front face flop', the 'old man trying to not die of old age while wrestling Foley' a dozen chest chops and a pile of crotch shots. Flair's hand will spend so much time between Foley's legs that he may owe Mick a kiss before the night is over. I'm going against the odds and predict that Flair will NOT die of natural causes before the match is over.
Dr. Mike Says: Foley should because Flair is very sadly an embarrassment at this state in his life. But they hopefully will have a better match than last time. Flair will continue to look like a haggard Leslie Neilsen but he should be kept strong although Foley will somehow get the "win."

Chavo v. Rey
I Say: I'm not really into this match all that much. I've never been a fan of Rey, Chavo, or Eddie for that matter. I'm really surprised that Vicki is involved with this angle. The WWE should just leave her alone at this point. If the WWE wants to have a Chavo / Rey feud that's one thing, but I don't see the need to add Vicki to it. I think that Chavo should win, but I'm always hesitant to pick against Rey. I'll do it though. I'll pick Chavo. It won't be clean though.
David Says: My rule of thumb is ALWAYS GO WITH REY. This is Rey's revenge on Chavo for costing him the title.
Dr. Mike Says: Nonfinish. Vicky getting ko'd again to keep this going. If Rey gets the clean pin or something close, that may kill this lame angle.

WWE Championship
Cena v. Edge
I Say: The clause that states that Edge can lose the title by DQ really tempts me to pick Cena to win the match and the title by DQ, but I just can't do it. I just can't bring myself to pick Cena to win. I've got to go with Edge to retain. Do I think that Cena will regain the WWE Title from Edge? Without a doubt. I just can't say that it's going to happen @ Summerslam. Yeah, I know that Summerslam is in Cena's hometown of Boston, but the WWE seems to have a tendency to have the hometown favorite do the J-O-B. Just look at what happened to Mickie James this past Monday. I see Cena losing in his hometown and then go on to defeat Edge in his hometown @ Unforgiven in Toronto. That way Cena can have the belt with him while he promotes what will surely be a terrible movie in The Marine due out this October. If Cena does win it will be by Edge getting DQ'd. Most likely because of Lita who is rumored to be on her way out of WWE. Edge will then get mad @ Lita and to add tension to the situation he will get angry that she has a belt and he doesn't.
David Says: In all my years of watching wrestling I've never seen anything like what's happening to Cena. Cena is a top tier baby face who regularly gets booed. Loudly. The logical move would be to make him a heal or perhaps retool his character, instead he continues on with the exact same routine, annoying the hell out of men while women and children swoon. John Cena sucks. Unfortunately John Cena will also win the title back at Summerslam. Summerslam is the second biggest show of the year and people expect big things to happen. John Cena has three things on his side. He's the face. This is the main event at a major show. The WWE has shown a propensity of late to bounce the title around with increasing frequency. It would be absolutely fantastic if the WWE kept the title on Edge but it's not going to happen.
Dr. Mike Says: I think Cena is getting the revenge--this is the same '76 S.F. angle they did with Kevin Sullivan as face and his dad, vs heel Bob Roop for Roy Shire.

Legend v. Legend Killer
Hogan v. Orton
I Say: Hogan rarely puts younger guys over, if ever. It's just something that he doesn't really do. It's no secret that Hogan's career is coming to a close so in my mind he should really put Orton over. I don't see that happening though, since Orton is nowhere near the star that Hogan is and that seems to be required for Hogan to put someone over in a match. Hogan's mobility is very, very limited at this point so I hope that he doesn't try to do too much and end up crippling himself. Orton is said to have a real attitude problem backstage and I think losing to Hogan may help set him straight. I don't see a very strong chance of it happening, but I think that Brooke Hogan may somehow get involved. It would be interesting to see her turn on her dad, but I can't see that happening. Ever. If she gets involved it will kill her career though. A lot of mainstream America still views pro wrestling as a joke and getting involved in wrestling would amount to career suicide. Hogan to win, but I hope I'm wrong.
David Says: The match of the evening and the hardest one for me to call. Two young superstars in the prime of their careers locking up. Hogan has no reason to job. On the other hand he has been jobbing a lot in his infrequent matches. Expect Hogan to go down to the one, two, three one more time. And this is from a true blue Hulkamaniac who bleeds yellow and red.
Dr. Mike Says: Awful segment Monday...Hogan can barely move, and it went on too long. Maybe Orton get's DQ'd--they won't have him lose cleanly to Hogan, although he should.

