strummer

even more from Keller: -While the top two matches for Smackdown at Summerslam have been set for a while (Undertaker challenging JBL for the WWE Hvt. Title and Kurt Angle vs. Eddie Guerrero), the top Raw matches have been in limbo for weeks. After several scenarios were considered (such as Triple H vs. Chris Benoit with Eugene as special ref or Triple H vs. Benoit vs. Eugene in a three-way), they're now going with Benoit defending against Randy Orton with Triple H facing Eugene in a singles match. That could change between now and Monday, but by Raw on Monday they'll have to lock in the direction for the top storylines. When Triple H ripped on Eugene on Raw and when the Iron Man match was booked for this Monday's episode, that pretty much eliminated any chance of the three-way match or yet another Hunter vs. Benoit singles match. If they did the three-way match, they would have stretched out ambiguity with whether Eugene would side with Hunter or Benoit at the PPV. If they were going to go with Hunter vs. Benoit at Summerslam, the Iron Man format may have been saved for the PPV. So it's a virtual lock they're going with the other scenario

Yes, Orton is scheduled to go over Benoit at Summerslam for the belt, now Keller is saying the same thing as Johnson from PWI. From 411: Later, at 3:15 PM on PWInsider.com's Elite Hotline and then at 5:19 PM on PWTorch.com's VIP Audio Update, Mike Johnson and Wade Keller, respectively, reported the following spoilers pertaining to this Monday's RAW and plans for SummerSlam (scroll down for spoilers): -- Chris Benoit is expected to hold on to the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at RAW. -- HHH is currently being scheduled to face Eugene Dinsmore at SummerSlam. -- Chris Benoit is being scheduled to face Randy Orton at SummerSlam for the World Title, with current plans being to put the belt on Orton. These are all still rumors, but are being reported by generally reliable sources. [Credit: PWInsider.com, PWTorch.com, WrestlingObserver.com]

Found this on another board. The poster got in from PWI's Elite Subscription News: Apparently the two Raw matches at Summerslam are: Eugene vs. Triple H World Heavyweight Championship Chris Benoit vs. Randy Orton Credit: PWInsider.com's Mike Johnson

I remember there was a part where Jeff told off Stephanie McMahon when Steph wanted to do an angle where Lita and Jeff got together. Also, they complained how they were squashed in their program with Austin/HHH in April/May 2001. And just general stuff, like Curry said, where they realized they were taking these big bumps and getting nothing in return while guys like Bull Buchanan and the Godfather (who they specifically mention) got big pushes and went over them.

Credit: Torch WWE Smackdown/Velocity tapings July 20, 2004 Philadelphia, Pa. Report by Chris Forbes, PWTorch.com correspondent VELOCITY (1) John Heidenrech (w/Paul Heyman) beat Shannon Moore. (2) Johnny Stambolli (w/Nunzio) beat Danny Basham (w/Doug Basham) (3) Hardcore Holly beat Akio. (4) Rob Van Dam beat Rene Dupree. SMACKDOWN Kurt Angle began from his wheelchair, saying he put himself at risk last week in order to protect the World Title. He fired referee Tony Chimmel over last week. Angle said Eddie Guerrero would be begging for his job later. (1) Spike Dudley beat Chavo Guerrero Jr. and Jamie Noble in a Cruiserweight No. 1 Contender's match. The Dudleys cut a dark promo ripping on Philadelphia fans and saying ECW sucked. (2) Bubba Ray Dudley (w/D-Von Dudley) beat Kidman (w/Paul London). Angle told Booker T he would U.S. Champion next week. He handed him the belt early. Angle then fired Funaki. (3) JBL won a squash. Undertaker came out and chokeslammed JBL, then said: "You, me, Summerslam." (4) Torrie vs. Sable vs. Dawn Marie vs. Miss Jackie. The match was interrupted by Kurt Angle who fired all four. (5) Rey Mysterio beat D-Von Dudley with help from Kid man. (6) John Cena beat Luther Reigns when Booker T's attempted interference backfired. Angle called out Eddie Guerrero. He promised to fire him or make him beg for his job later. Vince McMahon came out instead. He said Angle seemed to be enjoying himself, firing everyone. McMahon said he went too far and fired Angle, then reinstated him as an active wrestler and booked him against Eddie Guerrero at Summerslam. McMahon then made Angle apologize to everyone he had fired and to Vince himself. Angle was about to apologize to Vince, but then gave him a low blow as the show ended. Nothing happened after the taping ended. Well Angle is done as GM Welcome back Steph!!

