Chicago Sun-Times: Rock in hard place at WrestleMania

GIVEN THE ACTIONS OF THE N.W.O. LAST WEEK, ONE THING MUST BE CLEAR TO THE Rock: He must bring everything in his arsenal to Toronto in two weeks for his date with Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania.

The New World Order--and Vince McMahon, for that matter--did not begin this new invasion to see it fizzle in the first big match against a federation star. The Rock must prepare for Hogan, Scott Hall, Kevin Nash--and anyone else who might be recruited by Hogan-- in a match that might include wrestlers, referees and timekeepers. As daunting a task as this might seem, the Rock must meet the challenge, for the future of the WWF might be in the balance.

A victory by Hogan might swing momentum in the favor of the n.W.o. and might trigger events that would mark the death of the WWF, as has been predicted by McMahon. However, a clean victory by the Rock, combined with a victory by Steve Austin victory against Hall, might be enough embarrassment to force the New World Order back into hibernation.

The Rock is recruiting help for the big event. One name that comes to mind is the Ultimate Warrior, who holds a WrestleMania victory against Hogan at the same site of this year's event. Another possibility is Goldberg--or even Eric Bischoff. One thing is certain: Hogan will not be alone at WrestleMania. Matches officially added since last week include William Regal defending the Intercontinental title against Rob Van Dam, and Chuck and Billy putting the tag straps on the line against the APA.

HEARD AROUND THE RING: The WWF has hinted Chris Benoit might play a major role in one of the matches at WrestleMania, although he is still not close to an in-ring return. ... Jazz will wrestle Lita, and there are talks of throwing in Trish to make it a triple-threat match for the women's title. ... Scott Steiner limped during his impromptu match with Disco Inferno, and I would not expect to see him in the WWF any time soon. ... The promotional poster for Backlash features HHH. Some figure that means he will defeat Jericho and become the undisputed champion.

HOTLINE: The WWF is finalizing plans for its much-anticipated split," and I will reveal who is going where after Wrestle- Mania. Call the hotline at (900) 454-SLAM. The cost is $2 per minute.