Chicago Sun-Times: No doubt about it: Lesner alone at top

Ever since his win over the Rock last Sunday night at "SummerSlam," Brock Lesner no longer is the next big thing--he now is the biggest thing in the wrestling business.

It took about 90 seconds for the sold-out crowd at Nassau Coliseum to turn on the Rock and start chanting for Lesner, and in a scene reminiscent of "WrestleMania" when the fans turned on the Rock to root for Hulk Hogan, Lesner was the people's champion at "SummerSlam." Without any outside interference from Paul Heyman, Brock took it to the Rock and left with one of the most impressive and cleanest title victories ever.

Turning the page, it appears the Undertaker will be in line for the next shot at the WWE champion at the upcoming "Unforgiven" PPV on Sept. 22. Despite HHH's victory over the Taker on Monday night on "Raw," both Lesner and the Undertaker now are the property of Stephanie McMahon and the "SmackDown" brand of the WWE.

It will be interesting to see if the WWE fights the fans' desire to root for Lesner, keeping him a heel in a feud with the Undertaker, or lets Lesner drop Heyman and become the biggest fan favorite in the federation.

AROUND THE RING: Given Eric Bischoff's desire to streamline titles in the WWE, it has been rumored Easy E could be bringing a "Raw" title to the Monday night program. Following RVD's win over Tommy Dreamer on Monday in the last-ever hardcore title match in the WWE, there are fewer and fewer titles in the company. It would make sense if Brock Lesner is going to be exclusive to "SmackDown" that "Raw" would need a major title to battle over. ... Some rumors ran out of control about Lex Luger returning to the WWE, but I hear both Luger and Randy Savage have some interest in returning to the company. ... Look for a feud to begin Monday between Kane and HHH that could come to a head at "Survivor Series." ... Some feel the Angle/Mysterio feud ended too soon at "SummerSlam," and given the quality of their match, we could see these two cross paths again.

HOTLINE: I will reveal the three stars backstage at "SmackDown" who could be on their way to the WWE, and the latest on the WWE negotiations with Bill Goldberg and Stone Cold Steve Austin. It's all on the hotline: (900) 990-SLAM ($2 per minute).