The following is a press release sent to PWTorch.com today from Pushing the Lope Entertainment stating they are suing WWE over the Raw Diva Search idea. The exclamation points in their name is not a typo. The question is who should be suing whom at this point... SANTA MONICA, Ca. – 07/21/2004 – Push!ng The Lope Entertainment ® along with John Piermarini and Frank Murgia are filing a lawsuit against the World Wrestling Entertainment. Push!ng The Lope claim to be the creator of the WWE 2004 Raw Diva Search and is ready to go to court to prove it. Push!ng The Lope gave WWE one month to respond to their attempt to resolve their issue with the wrestling company but received no response. WWE announced its $250,000 Raw Diva Search on Monday Night Raw on Spike TV on Monday May 24, 2004. Push!ng The Lope says the idea was there’s and was presented, with help from WWE superstar Trish Stratus, directly to WWE Executive Producer Kevin Dunn, who then took the idea directly to Vince McMahon and Jim Ross. John Piermarini, co-creator of the show had the following statement: “We met with Kevin Dunn backstage on December 8, 2004 with (WWE superstar) Trish Stratus to present the idea directly to Kevin Dunn who told us he loved the idea and thought it was very original and gave us the green light to continue developing the idea and present it to him when it was completed. The completed show was presented on January 7, 2004. Kevin then said Vince McMahon was very impressed with the idea but wanted to put it on hold until after WrestleMania 20 where he would meet again with Kevin Dunn and Jim Ross to discuss using the idea. That was the last we heard from anyone from WWE, as all phone calls and messages were ignored. Then right after WrestleMania we see Vince McMahon steal our idea live on television. There isn’t one original WWE idea in this show concept. Imitation is the greatest form of flattery; theft is the lowest form of creativity. I now know where WWE lies.” The search consists of nationwide casting events, a television casting special, competitions between the finalists, fan voting, and a culmination to reveal the winner. All of which Push!ng The Lope says was presented to WWE. Push!ng The Lope also stated that Trish Stratus was witness to all communication between WWE and Push!ng The Lope. Push!ng The Lope also claims to have written and verbal proof that Kevin Dunn agreed to send a letter of intent on behalf of WWE to be partners with John Piermarini and Frank Murgia on the Diva Search project. Push!ng The Lope has a written letter of agreement with Trish Stratus, who was also a creator of the project. Credit: Torch

