Chicago Sun-Times: Future looking brighter for WWE

As the WWE enters 2003, things seem to be turning around.

SmackDown now has a legit big-time feud with Paul Heyman, leading a trio that includes current WWE champion Kurt Angle and the Big Show against Brock Lesnar, who becomes a bigger star every time he steps in the ring--and Raw has just added some big time muscle in Scott Steiner, who is already in line for a title shot against HHH.

But now, with the return of Stone Cold Steve Austin becoming a matter of not if, but when, the WWE could be on track for a full- blown return to greatness in the coming year.

Austin has been missing from the WWE since last year's WrestleMania show, and has been in quite a bit of trouble with the law in the interim.

There had been rumors he had discussions with federation road agents over the summer, but nothing had developed. But now on a weekly basis, the WWE shows Austin on TV in PPV highlights, tribute videos and promos for the upcoming 10th anniversary Raw show. As you may have noticed, the WWE does not show wrestlers on TV accidentally, and this is no exception as I expect Austin to resurface by the end of February.

There has been a rumor growing that Stone Cold could be a mystery entry in the upcoming Royal Rumble PPV, but figure on the WWE getting more bang for its buck by promoting the return of Austin over a few weeks, leading up to a return at WrestleMania 19.

HEARD AROUND THE RING: The word there will be two Royal Rumble matches at the PPV, one 15-man match featuring the Raw brand, the other showcasing 15 SmackDown stars. Both winners will get title shots at WrestleMania. It's a long way away, but I would have to believe Angle vs. Lesner, and Steiner vs. Stone Cold (or even The Rock) would have to be considered main-event matches at WM19.

HOTLINE: The Rock speaks regarding a return to the ring, Hulk Hogan vs. HBK at WrestleMania, and the NWA-TNA ready to make an announcement that could shake up the wrestling world. Get the inside details on these stories and much more on the hotline--(900) 990- SLAM, $2 per minute.