Chicago Sun-Times: WWF all set to wrestle for votes

World Wrestling Federation fans could very well elect the next president-and I don't mean the WWF president. In another move that shows the shrewdness of the McMahon family, the WWF is challenging both the Democratic and Republican parties to kiss up to the fans of the WWF-all 14.4 million of them.

The strategy was first seen Monday night on "Raw" commercials explaining the WWF holds the weight of 14.4 million eligible voters who could sway the vote this November. For everyone who thinks this is another plea for publicity, when political experts think through the facts, Vince and Linda make a strong point. The WWF will begin to assist all its fans 18 and over in registering to vote and will have an army ready on election day. If George W. Bush or Al Gore can get in the ears of the WWF faithful, a trip to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. might not be far behind.

Already making a move to accommodate the WWF, the Republican Party made room for the WWF champ-the Rock-at its national convention in Philadelphia. Not only did he speak to the delegates, but the Rock and Linda McMahon sat in the Bush family box.

RATINGS: Same old, same old for the WWF as "Raw" defeated "Nitro" on Monday night 6.4 to 2.7. "Raw" did hours of 5.8 and 7.0 with an 8.5 for the main event; the hours for "Nitro" were 3.0 and 2.3.

HEARD AROUND THE RING: Extreme Championship Wrestling will be holding a tournament for the ECW tag-team titles on Aug. 25-26 in New York. First-round matches will include Sandman and Chilly Willy vs. Justin Credible and Rhino; Yoshihiro Tajiri and Mikey Whipwreck vs. The FBI; Danny Doring and Roadkill vs. Da Baldies; and Rob Van Dam and Kid Kash vs. Jerry Lynn and Tommy Dreamer. Joey Matthews and Christian York, Nova and Chris Chetti, and Simon Diamond and Swinger will participate as well. . . . Ric Flair's rumored return date is set for mid to late October. . . . The Undertaker again is suffering from numerous minor injuries and could miss two to three weeks. . . . Jasmine St. Claire and the Blue Meanie were married recently. . . . Van Hammer has been released from WCW. . . . Lance Storm gets a shot at Booker T and the WCW world title Monday night. . . . When he returns, look for Stone Cold Steve Austin to feud with Mick Foley over control of the WWF. . . . MTV will run shows to promote "SummerSlam." . . . Look for Stephanie McMahon to be revealed as the one cheating the entire time on HHH. . . . HHH will be taking some time off from wrestling and will become a fan favorite after the McMahon/Kurt Angle affair is exposed. . . . Vince Russo has had enough of Bill Goldberg and wants to release him from WCW. . . . Look for Madusa to become the commissioner of the WCW women's division. . . . The WWF is looking for the Big Show to lose about 60 pounds and then will push the Show into a feud with Rikishi, Kane and the Undertaker.

HOTLINE: Can Paul E get the ECW back on TV? Get the details plus hear about Shawn Michaels leaving wrestling for good-it's all on the hotline: (900) 454-SLAM ($2 per minute).