This week on Between the Ropes, sponsored by www.ProFigures.com, wrestling legend and number one bestselling author, Mick Foley joined Fritz, Dickerman, and Vito DeNucci to talk about his upcoming appearance at the NWA Legends Fanfest in Fayetteville, North Carolina on August 14th and 15th. Mick was asked about the anticipation of appearing at the NWA Legends Fanfest. He is flattered to appear at the Fanfest and mentions that it is a great lineup. He talked about the conventions that they had in the 80s, and how there are not as many today. He talked about one he did recently in Dallas with the reunion of Devastation Incorporated. Mick thinks that his six month stint in the NWA might not qualify him as a legend. Mick mentioned that he might be the only person in the business to get the best of Harley Race because he hit him with a steel shovel while Harley never got his shot at Foley. However, Harley never told Foley that it hurt him. Mick mentioned Vader and Dennis Knight’s fondness of being naked in the locker room, and how it led to the Naked Mideon gimmick. Mick said that when he was commissioner in the WWE, he wanted Naked Mideon to be his assistant before Debra was made his assistant. He talked about wanting to ask him for a quarter when he tried to call Vince. Mick mentioned that when he came back, Dennis was on the card as well, and he asked Mick about doing the elbow off the apron. Talk moved on to the storyline that he was involved with Randy Orton. Mick said that he was happy with the storytelling and he said that it accomplished a lot. He feels that it helped Randy out a lot, and he has heard that from Randy and his father. He also feels that it got other people like Batista and Flair into the storyline. He said that it also got Rock back into a meaningful role with the company. Rock told Mick that he felt like his most recent return was how the fans wanted to see him. Mick feels that a good angle makes the others a little better because they want to match that performance. Mick was asked about his Wrestlemania match and how he and Rock were willing to put over talent. Mick said that people appreciate it when veterans put over the younger guys. He said that there is an art to it, not just losing a match. He said that sometimes it is not losing a match because there are other factors that need to be considered, and it is a process. He knew that he wanted to do a second match because a single match does not get a guy over, it is a series of matches. If the angles and promos get over with the fans, two matches can be enough. Mick said that he was rusty in his Wrestlemania and had some issues with his performance saying it did not have the intensity. Mick said that he was happier with his match at Backlash. Mick was happy to see the reaction to Randy Orton the next night on Raw, and feels that it helped Randy get to the next level. He felt like a proud father. Mick had some comments about what Ric Flair said about his behind the scenes maneuvering, and said that he was not praising Michael Hayes ‘Badstreet’ album, or Brian Gerwitz’s writing on The Jenny McCarthy Show. Mick said that he wanted to get Ric Flair more involved in the program with him and Randy, but those ideas were shot down by the writers. He said that Ric was always professional around Mick during his most recent stint with WWE. He said that either Ric is not being honest in his book or is a complete liar. He does not know where Flair got the idea about Mick caring about his storylines only. Mick does not want to pretend that Ric Flair’s comments are not out there, but you have to look at who Ric Flair’s friends are in the company. He said that it is the pot calling the kettle black about getting themselves and friends over. Mick mentions that his friends are not getting a super push in the company and brings up Al Snow and Kevin Kelly. Mick feels that his work is out there for people to see. Mick said that he is going to call Vince for letting it go unchecked, and he is going to say that he is thankful that he saw something in Mick Foley beyond the traditional WWE wrestler. He said that if Flair had any control of his time in the WWF in 2000, Foley would be cleaning pools now. Mick talked about how he had to deal with book critics when he published Tietam Brown because of the perception of a wrestler. However, he got good reaction to the novel, and felt that it was a good book. Mick said that if Flair’s intention was to get a match with Foley, it is not going to happen because of that. He said that Flair is working a program without the other person knowing. He felt that he was being buried while being praised by Flair. Talk moved on to the way that that the WWE wanted to stir things up, but Mick is not going to go on WWE programming to respond to what Flair wrote. Mick felt that in talking to Flair, he enjoyed working with him. Flair even told Mick that he never read his book. Mick said that you need to separate the booker from the performer, and after rereading what he wrote before, he praised Flair a number of times as a wrestler. He feels that Ric did not care so much about the other programs while he was a booker. He thinks that things could have been different if he had complete control over his own storyline instead of being told to cut his hair, get an earring and change his name to Spartacus. He feels that he will be seen as a bad talent evaluator since he let Mick and Steve Austin leave WCW under his watch. He was not sure if Triple H was with WCW, and let go when he was the booker. Talk moved on to how Ric’s complaints were about the way he was treated by people like Jim Herd and Eric Bischoff, just like Mick’s comments about Flair as a booker. Mick said that people did not buy his first book to read about Ric Flair because it was not a major part of the book. The only time that Flair was brought up was on WCW television by Terry Funk. Mick said that he never used Ric Flair to sell his book. Mick suggests that there must be something relevant about him now because they are focusing on Mick Foley in promoting Flair’s book. Mick feels that he has made a connection with the fans, and that might lead to some people thinking more about his work than what he actually did in the ring. Mick was asked about the WWF’s influence over the content in his book. Mick said that there was some concern in the company about Mick taking shots at Vince, but Vince did not want Foley’s book gutted. Mick asked where the criticism was in Flair’s book about Vince McMahon, Triple H or anyone else in power right now, and the people that Flair attacked were not active wrestlers with WWE. Mick said that things might have been under closer scrutiny after the Hardy book. Mick is thankful to Vince for giving him the chance to write his books, but he did screw Bret. Mick talked about the criticism that Flair had about Bret Hart and Montreal and Owen Hart. Mick said that he talked to Bret after his comments were made about Flair. Mick suggested that you shouldn’t write when you are angry. Mick said that he edited what he wrote about Flair himself because he might have been angry at the time. He suggested that maybe he will release the unedited material about Flair in a future book. Mick said that he would not rule out a match in the future. He recently had knee surgery and found out that fifteen years of taking bumps on concrete can hurt your knees. He has to look at the long term price of doing anything in the ring before he wrestles again. It was suggested by Fritz that he have a feud with Edge. Mick said that he talked to Edge and said that he enjoyed his recent matches with Randy Orton, and how the end of the last match might set up a double turn. He does not mind helping out other people with their work in the ring. He said that he also talked to Test recently, but it might have been a cheap attempt to talk to Stacy Keibler instead. Mick talked about his new book, a novel about baseball that is coming out next year. He has rewritten it twice, and he is happy with the product. He said that things are not as disturbing as Tietam Brown. Mick also has a children’s book coming out October 4th. The children’s book was written four years ago, and he has read it to tens of thousands of kids, and they like it as well as adults. Mick said that the comments made by Flair are not bad enough to keep him away from returning to WWE. Mick was commended by the hosts about how his book gave the reader a great mental picture of what they were reading even though Mick was not a professional writer. Mick said that you cannot capture the same intimacy if it is written by someone else. Mick said that he is honored to write the introduction to Terry Funk’s book, and how Terry has still not read his first two books. Mick said that Terry Funk is his Tietam Brown, and how there is talk of doing a movie of Tietam Brown. Mick said that Terry read Tietam Brown in a day, and he would be interested in that role. The only fear the hosts had was the thought of seeing Terry doing ‘the deck’ naked. Between the Ropes airs every Wednesday from 10:00 p.m. to Midnight on 740 the Team in Orlando, Florida. Check out www.betweentheropes.com to hear the live stream of the show every Wednesday. Archives of recent interviews can be found at www.betweentheropes.com. From wrestlingobserver.com

