Chicago Sun-Times: Sting ready for total nonstop action

Former WCW world and U.S. champion Sting will make his long- awaited return to the ring Wednesday night, but it will not be for the WWE. Sting will team with Jeff Jarrett against A.J. Styles and a mystery partner on TNA television.

Mike Tenay made the an-nouncement last week just hours after Jarrett lost the NWA world title to Styles in a three-way dance that also included Raven.

There was plenty of outside interference in this one as 'The Franchise" Shane Douglass made his return to the scene and took out Raven, leaving Jarrett and Styles in the match. While on the top rope ready to put Styles away, Jarrett was attacked from behind by Vince Russo, and the title changed hands one week before the company's first anniversary.

I know not too many fans have given this promotion a chance, but the Total Nonstop Action Revo-lution seems to gain steam each week. The biggest reason--the company is spending money. It will debut a new ring and set this week, and has not been shy about spending the cash to get big names on the roster.

HEARD AROUND THE RING: "Stone Cold" Steve Austin will be on hand for a Spike TV event on Monday night and will not be at "Raw." Mick Foley is expected to be on hand to offset the power of Eric Bischoff for the night and could referee another match. ... The WWE recently asked Kurt Angle to go to Ohio Valley Wrestling to shake off any ring rust before returning to the ring on a full-time basis. Angle rejected the idea, and instead will work six-man tag matches at house shows over the next few days. ... Sounds like the WWE is considering bringing back Shane McMahon soon. It's a shame one of their top characters has been missing for such a long time. I think Shane would be a good fit on "Raw," but it sounds like he would join the "Smack- Down" roster. ... Classy Freddie Blassie has the No. 1-selling wrestling book on the market, according to Amazon.com. The Hardy Boys' book is second, followed by Bobby the Brain Heenan and In the Pit with Piper.

HOTLINE: I have the news on Zach Gowin's WWE in-ring debut, as well as news on the Macho Man, Edge and Mick Foley's plans for after "Bad Blood." All that and much more on the hotline: (900) 990-SLAM ($2 per minute).