Chicago Sun-Times: `Bash' may be courting a giant surprise

Eric Bischoff and Vince Russo have a big surprise set for the "Great American Bash," and word has leaked out that the surprise may be none other than the Most Valuable Player of the NBA-Los Angeles Lakers center Shaquille O'Neal.

Shaq has been tied to WCW in the past, accompanying Hulk Hogan to the ring during the "Bash at the Beach" two years ago. O'Neal was a guest of Jay Leno last week and informed the audience he still is interested in wrestling-and this time around wants to get in the ring as a competitor, not just an enforcer.

Shaq likely will be the guest referee for the Hogan; Kidman bout at the "Great American Bash" and will be on the side of Bischoff and company. However, O'Neal's ties to the Hulkster in the past should show through in the end, so look for the Lakers' 7-1 star to turn on Easy E and rejoin his friend Hogan.

Shaq is expected to be alongside Goldberg through the summer, so don't look for a long heel run.

MEMORIAL DAY RATINGS SOLID: Both the WWF and WCW did well on Memorial Day. "Raw" registered a 6.4 rating (10.5 share) on hours of 5.8 and 6.9, and "Nitro" had a solid showing as well with a 3.0 rating (4.9 share) on hours of 3.2 and 2.7. In head-to-head competition, "Raw" did a 5.8 to 2.7 for "Nitro."

HEARD AROUND THE WRESTLING RING: Bam Bam Bigelow is being evaluated by WCW officials and Vince Russo. They currently are thinking of a new gimmick to give him that would help him get over more with the crowd. Shane Douglas is looking to reform the triple threat that would include Bigelow. . . . Spike Dudley had a meeting with Paul Heyman to discuss his future with the company. He came out of the meeting with a new five-year contract. . . . WCW will be holding "Nitro" at the end of this year in Australia and South Africa. . . . Matches set for the "Great American Bash" include Jeff Jarrett vs. Kevin Nash for the WCW title; Hogan vs. Kidman with the stipulation that if Hogan loses, he must retire-and if he wins, he gets a title shot at "Bash at the Beach" PPV; Ric Flair vs. David Flair; Scott Steiner vs. Tank Abbott in an asylum cage; Shawn Stasiak vs. G.I. Bro; and Sting vs. Vampiro in a human torch match. . . . It appears the WWF is going with a fatal-four-way match at the "King of the Ring"-Kane vs. Triple H vs. The Rock vs. The Undertaker for the WWF title. . . . Look for Trish Stratus to add Val Venis to her stable soon. . . . Lance Storm's first "Nitro" will be the day after the "Great American Bash" on June 12 in Richmond, Va. . . . Look for Lita to be paired with the Hardy Boys in the next few weeks before Matt and Jeff split. . . . Hardcore Holly is rumored to be the favorite to win the Intercontinental title at the "King of the Ring." . . . Shane McMahon could get another shot at getting into the second round of the KOTR. . . . It's possible Tazz could make his return at "King of the Ring" as well.

HOTLINE: Amazing updates on Goldberg's return to the ring Monday night, Chyna to appear in Playboy, and The Undertaker injured again- all the details on the hotline: (900) 454-SLAM ($2 per minute).