source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter
USA Network has talked of wanting Raw to increase to three hours in the fall. The belief is that is guarantees the network one extra hour of very high ratings every week, thus enabling them to maintain their status of being the most watched network on cable television. The thought process being the move is that if Raw starts at 8 p.m. more often, people will get used to tuning into Raw at that time, and it will lead to higher ratings in the second hour in particular. They also made the suggestion of Steve Austin and Undertaker being regulars on the show, even if they can’t wrestle. On the WWE front, they aren’t too keen on making Raw a three hour show, every single week. They think this is the last thing they need. Although, if they go through with the move, they’ll likely get a rate increase from USA.
Regarding SummerSlam, the only thing for certain on the card at this time is a multiple-person match with Umaga leading some heels against the ‘Jackass’ crew. One person who will probably miss the match is Bam Margera. While skateboarding in Louisville, Margera sustained a torn liver and concussion. He also spent three days in the hospital.
One of the reasons the ‘Jackass’ angle is taking place is because USA is doing a show called Dr. Steve-O, starring Steve-O from Jackass of course. The show airs directly after Raw in an attempt to keep the Raw audience from switching stations as soon as the show goes off the air. The idea of the show is a reverse Queer Guy where Steve-O takes timid men and gives them a makeover to become macho men.
See the REAL SummerSlam poster featuring Umaga & ‘Jackass’ (>>)