Chicago Sun-Times: Bischoff hoping to save WCW

After months of poor performances, low TV ratings and non- existent pay-per-view buy rates, World Championship Wrestling has decided to use what worked in the past by rehiring Eric Bischoff, giving him total control over the company.

Bischoff was the leader of WCW when its "Nitro" won the Nielsen ratings war against the World Wrestling Federation's "Raw" for 58 consecutive weeks, and combining him with Vince Russo very well might make WCW competitive once again.

Morale is already up. WCW flourished under Bischoff's first reign, most notably with the success of the New World Order and Goldberg leading the company to the top of the wrestling world. The speculation is that Bischoff, who has the respect of many of the wrestlers, will bring back Diamond Dallas Page, Randy Savage, Scott Hall, Kevin Nash and Sting on a full-time basis.

BUT WWF STILL RULES RIGHT NOW: The WWF continued its streak on Monday nights, winning the ratings war 6.2 to 2.5. "Nitro" did a 2.9 the first hour but dropped down to 2.1 when WWF hit the air. "Raw" got better as the night went on, doing a 6.0 first hour and 6.4 second hour. The show peaked during the main event when the Rock, Triple H and the Big Show earned a 7.3.

A disturbing trend has continued on The Nashville Network, as Extreme Championship Wrestling drew one of its lowest ratings ever last week at 0.8.

And last week, NBC had its highest-rated "Saturday Night Live" of the season, with the Rock leading the show to an 8.3.

AROUND THE RING: The Radicals have approached Vince McMahon about the hiring Konnan. . . . Goldberg is reportedly down 30 pounds from his wrestling weight. . . . If the WWF moves to CBS, look for the ECW to move its programming to USA. . . . The main event at WrestleMania has changed again. It now will be a four-corner match featuring champion Triple H, the Rock, the Big Show and Mick Foley. It is not just a four-way match, it is a four-way elimination match. Linda McMahon informed the participants this is a one-time deal for Foley. If he wins, the title will become vacant and a tournament will begin the next night on "Raw." . . . Other matches for WCW's Spring Stampede pay-per-view include Sting and Vampiro against Ric Flair and Lex Luger, Kidman against Booker, Chris Candito against Prince, Jeff Jarrett against Buff Bagwell and Meng against Tank Abbott. . . . Bret Hart seriously is considering retirement and told a Calgary newspaper that as his condition stands now, he would not be able to wrestle again.

HOTLINE: The truth behind the rumors of Steve Austin appearing at WrestleMania, plus the McMahon family feud carrying over into the locker room. Get the details on the hotline at (900) 454-SLAM. Calls are $2 per minute.