Cable provider iNDEMAND has released the official poster and synopsis for WWE’s SummerSlam pay-per-view.

This year’s show takes place on August 15th at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.

Synopsis: Brace yourself for the biggest pay-per-view of the summer! WWE action slams into summer as John Cena, Triple H, Rey Mysterio, and all your favorite WWE Superstars battle for WWE gold and glory on Sunday, August 15th, live on Pay-Per-View!

Poster:

Former WWE superstar Bryan Danielson has written a new blog with more details on his WWE release:

“As with anyone who gets fired from their job, especially when they feel its unjust, I am angry. Very angry. But I can’t fault WWE for how they handled my release. My contract contained a 90 day no-compete clause in the event I was let go, yet the WWE has graciously allowed me start wrestling again on any show that’s not taped for television or pay per view.”

Danielson speculated about his future following the completion of his 90-day no compete clause, including the possibility of wrestling for TNA:

“As far as what happens after 90 days, nobody knows. I’ve “heard” that TNA is interested. There are petitions going around to get me back into WWE and the last several weeks there have been fans chanting my names at their shows. People have even brought signs showing their support. And though most of the signs get taken away and though WWE may not be listening to your chants or petitions, I truly appreciate all the support over the last several weeks. It is both overwhelming and heartwarming. But regardless of what offers come in, I am in no rush to make any rash decisions. I enjoy my freedom as much as I enjoyed the benefits offered by being in WWE.”

– WWE creative is looking at having one of the two Money in the Bank winners cash their title shot by SummerSlam in August, reports f4wonline.com. This would be done so only one superstar would be carrying around a briefcase for the rest of the year.

– On Friday’s SmackDown, 6 competitors will be announced for the World Heavyweight title Money in the Bank match. WWE’s website has confirmed that there will be eight participants in the match. The final two spots were planned for CM Punk and Drew McIntyre but Punk is injured and McIntyre can’t work due to his work visa expiring. No word yet on who will fill the two remaining spots.

– WWE is reportedly losing interest in the whole RAW guest host concept. There’s been talk of only having one Guest Host per month or scrapping the gimmick entirely.

– On Tuesday’s NXT show, Titus O’Neil was the first rookie to be eliminated from Season 2. Following the release, he wrote on Twitter:

“Just want to say to EVERYONE that Zack Ryder is one of the BEST people in the WWE & he is well worth following. I really respect him. He is a good man.”

– TNA is planning for Velvet Sky to turn on Madison Rayne at Victory Road Rayne defends her Knockouts Title against Angelina Love at the event.  There’s talk that Velvet will team back up with Angelina for The Beautiful People. No word yet what will happen to Lacey Von Erich.

– Hulk Hogan was not at Tuesday’s TNA iMPACT tapings because he is scheduled to undergo back surgery today, Wednesday. Dixie Carter, Eric Bischoff and Jason Hervey were also absent from the tapings, according to a backstage source. Dixie doesn’t always attend the second tapings and Jason Hervey is reportedly working on a movie. No word on why Bischoff wasn’t there.

– At the TNA iMPACT tapings two weeks ago, Tommy Dreamer was showing off a potential new look backstage. Dreamer was wearing a singlet top, shorts and kick pads that gave him an MMA-style look. The potential new look for Dreamer received mixed reviews from those backstage.

Partial Source: prowrestling.net

– Former WWE Diva Mickie James will be wrestling in New York City for Impact Championship Wrestling on August 2nd. Her opponent will be WSU champion Mercedes Martinez. It will be James’ first post-WWE match in the United States since leaving the company earlier this year. In July, she’ll be working 3 shows for the WWC promotion in Puerto Rico and 2 shows for the SMASH promotion in Japan.

– The Nexus group’s theme music is “We Are One” by the band 12 Stones.

– The ratings are in for Week 2 of Chris Jericho’s ABC game show “Downfall” and they’re not good. Tuesday’s show drew a 2.3 overnight rating with 4.1 million viewers. Week 2 was down from last week’s season premiere, which did a 3.1. With only 6 episodes taped and ratings on the decline already, the chances of ABC ordering more episodes after the initial run don’t look good.

