The following are highlights of the latest Jim Ross blog:

On not watching Battleground: “I did not watch the WWE presentation of Battle Ground live as I was in the midst of a 600 mile drive home from the cornfields of Iowa but it got me to thinking that WWE might want to consider selling the radio rights to their PPV events to Sirius, for example, for those of us who are travelers to some degree. I’d have loved to have heard the event on radio. It would be new money for WWE plus it would keep more people connected to the brand. And no I don’t think that it would harm the WWE Network whatsoever with the once a month PPV’s airing on radio.”

On some of the angles last night: “Upon taking a fast look at the PPV I can tell you that I enjoyed the tag title bout and enjoyed the 2X3 fall stipulation. Both teams worked hard and seem to have good chemistry. Hopefully, WWE will get other teams ready to engage in the Tag Title picture as I know that there are many who are specifically fans of tag team wrestling which is not dead by any means but it’s not exactly the picture of health within the business as a whole either.”

I was ready to enjoy Ambrose vs. Rollins but that did not happen but the angle that replaced the match was good and it should build more anticipation for them to work at Summer Slam if not too much is given away for free on Raw and/or Smackdown. If this match is kept somewhat clean prior to Summer Slam it will add more to the card.”

On the build to SummerSlam: “Overall, the show appeared to be somewhat of a place holder with a great deal of potential Summer Slam content within it which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. I may have more to say about Battle Ground if I sit down to watch the entire event in real time later in the week.”

Check out the complete blog at JRsBarBQ.com.

WWE held its annual Battleground pay-per-view last night. It was the second incarnation of the event and featured a total of six matches on the actual card and two additional matches on the pre-show.

On paper, the event looked more than solid and seemed like it would be one of the best shows of the year. Things quickly took a turn for the worse, however, and the WWE dropped a massive turd on its fans last night. The event was clearly slopped together and featured some of the laziest storytelling fans will ever encounter.

Lana and Rusev received some serious heat last night after referencing the recent Malaysia Airlines crash. It will be interesting to see if the WWE takes a step back after receiving criticism from multiple news outlets.

The company also pulled a total bait and switch on fans that paid to see the event. The most anticipated match of the night for many was Seth Rollins squaring off with former Shield partner Dean Ambrose. Prior to the event, the match had been heavily advertised and was clearly one of the main reasons fans were tuning in.

Instead of holding the match, however, Triple H cancelled the contest and threw Dean Ambrose out of the building, eventually awarding the victory to Seth Rollins due to forfeit. Fans were expecting an absolute classic of a matchup, but instead were treated to a few backstage brawl segments that were nothing special, and amounted to the same thing fans can see for free each week on Raw.

Last night, the WWE basically told the fans that this matchup was too good to take place at a crummy pay-per-view such as Battleground and will be saved for SummerSlam. Honestly, fans should feel cheated after what they saw with the Ambrose/Rollins program last night.

– In addition to “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon,” The Rock will be appearing on Kelly & Michael on Tuesday and Conan O’Brien on Thursday to promote the release of his new film, “Hercules.”

– WWE added the following video to their official YouTube channel today, which features a behind-the-scenes look at United States Champion Sheamus’ guest-starring role on the USA Network series “Royal Pains,” which premieres Tuesday night.

WWE has responded to the media backlash following Lana’s promo at last night’s Battleground pay-per-view. Lana bashed the United States for blaming Russia for “recent current events” – which many people associated with last week’s tragic Malaysia Airlines plane crash:

“You blame Russia for the recent current events, when in fact you americans should be scolded for your war mongering in Afghanistan and Iraq. You Americans should be insulted and afraid.”

In a statement released on Monday afternoon, WWE wrote:

“Last night’s segment during WWE’s Battleground event was in no way referring to the Malaysia Airlines tragedy. The storyline with characters Rusev and Lana has been a part of WWE programming for more than 3 months. WWE apologizes to anyone who misunderstood last night’s segment and was offended.”

• UFC On FOX 12 Coverage This Saturday + Gina Carano vs. Ronda Rousey Update! [>>]

– Recently signed WWE developmental star Kenta is now on Twitter using the handle @Kenta312.

– Batista’s new Marvel movie “Guardians of the Galaxy” will be having its official premiere tonight at El Capitan Theater on Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles.

The red carpet festivities will be broadcast on Marvel’s website and the entire “Guardians” cast will be appearing on Jimmy Kimmel Live tonight.

