The following is from the Chicago-Sun Times:
BY BLACKJACK BROWN
The ”Raw” and ”SmackDown” shows have been less than stellar during the last few months, and a lack of talent is a major factor.
In fairness to WWE, the injury bug has taken a serious bite out of the ranks recently. But that is about to change. Former world champions Edge, John Cena, Umaga and Randy Orton are set to make their returns to the ring no later than Nov. 23 at Survivor Series.
WWE has confirmed that Cena will be back at the pay-per-view event, and he presents the biggest challenge to WWE’s creative team. Cena is a huge star and sells more tickets than you could imagine, but he needs to be in a battle with the belt on the line to keep him interesting. As a main-event wrestler, Cena has a great deal of juice. As a second or third guy on the card with no gold on the line, he loses some steam.
According to people close to WWE, Orton is close to making an in-ring return, too. Orton is close to 100 percent and has been known as a fast healer, and this time is no exception. Orton no doubt will make a huge impact upon his return and will be in line for a shot at Batista and the ”Raw” title no later than at the Royal Rumble.
Umaga has been knocking off some of the ring rust down in Florida and might be back on TV as soon at this week on ”SmackDown.”
Umaga suffered a torn knee ligament two months ago and will be a welcome addition to the roster.
Edge is healed and also might be back as soon as this week on ”SmackDown.” Edge is another star who won’t sit on the sidelines and should be in a main-event feud very quickly.
AROUND THE RING: Evan Bourne suffered a serious ankle injury and is having an MRI exam this week. The worst-case scenario has Bourne out for four months. … Ric Flair has been named the general manager for the World Stars of Wrestling promotion in Europe. Flair will appear at their February show in Portugal.
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