Chicago Sun-Times: Get set for Goldberg the free agent

Late last week it was revealed that former WCW champion Bill Goldberg has been in talks with AOL Time Warner in order to get out of his current contract with the company.

When he was on top of the wrestling world, Goldberg was signed to a long-term contract with Time Warner--not with WCW--in order to protect him in case WCW folded or was sold. As there still are many months left on the contract, it could take some doing--but look for Goldberg to take a huge buyout and become a free agent.

I say free agent because there could be a battle for his services. Jeff Jarrett is trying to get his new promotion off the ground, and what better way than to add one of the biggest draws in the last 10 years. The addition of a star of Goldberg's magnitude would give Jarrett immediate credibility and would open the door to a national TV deal.

Of course, the WWF will not stand by and watch the last bit of competition pick up a big star, and certainly will make an impressive offer for his services. With slumping TV ratings and house-show attendance soon to follow that trend, what more could the WWF hope for than for the chance to add a true main-event star to the ranks. Think of the possibilities . . . Goldberg vs. HHH, Goldberg vs. Undertaker, and the big one--Goldberg vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin.

If Goldberg was waiting in the wings and looking for an opportunity to step in and make a huge impact, the timing is right.

AROUND THE RING: Chris Benoit is heading to Ohio to work off some ring rust, but doctors have told him he should be back in the ring full-time by July 1. ... Also healing well is Kevin Nash, who could be back in six weeks. Nash originally was thought to be out through July. ... Lita's surgery went well--and if all goes right, she should be back in six months. ... The WWF is pleased with the progress of Edge and Billy Kidman, and they could see big titles in the coming months. ... Word is there will not be a Brian Pillman memorial show this year. ... Almost everyone expects to see Ric Flair turn on Steve Austin this Monday on "Raw" and join the NWO. Some fear this could be a repeat of the Austin/McMahon feuds of the past few years, but Flair will add a new dimension and give some needed credibility to the NWO.

HOTLINE: More breaking news on the developing Bill Goldberg story, and a possible return date for the Rock revealed on the hotline: (900) 990-SLAM ($2 per minute).