Chicago Sun-Times: `King of Ring' could have a winning Angle

Every year at the "King of the Ring," the wrestler who is crowned almost always finds himself on a fast track to stardom. This year nearly all the wrestling insiders say Kurt Angle will be the man to take that next step.

But if Angle is to pull off the trick, it will be an uphill battle because the Olympian faces Chris Jericho in the first round and gets the winner of Bull Buchannen; Crash Holly in the second round. The other half of the bracket finds the Rikishi; Benoit winner meeting the Eddie Guerrero; Val Venis winner in the semifinals.

As for the main event, the Faction will meet the threesome of Rock, Undertaker and Kane with the stipulation if any of the three pin any member of the Faction, that man becomes WWF champion. However, if any member of the Faction records a pin, HHH will remain the champion and will defend the title against the winner of the KOTR tournament.

Also on the card, the Dudley Boys will face DX and Tori in a table; Dumpster match. For DX to win, they must lock both D-Von and Buh Buh in a Dumpster; for the Dudleys to win, they must put X-Pac Road Dogg and Tori through a table. In a match just added, Pat Patterson will defend the Hardcore title against Gerald Brisco in an evening gown match.

RATINGS: "Raw" defeated "Nitro" again in the national Nielsen ratings last week, but the NBA was the big winner. "Raw" was down a bit to a 5.8 rating off hours of 5.2 and 6.3 while "Nitro" fell to 2.7 off hours of 2.9 and 2.5. Game 6 of the NBA Finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and Indiana Pacers drew a huge 17.3 and probably chipped into the wrestling ratings.

HEARD AROUND THE RING: Turner Sports was very happy following this week's "Nitro," and those in charge feel the show is greatly improved despite what the ratings show. Eric Bischoff also has been praised for keeping the show edgy while following standards and practices. . . . ECW is now interested in bringing in WCW outcasts Lenny and Lodi. . . . Rave is set to meet with WCW officials Wednesday and could come to a verbal agreement. . . . One report has indicated the reason so many ECW stars are complaining about their pay being late is that no PPV bonuses have been paid in over a year. . . . Chris Candito showed up at "Nitro" with a broken wrist and had no explanation for the injury; WCW officials are investigating. . . . Konnan suffered a 90 percent tear of his biceps and could be out for up to six months. . . . Lord Steven Regal will be back in the WWF in six weeks. . . . Don't look for Billy Gunn to return to the ring until November. . . . ECW will hold a two-day tournament in August to crown new tag champions. . . . Macho Man Randy Savage has been talking to WCW about either a return or a release. . . . WCW will hold a contest during the "Bash at the Beach," and the winner will get to manage Goldberg at an upcoming "Nitro." . . . Kimberly has left WCW but has been given one month off to think about her decision. . . . Curt Hennig could be joining the Faction in the next few weeks.

HOTLINE: Is Hulk Hogan finally calling it a career? Get the amazing details plus the truth behind Vince Russo quitting and all the detailed results from Sunday's "King of the Ring" on the hotline: (900) 454-SLAM ($2 per minute).