– Randy Orton was pulled over this morning by the Florida Highway State Patrol for his windows being tinted being too dark. Orton posted this photo on Instagram:

Really? Again? You’d think the State Hwy Patrol would have bigger fish to fry then me and my overly tinted windows.

– Unless plans change, which they always could and often do, the working plan coming out of last night’s WWE Battleground pay-per-view is for Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose to finally have their big match at SummerSlam, while Roman Reigns and Randy Orton are scheduled to break off into a singles program at the big summer event.

– The following is a post-Battleground backstage interview with the reigning WWE World Heavyweight Champion John Cena.

• UFC On FOX 12 Coverage This Saturday + Gina Carano vs. Ronda Rousey Update! [>>](Partial Credit: F4WOnline.com)

It appears that the working plan right now is for The Miz and Sheamus to feud in a program that will build to a unification of the Intercontinental and United States Championships, much like Randy Orton and John Cena did with the WWE and World Heavyweight Championships last year.

As noted earlier today, after Miz’s program with Sheamus, which is expected to last past SummerSlam, the man with the “Money Maker” is then set to work a program with Dolph Ziggler.

• UFC On FOX 12 Coverage This Saturday + Gina Carano vs. Ronda Rousey Update! [>>](Credit: F4WOnline.com)

Rob Van Dam did not appear at Sunday’s WWE Battleground pay-per-view because he is dealing with an undisclosed injury, as reported exclusively by Wrestlezone.com.

Van Dam had been scheduled to appear in the Intercontinental Championship Battle Royal, which was won by The MIz.

WWE.com has since confirmed the report, noting that RVD is injured. There are still no details regarding what the injury is.

• Backstage News On Who Was Originally Supposed To Win The IC Title Battle Royal

The Rock will be teaming up with DC Comics to star in a new super hero movie. During an interview to promote Hercules, The Rock said there’s a major announcement coming soon regarding the role.

The Rock has been rumored to be starring in movies starring comic book characters Lobo or Green Lantern, but it looks like he’ll be portraying Shazam.

Originally known as Captain Marvel, Shazam is the story of a young boy, Billy Batson, who is granted the power to transform into a Superman-like superhero by simply saying the word ‘Shazam’.

The Rock is coy about the identity of the role, but teases that he’s like Superman and says, “Just say the word.”

WWE has announced a SummerSlam Panel Series, which will take place from August 15th through the 17th at Club Nokia at LA Live in Los Angeles.

Top stars advertised for the panels include Hulk Hogan, John Cena, Steve Austin, DX, Roman Reigns, Cesaro and Sheamus.

The WWE 2K15 roster reveal will also be featured at one of the panels. Tickets go on sale this weekend and full details can be found at WWE.com. Below is the schedule:

SummerSlam Panel Dates & Times
Friday, Aug. 15, 7 p.m.-10:30 p.m.
WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan

Saturday, Aug. 16, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
“WWE 2K15” Roster Reveal with John Cena, Hulk Hogan, Sheamus, Cesaro and Roman Reigns*

Saturday, Aug. 16, 7 p.m.-10:30 p.m.
D-Generation X (WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels & Triple H)

Sunday, Aug. 17, 12 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
WWE Hall of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin

*VIP Talent

Ticket Packages
VIP Floor Tickets – $200
– Professional photo with Panel Superstar
– Exclusive SummerSlam Panels collectible pre-signed poster
– Priority floor seating

Floor Tickets – $100
– Exclusive SummerSlam Panels collectible pre-signed poster
– Floor seating

Balcony Seating – $50

* WWE BATTLEGROUND REACTION: Highlights, Lowlights & Random Thoughts

At Sunday’s WWE Battlegroud, The Miz won the Battle Royal to become the new Intercontinental Champion. Miz dumped Dolph Ziggler out of the ring to win the title after Ziggler thought he had won and didn’t realize Miz was still in the match.

According to a source in WWE, the original plan was for Dolph Ziggler to win the Battle Royal. It was decided last Tuesday at a producers meeting that The Miz would win, since he’s going to be doing a ton of media appearances in the coming weeks and has a new movie coming out, The Marine 4.

The Miz is now scheduled to feud with United States Champion Sheamus before moving into a feud with Ziggler.

Tonight’s episode of WWE RAW takes place from Miami, Florida and will feature fallout from last night’s Battleground pay-per-view. Here’s a preview of what to expect:

– Following John Cena’s successful WWE World Heavyweight title defense at Battleground, Paul Heyman’s “Plan C” will be called into action.

– It’s expected that we’ll see the early build for next month’s SummerSlam pay-per-view.

