Chicago Sun-Times: Stephanie just might join with Jericho

Not only does it appear that Chris Jericho somehow will survive his meeting with Stone Cold Steve Austin at the upcoming "No Way Out" PPV, it appears he soon could be joining forces with longtime enemy Steph-anie McMahon just in time for a title defense against HHH at "WrestleMania."

As the story goes to this point, Stephanie has cost HHH a few matches of late, getting involved ringside despite Hunt-er continually telling her to stay in the back. Helmsley continues to berate the million-dollar princess and her father, seemingly more involved with domestic issues than with his title shot at "WrestleMania X8."

One possible scenario could be the NWO coming in just in time for "No Way Out," interfering in the main event, and costing Austin his shot at the title. Steph-anie would turn her back on HHH and join Jericho, Austin could meet either Scott Hall or Kevin Nash, and in an epic battle at "WrestleMania," Hulk Hogan would face the Rock.

That would give the WWF three huge matches on the card, keep Vince McMahon in the fold with the NWO without disrupting the world title picture, and keep the federation on a roll heading to the summer.

AROUND THE RING: Vince McMahon and the NWO have been cutting promos that should start running Monday. ... The WWF television truck has been lowering the volume on the RVD chants in the arena. It would not be surprising to see Van Dam make a heel turn in the coming months. ... Hulk Hogan is negotiating with Scott Steiner, The Ultimate Warrior, Randy Savage and Jeff Jarrett, trying to get one or more to return to the NWO. ... The WWF will tour Japan starting March 1, and the main event is Chris Jericho defending his world title vs. the Rock. ... The WWF has scheduled a live "SmackDown" on March 7 in San Antonio. It's rumored Shawn Michaels could make a full-time return that night. . . . The History Channel will air a special "History of Professional Wrestl-ing" show on Friday. ... Neither Goldust nor Curt Hennig had signed contracts at the "Royal Rumble." Goldust is working for his father's Turnbuckle Championship Wrestling.

HOTLINE: I will reveal the three current WWF superstars interested in joining the NWO, plus the latest on Sabu, Rhyno and Chris Benoit- -and could Eric Bischoff be on his way to the WWF? Find out on the hotline: (900) 454-SLAM ($2 per minute).