Chicago Sun-Times: Angle right for return to ring

One of the biggest stars in wrestling history will be getting back in the ring. After a lengthy absence because of injury, Kurt Angle has been given full clearance by the WWE doctors. Unfortunately for Angle, who had been serving as the SmackDown GM, it was not on his terms.

After a night of firing just about everyone who crossed his path recently, Angle was met in the ring by WWE chairman Vince McMahon. After dropping Angle as GM, McMahon reinstated Angle to the active wrestling roster and inserted him into a match at SummerSlam against Eddie Guerrero. Angle had been suffering the effects of a broken neck, among numerous other injuries, but he always has been able to put on matches that are instant classics.

Angle put on one of the greatest WrestleMania title matches ever against Brock Lesnar two years ago while suffering severe neck pain and numbness in his extremities. But this time the doctors feel he is in better overall shape. I would not expect to see the former world champion and Olympic gold medalist wrestle a full schedule, but if the WWE uses him correctly, Angle well could be the best performer on the roster. He will give the SmackDown brand a much-needed boost.

HEARD AROUND THE RING: Jeff Hardy was introduced to the NWA crowd this past Wednesday by The American Dream Dusty Rhodes and promptly inked a new contract with the promotion. Hardy didn't leave the WWE and go to the NWA to sit as a mid-carder, so look for him in some main events in the coming weeks. ... McMahon had the swagger of a man who is about to start a run as a big fan favorite. He has that ability to either be a top star or top heel, but one thing for sure is that Mr. McMahon puts people in front of televisions. Sting made his return to the ring last week, pinning DDP at the Hawaii Championship.