Chicago Sun-Times: Rikishi driven to do it for the Rock

This past Monday night on "Raw," Rikishi admitted to being the driver of the car that ran over Stone Cold last year at the "Survivor Series" in Detroit. The big Samoan claimed he did it for the Rock so he could be the No. 1 man in the sport unlike so many other of the islanders of the past who Rikishi feels have been kept down by the WWF.

Rikishi mentioned names like Afa, Sika, Samu and the great Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka-who, for all he did for the WWF, never was rewarded with the WWF title. Rikishi and the Rock actually are cousins and the Rock does have a great deal of island blood running through him, but he claims not to be involved with Rikishi's plans to drive over Austin in any way. Many inside the WWF feel Rikishi is not working alone and a greater power will be revealed as the driving force behind Rikishi's actions.

RATINGS DOWN: The Monday night wrestling ratings continue to dip as "Raw" did a 5.4 this past week and "Nitro" drew a dismal 2.5. The Sting vs. Scott Steiner main event did a 1.8, the second-lowest rated main event in "Nitro" history.

Also on the television front: The ECW is officially off The National Network and only will be seen regionally.

HEARD AROUND THE RING: The Undertaker's groin injury is more serious than originally thought, and the big man could miss two months. . . . Billy Gunn will face Eddie Guerrero at "No Mercy" for the IC belt-and that is bad news for Val Venis, who has been bumped from that spot. . . . Diamond Dallas Page was refused his release from the WCW and now has asked for a push all the way to the WCW title. . . . Matches confirmed for the WCW "Halloween Havoc" PPV include Booker T against Scott Steiner for the world title, Goldberg facing Kronic in a 2-on-1 match, and Jeff Jarrett meeting Sting. . . . Juventud Guerrera tore up the hotel lobby in Australia and has been given his release by the WCW. . . . The XFL will launch it's first season with two games on Feb. 3, 2001, including the Chicago Enforcers at the Orlando Rage. . . . Chavo Guerrero could be on his way to the WWF to join up with his uncle, Eddie. . . . Raven is being put to the test by the WWF. He has been told to do numerous jobs on TV as part of an initiation to the WWF. . . . The Big Show has shaved his head and dropped 25 pounds working for the WWF training camp. Show could be returning between "Survivor Series" and the "Royal Rumble." . . . Doctors have cleared Sid to return to wrestling, and he could be on his way back to the WCW. . . . Mark Madden's act reportedly has run its course in the WCW locker room as many of the wrestlers have become sick of his constant sarcasm.

HOTLINE: Could the Rock be the man behind Rikishi's actions? Believe it or not, the amazing details on the hotline-(900) 454-SLAM ($2 per minute).