Listen up!

Class is in session.

This week, a lecture in several parts as I run down some hot topics in the world of fake (but beloved) sports.

But before we get to that, I'm starting with something very rare -- a PLUG of an independent wrestling show in suburban Detroit (Royal Oak, Mich.) this Saturday night. It's called "Revolucha 3" and it's a dandy Lucha Libre show that will feature a ton of superstars, including: Sabu, Ultimo Dragon, Christopher Daniels, Rey Misterio Sr. and Mil Mascaras! I don't generally plug indy shows (plug one, ya gotta plug 'em all), but this one looked too great to pass up. "Revolucha 3." If you're in the area, don't you dare miss it!

With that, let's get to our first hot topic:

Is TNA the new WCW?
I'd say that's an understatement. Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, seen on Spike TV Thursday nights, has featured Buff Bagwell, Lex Lugar, Rick Steiner, Scott Steiner and Sting the past few months. Talk about your 90s time-warps. Will these characters make the difference and propel TNA to greatness? NO! TNA must bank its future on its GREAT X-Division, with stars such as A.J. Styles, Christopher Daniels and Samoa Joe. It's a shame they still can't get top billing.

Is Jim Ross ever coming back to RAW?
According to WWE.com, he'll be back this coming Monday night. I'm not sure why he ever left. Either he legitimately needed some time off, or Vince McMahon just made a stupid move, "firing" him from the show. Ross is clearly the best in the business. (I do think TNA's Don West is going a heckuva job, but that's another column.)

Is ECW coming back for good?
It certainly looks like it. The hot rumor is that WWE is planning to bring back the Extreme Championship Wrestling brand as an ongoing promotion, not just as a yearly pay-per-view. If that's the case, look for Paul Heyman to be in charge and Joey Styles behind the microphone. If it's produced and booked well, it could be a nice little moneymaker for WWE -- at the expense of the TNA and Ring of Honor promotions.

Is Degeneration X coming back?
Again, it certainly looks like it. Triple H and Shawn Michaels, I believe, will re-team to create DX2 -- and it will be a babyface stable. Some students have suggested that Chris Masters and Coach should be involved, but I don't think they're the right fit (not cool enough). If it were up to me, Carlito would be part of the gang, and perhaps Brock Lesnar -- now that he's settled his lawsuit with Vince McMahon. Billy Gunn and Road Dogg are out of the mix because they're with TNA. As for X-Pac, he's busy doing a new wrestling show for MTV.

Will you ever give up your campaign to see Ric Flair as champion one more time?
No, I won't. But I'm pretty down about it. His loss to Umaga at "Backlash" last week was a pitiful low point in my effort to get the greatest his gold. McMahon should be ashamed of himself for booking Flair in this manner. I can only hope that the big moment is in the near future. If not in WWE, then maybe in TNA -- where Flair can capture the NWA belt, and his great career can come full circle.

Where is Chris Jericho hiding?
He's playing with his rock band, Fozzy, and doing a satellite radio show. For some reason Jericho is ignoring my e-mails for an interview. What's the matter, Chris, afraid I'll stick a dunce cap on your noggin? Your fans want to hear from you -- without the WWE filter! Let's go!

What movie are you looking forward to the most this summer?
Well, your professor has a soft spot in his heart for "Superman Returns" and "X-Men 3," but I'd be a fool not to plug the heck out of the new Jack Black wrestling flick, "Nacho Libre." It looks great, and Mr. Black is wearing a mask. Can't beat it. If it's as warm, fuzzy and funny as "School Of Rock," it'll be a huge hit. Haven't seen the trailer yet? Well, just click right here. Need to see the latest "Superman Returns" trailer? That one is right here. Yep, we also have the latest "X-Men 3" trailer -- right here.

With that, time to get out of here. The bell is ringing.

Class dismissed!

(Professor Wrestling is a masked employee of Internet Broadcasting. Got a question, comment, complaint? E-mail him right here. )