Chicago Sun-Times: Injury bug bites three in WWE

We are barely two weeks into 2005, and already the WWE roster has been hit with a rash of injuries that have hurt both the "Raw" and "SmackDown" rosters. Rob Van Dam, Lita and Eugene all suffered severe knee and leg injuries within the past week, and all will be out for up to eight months.

Van Dam had been working for months in a knee brace and felt he was just working through some nagging injuries. However, last week it was revealed RVD had severe ligament damage including a torn MCL and partially torn ACL. Depending on the surgery Van Dam chooses, he could miss most of 2005. Some feel he never will be the high flying daredevil he once was, but others insist Van Dam will be even better once he regains strength and confidence in the injured knee. I would not bet against Rob Van Dam.

While defending the Women's Championship last Sunday against Trish Stratus, Lita took a hard hit to the floor, suffered ligament damage and will be lost until the end of the summer following surgery. Eugene ruptured his patellar tendon and dislocated his kneecap in his tag-title defense last Sunday night; he also will miss most of 2005.

AROUND THE RING: Hulk Hogan has been seen backstage at some WWE events and could be in negotiations for a return match at "WrestleMania 21." I don't know how much Hulkster has left, but I do know he can draw. ... Mick Foley has been pushing for a "WrestleMania" match against Vince McMahon, but Vince would rather see a legends battle between Foley and Ric Flair. ... New Jack will be given a WWE tryout and could be on TV in the coming weeks.