Chicago Sun-Times: Hulk mauling readies Lesnar for Rock

If SmackDown on Thursday was an indication, the Rock is going to be in for the fight of his life on August 25th at SummerSlam. Brock Lesnar The Next Big Thing" is in the biggest match of his career-- but his beat-down on Hollywood Hulk Hogan was as impressive as anyone has ever done to the former champion.

After the F5, Hogan was locked in a side bear hug that apparently caused internal injuries to the Hulkster as blood flowed from his mouth. The bout was stopped when Hogan showed no signs of life while in the hold. Lesnar put the icing on the cake by rubbing Hogan's blood across his chest as a sign that he is ready for the Rock.

In Hogan's defense, he was about to hit the big leg drop on a prone Lesnar for the second time when Paul Heyman interfered. Hogan's injuries at the hands of Lesnar were severe enough that he missed live events in Australia after being heavily promoted for the card. The announcement of Hulk's no-show did not go over well with Australian fans or with other WWE wrestlers who all made the 18-hour flight each way.

Making matters worse, HHH also missed the trip, recovering from injuries while preparing for Shawn Michaels at SummerSlam.

HEARD AROUND THE RING: The wrestler known as K-Kwik in the WWE is the NWA-TNA World Champion after defeating Ken Shamrock on Wednesday. ... Look for a match between Kurt Angle and Rey Mysterio to be added to SummerSlam. Angle will be looking for revenge after being pinned by Rey Jr. on SmackDown. ... Ric Flair will likely face Chris Jericho at SS, but many big names are not booked. ... The WWE will have to find matches for Eddie Guerrerro, Chris Benoit, Big Show, Rob Van Dam and Hogan. ... No official word yet, but we hear that X-Pac will be let go by the WWE, which announced widespread job cuts last week.

HOTLINE: Get the latest locker-room rumors involving the Sandman, Heyman and Lesnar having trouble backstage and possible surprise appearances at SummerSlam. It's all on the hotline (900) 990-SLAM. Cost is $2 per minute.