– John Cena is not advertised for RAW and will be filming scenes for the new Judd Apatow comedy new movie Trainwreck.

– We’ll see fallout from Battleground, including The Miz winning the Intercontinental Championship, The Usos retaining the Tag Team titles, Chris Jericho defeating Bray Wyatt and the latest from Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins.

– There will be a special appearance from rapper Flo Rida.

Top talent advertised for the show includesRandy Orton, Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns, and Dean Ambrose, The Authority, The Wyatt Family, Kane, Alberto Del Rio, US Champion Sheamus and Tag Team Champions The Usos.

As always, join us here tonight for Live Coverage of WWE RAW.

– The Rock will be on The Tonight Show tomorrow night to promote his new movie Hercules, which opens this Friday.

– Chris Jericho’s father Ted Irvine was sitting ringside at last night’s Battleground pay-per-view along with Jericho’s son.

– Newly signed WWE developmental star KENTA was interviewed by Renee Young over the weekend upon his arrival at NXT:

With the help of his translator, former WWE Superstar Funaki, Kenta tells Renee Young what it feels like to leave Japan behind and what the WWE Universe can expect from him in the ring.

TNA drew another meager crowd over the weekend for their latest baseball stadium show from Lexington, Kentucky:

– PopWrecked.com has published photos of The Bella Twins at the Nickelodeon Kids Choice Sports Awards.

– Here is the first promo video for WWE SummerSlam, which takes place on Sunday, August 17th from the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California:

Following Sunday night’s WWE Battleground pay-per-view, Paul Heyman tweeted a photo of himself on an airplane heading to pick up his “Plan C” for Monday’s WWE RAW from Miami, Florida.

It’s expected that Plan C will be Brock Lesnar, who will be returning to set up a match with WWE World Heavyweight Champion John Cena at SummerSlam.

Here’s the tweet:

In case you’re wondering … Heading to pick up #PlanC … Just in case. @WWE #RAW pic.twitter.com/Sgpkz47ewv

— Paul Heyman (@HeymanHustle) July 21, 2014

WWE Battleground Kickoff Show

The WWE Battleground 2014 Kickoff Show begins with a trip to the “expert panel,” which for this show consists of Renee Young, Alex Riley, Booker T and Christian. The foursome breaks down some of the matches for tonight’s show and introduce some of the social media stuff, such as Twitter hashtags and whatnot.

Within three minutes, the panel kicks it to Michael Cole, Jerry Lawler and JBL at the pay-per-view announce table. They talk briefly about some of the matches scheduled for tonight and then we go straight to the ring with our first of two Kickoff Show matches.

Fandango vs. Adam Rose

Fandango’s music hits and he makes his way to the ring. The announcers explain the story line involving Layla and Summer Rae and then introduce a tweet from Adam Rose that contains the aforementioned Diva-duo. Fandango’s theme music fades down and then Adam Rose’s music hits. Out comes “The Rosebuds” and Adam Rose, all of whom are accompanied by Summer Rae and Layla. The announcers mention that tonight is Adam Rose’s birthday as he makes his way to the ring.

The bell rings and Fandango immediately takes it to the leader of “The Exotic Express.” We hear “The Rosebuds” humming Rose’s theme song at ringside as they dance and party their way around the outside of the ring. Fandango rolls out to the floor to confront Summer and Layla, and the two take turns slapping him in the face. Meanwhile, Rose creeps up behind Fandango and rolls him back into the ring.

Back in the ring, Rose hits Fandango with a spinebuster and then goes to work on him in the corner. Rose hits his finisher on Fandango a mere seconds later and scores the three-count.

Winner: Adam Rose

WWE Battleground Kickoff Show Continues

After Adam Rose’s victory, we shoot back to the expert panel. The guys (and gal) preview a few more matches and then introduce an elaborate video package that documents the demise of The Shield as a faction and then previews tonight’s Seth Rollins vs. Dean Ambrose match.

Backstage Interview: The Usos

Backstage, a WWE interviewer is with the WWE Tag-Team Champions. The Usos argue about who is better looking and then talk about tonight’s title defense against Luke Harper and Erick Rowan. From there, we go back to the pay-per-view commentary team.

Cameron vs. Naomi

After The Usos interview, we get a video package highlighting the demise of The Funkadactyls team as Cameron makes her way to the ring. Out next is Naomi. It’s time for our second and final pre-show match of the evening.

