Chicago Sun-Times: SummerSlam card fills out quite nicely

This past week was a busy one for the WWE, as SummerSlam went from a pay-per-view with only two confirmed matches to a loaded card from start to finish.

We already knew about the world-title match between The Rock and Brock Lesnar and the grudge match between Hunter Hearst Helmsley and Shawn Michaels, but seven more matches were announced in the last six days. In what might be the match of the night, Rob Van Dam will get a shot at Chris Benoit and the Intercontinental title. They have met before, so they will have to pull out all the stops to make sure we don't see a repeat of past encounters.

The tag-team titles will be on the line, too, with the Anti- Americans defending the gold against Golddust and Booker T. Booker T has become one of the most popular superstars in the WWE and is deserving of a title.

Also added were matches between Kurt Angle and Rey Mysterio Jr., the Undertaker and Test, Chris Jericho and Nature Boy" Ric Flair, Trish Stratus and Molly Holly and a battle royal featuring 15 superstars from Raw" and SmackDown."

AROUND THE RING: Word is, Stone Cold" Steve Austin recently was arrested in Texas on charges of domestic abuse. We will keep you posted as details become available. ... I got a look at the new SmackDown 4: Shut Your Mouth" game for PlayStation 2 due out this year. Michaels, Austin, Kevin Nash and Hulk Hogan are on the game. Combine improved graphics with an expanded-season mode, and the game looks like a winner. ... Many people backstage are confident Michaels will put on an A-plus match against Helmsley and wrestle again. ... The ratings for Raw" continue to climb as the WWE looks to get back on track. The WWE could use a few strong weeks in a row because Monday Night Football" returns Sept. 9 and definitely will take a bite out of the Raw" ratings. ... The WWE has confirmed that WrestleMania 19 will take place in Seattle.

HOTLINE: I have SummerSlam rumors regarding Hogan and Edge and an explanation about why we won't see Vince McMahon on TV for quite some time. Call (900) 990-SLAM. The cost is $2 per minute.