Chicago Sun-Times: WWE makes it short and sweet: See ya, Hardy

The rocky relationship be-tween the WWE and Jeff Hardy ended last week when the former tag champion was released by the company. A short Web site statement read: "WWE.com regrets to inform its fans that WWE has severed its relationship with Jeff Hardy. We wish Jeff the best of luck."

Hardy reportedly had lost his passion for the business. Recently, he had been late to television shows and PPV events and was regularly late or missing at house shows. He had been doing an extensive road schedule to promote the Hardy Boys book, but the WWE no longer was willing to make special exceptions for one mid-card wrestler.

The good news for Hardy and his fans is that there were no restrictions on his contract, and he is free to work anywhere at anytime. Word already has surfaced that he could debut with the NWA- TNA as early as Wednesday. It would cause quite a stir if someone of his caliber joined the No. 2 company.

AROUND THE RING: The card is set for this weekend's "Backlash" PPV, and in the main event--in a match most fans thought they never would see--the Rock will face Goldberg. ... Kurt Angle seems to be recovering nicely from neck surgery and is looking forward to a return to the ring in a few weeks.

HOTLINE: I will reveal HHH's plan to reunite The Clique at the expense of Ric Flair and Y2J, as well as the surprise opponent who could be next for Goldberg. All that and much more on the hotline: (900) 990-SLAM ($2 per minute).