Chicago Sun-Times: Elimination Chamber match solves problems at 'Slam'

It was announced on Monday night that the "Raw" brand world title would be on the line at "SummerSlam" in the WWE's second Elimination Chamber match. Original title-match participants HHH and Bill Goldberg now will be joined by Randy Orton, Chris Jericho, Shawn Michaels and Kevin Nash in the six-sided cage.

In case you missed the first Elimination Chamber match, two men start in the ring surrounded by the four participants locked in smaller cages. At a determined time interval, one of the four cages will be opened to add a new combatant. When someone is defeated by pinfall or submission, he is removed and the remaining five continue on until there is one winner.

At "SummerSlam," this will solve quite a few problems for the WWE. First, we hear HHH still is against the idea of dropping the world title to Goldberg so soon. So, if Hunter was to lose his title (doubtful), it could be to someone other than Goldberg and could be the result of some 2-on-1 or 3-on-1 misfortune.

Second, this type of match will let the company protect some of its main-event wrestlers who are less than 100 percent at the moment. A Kevin Nash vs. Chris Jericho match would not be bad, but is not a major PPV-caliber match right now. And guys nursing injuries like Michaels, HHH and Nash can perform in a lengthy match while spending the majority of the time in the cages off the ring.

My prediction: Goldberg will be eliminated by an HHH/Orton/ Jericho triple team before Orton and Hunter remain true to their Evolution bond allowing HHH to leave as champion.

Also on the show, Kane will face RVD, Shane McMahon will meet Eric Bischoff, and Kurt Angle will defend the "SmackDown" title vs. Brock Lesnar.

AROUND THE RING: NWA-TNA will offer its weekly PPV for free in the next few weeks in an attempt to win over fans who have not yet seen the product. ... I hear Macho Man Randy Savage will record a rap single ripping Hulk Hogan. ... Booker T suffered a neck injury during the Australian tour and was forced to miss "Raw" last week.

HOTLINE: Want to know the real word on the backstage heat between Goldberg, Vince McMahon and HHH? I'll give you that scoop and more on the hotline: (900) 990-SLAM ($2 per minute).