Chicago Sun-Times: Vader returns to ring; Jarrett defends title

The surprises continued last week during the latest pay-per-view installment of NWA-TNA Wrestling. As The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes was on the verge of being destroyed by the Harris brothers and Vince Russo, it was former WCW and WWF champion Vader making his return to the wrestling scene.

A few Vader shots were enough to clear the ring of Russo and the Harris boys, but as they were leaving, Rhodes laid down a challenge for a tag-team match next week between the Harris brothers and Rhodes and Vader. For some strange reason, I can see Vader turning on Rhodes and joining Russo's posse.

Also on the show was a world title defense by Jeff Jarrett against AJ Styles. Despite interference from Larry Zbyszko, Jarrett was able to retain the title using The Stroke" from the second turnbuckle. Anyone who saw this match knew it became the early favorite for match of the year and was worth the price of the show all by itself.

You must admit that the NWA is gaining attention in the wrestling business, regretfully having to turn away fans each week for its live shows. With names on the roster such as Jarrett, Raven, Sandman, Steve Corino, Jerry Lynn and many others with ECW experience, the talent is there. Combine that with some of the most innovative moves to come along in years and a rapidly growing fan base, and the NWA- TNA could be on the verge of giving the WWE a run for its money.

AROUND THE RING: Unfortunately, there have been quite a few wrestling deaths over the last few years. But the coverage and number of tributes given to Curt Henning last week should be a commentary on what kind of person he was and what type of impact he had on the business. ... We could see Rhyno make his return to the WWE at "No Way Out" today in place of Edge in the six-man tag-team match. ... The future looks bleak for Scott Steiner. Word is HHH will defend his title against Booker T at "WrestleMania." If that match is announced anytime soon, I would look for a Steiner heel turn soon after.

HOTLINE: I have the latest on the contract negotiations between the WWE and Goldberg and Sting, and what two surprises the NWA has in store for its show Wednesday. All that and much more on the hotline: (900) 990-SLAM ($2 per minute).