Chicago Sun-Times: Time could be right for return of Vince McMahon

Shane is back and Stephanie never left - but the question the wrestling world wants answered is, where is Vince McMahon? The owner of the WWF has not been seen on television for what seems like years. McMahon has said he is too busy developing his new XFL football league to participate in WWF story lines.

But the events of Thursday night's "Smackdown" could open the door for Vince's return as the Rock seems to be losing his battle to get back in the main event at "WrestleMania." After winning a handicap match against Dean Malenko and Perry Saturn, the Rock was forced into and lost a two-on-one match against tag champs the Dudley Boys. Shane and Stephanie have all the stroke in the WWF, and the Rock needs Vince now to get back on the scene and even the odds leading up to wrestling's biggest event.

One rumor had the world title match at "WrestleMania" being a three-way dance between HHH (with Stephanie), The Big Show (with Shane) and the Rock (with Vince), possibly with Steve Austin or Mick Foley as the guest referee. Word is Vince does not want to return until the ratings slip - but with little competition from the WCW, that won't happen soon. With Austin, the Undertaker and Foley off the active roster, now is the time for the return of the hottest commodity in the game.

ECW LIVING DANGEROUSLY: This weekend the ECW will present its "Living Dangerously" pay-per-view with the main event a three-team tag title match as new champions Mike Awesome and Raven defend against Masato Tanaka and Tommy Dreamer and the Impact Players. Awesome and Raven took the straps from Tanaka and Dreamer recently at the ECW Arena in Philadelphia, and they will be heavy underdogs against two tough teams.

Also on the show, the TV Title Tournament will come to an end with semifinal and final matches. One semifinal will pit Rhino against Sandman with Super Crazy taking on Little Guido in the other half of the bracket.

HEARD AROUND THE RING: "Raw" beat "Nitro" in the national Nielsen ratings on Monday night, 6.4 to 2.8. . . . The Great Muta is expected back in the WCW by the end of the month. . . . Look for Chris Benoit and Chris Jericho to feud after "Wrestlemania." Benoit, Jericho and Kurt Angle will face off in a three-way dance for the IC strap at "Wrestlemania." Also at "WrestleManina," X-Pac will face Kane in a landmine match, and I hear the Big Show will take on Rakishi, which doesn't bode well for the Show being in the title match with HHH. . . . Marc Mero reportedly is in contract talks with the WCW. . . . Lord Steven Regal once again has signed on with the WWF. . . . Mick Foley is back on the wrestling scene refereeing matches at Indy shows. . . . Despite being scheduled to face Lex Luger at the "Uncensored" PPV, Sting has no interest in returning to the WCW full-time. . . . Hulk Hogan has been telling friends he will win the WCW title from Sid in April. . . . Sabu stormed out of the ECW Arena recently after being informed he was going to lose to Super Crazy. Also at the arena, the Pit Bulls made their return to the ECW but brawled with each other before the end of the night. . . . Crowbar will be taking three weeks off after being choke-slammed through the announcers' table last week at "Thunder." . . . The WWF will use Steve Austin at "WrestleMania" if doctors give the OK to use the stunner. If Austin can't use his finisher, they will hold him off until after May. . . . Look for Scott Steiner to stay with the WCW and feud with Goldberg late this summer. . . . The wrestling movie "Beyond the Mat" will be released March 17 nationwide. . . . B.B. has been fired from the WWF for dating Hardcore Holly while Holly is still married. . . . Spike Dudley does need surgery and will be out for two months. . . . The Rock will host "Saturday Night Live" on March 18. . . . Bret Hart has told the WCW he will not return until July 30.

HOTLINE: The Undertaker plotting his return to the WWF and the WCW's plan for Bill Goldberg revealed, plus results of the ECW "Living Dangerously" PPV on the Hotline: (900) 454-SLAM ($2 per minute).