Chicago Sun-Times: Austin gets quick invitation back to WWE

Only six days after Vince McMahon told the world the reason Stone Cold Steve Austin was not on the "Raw" 10th anniversary show was because he was not invited, "Raw" GM Eric Bischoff did his best to rectify that problem by inviting the Rattlesnake back to the WWE.

Bischoff has invited Austin to return at the upcoming "No Way Out" PPV on Feb. 23, but I have to wonder if Eric is putting all his eggs in one basket. Already about halfway through his probationary period, Bischoff has done little to turn around the "Raw" fortunes. The fact is at this point, the WWE is not sure if Austin will return or not. If he does, Bischoff can stay on board and all goes to plan. However, if Austin decides to stay home, this could be the final nail in the coffin, and Shane McMahon could be on his way back to the WWE on a full-time basis.

Not to be outdone was Stephanie McMahon, who had quite a surprise for "SmackDown" fans when she brought back Hulk Hogan. The Hulkster has promised one more time around the circuit, and when confronted by Vince McMahon informed the boss he is the first one on Hogan's hit list.

At this point there is little doubt Hogan will face off against McMahon in a match at "WrestleMania 19." Also set for WM19 is a match between Shawn Michaels and Chris Jericho and the World title defense by Kurt Angle against Brock Lesner.

AROUND THE RING: In case "WrestleMania 18" against the Rock and his ovation last year in Montreal were not enough, Thursday night's appearance by Hulk Hogan and the crowd's reaction should be more than enough to convince anyone he was, is and will continue to be the biggest thing in wrestling. ... Our condolences to the family and friends of the original Sheik, who passed away last week. ... The winners of "Tough Enough III" were announced Thursday, and we can only hope Matt and John have a better run than the winners of "Tough Enough 2." ... It's rumored Torrie Wilson is negotiating with Playboy magazine and could be appearing in the magazine this year. ... Some were disappointed to see the Undertaker returning with his most recent gimmick. Word is the Taker did not feel the time was right to return to the dark side yet.

HOTLINE: I will reveal three surprises planned for "WrestleMania" plus the latest on the Rock and why he is committing to more movies, though it could mean the end of his wrestling career. It's on the hotline: (900) 990-SLAM ($2 per minute).