– FlashGameshows.com has an interview up with Chris Jericho, who talks about how he got the “Downfall” gig and what it’s like hosting a game show where contestants get thrown off the roof of a skyscraper.

– If you haven’t seen Chris Jericho’s  new “Downfall” show, you can watch the first 2 episodes online at Hulu.com.

To follow up on our earlier report regarding the work visa issues with Wade Barrett and Drew McIntyre -  we’re told at this point that WWE does not know when McIntyre will be back. Barrett might be able to return as soon as next week, but nobody knows for sure.

According to a source, WWE creative was told at Tuesday’s SmackDown tapings to presume assume neither man would be back until SummerSlam in August. Up until now Wade Barrett had been the centerpiece of the new Nexus group on RAW. It is possible Barrett or McIntyre could both be back soon, but that was the initial word as of today.

It should be noted that current WWE Champion Sheamus was signed by WWE around the same time as Barrett and McIntyre. The belief as of right now is that he is okay in regards to his work visa, but given the fact how things were handled with Barrett and McIntyre he could possibly be next. This is definitely causing major issues for WWE creative.

Source: The Wrestling Observer

Word going around at Tuesday night’s SmackDown tapings tonight is that CM Punk had surgery on his arm last week.

Apparently Punk may be out of action for 4-8 weeks from the surgery. It’s been known that he’s been working hurt for at least a few weeks.

Punk will appear on Friday’s SmackDown with a sling on his arm.

No word on whether he’ll be off television during his recovery time.

Source: PWinsider.com

Monday’s episode of WWE RAW featuring singer / director Rob Zombie as guest host scored a 3.28 cable rating, down from last week’s strong 3.52.

The first hour did a 3.28 rating, with the second hour dropping slightly to a 3.27. The show averaged 4.54 million viewers.

This week’s 3.28 ends a5-week trend of increasing ratings. Since May 24th, the RAW rating had increased week after week.

SEScooops.com can confirm that The Undertaker and longtime girlfriend Michelle McCool were married on Saturday at a private ceremony in Houston, Texas. The two have been romantically linked since 2007.

The weekend wedding marks the third time around the block for the Undertaker and the second for McCool.

Among the wrestling personalities who attended were Torrie Wilson, Lisa Marie Varon and Sharmell Sullivan-Huffman (wife of Booker T), who is pregnant with twins.

Here’s a picture from the wedding:

– MTV.com has an article up looking at Rob Zombie’s appearance on Monday’s WWE RAW. “Zombie, who was decked out in a Lou reed T-shirt (probably the first and only time that will be happening on WWE programming), did a fine job psyching up the crowd, and his natural charisma came across even as he was just reading names,” wrote MTV’s Kyle Anderson. “Considering a big part of his persona comes from a sort of demented ringmaster concept, he was a natural in the ring.”

Read More: RAW Rating Is In: 5-Week Upward Trend Ends

– WWE legend Jake Roberts has issued the following statement where he claims to have been falsely booked on an upcoming show:

To my fans, friends, anybody else planning to show up August 15th,  2010 at Justin Credible’s Pro Wrestling Icons II show in Cromwell CT.  I won’t be there. Any questions? Maybe YOU can get Justin to call you back. GOOD LUCK with that. Good luck if you are going, I’d sure make an advance inquiry as to  who’s really going to be there, or if there is really a show. I have no idea what has happened, except everyone that I have spoken with that is involved has abandoned ship. I got the message, I hope you do too. Thanks, Jake

Check out the latest ROH Video Wire, featuring promos from the Kings of Wrestling, Colt Cabana, Austin Aries and more:

WWE lawyer Jerry McDevitt tells Courant.com that the lawsuit filed by the late Owen Hart’s widow, Martha, against WWE, Vince and Linda McMahon is without merit.

Martha Hart is suing the WWE for continuing to profit off the likeness of her late husband, especially as it pertains to the new Hart Family DVD set. Martha Harat issued a statement this week saying the WWE filed a lawsuit against her because she “had the nerve” to pursue a wrongful death claim following her husband’s death.

