Chicago Sun-Times: WWF figures to keep drive alive

It looks like despite the claims of HHH last week on "Raw," we have not heard the last of the mystery car; Steve Austin; Rikishi; HHH angle in the WWF. Many insiders believe Shawn Michaels is the ultimate driving force behind the entire plan and that fact will be revealed at the "Survivor Series."

One possible scenario is that The Rock could get hit by a car at the "Survivor Series" one year after the attack by Rikishi. This time it could be Michaels behind the wheel, setting up a return to the ring for the former WWF champion.

At this point, the plan for the "Survivor Series" pay-per-view is to do a Kurt Angle vs. Undertaker match for the WWF championship, and a four-corners match with The Rock, Rikishi, Austin and HHH. The WWF has been impressed with the fans' response to the Undertaker and is rewarding him with a title shot. The four-corners match will replace the two singles matches considering HHH's hip injury, and also because Austin isn't back at 100 percent yet to work a high-level singles match.

RAW GETTING BETTER: Monday night's "Raw" ratings grew a bit last week as the top show on TNN drew a 5.1. That's a little better than the previous week, but not as big of a jump as the company expected considering the return of Vince McMahon.

Monday's "Nitro" on TNT drew a 2.5. If "Raw" defeats "Nitro" this week, it will mark the 100th straight win for "Raw."

HEARD AROUND THE RING: Don't expect to see HHH in the ring until the "Survivor Series." Hunter has a bad back that the WWF won't push too hard considering he again is the top heel in the business. . . . The WWF feels Chris Jericho is close, but not quite ready, for a world-title push. . . . Mark Henry reportedly has hit the target weight set by the WWF, but he will remain at the training center for a few more months. . . . Former WWF champion Bob Backlund was unsuccessful in his run at a congressional seat in Connecticut. Backlund was defeated by John B. Larson 70 percent to 30 percent-not quite as close as the presidential race; . . . . X-Pac has been pulled off the road by the WWF for at least three weeks due to recurring neck injuries. Doctors are not encouraged by the condition of his already surgically repaired neck. . . . Bill Goldberg's autobiography, I'm Next, hits bookshelves Tuesday. . . . The latest Sports Illustrated claims NBC is talking to Minnesota governor Jesse Ventura about doing color commentary for XFL games when the new league debuts in February. . . . Hulk Hogan may be dropping his lawsuit against WCW and could make a return to the ring. The driving force behind a possible return is the fact that Vince Russo no longer is part of the WCW crew.

HOTLINE: Vince McMahon wants Bret Hart back in the WWF. What are the chances it will happen? Get the details on the hotline at (900) 454-SLAM ($2 per minute).