Chicago Sun-Times: Goldberg lottery could go WWE's way

Although Bill Goldberg remains one of the most sought-after free agents in wrestling history, a conclusion to his recruiting tour could be on the horizon very shortly.

The former WCW champion--and the most feared man in wrestling-- has been contacted by promoters around the world, including Pride Wrestling, New Japan, The XWF and, of course, the WWE. The word is Goldberg is interested in making a lot of money in a short period of time and would not be interested in signing a multiyear contract with any organization.

I could see this shaking out with Goldberg appearing in the WWE for maybe eight to 10 months, appearing in a main event at Wrestlemania and being brought back on a semi-regular basis (maybe three times every two years)--similar to how the WWF used the Ultimate Warrior in years past. Again, it is no secret that wrestling fans have been dying for a Goldberg vs. Stone Cold" Steve Austin Wrestlemania main event for years, and that fact has not been lost on the WWE Creative Team.

HEARD AROUND THE RING: There are still substantial rumors that the WWE and Kurt Angle are negotiating a period of time in Angle's contract where he would continue to be paid a percentage of his salary but will use the time to train for the 2004 Olympics. ... Austin had identified Eddie Guerrero as the man he felt was the hardest worker in the WWF RAW Brand. That is what has led to the upcoming feud between the two. However, as well as these two may work together, don't look for this feud to last long. ... Some seem to think Brock Lesnar is spending too much time reading press clippings and needs to be careful not to become too confident backstage. ... Look for major stars to be traded between the Smackdown" and RAW" programs. WWE writers feel they will need to create new feuds, and the best way would be to move wrestlers. The first such trade could see Hulk Hogan moving to RAW and Stone Cold moving to Smackdown. ... Sources tell me the n.W.o wrestlers have been unhappy with their roles in the company since the departure of Scott Hall. This should change with the return of Kevin Nash, and the New World Order should be playing a larger role in coming weeks.

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