Chicago Sun-Times: JBL steals gold from Guerrero

It took a bit of help from commissioner Kurt Angle, but John Bradshaw Layfield stunned the wrestling world last Sunday when he was the first to hit the final turnbuckle and won the Bull Rope match and World title from Eddie Guerrero.

Initially, it appeared Eddie was first to touch all four corners, but Angle came to ringside and with the help of video replay showed that Bradshaw's back hit the turnbuckle just before Guerrerro's hand, which made JBL the champ.

Layfield has gone from Outlaw to Acolyte to beer-swilling, card- playing member of the APA to financial analyst to World Champion over the course of a solid WWE career. A recent bad decision in Germany notwithstanding, JBL has been as much a company man as anybody over the past few years and deserves his chance to hold the gold -- and most importantly, to see if he can be a draw as a main eventer. The new champ will have that opportunity sooner than later as he is expected to defend his title against the Undertaker at "SummerSlam."

AROUND THE RING: Jeff Hardy has been a big hit for TNA wrestling and is expected to sign a one-year contract this week. ... Shelton Benjamin continues to recover from a broken hand suffered three weeks ago and should be back on the active roster in July. ... Ken Shamrock made his ring return Wednesday when he tangled with Jeff Jarrett on the TNA PPV. Next week Shamrock will team with 3 Live Kru to face Jarrett & The Elite Guard. ... Former WWE Tough Enough winner Linda Miles (a.k.a. Shaniqua) has been butting heads with management and has consistently moved herself down the ladder in the OVW. ... Garrison Cade will be repackaged by the WWE and will return as H.B. Cade, a Shawn Michaels knockoff. ... Sergeant Slaughter was welcomed with a huge ovation Monday night and appeared to be in terrific shape. Sarge will never be an impact player again, but a few cameos could be in his future.