Chicago Sun-Times: Van Dam rockets right to the top

Back in his days in ECW, Rob Van Dam was content to be the ECW television champion (and occasionally tag champion with Sabu), never looking for a shot at the ECW world title. But after just a few months in the WWF, RVD has shot right to the top and finds himself with a chance at the WWF title in the "No Mercy" triple-threat main event along with Kurt Angle and Stone Cold Steve Austin.

RVD has pulled upsets over almost every top name in the federation, and with Vince McMahon in his corner, he could leave the PPV with federation gold--if he wants it or not. But quite frankly, I would be stunned if RVD left with the belt, since Austin seems heavily favored to take it to "Survivor Series."

Also on the card, The Rock defends the WCW title against Chris Jericho, Christian puts the IC belt on the line vs. Edge in a ladder match, Booker T battles The Undertaker, Test goes one-on-one with Kane, Mighty Molly will face Lita, the Dudleys defend the WWF tag titles vs. the Big Show and Tajiri, the WCW tag straps are on the line as the Hardys defend against Lance Storm and the Hurricane, and in the first-ever lingerie match, Stacy and Torrie Wilson will go stitch-for-stitch.

AROUND THE RING: The Legion Of Doom has returned to the wrestling scene as Animal and Hawk are scheduled for action at the Elks Lodge in Queens, N.Y. . . . Scott Steiner reportedly has been working as a bouncer at a Florida bar. . . . WWF officials have a problem with RVD working a bit too rough lately, as seen again on Thursday's "SmackDown" when Van Dam busted open Kurt Angle. Angle joined Tazz, Steve Austin, Y2J and The Rock as those who have been injured by Van Dam. . . . "SmackDown: Just Bring It," the first wrestling release for PlayStation 2, will hit stores Nov. 7. The release was pushed back to include newer Alliance members such as Rhyno and RVD. . . . The WWF said it no longer will run PPV events on DirecTV. WWFE and DirecTV have been in negotiations but have not been able to come to terms on the fundamental issue of what the revenue split should be.

HOTLINE: Scott Steiner turns down an offer to join the WWF, and more WWF superstars to be released to make room for Ric Flair, Scott Hall and Kevin Nash. Get the amazing details as I name names on the hotline: (900) 454-SLAM ($2 per minute).