World Championship
Booker v. Batista
I Say: I written before that whoever was holding the belt while Batista was out was only holding it until Batista came back and I've seen nothing to change my mind. I've become a big fan of Booker T since he's become King and I think he deserves a longer title run than 1 month. While I see a real chance that Batista regains the title I will have to pick Booker. Also, reports are that Batista still has a lot of heat on him for getting all worked up over the reaction he got from the ECW fans a couple of weeks back so that can't help his cause. If Batista does win it will be without picking up the title. I hope that they won't use this match to have Boogeyman make his return from injury.
David Says: My natural response would be to pick Batista because like Cena he is viewed as the champ regardless of whether or not he holds the title. Instead I'm going to go out on a limb and pick Booker T to win. Probably with interference or an illegal object or perhaps another disqualification. Booker T deserves some more time with the title so hopefully the WWE will make the right decision.
Dr. Mike Says: Same as above, but knowing WWE's lame logic, they may just have Batista get the belt clean which would hurt a longer run. SDown has so little, they should drag this out before Batista is given the belt again.

DX v. McMahons
I Say: A little while back the rumors were that DX would end at Summerslam. That would lead me to believe that DX would be going out on a loss, but since there currently reports that DX and Cena will be together at September house shows that would make me lean towards a DX win. Add to that the fact that the McMahons have been getting over on DX in the past few weeks it's almost as if DX has to win. For some reason I really want to go against my gut and pick DX to lose, but I just can't do it. DX to pick up the win. Interference by the likes of Umaga, Spirit Squad, and Highlanders looks probable. Knowing the McMahons' involvement in wrestling I wouldn't be surprised to see Steph and Trips' new baby do a run-in (or maybe I should call it a crawl-in).
David Says: In all occasions I would go with DX over the McMahon's but given the way the McMahon's have been getting the better of DX in the last few weeks I would have to say this is an iron clad lock. This incarnation of DX has been pretty crappy indeed. Shawn Michaels and Triple H can still deliver but they are WAY too old to be pulling these juvenile pranks. DX can go two ways. Either get some new young talent that they can mentor and quit with the childish crap or just break up. This is painfully unfunny.
Dr. Mike Says: End this. Sorry, but Dx just seems old. Think they'll finally go over big.

Big Show v. Sabu
I Say: As far as I know this is a straight forward match, but it should've been made into an Extreme Rules match. The fans of the old ECW absolutely hate having Big Show as champ. Myself, I would rather see RVD or Sabu with the title. I can't see Big Show walking out of Summerslam without the belt though. I think that Sabu should get the title at some point down the road, but I just don't think that the timing is right at this point. There has been a rumor online that Kurt Angle may somehow become part of the match making it a 3-Way. I don't see him winning though. I can't see anyone else getting the ECW title before RVD has another run with it. Look for RVD to interfere.
David Says: Why have an ECW title match on a WWE PPV? Sabu will bounce around like a flea on a glacier. I don't expect this match will amount to much but my crystal ball sees a Big Show victory.
Dr. Mike Says: Big Show, but they won't hurt Sabu hopefully. He and Van Dam need to be kept strong. Thankfully the horrible Taker-clumsy Dhalip Singh match is off the ppv and just on plain tv. What an embarrassment...Dhalip is the goof who sadly/accidentally killed his fellow wrestling school trainee student at APW out here...APW got sued by the family and state of CA and lost the $1.3+ million verdict as you know.

