Chicago Sun-Times: 'Hitman' could add to many happy returns

Call January a month of returns for the WWE. First it was Scott Steiner who made his ring return in a series of confrontations with HHH. We have not seen the end of this feud, and it marked the beginning of a resurgence for the WWE.

Following Steiner was the Undertaker, who surprised everyone by entering the "Royal Rumble" as participant No. 30--and if not for Brock Lesner, may have cruised to victory. Vince McMahon was next, coming back the night before the "Raw" 10th anniversary show to inform Eric Bischoff he had 30 days to turn things around or the program would be turned over to the returning Shane McMahon.

At the "Raw X" show, we saw the Rock make his return to the federation, and now know he will face the returning Hulk Hogan at the upcoming "No Way Out" PPV--a show that will see Steve Austin make his return to the WWE.

Adding these seven superstars back to a depleted WWE roster would be more than fans could expect in an entire year, never mind 20 days. But now we hear one of the greatest stars in WWF/WWE history also could be coming back at "No Way Out" in Montreal. Bret "the Hitman" Hart--last seen getting screwed out of the WWF title by Vince McMahon at "Survivor Series," also in Montreal--has been in negotiations with the WWE about a return.

The former WWF and WCW world champ has been recovering from a stroke following a motorcycle accident and is looking forward to showing his fans he could be on the way back to the ring. There is little doubt he will be welcomed back to the WWE.

It was said before that the roster split looked like a mistake at the beginning, but now it seems the WWE has all the pieces in place to make quite a run in 2003.

HEARD AROUND THE RING: There still are many within the WWE ranks who are certain the company will have signed Bill Goldberg in time for a match with the Rock at "WrestleMania 19." ... Raven made his NWA/TNA debut last week and immediately should get into the title hunt. ... There have been some serious WWE talks about getting the World Title belt around the waist of Rob Van Dam. It is a safe bet RVD will be a WWE champion in the next 12 months.

HOTLINE: I have the card for the "No Way Out" PPV, and Eric Bischoff still has three surprises lined up to keep his job. I will tell it all and much more on the hotline: (900) 990-SLAM ($2 per minute).