Major Backstage Trump/WWE Update, New RAW GM, More

— USA Network is doing everything they can to increase ratings because network exec Bonnie Hammer wants to win the cable ratings race every single week now that the NBA Finals are done. The commercial-free RAW is completely USA Network’s idea because they are in a ratings war with TNT and feel this will give them an edge. There is tremendous stress on the creative team right now because it’s their job to put together the best show possible next week to impress the (expected) increased audience.

— Several media outlets have pulled their stories about Donald Trump buying RAW after finding out it is just a storyline. The media lead to believe it was real since WWE and USA Network both sent out press releases about the fake purchase. More than one outlet is saying they are done giving press to WWE, and the stunt likely won’t sit well with the SEC.

— There is still a lot of speculation that Ric Flair will be the next general manager of RAW, but as of Tuesday evening there was still nothing confirmed about who will play the role.

— The Brock Lesnar vs. Frank Mir fight on July 11 will be refereed by Herb Dean.

— In the weekly cable ratings, USA was #1 with a 2.6 average, way ahead of TNT’s 1.8. RAW’s first hour was #8 and the second was #5 last week. MyNetworkTV’s average a 0.94 and CW’s was 0.83.

— Buff Bagwell headlines for WAR on 7/28 in Sidney, OH at the Shelby County Fair and 8/8 in Wapakoneta, OH. You can see new look photos of Buff Bagwell from a show this past week at this link.

PHOTOS: NEW LOOK Buff Bagwell Pics From Over The Weekend!!