Marvin, did they say anything about naming a new GM next week?

David Wright goes 0-4 in his MLB debut as the Mets hold on to beat Montreal 5-4. In seeing Wright for the first time, his bat looked slow, but he seems to be a patient hitter who takes pitches and works counts, which is what the Mets need big time

WFAN didn't report this in their latest news update, which was about 5 minutes ago

More detailed report from PWI: Smackdown: *Kurt Angle comes to the ring with Luther Reigns and cuts a promo explaining that he had to do what he could do to make sure Eddie Guerrero didn't win the WWE championship. Angle said he wants Guerrero to apologize for winning the belt, tonight in order to keep his job. Angle turns his attention to ring announcer Tony Chimmel and said he announced Guerrero as the WWE champion when he won the belt. He makes Chimmel apologize for doing that in order to keep his job, but then turns around and fires him anyway. *Josh Matthews is now the ring announcer on Smackdown. *Spike Dudley defeated Chavo Guerrero and Jamie Noble, with Spike pinning Guerrero with the Dudley Dog to become the number one contender for the Cruiserweight championship. *Backstage, the Divas come up to Kurt Angle and complain about being misused and underutilized. Angle agreed and announced a Fatal Four Way Lingerie match for later on with Sable vs. Dawn Marie vs. Torrie Wilson vs. Miss Jackie *The Dudley Boyz cut a promo on the Titantron only for the Philadelphia crowd, talking about their time in "Extremely Crappy Wrestling" to insure they get a heel response when they come out later. Also scheduled for tonight is Luther Reigns vs. John Cena and John Bradshaw Layfield's "Rocky Challenge." *Bubba Ray Dudley pinned WWE Tag Team champion Billy Kidman. *Backstage, Funaki interviewed Booker T and Kurt Angle. Angle told Booker that he was going to name him the new United States champion next week once he had it cleared with the Board of Directors. Funaki said that that wasn't fair, so Angle fired him for not knowing "how to speak English." *Backstage, The Dudley Boyz came up to Spike Dudley and noted how they all have title shots next week. Spike blew them off and said that he didn't want anything to do with them. They promised they wouldn't interfere next week as long as Spike didn't interfere in D-Von's match with Rey Mysterio later tonight. Spike agreed and walked off. *WWE champion John Bradshaw Layfield came out and said that since he's in Philadelphia, where the Rocky film was shot, he was laying out a Rocky challenge for someone to try and defeat him and if they did, they could have a title shot at Summerslam. Out came Mike Kruel (USA Pro/ECWA who has worked a lot of dark and TV shots for WWE) who Layfield beats easily. Layfield says that he guesses he doesn't have a match at Summerslam. The lights go out and the Undertaker gong hits. Undertaker comes out and faces off with Layfield. Undertaker chokeslams Layfield and takes the ring mic. "You...me...Summerslam," he says and walks off. *The divas came down for their Fatal Four Way Lingere match featuring Sable vs. Miss Jackie vs. Torrie Wilson vs. Dawn Marie. Kurt Angle came out and fired all of them. *Rey Mysterio pinned D-Von Dudley. Bubba Ray Dudley tried to interfere but Paul London and Billy Kidman came out. *John Cena pinned Luther Reigns after Booker T attempted to interfere, but it backfired. *Kurt Angle came to the ring and called out Eddie Guerrero, telling him it was time to apologize because "You don't cross the boss." Vince McMahon's music hit and he came to the ring. McMahon told Angle that he lied to all the fans about his injury, but more importantly, he lied to Vince. Vince said that he was going to get a humanitarian award for making a handicapped person a General Manager, but that is out the window because Angle lied. He told Angle that he was fired as General Manager, but was back on the active roster. McMahon announced he would be facing Eddie Guerrero at Summerslam. Guerrero came out in his low rider. McMahon got in the car and made it bounce. Guerrero left and McMahon came back to the ring. He told Angle that he had to apologize to everyone he fired tonight, and brought them out. Angle apologized to Funaki and Tony Chimmel but refused to apologize to the divas. Vince told him he was going to have to join the "Kiss My A**" club for the divas. Angle refused and offered to kiss Vince's A**. Vince said No because he has a "Special A**." He gave 10 seconds to kiss or apologize. Angle apologized. Vince said that Angle now has to apologize to him. Angle got on his knees but instead low blowed McMahon. Everyone checked on McMahon as Angle escaped.

