Chicago Sun-Times: Flair shakes up wrestling world

We knew Ric Flair was returning to the WWF last Monday, but to the surprise of most fans--and certainly to the surprise and dismay of WWF head Vince McMahon--Flair came in and dropped a bomb on the wrestling world.

As the story goes, when Shane McMahon purchased WCW, he did so by using his stock in WWF Entertainment. He walked away with the company and left enough shares behind that the consortium which sold WCW became a part owner of the WWF. That consortium, as we now know, is led by the Nature Boy, who now is a partner of Vince McMahon.

The most amazing part is how the WWF completely turned the entire focus of the organization in less than two hours. Vince was the hero at the start of "Raw," firing Paul Heyman, bringing back Jerry "The King" Lawler, and celebrating the biggest victory in the history of the company the night before at "Survivor Series." By the end of the night, the fans in attendance and watching at home on TV had done a complete 180, hating Vince and loving--of all people--Stone Cold Steve Austin. As Flair and Austin celebrated their own good fortunes in the ring, the course of the WWF has turned. With new heels--Chris Jericho, Kurt Angle, McMahon and possibly soon The Rock--and new fan favorites--Austin, Flair and soon HHH-- the WWF has very skillfully set itself up for a nice run into 2002.

HEARD AROUND THE RING: As seen on "Raw," any Alliance member holding a WWF title after the "Survivor Series" is automatically held over in the WWF. That meant a free pass for Rob Van Dam, The Dudleys and Christian, and Test is safe after winning the immunity battle royal. . . . Interesting stipulations for the "Vengeance" PPV as there will be a four-man tournament for a unified world title. WWF champ Steve Austin will face Kurt Angle, and WCW champ The Rock will fight Chris Jericho. The winners will battle the same night and unify the WCW and WWF titles. ... It is rumored Vince McMahon will take on Ric Flair at "Wrestlemania."

HOTLINE: The WWF has made a stunning offer to Goldberg to get him on the roster in time for a "WrestleMania" match against Steve Austin. I have the inside scoop and will reveal the details of the offer and what Goldberg is going to do on the hotline: (900) 454- SLAM ($2 per minute).