Chicago Sun-Times: WWE accelerates pace of angles

The original plan for WWE was to have HHH and Randy Orton come to odds over the next few months, with Orton leaving Evolution to begin a feud with HHH that would culminate in a title match at WrestleMania 21.

The story line was to build over time, so that when the two met in the ring, the fans would be salivating over the thought of the match. However, as ratings continue to dip on Monday nights -- and with the prospect of Monday Night Football right around the corner -- WWE has been forced to accelerate many of its story lines to keep the fans' attention. After his world-title victory over Chris Benoit at SummerSlam, Orton had about 23 hours to celebrate before HHH turned Evolution against the new champion, paving the way for HHH vs. Orton at Survivor Series.

Also, the original plan was to have the Lita-Kane marriage angle play out over the next 3-4 months, finishing in some form of botched wedding in late 2004. That, too, has been scrapped as the numbers drop. The two will be wed on Monday.

SmackDown is not exempt. The drawing board had a SmackDown main event for WrestleMania 21 of Kurt Angle defending the world title against the Undertaker. That program has been rushed, and these two will be main-eventing a PPV in short order.

Maybe WWE suits can do everyone a favor and rush the ending of the Diva search and wrap this mess up in the next two weeks. The skits are downright insulting to wrestling fans.

HEARD AROUND THE RING: Spike Dudley will assume the role of leader of the Dudley Family and will become the group's mouthpiece. ... The Rock has committed to five movies over the next two years and will be seen sparingly over that time. ... The Undertaker was reportedly annoyed after his match with JBL at SummerSlam over the lack of fan reaction.