Chicago Sun-Times: Steiner signing could be huge for WWE

As announced by the WWE, Scott Steiner has come to terms on a contract with the organization. Steiner, a former WCW world champion as well as multiple-time tag-team champ, will be a huge addition to the roster and could make his debut Monday.

What role Steiner will play is still a question, and the WWE needs to make sure not to overuse a big man who has a history of back problems--but he certainly will be a main-event-caliber wrestler. With "Raw" and "SmackDown" desperate for quality feuds, Steiner could come in from a multitude of directions. Steiner vs. Brock Lesner, Steiner vs. HHH, Steiner vs. Kurt Angle--all could headline pay-per- view events, and likely will in the coming months.

Some in the WWE wondered why the company made an announcement of the signing rather than bring him in as a surprise. But one has to wonder, following the disaster that was the HHH-dressed-as-Kane skit at the funeral home last week, if anyone would have tuned in to see the surprise debut.

This could be a huge signing for the WWE and could set off a chain of events that leads the company to a revival in 2003.

AROUND THE RING: As part of a court agreement following the WWE losing the rights to the name WWF, the company cannot sell videos or any merchandise featuring WWF after Friday. So, old WWF fans better load up their video libraries. ... Boxing champion Lennox Lewis denied he is in negotiations with the WWE about a match with Brock Lesner but said he has had discussions with Vince McMahon. ... Mick Foley has canceled a WWE appearance, and some think it is in protest to the HHH necrophilia story last week on "Raw." ... HBK Shawn Michaels could make his return to the WWE at "Survivor Series" on Nov. 17 in New York. ... Sources say there is a behind-the-scenes problem in the NWA-TNA. Sounds like Jeff Jarrett and Vince Russo can't get on the same page, and many wrestlers have been forced to take sides to maintain their pushes.

HOTLINE: I have details on the Scott Steiner contract and what it might mean for other WWE stars, plus updates on Steve Austin in court and Hulk Hogan making his return. All that and much more on the hotline: (900) 990-SLAM ($2 per minute).