McDevitt now says Martha’s statement is false. this afternoon. According to him, WWE didn’t sue her because she brought the wrongful death claim. However, it did petition a court in Connecticut to hear the claim, instead of the Missouri court where Hart had filed her lawsuit, which was settled before going to trial.

McDevitt calls Hart’s statement “pejorative nonsense” and said her current lawsuit is nothing more than “a personal attack” on the McMahon family. He denies the insinuation that WWE is trying to deny Hart and her children compensation from the Hart Family DVD and says WWE handled the aftermath of Owen Hart’s death in a “humanitarian” way.

*Spoilers* NEXUS Storyline Plans Revealed (Big SummerSlam Match)

Here’s a live report of what happened after Monday’s WWE RAW went off the air:

WWE Champion Sheamus wrestled John Cena to a no-contest.

Sheamus grabbed the mic and called out Cena, saying he won’t even make it to the Money in the Bank pay-per-view.

Cena ran out to a huge pop from the crowd. Sheamus attacked Cena before bell and then went for several pin attempts.

Sheamus was in control for most of the match, not even letting Cena get his shirt off during the beatdown. Cena was on the match for nine seconds and got up just before the referee could count him out. Cenea tore off his shirt and went crazy. He hit two shoulder blocks, the five knuckle shuffle and went for an Attitude Adjustment, which Sheamus blocked.

Cena was able to lock in the STF when the Nexus came out and interfered. The entire RAW locker room came out and chased off the Nexus crew.

Cena’s music played and he and Orton celebrated to end the show.

LIVE COVERAGE of WWE MITB on 7/18

Following Monday’s RAW, the following matches are confirmed for the upcoming Money in the Bank pay-per-view on July 18th:

Steel Cage Match for the WWE Championship
Sheamus (c) vs. John Cena

World Heavyweight Championship Match
Rey Mysterio (c)  Jack Swagger

Money in the Bank Ladder Match
Randy Orton vs. Edge vs. Ted DiBiase vs. Chris Jericho vs. Evan Bourne vs. The Miz vs. R-Truth vs. John Morrison
Winner receives a title shot against the WWE Champion.

Money in the Bank Ladder Match
8 SmackDown Superstars (To Be Announced)
Winner receives a title shot against the World Heavyweight Champion.

Two of WWE’s up and coming young stars are on the sidelines due to problems with their work visas.

Wade Barrett, leader of RAW’s Nexus stable, has been pulled from WWE television and live events because his United States work visa expired. Barrett missed Monday’s WWE RAW and the weekend’s live events.

SmackDown star Drew McIntyre has the same problem as Barrett. There was a recent angle shot on SmackDown where Drew was being “deported” – which isn’t that far from reality. While its unknown as to whether McIntyre remains in the United States, it’s possible that he can stay while his green card application is being reviewed, since he’s married to WWE Diva Tiffany, a US citizen.

There’s no timetable yet on when Barrett or McIntyre can return.

Source: PWInsider.com

TNA is taping Thursday’s episode of iMPACT! on Monday night from Orlando. Here’s a spoiler-free preview for the show:

– The main event will feature Jeff Hardy vs. Abyss with TNA World Hvt. champion Rob Van Dam as the special referee.

– Samoa Joe will face A.J. Styles in a singles match.

– We’ll see the return of “The Pope” D’Angelo Dinero.

TNA star AJ Styles was recently interviewed by the Miami Herald and spoke about being mentored by “Nature Boy” Ric Flair.

“As Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff were coming in was around the time they were thinking of putting me with Ric Flair,” Styles said. “I was on board. To work with the Nature Boy Ric Flair, it would be stupid not to take that chance.

Styles has improved his game in many ways since working with Flair, most notably his work on the mic. “My confidence in cutting promos is far better than it used to be,” he said.  . “Getting the opportunity to study from Ric Flair and get his input means the world to me.  I’ve met him before, and he was always a nice guy. He was unbelievably nice. He is an icon. I thought how he can be so nice and humble. It’s who he is. He is a good guy, in spite of the rumors you may have heard.”