all right, Ed Sprague is # 2, but he is was the most fresh in my mind. I'm not familiar with Randy Jackson

remember AS, not TY COBB or Pete Rose, it's Ed Sprague!! Damnit, Baseball reference says he is most similar to ED Sprague!

Mets call up their best prospect 3B David Wright. Wigginton is moved to 1st to make room for him at 3rd

according to PWI, the jobber that was squashed by Bradshaw was Mike Kruel from USA Pro/ECWA

Floyd struck out in 6 pitches

And the Mets are officially OWNED by the Marlins, lose 9-7. I swear if they just played the Mets and Phils, they would NEVER lose

Man, the Astros continue to slide, Dodgers come back late and lead 5-4. David Weathers gives it up. I can't believe a team with the talent the Astros have is underachieving so much

Mike Piazza injures his wrist tonight at a play at first and may be out for an extended period of time. Here comes that slide for the Mets. 6-0 Marlins. The bunt double by Pierre was more of a half swing, not a real bunt, he sort of slapped it by the third basemen

1992 was the worst year in WWF Financial history, but I'm pretty sure you were talking about quality wise, Kahran. I would say 2004 is slightly better. I will admit at the begining of 99, the Crash TV format was fresh and innovative and appealing to me, but around June and July of 99, it got old and predictable. WWF 99 from after Fully Loaded to Survivor Series was really just a blur, as people turned and turned back and there was barely any wrestling AT ALL on Raw. I remember a Raw where there was 12 minutes of wrestling total on a 2 hour show. The wrestling is much better today and the angles are getting more a slow build. The focus is always on the main events now,while the midcard got more focus back then. yeah, I'll go with 2004 as slightly better.

Does Seaver still hold that record, Frigid?

another roll up finish, God that is starting to get on my nerves

someone screwed up on that near fall, either Orton or the ref, the ref kept waiting for Orton to kick out

TERRIBLE, TERRIBLE loss for the Mets tonight. Blowing a 9th inning lead against the Marlins. Erickson pitched well, but the defense again stunk and Looper blows the game. Look for this to cause the Mets to slide. That has been said a lot about this team this season, but I think it's happening for real this time. They have come back from tough losses this year but I don't know if they can do it this time. Do the Marlins ever lose to the Mets or Phils? Seriously? They are like 15 under against everybody else. I'm trying to remain level headed and realize this isn't a playoff team and for the most part I've succeeded, but this one still stings.

DeJean this year: 0-5, 6.13 ERA, 1.94 WHIP, 39.2 IP, 49 H, 28 BB, .308 BAA. No way this guy should see significant time in the pen. Although maybe returning to the NL will see him perform better.