Known as one of the friendly, likeable guys in the business, Whatley had been involved in wrestling since high school. In 1967, he became the first black prep athlete in Tennessee to win a state wrestling championship. He was also the first black wrestler at UT-Chattanooga.

As a professional wrestler, Whatley traveled all around the world. But it was in the Southern and mid-Atlantic territories that the Tennessee native made his biggest impact.

Whatley is well remembered for his heel turn during a match with partner Jimmy ''Boogie Woogie Man'' Valiant while working with Jim Crockett Promotions. In praising Whatley, Valiant had referred to his partner as the ''best black athlete'' in wresting. Suggesting the remark had racial overtones, Whatley became angry and attacked Valiant and, using a pair of scissors, cut off Valiant's trademark ponytail.

Whatley changed his name to ''Shaska,'' and joined up with manager No. 1 Paul Jones. The incident fueled a series of matches that led to Whatley losing his hair to Valiant during a match in 1986 in Charlotte.

Batista will be one of 30 men to compete this Sunday in the over-the-top elimination match at the WWE pay-per-view, Royal Rumble. The winner will face the WWE world champion in the main event at Wrestlemania 21 on April 3 in Los Angeles.

While Triple H has been openly concerned at the possibility that he may have to defend his title against Batista, the champion will first have to fend off Randy Orton, who will be his opponent at the Rumble. Among the other matches on the card, the Undertaker will take on Heidenreich in a casket match; Chris Jericho goes up against Edge; and JBL defends his WWE championship against Big Show and Kurt Angle in a three-way match.

Hogan, who was the company's biggest star during the 1980s, was reportedly backstage at a recent WWE show in Florida and spoke with Shane McMahon. Hogan last worked with the company nearly two years ago.

It is rumored that Austin will also appear at Wrestlemania.

OK, I just cannot let this one slip by without comment.

First off, my hat is off to The Rock for his phenomenal work and contribution to the sport during the time when professional wrestling was in serious need of a shot in the arm. He also deserves much credit for making the successful transition from the ring to the screen and allowing wrestling to maintain some semblance of dignity in the process.

But as far as wrestling goes, The Rock has pretty much checked out! You can probably count on two hands the number of wrestling appearances he's made since becoming a true action star in Hollywood. Usually, it has been when WWE was performing in or near Florida or California - where The Rock lives, works and plays.

Why should McMahon tie up millions of dollars on someone who would pretty much be classified as less-than-part time? And why would The Rock want to be locked into another contract deal with WWE when the movie offers appear to still be coming?

Surely he doesn't need the money.

Contact Ron Jordan at P.O. Box 161593, Fort Worth, TX 76161 or email rjringside@aol.com