While working with Flair has been a dream come true for him, it has led many to criticize him, calling him a “Ric Flair wannabe.” Styles responds to those claims, saying, “I would say when you are being mentored by someone or around friends who talk a certain way or act a certain way, you tend to act like those friends and talk like those friends. It’s kind of the same thing. I’m not Ric Flair. Ric Flair and I, our move set is not the same. I may throw in a figure four or a chop. Other than that, I would not say I’m being like Ric Flair. If they are complaining about that, I would say how can you complain about someone trying to be like Ric Flair? As long as they’re entertained, then I’m going to keep doing it. If they are not, I’ll find out sooner or later.'”

As for the new “Fortune” stable led by Ric Flair, Styles says, “I think they are going with it. I think it would be a great tag team and a great storyline.”

Former WWE Diva Mickie James was interviewed by Alez Marvez of Scrippsnews.com last week and spoke at length about her wrestling and country music careers. James has spent the last year and a half working on her debut country music CD, “Strangers and Angels.” Here are some highlights of what Mickie James said about:

Her Country Music Career:“Wrestling has kind of taken a back seat right now,. This is a new passion of mine. I’m a very competitive person and very much a perfectionist. When I want something that badly, I’m willing to make sacrifices and do whatever it takes to make it happen.”

Getting Released By WWE: “It broke my heart. I admit it,” said James, who initially landed a WWE developmental contract in 2003 after spending four years on the independent circuit and in TNA Wrestling. “I had given so much of my life to this and sacrificed so much. I missed weddings, birthdays, my nieces being born. I starved on the road when I first tried to make it. I slept at rest stops because I didn’t have the money for a hotel. I wanted it that bad.

“When you get that call that you’re hired, it’s the greatest call in the world. It’s even better when you get the call that you’re coming to TV (tapings) and debuting. But when you get the call saying you’re gone … What bothers me is, I could see if I didn’t get a good reaction, but I would get the largest reaction of any female on the roster no matter who I was on the bill with. I still don’t understand why, but that’s life.”

Her Future in Wrestling: “For a while, I was going to say I didn’t want to wrestle at all because I’m still heartbroken (about WWE),” James said. “But I do love it so much. I intend to wrestle here and there and do the shows I really want to do, especially if it’s with someone who’s a friend of mine or someone I never got a chance to work with.”

– Rob Zombie, tonight’s RAW Guest Host, wrote on Twitter.com/RWZOMBIE that he’s “planning some big crazy sh*t for RAW.”

– The Chicago Sun Times has an article up about former WWE personality Mike Adamle, who talks about the brain damage he suffered while playing football earlier in his career.

‘I was on the air in 1999 when I had my first seizure. ‘One part of my brain was speaking, the other part was having a tidal wave,” Adamle said. ”There was deja vu. All kinds of flashing, loud ringing in my ears. Dizziness. My short-term memory was gone. There were tears in my eyes, thoughts of being a kid, thoughts of my grandfather. I was in the hospital for three days.”

Adamle said he has epilepsy from lesions on the left hemisphere of my brain and still has seizures. Adamle got a lot of criticism for his on-air gaffes during his time as a WWE announcer – and now we can see he’s been battling serious medical issues for years that explain his mistakes.

– Tonight’s episode of WWE RAW takes place from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and will feature musician/director Rob Zombie as the guest host.

At this time, no matches have been announced for the show. The “anonymous” General Manager has promised that the Season One NXT rookies will face “appropriate consequences” as a result of their attack on Vince McMahon last week.

– Jim Ross wrote the following on Twitter this weekend about Bryan Danielson:

“Daniel bryan became relevant in 13 wks which is a big win. Sure hope wwe gives Bryan a 2nd chance some day. The kid has ‘it.’ Size non issue.”

