Chicago Sun-Times: Van Dam has earned his title shot

In what eventually would be the final year of the ECW there is no denying the fact that Rob Van Dam was the man in the ECW. Never mind an unbeaten streak that is among the most storied in wrestling history, Van Dam arguably was in 10 of the best 20 matches over the past three years. Feuds with Jerry Lynn, Tazz, Sabu, quite frankly the entire ECW roster at one point or another RVD always seemed to rise to the top of the organization.

Now in the WWF, Van Dam has picked up right where he left off and now is justifying the fans' cries for years to get him on the big stage. Nobody in the history of the WWF Hardcore title has been able to put a stranglehold on that belt--except RVD. Nobody in the Alliance is over with the fans--except RVD. And NOBODY cleanly pins Stone Cold on regular TV--except RVD.

Van Dam pulled the trick this past week on TV when he was challenged by Stone Cold and told he would play the role of Kurt Angle as a punching bag for Austin. RVD told Austin he is not Kurt Angle he is Rob Van Dam and followed up his words by pinning the WWF World Champion in a non title match. In addition, after the TV cameras went off the air Van Dam pinned Austin for a second time in less than 10 minutes. Unfortunately for the WWF they now are at a crossroad.

To leave RVD in the Alliance while he is neck and neck with the Rock for title of most popular in the WWF makes no sense, but to pull him from the Alliance would severely damage the competition. In years past anyone who pinned a champ in a non title match got a title shot at the next show. Rob Van Dam has earned his shot.

HEARD AROUND THE RING: Edge vs. Christian for the Intercontinental title has been added to the Unforgiven card. ... Chris Benoit is recovering nicely from neck surgery and his return is a little ahead of schedule. ... The WWF is currently in preliminary negotiations with The Ultimate Warrior and Hulk Hogan trying to get the two to return to Toronto's SkyDome for Wrestlemania 18.

HOTLINE: Three more matches will be added to the Unforgiven card this week, and I will give you the scoop before it hits WWF TV. Plus the latest on Tazz, Kidman, and HHH on the hotline (900) 454-SLAM $2.00 per minute.