Chicago Sun-Times: Foley's dream to come true at `WrestleMania'

It's the biggest weekend of the wrestling year: The WWF puts on its annual "WrestleMania" show tonight. Late word is Mick Foley will fulfill a lifelong dream and win the WWF title at the big show, and the title will be declared vacant. A tournament that will conclude at "Backlash" will begin Monday on "Raw." Look for Kurt Angle to leave with one of his two belts_most likely the European_as Chris Jericho and Chris Benoit will feud for the IC strap. And insiders are talking like the Dudleys vs. Hardys vs. Christian and Edge could go down as not only the greatest ladder match of all time if things go right, but one of the greatest matches in recent memory. Also added to the card: T & A will face Head Cheese, D-Lo and the Godfather meet the Boss Man and Bull Buchannen, and there will be a hardcore title battle royal featuring Tazz, Crash and Hardcore Holly, Viscera, the Mean St. Posse, Kaientai and the Headbangers. Rumors circulating include Steve Austin returning to begin his heel turn by attacking Foley after the match and stealing the belt, the Rock doing an injury angle to explain his disappearance while filming "The Mummy 2" and possible nudity during the Terri vs. Kat match.

RATINGS: Another notch in the win column for the WWF as "Raw" did in "Nitro" again this past Monday, 6.6 to 2.6. "Raw" was consistent doing a 6.5 first hour and 6.7 second, and Nitro dropped off the map once the WWF hit the air. "Nitro" posted a 3.1 first hour and fell all the way to 2.1 during the first hour of "Raw." This could be a real tough week for WCW as it will show a highlight reel of "Nitro" on Monday while it realigns the company, and "Raw" will be huge the night after WrestleMania.

XFL ON NBC: The WWF announced a deal with NBC that will put the new XFL on the network starting in February. Not only will NBC show a football game every Saturday in prime time, but it also holds 50 percent interest in the XFL. This is huge news for the WWF as it guarantees national exposure, and the alliance will provide a solid foundation for the league, according to Vince McMahon.

HEARD AROUND THE RING: Morning man Mancow and Jimmy Hart recently had an altercation that could lead to a match between the two in the near future. . . . Kanyon has been asked to stay with WCW and will do so until his contract expires in April 2001. . . . Former WWF Intercontinental champion Tatanka has contacted the WWF and WCW about a return to wrestling. . . . Rumors are that Gangrel has been released by the WWF. . . . Tammy Sytch will debut in WCW at the "Spring Stampede" PPV with Chris Candito. . . . There's still no location for the ECW PPV on May 14. . . . New Jack will be returning to ECW within the next two weeks. . . . Sid missed the "Thunder" tapings with an elbow injury and will likely miss the "Spring Stampede" PPV. . . . Goldberg is working out and is eyeing a return to WCW. He will return in Colorado on April 10, but will not be on TV, just for the fans in attendance. . . . In a recent interview with USA Today, Foley reported he will be a referee, commentator and eventually commissioner of the WWF. . . . The Undertaker will be returning as the No. 1 face in the WWF with the Rock filming "The Mummy 2." . . . Look for 2 Cool to get a run at the WWF tag titles after "King of the Ring" and Rakishi to make a run at the WWF title around "SummerSlam." . . . Konnan was being buried by Kevin Sullivan and should be returning soon.

HOTLINE: What Eric Bischoff and Vince Russo have planned for the new and improved WCW and all the detailed "WrestleMania" results on the hotline, (900) 454-SLAM, $2 per minute.