The bell rings and here we go. Naomi immediately charges after Cameron and gets to work. Cameron quickly gains the upper-hand, however, as the action spills out to the floor. Cameron beats her down a bit outside of the ring and then the actions returns back inside the ring.

The fans are chanting something, but I can’t quite make out what it is. Cameron puts Naomi in a modified surfboard submission-type move but Naomi eventually escapes. Back on the feet, Naomi takes Cameron down to the mat with a vengeance and then unloads with repeated punches.

Cameron crawls away and screams, but Naomi stops her and puts the boots to her. Cameron tries to head to the back, but Naomi charges after her and stops her. Naomi beats Cameron down a bit outside of the ring and then the action returns to the ring. The fans start chanting “Na-o-mi” as she continues to deliver punishment to her former Funkadactyl running-mate. However, out of the blue, Cameron rolls Naomi up and scores the 1-2-3.

Winner: Cameron

– Paul Heyman’s Heyman Hustle website has published exclusive photos from last weekend’s WWE Live Event from Madison Square Garden, including Bray Wyatt getting busted open “the hard way” by Ric Flair.

– WWE has announced that Adam Rose vs. Fandango has been added to tonight’s WWE Battleground Kickoff show.

Both men had previously been advertised for the Intercontinental Championship Battle Royal on the pay-per-view and it was speculated that a singled match was planned when both men were pulled from the Battle Royal

BREAKING: #WWEBattleground Kickoff will see another match as @WWEAdamRose faces @WWEFandango! http://t.co/i9x3KKWukc pic.twitter.com/lUjQqFwGpF

— WWE (@WWE) July 20, 2014

The following are updated betting odds for tonight’s WWE Battleground pay-per-view. The odds come courtesy of Paddy Power:

Fatal 4 Way Main Event: John Cena (1/5) vs. Roman Reigns (12/5) vs. Randy Orton (10/1) vs. Kane (25/1)

Divas Title Match: AJ Lee (1/5) vs. Paige (3/1)

Intercontinental Battle Royal: Cesaro (4/6), The Miz (11/5), Bo Dallas (3/1), Dolph Ziggler (7/2), Sheamus (10/1), Kofi Kingston (25/1), Rob Van Dam (25/1), Ryback (25/1). The other participants have 33/1 or 50/1 odds.

Tag Team Title Match: The Usos (5/2) vs. Erick Rowan and Luke Harper (1/4)

Dean Ambrose (8/11) vs. Seth Rollins (even)

Chris Jericho (11/5) vs. Bray Wyatt (3/10)

Rusev (1/5) vs. Jack Swagger (3/1)

Naomi (1/2) vs. Cameron (6/4)

The following are highlights of a new CBS-19 Cleveland interview with The Rock:

Does he think Sting will be in WWE? “I do, yeah. And I know a guy or two so we’ll just put it like that. I do think he’s going to come back and I think it’s going to be great.”

If The Rock returns to WWE will it be for one match or a series of matches? “It’s all of the above. The one match three or four years ago that I started talking about with Vince then turned into a three year run. So who knows? I would love to go back and figure it out. After last year’s WrestleMania the idea was I was going to set up a great match with myself and Brock Lesnar but then I got hurt so that plan got cancelled. He is now in plans to do something with ba da da da which I’m not going to say (laughs) but it should be a cool match. So whenever I do go back, if it is a match it’s just got to be right in terms of who is the marquee value player that really makes sense and at that time when I went back John Cena was the number one guy in the world so we have to see.”

Would a match against Roman Reigns make sense? “I don’t know if that match makes sense now because he’s not their top heel right now, so you would look at that. Unless I went in as a heel and he was a babyface.”

How he kept his appearance at WrestleMania XXX a secret: “By me not posting anything (laughs). I came in literally hours before and it’s one of those things where it was a very last minute decision. It was an amazing night and there’s no greater feeling as a performer than that connection with an audience.”

Check out the complete interview above.

The following are highlights of a new Post & Courier interview with WWE Hall Of Famer Arn Anderson:

Being a Horseman: “Being a Horseman isn’t something you put on in the morning and take off at night. It’s a state of mind. It’s excelling to the best of your ability. It’s four individuals thinking singularly, acting collectively.”

Fans supporting him all these years: “For me to still be recognized after all these years of not being on TV, by anybody anywhere, is still a thrill and I really appreciate it. You know the guys who did it for the money … they’re not around. You knows the ones who did it for the glamor … they’re not around. But when we went through that curtain, we tried to outdo each other. Tully and I would try to outdo Barry and Ric, and Ole and I went out and tried to outdo Tully. We were feeding our own egos to see if we could do it, but it basically was for the fans. They were the benefactors. They got the best show possible. It was for them, and we always knew that. Without them, nothing happens.”

