Chicago Sun-Times: New blood tries to keep WCW from sinking

Today is WCW's first "New Blood Rising" PPV, and the organization will rely on some show-stopping performances to save this pay-per- view.

In the main event, Booker T defends the world title against Jeff Jarrett. This could be the last go-round for JJ, and the smart money is on Booker.

In an anything-goes/no-DQ battle for the No. 1 contender position Scott Steiner, Kevin Nash and Goldberg meet in a three-way dance. Goldberg has been asked yet again to do the job at the show, so look for Steiner or Nash to become the new No. 1. In a four-corner match for the WCW tag-team title, it will be Kronic vs. The Perfect Event vs. General Reaction and Corporal Cajun vs. Mark Jindrak and Sean O'Haire.

Sting will face Vampiro, and Mike Awesome challenges Lance Storm in a Canadian title match. It's rumored that Bret Hart will make an appearance at "New Blood Rising," somehow forming an alliance with Storm. The Franchise Shane Douglass and Kidman will battle in a strap match, and in the first Judy Bagwell-on-a-pole match, Kanyon will face Buff Bagwell. If Kanyon wins, he gets Judy as his Kimberly.

MONDAY NIGHT RATINGS: Almost the same numbers as a week ago, as "Raw" walloped "Nitro" in the national Nielsen ratings 6.3 to 2.5. "Raw" opened at 5.5 before jumping to 7.0 for the final hour. "Nitro" was a 2.7 from 8-9 and fell to a 2.2 once "Raw" hit the air.

HEARD AROUND THE RING: As seen on "Smackdown," the main event has been set for "SummerSlam" as The Rock will defend the WWF title against Kurt Angle and HHH. . . . The old rumor of Kane unmasking has resurfaced, and it's possible the mask could come off at "SummerSlam." . . . USA Network and ECW are close to a deal. The plan would be to pick up ECW right after it leaves TNN and place it into the 5-7 p.m. slot that used to be the home of "WCW Saturday Night." . . . Billy Gunn has been cleared by the doctors to return to the ring on Sept. 24. . . . Lord Steven Regal is set to return to the WWF on the "Raw" after "SummerSlam." Raven's debut date is also set for the same Aug. 28 "Raw." . . . Dave Hebner suffered a mild heart attack at Madison Square Garden on Monday night. He was rushed to the hospital and will only be out for a few weeks. . . . Mona has officially signed with the WWF. . . . Look for Tazz to be attacking more announcers. The WWF feels this is the best way to get more heel heat. . . . The WWF is looking to push the Big Show back into main- event matches. It will do this by getting him into a series of matches with the Undertaker.

HOTLINE: Four wrestlers are looking to leave WCW, plus Vince Russo is looking to fire Bill Goldberg. Get all the details at (900) 454- SLAM. $2.00 per minute.