– Speaking of Daniel Bryan, he is already back on the independent scene and worked a show in Michigan on Saturday night. Here’s a clip of Danielson addressing the crowd, talking about his future and why “PG” wrestling isn’t so bad:

Former TNA Knockout Roxxi has posted a message on her official website talking about her recent departure from TNA, explaining how it went down and thanking TNA for the opportunity they gave her. She wrote:

“So, I know everyone is wondering what exactly happened at TNA this past week. Well I can tell you most of what you hear is true. I was told when I arrive to the set that I would be putting my career on the line. I did hear I was visibly upset but I would like to think I wasn’t. Don’t get me wrong, TNA has always been a big part of my life but if it’s supposed to be my last match or entire day with TNA I want to enjoy it. I want everyone to remember that I was cheerful that day because I was one of the lucky people, just like everyone else who works at TNA, who have the opportunity to be flown to Orlando FL, hang out with some of my closest friends and do what I love to do.”

“With that being said, I want everyone to know I’m proud of the career I did have with them. Every part of it. I legit gave my blood, sweat and tears to TNA and the fans and I know I can walk away with my head held high. I appreciate the opportunity that was given to me several times by the company to do what I love. I also appreciate the opportunity you fans have given me by letting be a part of your lives and you a part of mine. Your support has been amazing!”

“In closing I would like to thank everyone in TNA and most of all Dixie for all the memories I have and fans don’t worry I’m not finished in wrestling. It’s just a new chapter.”

Ric Flair was recently interviewed by Sport.co.uk to promote TNA’s tour of the UK in January 2011. Flair spoke about a number of topics, including his turbulent relationships with Hulk Hogan and Bret Hart. Here are some highlights of what Flair said about:

His Relationship With Bret Hart: “I haven’t seen him or talked to him, but that’s not my problem. I’m not mad at Bret, I just said what I thought. I thought that the tragedy of Owen Hart was completely different to what happened in Montreal. When the two became intertwined again, I thought that was in really poor taste. What happened to Owen Hart was a tragic accident and no one’s fault, but once again the first thing that came up again was Montreal. What happened in Kansas City with Owen has nothing to do with Montreal, but it just rolled into the whole thing again. That’s what I said that made Bret mad.

I thought the focus should have been on Owen, not go back and talk about Montreal but that’s what surfaced again, as fast as the Kansas City thing happened. Everybody knows that I just wasn’t afraid to say anything about it. How could he get mad at Vince McMahon? Nobody made Owen go up there, he wanted to do it. It was a tragic, tragic moment and someone’s life was lost, but it certainly wasn’t because Vince McMahon made him go up there and jump, and it had nothing to do with Montreal.”

His Relationship With Hulk Hogan: “It’s good. We agree to disagree, that is all we’ll ever be. It is all business. It has always been magic, there is always going to be interest. If he could wrestle right now it would be limitless what we could do. Until he resolves his health issues we can’t, it is definitely in his heart to wrestle, but he just physically is hurting really bad right now. Hopefully surgery can fix that over the next few months. He would definitely love to be in the ring every night.”

What’s Left For Him To Achieve in Wrestling: “I don’t think there is anything left for me to achieve, it is just up to me to maintain that high level of work rate. I’m back in that role now where people expect me to work hard and stay in great physical shape. You never know when you’re going to have do something in the ring. I’m tired of working out every day, that is a true story, I’m tired of it, but I will keep doing it because I am motivated and there will be a day where I won’t be able to wrestle again. I love it though, it is the most fun I have had in years.”

Here’s a spoiler-free preview for tonight’s episode of WWE SmackDown:

* Big Show vs. Jack Swagger

* CM Punk vs. Kane

* WWE Intercontinental Champion Kofi Kingston, Christian & MVP vs. Curt Hawkins, Dolph Ziggler & Vance Archer

* Drew McIntyre will be in action.

* Kelly Kelly vs.. Rosa Mendes

* We’ll get first details on the SmackDown main event at next month’s Money in the Bank pay-per-view

There will also be appearances by Rey Mysterio, Teddy Long, Vickie Guerrero and more.

