Chicago Sun-Times: WWE roster remains in turmoil

By all standards, "WrestleMania XX" was a huge success. Fans were happy, story lines were concluded, and the WWE took home one of the largest one-night draws in its history. However, the next 48 hours were not kind.

First it was confirmed on Sunday afternoon that Brock Lesnar would be leaving the WWE to follow his NFL dream. The WWE has left the door open for a return if things don't go his way with the pigskin. Then at midnight, Bill Goldberg's contract expired, and one of Mania's biggest winners was free to go. Goldberg may stay, but right now there is no reason to count on him for any story lines.

The third blow came when the Rock said he was just making a quick stopover in the ring and now is headed back to work on his next movie. HHH dealt the WWE a fourth shot when he accepted a role in an upcoming movie. The death blow came Tuesday when Kurt Angle let it be known that following his match with Eddie Guerrero, he began experiencing numbness in his fingers and needs to have his surgically repaired neck checked again. Angle could be headed for more surgery and just might have to call it quits.

All this led Vince McMahon to announce there will be a "draft lottery" on Monday night, and every superstar will be drafted to either the "Raw" or "SmackDown" brand.

McMahon has promised fresh faces and fresh feuds, but the reality is there is just not enough big-name talent to fill four hours of original programming each week.

AROUND THE RING: The WWE said Ron Simmons has been given his release. ... Edge could be back as soon as this week. ... The Insane Clown Possee has been released by the NWA.

HOTLINE: Reactions of many in the WWE locker room over Brock Lesnar's decision to leave, and more on the possible return of the ECW brand -- all on the hotline: (900) 990-SLAM ($2 per minute).