Chicago Sun-Times: WWE could face competition

The NWA has put out a good product over the past few years but has not even put a dent in the popularity of the WWE for one simple reason -- the NWA does not have a strong enough TV presence around the country. That is the barrier to entry into the wrestling business: getting on national TV.

Anybody can put up a ring and sell tickets for a show, but only the ECW, WCW and WWE have been able to go coast-to-coast in a regular TV time slot. To be honest, the reason wrestling is not on more networks isn't because there are too many quality shows out there; in fact, there are three or four national cable networks that would open their arms to some mat action. But not even the lowest-rated station will run a wrestling show filled with undercarders and the over-the- hill gang, so the WWE has been unopposed for years -- and some say the product has suffered because of it.

That all could change as three big names are on the free-agent market and would be enough by themselves to start a new promotion on a par with the WWE. Stone Cold Steve Austin is now free of any WWE obligations and could be the focal point of a new promotion. Joining Stone Cold would be Bill Goldberg, who has flirted with the idea of working in Japan but would much rather stay with Austin and put a new group on the map. Then there is Brock Lesnar, who could be looking to get back in a ring by the end of this year if his NFL dreams fall apart.

With those three plus others who have had bad WWE experiences, a top company could be formed in short order. There are rumors Ted Turner (whose no-compete clause expires next March) and Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban are interested in joining the fray.

AROUND THE RING: Jim Ross has been in discussions with Jeff Hardy, and a return may not be very far off. ... Kurt Angle as GM has not worked out, so look for Paul Heyman to stick around.