Summary
I Pick: Hogan, Foley, Chavo, Edge, Booker T, DX, & Big Show
David Picks: Orton, Flair, Rey, Cena, Booker T, DX, & Big Show
Dr. Mike Picks: Hogan, Foley, Non-Finish (Rey v. Chavo), Cena, Batista, DX, & Big Show


Final thoughts: I'm a little surprised that there isn't a match for either of the Tag Team Championships or a 3-Way match for the US Title that was supposed to take place @ the Great American Bash. I'm also surprised that a Kane v. Nitro match for the IC Title isn't on the card. I was expecting there to be another ECW match. Perhaps a Test/Knox v. Sandman/Dreamer Extreme Rules match. The fact that these matches aren't on the PPV could be a good sign. It's always good when you have too many potential matches than can fit on the card. At least they are not bumping a potentially great match with some meaningless Diva pillow fight or Bra and Panties contest. I think it's pretty safe to say that 2006 Diva Search winner Layla will make an appearance in some fashion. Speaking of the Diva Search, I hope the WWE signs Runner-Up Jen England. Unlike Layla she's at least got a background in fighting (Kickboxing).

See you after Summerslam.

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RAW 8.14.2006 - News & Notes

• Edge & Lita started RAW by telling the crowd that Cena wouldn't be there because he had to rush home due to a 'family emergency'. They then showed video of Edge & Lita @ Cena's dad's house. In the video Edge slapped the taste out of Cena's dad's mouth. They kept showing it over and over in slo-motion.
  
• Lita defeated Mickie James to become the new Women's Champion.
  
• Foley cut a promo from backstage & invited Flair to meet him @ ECW on SciFi.
  
• Umaga defeated a jobber.
  
• Flair defeated Nitro by DQ when Foley interferred.
  
• Milena was eliminated from the Diva Search. The remaining 3 women took on Candice, Torrie, & Victoria in a Water Fight. The WWE Divas were declared the winners.
  
• DX cut a promo about Summerslam. The McMahons interrupted and cut their own promo.
  
• Eugene & Duggan defeated Kenny & Mikey from the S. Squad in a non-title match.
  
• A video aired saying that Jeff Hardy would be on RAW next week. I thought he was going to Smackdown to rejoin Matt. Maybe Matt is moving to RAW.
  
• Armando Alejandro Estrada offered Umaga's services to the McMahons for Summerslam.
  
• Edge defeated Carlito in a non-title match by DQ when Cena rushed the ring and attacked Edge.
  
• Randy Orton cut a promo and called out Hogan. The phony Hogan from a few weeks ago came limping out and asked Orton, 'Whatcha gonna do when I soil myself in the ring all over you!?'. The real Hogan then came limping out and gave Orton the Big Boot. The phony Hogan attacked the real one, but Hogan made quick work of him. Hogan went for the Big Boot on the phony Hogan, but the phony one blew the spot.
  

I was a little surpised that J.R. & Lawler didn't take shots @ TNA for setting the arena on fire at their PPV last night.

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The Bisch Is Back!...Sort Of

It was announced earlier today that the WWE and former RAW GM Eric Bischoff have joined forces on two separate projects. Unfortunately, neither of them involve him coming back to TV. The first project is going to be Bischoff's autobiography entitled "Eric Bischoff: Controversy Creates Cash" which will chronicle his career in the pro wrestling industry. While this may at one point lead to a return WWE television for Bischoff, nothing is guaranteed when it comes to on-air promotion of WWE products. For some reason the WWE creates products and does little more than run a commercial or two for them without actually bringing in the real-life person to promote it. Case in point, Dusty Rhodes' DVD. He didn't even appear on TV promoting it. Well, actually he promoted it for 10 seconds while Vince was passing him in the hallway looking for DX, but that doesn't really count. Enough about that though. Back to the Bisch.

The second project is a promotional partnership as it relates to Socko Energy Drink which Eric Bischoff and Jason Hervey's marketing company is responsible for branding. It should be noted that Eric Bischoff and Jason Hervey appeared on Hulk Hogan's reality show trying to get Hogan to sign on to promote and lend his image to the energy drink when Hogan was looking for business opportunities outside of the wrestling industry. I'm not sure if Hogan has officially signed on with Socko or not at this point.

