Chicago Sun-Times: Look for Lesner as the next superstar

Some of the biggest names in the WWE have used the "King of the Ring" as a launching pad to main-event status, and this weekend's version should yield another big-time star.

HHH, Owen Hart, Steve Austin, Kurt Angle and Bret Hart all have been former "King of the Ring" champions who became superstars, and the rumor is Brock Lesner will join that list tonight. Lesner has been an unstoppable force over the past few months, and he is the heavy favorite to survive matches against Test and the winner of the Rob Van Dam vs. Chris Jericho semifinal.

Also on the card, Hollywood Hulk Hogan will battle Angle, Trish Stratus will defend the WWE women's title against Molly Holly, and the Undertaker will defend the Undisputed world title against HHH in what could become an instant classic.

Still, even with all the great matches, the most anticipated moment of the night will be when the Rock makes his return to WWE pay- per-view. The people's champion made an unexpected return to WWE television on Monday as a way to stop the bleeding from the loss of Austin, and he has promised to play a large role at the "King of the Ring."

AROUND THE RING: Vince Russo has been rehired and will join the WWE writing team. The WWF enjoyed some of its greatest success when Russo was steering the ship, and there soon could be big improvements in the TV storylines. ... Despite the hopes of many wrestling fans, the WWE/Stone Cold Steve Austin situation is not a made-for-TV deal, and the "Rattlesnake" likely has been seen for the last time on WWE programming. ... Bubba Ray Dudley had been off the road for several days and was not in attendance at last week's "Raw" in Oakland due to the death of his mother. ... Edge met with Dr. James Andrews to discuss his labrum tear suffered in a cage match with Kurt Angle while performing a flying spear off the top rope. It appears surgery won't be needed, and Edge could be back on TV this weekend. ... Look for Arn Anderson to become manager to Chris Benoit. ... Rey Mysterio Jr. continues to be the most impressive wrestler at WWE live shows and should be on TV soon.

HOTLINE: I have the inside scoop on how the Vince Russo hiring changes the WWE's negotiations with Bill Goldberg, as well as the latest news on Scott Hall, Ricky Steamboat, Ken Shamrock and much more on the hotline: (900) 990-SLAM ($2 per minute).