Chicago Sun-Times: It's Rock vs. HHH in hourlong battle for WWF title belt

Can Hunter Hearst Helmsley and the Rock pull it off? That is the question being asked around the wrestling world this week.

At the Judgment Day pay-per-view tonight, the Rock will defend his World Wrestling Federation title against HHH in a 60-minute match. The man who records the most falls in the hour will be the winner and WWF champion.

The most famous ironman match was the WrestleMania encounter a few years ago between Bret Hart and Shawn "The Heartbreak Kid" Michaels, which Michaels won in overtime after the two went the full hour with no falls. That was an epic battle between two of the greatest ring technicians of all time.

Tonight, the Rock and HHH have an opportunity to leave their mark on wrestling forever. But they also could fall flat on their faces because an hour might seem like a lifetime if a match is not going well.

All that being said, look for WWF executives to play it safe and fill the 60 minutes with numerous run-ins. Also watch for Michaels, who will serve as the guest referee, to interfere in the match in some way.

Also on the card, Chris Benoit will defend his Intercontinental title against Chris Jericho in a submission match, Eddie Guerrero will defend his European title against Saturn and Dean Malenko in a triple-threat match, Too Cool and Rakishi will battle Kurt Angle, Edge and Christian, Shane McMahon will take on the Big Show and the Dudleys will face Degeneration X in a table match.

One other note: The logo for the event features a picture of Kane with a likeness of the Undertaker in his eye, so a return of the brothers is a distinct possibility.

HEARD AROUND THE RING: World Championship Wrestling's "Nitro" made big strides in the national Nielsen ratings last week, moving up a half-point from the previous week to a 3.4. The WWF's "Raw," though, was still an easy winner with a 6.2. "Nitro" will be on one hour earlier this week to accommodate the NBA playoffs on TNT. . . . Ric Flair is suffering from head injuries suffered at the hands of the Ultimate Warrior a few years ago. Flair's fainting spell Wednesday on WCW's "Thunder" was legitimate. . . . Buff Bagwell is under suspension by WCW for attacking an employee last week. He will miss 30 days. . . . Former Extreme Championship Wrestling star Lance Storm officially has signed on with WCW and might debut Monday on "Nitro." . . . Crash Holly is expected to lose his WWF Hardcore title for good in the next few weeks. . . . Now that Shawn Michaels has quit as WWF commissioner, look for Linda McMahon to name Mick Foley the new boss. . . . The rumor mill says Terry Funk will announce his retirement Monday on "Nitro."

More stars jumping ship from the WWF, WCW and ECW, plus all the results of the Judgment Day pay-per-view on the hotline. Call (900) 454-SLAM. The cost is $2 per minute.