Speaking of Hogan, as advertised he appeared on Live with Regis & Kelly this morning. It seems that the show is having some sort of theme week. This week the theme was 80's week. I'm still trying to determine if he was on the show because he was an icon of the 1980's or because he's in his 80's. During his appearance (promoting Pokemon week in NYC) he mentioned that he had injured his knee getting up from a couch and that it's 'Touch and Go' concerning his match @ Summerslam. The interesting part was before his interview though. The final part of the previous segment consisted of a prize wheel which Regis spun. The theme of the wheel was sort of a 1960's/Austin Powers feel. Part of the whole wheel spin was a silhouette of someone dancing behind a screen. It turns out that it happened to be Hogan as the one dancing behind the screen. I thought to myself that his knee must not be injured all that bad if he can dance on it.

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RAW 8.7.2006 - News & Notes

• Shane & Vince were dressed as Elvis and kept singing Elvis songs.
  
• Trish was scheduled to take on Mickie James, but as soon as the match started Edge and Lita came out. Edge cut a promo and he and Lita attacked Trish. Carlito made the save. Later in the night Edge and Lita defeated Carlito and Trish in a tag match.
  
• For the third time in 4 weeks there was a match to determine the #1 contender for Nitro's IC Title. Kane defeated Shelton. Nitro and Melina sat ringside.
  
• John Cena defeated Viscera. Cena F'ed Viscera....Oops, I mean he F-U'd Viscera. My mistake.
  
• This Week In Wrestling History showed the Showdown @ Shea from 1980.
  
• Mick Foley finally accepted Flair's challenge. At Summerslam it will be an 'I Quit' match.
  
• Orton defeated Lawler.
  
• A short video package was played featuring Jeff Hardy who has been re-signed. Eventhough it was on RAW, Hardy is expected to join Smackdown since a Hardy Boyz reunion is planned.
  
• Erica was eliminated from the Diva Search. The remaining 4 Divas played 'Dis the Diva' where they had to rip on the other contestants. I was hoping for it to be like during the first Diva search where half of the women's comments had to be bleeped out, but this time it was very, very tame. A huge disappointment. Horrible microphone work. On a semi-related note - the woman who was eliminated last week, Rachel, has been signed by the WWE to join OVW to train. The woman eliminated two weeks ago (Maryse) along with another woman who didn't make the final 8 were also invited to Deep South Wrestling to be evaluated with the chance of being offered a contract.
  
• Umaga defeated HHH. Shawn wasn't @ ringside because he was arrested after he attacked Shane earlier in the night. As the cops were breaking it up Shawn hit a cop by accident leading to the arrest. After the match Shane shoved HHH into Vince's crotch face first. It looked really strange. It turns out that it was so Vince could give HHH a pedigree.
  

Although he was scheduled to appear, Hulk Hogan did not appear on RAW. Late last week is was revealed via WWE.com that Hogan had suffered a torn meniscus in what was his only good knee. At that point it was unknown whether or not he would appear on RAW as advertised and whether he would be able to still wrestle Randy Orton @ Summerslam in 2 weeks. Within the past 24 hours WWE.com has announced that his scheduled appearance would not be taking place @ RAW. It is also being reported that after visiting his physician Hogan's knee would require surgery and that Hogan had decided to have the surgery done after his match @ Summerslam (assuming he can make it until then). Speculation (much like Hulkamania) is running wild. Some people are saying that perhaps Hogan is faking the injury to boost his own image even more when he defeats Orton. Others are suggesting that Hogan is having second thoughts regarding the Summerslam match; Either he was booked to lose and now wants to back out of the match or that perhaps he just doesn't want to wrestle altogether. There are people suggesting that maybe the whole injury is a work by Hogan along with the WWE to add more to the whole buildup to Summerslam. It should be noted that Hogan has once before suffered a sudden knee injury leading up to a big match. During the early stages of TNA Hogan was scheduled to take on Jeff Jarrett and in the weeks leading up to the match he informed TNA management that he was going to pull out of the match due to a sudden knee injury. In that situation Hogan came out looking a little foolish. A worked press conference was done with Hogan where Jarrett busted in and nailed Hogan busting him wide open. The final moments of the press conference consisted of Hogan laying on the floor covered in blood. That was the last memory people had of Hogan in TNA. I'm not saying that Hogan was faking an injury then or is even faking one now. I'm just saying that I wouldn't be at all surprised if the injury is a fake. Perhaps he realized that him being in the spotlight doesn't really do much for Brooke's career and that seems to be his primary focus these days. Finally, a little while back Hogan and Brooke were doing a radio show promoting her new single and when the host asked him about the WWE Hogan responded with something to the effect of "You mean that fake crap I used to do!?'. Take that for what it's worth. Hogan is schedule to be on Live with Regis & Kelly on Tuesday so it should be interesting to see what he has to say.