Learning from Tully Blanchard and J.J. Dillon: “I learned from them. Both of them, in their own way, were a lot better than I was. I was very fortunate and very lucky to have been in their presence. There was a time that – I don’t think, I know – we were the best in the world. And I have no problem saying that. It was each man carrying his own weight. J.J. was a smart man, a great talker, a great organizer. Tully was a great performer – as good as anybody out there – and a great partner. So it was a very special time, and it will be great to relive that at this event. It will be a celebration of just that.”

What might have been if he would have been able to continuing competing: “I would think for sure I would have had at least five more years. Without the last neck injury, even running on fumes for the first two, I could have gotten by. But who knows? Maybe 10 more years. Thirty-seven is not that old. The crazy thing is that I had those terrible neck injuries, and I wasn’t one to come off the top (rope). I really feel for these guys today.”

Working with Dolph Ziggler, who he says has potential to be a top WWE money maker and is one of the best in the business: “Dolph has got to be one of the toughest men to put on a pair of boots. But he’s going to be like Cactus Jack (Mick Foley) in another five years because that kid beats his body up more than anybody on the crew. I do know this. In my dealings with him, when I’m his producer, he gives everything he’s got. He does some really phenomenal, athletic stuff.”

Check out the complete interview at PostAndCourier.com.

The following are highlights of a new This Is Infamous interview with Bo Dallas:

How different was his first main roster experience? “Very different. What happened in the 2013 Royal Rumble and what happened in the follow up on Monday Night RAW… And then I got the opportunity to go down to NXT and I won an NXT championship. At that time in my career, I spent around eight months to completely develop this character that had become so much more of a full, rounded superstar. I learned so much in that time and I’m a completely different performer than I was before.”

How WWE developmental is now: “I feel the difference these days… It’s definitely positive. I mean they’ve taken WWE developmental to a whole other level. The NXT platform is its own brand. The way that they pair us these days is amazing, because something from NXT to RAW or Smackdown, there are very little differences, because there were so well prepared for the next phase of the game.”

Are their other personalities he’s used for inspiration? “Yes, Kurt Angle is the #1 when it comes to who is most similar to what I’m doing and that’s who I’ve looked up to a lot, and learned many things from. Honestly the other WWE Superstar that I can say I’ve learned from was John Cena, taking his messages and taking them to the fullest with complete positivity. Never back down, never give up, and Bo-lieving in that and not straying from that and believing John Cena’s messages to the fullest.”

Possibly winning the Intercontinental Title: “I grew up watching, I grew up a huge man. If you look back at the Intercontinental Championship, you’ve got Shawn Michaels, Bret Hart, Randy “Macho Man” Savage, Mr. Perfect. This title is a legacy and I believe it needs to be brought back to that. It needs to be put back on its pedestal, and if I can obtain this title it would be a major life and career achievement and I would do anything in my power to bring it back to the prestige that it deserves.”

Check out the complete interview at ThisIsInfamous.com.

– This year’s WWE SummerSlam pay-per-view is reportedly “75-percent booked,” including finishes, meaning most of the important stuff for the show has already been decided. WWE creative is working backwards to tonight’s Battleground show with the booking of story lines.

– After seeing a Beyonce concert, there are some in WWE who want fans to light up Levi’s Stadium at WrestleMania 31 with cell phones. The problem, however, is that due to the fact that the show is being held in California on west coast time, it may not be dark enough for that to happen.

John Cena has been pulled from the listing for this Monday’s post-Battleground edition of WWE RAW because he will be busy filming the new “Trainwreck” movie that he is appearing in.

Some are speculating that as a result of Cena not being at Monday’s RAW, where Brock Lesnar is scheduled to return, that it is a sign that the WWE World Heavyweight Championship may change hands at tonight’s Battleground show.

Additionally, there are a lot of people within WWE pushing for the company to “pull the trigger” on Roman Reigns because they feel that now is the right time.

Ric Flair was originally scheduled to be part of this past Tuesday’s edition of WWE SmackDown in North Carolina, however WWE ended up re-writing the show on Tuesday morning and Flair wasn’t brought in.

The original plan for Flair was for him to be used on television on a weekly basis, however that may not be the case anymore. While Flair did sign a new deal and is expected to be a semi-regular presence on television, it appears that WWE’s creative team has yet to find a role for Flair to fulfill.