By Jason Powell, Torch assistant editor

LATEST NEWSBITS

-Dave Williams, the lead singer of Drowning Pool, was found dead at the age of 30 in the band's tour bus yesterday afternoon. The band had been touring with OzzFest, and was staying in its bus, which was parked at the Nissan Pavilion in Bristow, Va., the next stop in the tour. PWTorch.com reader Devin Cutting reports: "Drowning Pool had numerous connections to the wrestling business. They performed at WrestleMania 18, recorded a song for the WWE 'Forceable Entry' CD, and had two of their songs used as WWE pay-per-view themes. Visit DrowningPool.com for more information about the singer's death. PWTorch.com reader A. Chambliss of Lansing, Mich. also passed along word that the MTV website features a story about the band (and mentions its appearance at WrestleMania 18), which you can read by clicking here: Drowning Pool Singer Found Dead.

-Howard Stern told a caller this morning that he was approached by Vince McMahon about making an appearance at SummerSlam. PWTorch.com reader Spencer Dean reports: "Howard said that he did talk to Vince about SummerSlam and other things, but was vague on his involvement. He didn't come outright and say that he wasn't involved. He also stated that he once looked into an alternative wrestling venture."

-KNAC.com features an interview with Chris Jericho regarding his band Fozzy, which is scheduled to appear on Monday's Raw. "When we first started this Fozzy project it was a fun thing to do," Jericho told the website. "We were never making a 'joke' out of heavy metal - we love heavy metal - and through the years our band has gotten so much stronger and so much tighter, and we just have a tongue and cheek sense of humor, and we never take ourselves too seriously. It's just a part of the entertainment value of who we are and part of the entertainment." To read the entire interview, click here: Who Says Heavy Metal Can't Be Fun? Interview With Fozzy's Chris Jericho. [Thanks to PWTorch.com reader Pete K. of Orange County, Calif.]

-The WWE website features a story on Ric Flair's favorite sports teams. The native Minnesotan said he roots for the Florida Gators college football team because his wife went to the school, and he formed a friendship with former coach Steve Spurrier. Flair said his relationship with Spurrier is the reason why he was on the field when the Redskins played the Carolina Panthers in preseason action last week. Flair said he's been "trying to be a Minnesota football fan for years." I can sympathize. The Gophers haven't given Minnesota fans much to get excited about over the years, and current coach Glen Mason comes off like an arrogant jerk. What this Minnesotan can't forgive is Flair rooting for the hated Chicago Blackhawks, the top rival of the old Minnesota North Stars. Flair explains that he roots for the team because his high school roommate Bruce McArthur, who used to appear on Nitro whenever the show was held at United Center, is related to owners of the team. Personally, I wouldn't cheer for the Blackhawks if my parents owned the team! And, yes, Blackhawk fans, I still despise Al Secord and Dennis Savard, just as I would hope you still hate Dino Cicarelli and Willie Plett. To read the story, click here: Flair comments on his sports allegiances.

-More on the first Flair vs. Jericho match: PWTorch.com reader Stephen Lyon of St. Helens, England reports: "I looked through my tape collection and can confirm that the first televised meeting between the two was on the first episode of WCW Thunder, which was held Jan. 8, 1998 on TBS."

-New Dimension Wrestling has opened an indoor wrestling school in Concord, N.C. Training will be conducted by "Beastmaster" Rick Link and Willie Clay. For more information, contact Chris Plano at cplano@aol.com.

-Obscure Wrestling Reference: PWTorch.com reader A.J. Cameron from California reports: "Atlanta rapper Pastory Tony has a new video called 'Are we Cuttin'.' During the video, he wears a replica version of the WCW Title belt (a/k/a 'The Big Gold Belt') throughout the show. I guess if actor David Arquette can wear it..."

SENDING US NEWS...

If you see something on TV or hear someone on radio related to pro wrestling, let us know. If you see an article on pro wrestling in a newspaper or magazine, let us know. If you have any other news tips send them our way. Send news tips (newspaper clippings, radio show interviews, etc.) from your area to: newstips@pwtorch.com. Send results from events you attend to: results@pwtorch.com. or indynews@pwtorch.com. You can also fax anything to the Torch offices at 952-854-4274. You can also mail to the Torch offices at P.O. Box 201844, Minneapolis, MN 55420.

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