On an unrelated note, RVD returned to action this past weekend which means that his suspension is over. I expect him to be one of Heyman's security guards tommorrow on ECW on SciFi. I also expect him to interfere in the Angle v. Sabu match to determine the #1 contender to Big Show's ECW Title.

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If I Were Vince McMahon I Would... [Updated]

...seriously reconsider what looks like a decsion to put the WWE Title back on John Cena. I understand that Cena is the flagship of RAW right now, but that doesn't mean that he has to hold the title. If Cena gets the title back too soon it's going to kill Edge's career. Edge needs a title run more than a month and a half.

...not put the World Title back on Batista at Summerslam. It's pretty much a given that whoever had the title while Batista was out was only holding onto it until he came back. Booker T had been doing an excellent job in the past few months and deserves a legitimate title run. Keep Batista involved with Kennedy. It seems to be helping Kennedy a lot.

...cut the airtime devoted to the DX/McMahon storyline. You can't have 30-45 minutes each RAW devoted to just one storyine.

...keep bringing up newer & younger guys to RAW, Smackdown, and ECW. These guys need to be tested to see if they have what it takes to compete and perforn on the WWE level.

Update: It looks like Vince McMahon is going to do exactly what I wrote above. The article located here was posted a few hours after I put up this post. Although the article says that Teddy Long is doing it I think we can all agree that Vince McMahon is really calling the shots.

...seriously investigate what led to the string on liver ailments in the Smackdown locker room.

...give ECW their own TV events instead of sharing the arena with Smackdown and move the ECW tapings to the smaller ECW-type venues. Note: This is actually occuring with this week's ECW on SciFi being broadcast from NYC's Hammerstein Ballroom while SD is overseas. It should also be noted that this may become a regular occurance now that it looks like ECW will be picked up by SciFi beyond the 12-13 week trial run.

...bring back licensed music to ECW. Especially Sandman's.

...try to shy away from these 80's style gimmick (not that some of them aren't working).

...take a serious look at revitalizing the tag divisions on both RAW and Smackdown.

...release Bob Holly from his contract or at least job him out to everyone and I mean EVERYONE! Even the women.

...do everything within my power to esure that the Ric Flair v. Mick Foley match @ Summerslam lives up to its enormous amount of potential.

...not job Trish Stratus out as he contract winds down, or at least not make her look foolish. She's done an amazing job with the women's division and deserves to be treated with respect on her way out.

...bring in more women with actual talent for the women's division.

...not sign Monty Brown from TNA. He's really obnoxious.

...wipe the slate clean when it comes to RVD and the ECW Title. RVD made a mistake and should get the title back. Maybe even @ Summerslam. Either that or have Sabu take the title from Big Show (Sabu would then require a handler like Bill Alphonso at that point) and then lose it to RVD.

...call it a day as far as Mark Henry is concerened. It looks like his contract will expire before he can make it back from his recent injury. The guy is not only injury prone, but he prone to injuring others as well. If you want to keep him under contract as a guy who makes appearances or something that's fine, but just keep him out of the ring.

...finally get to bringing in a new GM for RAW. May I suggest Eric Bischoff (who's contract is going to expire soon)? Resign the guy and bring him back. If not for GM then for something else at least. If not I'm expecting him to show up in TNA.

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