Chicago Sun-Times: WWE believes in Batista

When the decision was made to have Batista challenge HHH for the World Championship at "WrestleMania 21" in a few weeks, it signaled the company was ready to put the future in the hands of its new star.

Unlike Booker T at "Mania 19," Batista is in the title hunt for the long haul -- and no matter which way the decision goes on April 3, Batista will be in HHH's face for many months to come. After all, Batista is not new to the wrestling scene; he has paid his dues in the company and has traveled a familiar road in the business. But now fans have taken to him by the millions, and suddenly Batista is the biggest draw on the "Raw" roster.

Will he beat Hunter at "WrestleMania"? I still think not, but I am not as convinced as I was two weeks ago. I still have to remember that HHH tapped out just one year ago to lose the main "Mania" event to Chris Benoit, and I have a hard time believing The Game will lay down on the biggest stage two years in a row. In addition, the WWE has taken a lot of time to build up this feud and might want to get a bit more bang for its pay-per-view buck and have this match be the first in a series of bouts between the two.

AROUND THE RING: It is almost a certainty that "Monday Night Raw" will return to the USA network around Labor Day. In a statement last week, Spike TV said it is pulling out of the "Raw" derby. ... There is some talk that either Edge or Matt Hardy could be on the move to "SmackDown."