“and saying how correct it is”
Huh?
So now in your frenzy to refute things, you’ll say that Rishonim are saying that a Yerushalmi is correct!? Is that better than saying it is Masiach Lefi Tumo?
Did you actually learn through that Ritva, or were you satisfied reading whatever article you pulled this from, knowing that there’s a Ritva out there?
The Ritva actually says how our Gemara can NOT be referring to that case, where there was a Lachash. (So much for saying how correct it is.)
Besides, to make believe that you have a Ritva as a source saying that these two names are of one person, is a lie. You are trying to trick people into thinking that you aren’t depending on one Yerushalmi (or a particular article or shiur). And to go and claim that Tosafos didn’t have the Yerushalmi — while one Daf before, he says, “ואמרינן בירושלמי דמכילתין” — and that Tosafos would have buckled had they only known what you are privy to, is that not arrogance?
Shouldn’t it strike everyone weird how our Gemara (and Yerushalmi elsewhere) has a certain way to call someone and they don’t mix? Sure, the story is similar, which is why there is an approach to work out how it can work. I’m sure you must know where Tosafos is coming from, the issue with Papus ben Yehuda. This has to be worked out.
There is another view, actually. The Ramban, in his introduction to the debate does imply that it is one. In fact, within the debate as well he says that they have the wrong date, meaning that their hero is the former disciple of Rebbe Yehoshua ben Prachia. The Shalsheles Hakabalah, too, takes this approach.