SmackDown *SPOILERS*

Here are spoiler results for tonight’s WWE Smackdown, taped Tuesday night from the Verizon Wireless Arena in Manchester, NH:

* The show opened with Tedd Long and Vickie Guerrero talking from the top of the ramp. Long announced there would be an eight man Money in the Bank ladder match at next month’s pay-per-view and the winner could cash it in for a shot at the World Heavyweight Championship. Vickie Guerrero spoke before Drew McIntyre came out and ran down Long. Long informed McIntyre it’s his show and reinstated Matt Hardy. McIntyre vs. Hardy is announced for later.

* Following the Smackdown opening, Big Show comes out. Kane vs. CM Punk in a no disqualification match is announced for later. Jack Swagger comes out and says he’s protesting how he was treated at Fatal 4-Way and he’s exercising his rematch clause against Rey Mysterio for the World Heavyweight Championship at Money in the Bank next month.

* Big Show b. Jack Swagger via disqualification after Swagger would not release an ankle lock despite Show getting to the ropes. The referee called for the bell as Show was carried to the back by several referees. The sight of the referees carrying Big Show drew a pop from the liv ecrowd.

* Footage of Curt Hawkins & Vance Archer over Christian & MVP is shown from last week.

* WWE Intercontinental Champion Kofi Kingston, Christian & MVP b. Curt Hawkins, Dolph Ziggler & Vance Archer in a 6-man tag team match.

* Backstage, Kane is talking to an empty casket. He says he’s going to take off the head of the Straight Edge Society tonight in his no disqualification match with CM Punk. Kane slammed the casket shut.

* Matt Hardy b. Drew McIntyre after hitting Twist of Fate. After the match, Teddy Long comes on the big screen and tells McIntyre because he didn’t win the match, his Visa has expired and he’s now in the country illegally. He says it’s time to send Mr. McIntyre back to Scotland. McIntyre is upset as the crowd chants him goodbye.
Cody Rhodes and Husky Harris out for an in-ring promo. Rhodes put over his looks.

* Backstage, Dolph Ziggler is telling Vickie Guerrero he is unhappy with their relationship. He demanded a title match before leaving.

* Kelly Kelly b. Rosa Mendes

* CM Punk vs. Kane doesn’t see a winner in a no disqualification match. Kane chokeslammed Luke Gallows into a table and threw Punk into the crowd. Punk left but Kane followed, continuing the match throughout the arena. Kane chokeslammed him through a table but Punk recovered to the point where he was able to run across the street as Kane went after him.

* Teddy Long came out and announced Jack Swagger vs. Big Show in a cage match in a post-Smackdown dark match main event.

Dark Match Main Event:

* Big Show b. Jack Swagger in a cage match

(Credit to Wrestling News World for these results)

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. Here are some highlights of what JR said about:

Chris Jericho’s New ABC Game Show: “Emailer…Yes I watched ABC’s Downfall with Chris Jericho and thought that the premise of the game show was unique and that Chris did a super job hosting the festivities. From what I hear ABC was pleased with the first episode although they hope that the ratings will increase next week and that they can hold more of the audience from the lead in program. Hopefully the broadcast creates enough of a buzz to up the ratings next Tuesday night as Downfall once again leads in to WWE’s NXT on Syfy. Jericho’s talents go well beyond the squared circle and it seems good for WWE that one of their biggest stars is doing well outside the envelope, so to speak.”

Returning to Broadcasting: “Emailer…Of course I miss broadcasting. One can’t do something that they loved doing for parts of four decades and then not miss it. I’m hopeful that Oklahoma University starts their own network some day and that I might be considered to be a part of it. I ‘never say never’ about broadcasting ever again on WWE TV but the chance of that is, as Gorilla Monsoon would say, “Highly Unlikely” especially on a weekly basis. However, I can see being a part of a special project occasionally. Stranger things have happened in the biz and if WWE ever needed me back at my old role they know that I’m ready to rock. But I do enjoy my new, less travel intensive role I assure you.”

Scouting Talent: “Emailer…No I am not going to be hiring the new wrestlers. I am going to FCW in July for a few days to observe. I will also be scouting/looking for viable, new wrestling prospects in a variety of areas. I’ve been in contact with some folks in the NFL. They look at a ton of great athletes and can only keep 53 on their full time roster.”