WCW management contends that Mark Madden was fired from his $150,000 a year job as color commentator for comments made regarding Scott Hall, the sale of WCW and Diamond Dallas Page. If that's the case, can someone from that same management team explain why Kevin Nash, Scott Steiner or Page for that matter still are employed• Both Nash and Page consistently have mentioned Hall on television, including a pre-taped interview which aired a few weeks ago on 'Thunder.' During the interview, Nash and Page both referred to Hall, with WCW cutting the sound each time Hall's name was brought up. That's fine, but what about the interview when Page and Nash hooked up as 'The Insiders?' Obviously, WCW didn't have a problem with Page or Nash talking openly about their relationship with Hall, because WCW let the comments go without so much as a seven-second delay. And then there's Steiner, who openly ridiculed Page - much like Madden did by calling him 'leatherface' - not long ago on 'Nitro.' Steiner's comments, which where not cleared with management or Page, were far worse than anything Madden said regarding the aging superstar. The only thing Madden was guilty of was speaking about the sale of WCW. Madden, however, quit talking about the sale - as well as the other controversial matters - as soon as WCW asked him. Despite the above evidence that suggests Madden was hardly in the wrong, WCW still released the colorful announcer because of his comments, including an alleged interview Madden gave in which he criticized WCW. Madden denies any such interview took place. This is a simple case of WCW making an example out of Madden. WCW could have just as easily fired Nash, Page or Steiner for the previously mentioned reasons. But WCW didn't, because picking on Madden is easier than dealing with Nash, Page or Steiner. Would anyone really want to tell Steiner that he's fired because of what he said on TV• Me neither. And since when does calling a guy 'leatherface' constitute firing• Someone should really sit down with Page and explain to him that what Madden said wasn't that bad. Because Page let the comment bother him that much suggests just how insecure he has become. In fact, given that Page's character is a 'good guy,' and Madden plays the announcer who cheers the 'bad guys,' the comment doesn't seem totally out of place. In fact, one could make a case that Madden was just doing his job of insulting the babyface. Not that Madden's comments were justified, but WCW continued its practice of a double standard. But what else would you expect from WCW• This is the same company that suspends wrestlers - with pay. If that is WCW's idea of punishment, I'd love to see what it considers a reward. It's unfortunate that Madden's tenure with WCW had to end for all the wrong reasons. 'Raw' scored a 4.5 ratings last Monday, up significantly from the Christmas Day edition, which drew a 3.8. ... 'WWF The Music: Volume 5' will be released Feb. 6. Tonight's ECW pay-per-view, 'Guilty as Charged' features heavyweight champion Steve Corino defending his title against Justin Credible and The Sandman in a 'Tables, Ladders and Chairs' match. Also on the card, Tommy Dreamer faces C.W. Anderson in an 'I Quit' match. Paul Heyman, ECW owner and operator, announced on ECWwrestling.com that he has a major announcement for tomorrow night's show. Most within WCW expect that Eric Bischoff will be taking over the company some time this month, possibly as soon as the Jan. 15 edition of 'Nitro.' It looks as if the WWF is leading toward a Steve Austin-Kurt Angle main event at 'Wrestlemania XVII,' although nothing has been officially announced. No matter what the main event of 'Wrestlemania' is, hopefully the WWF will stay away from a triple threat or a four-corners match. ... Shawn Michaels' return at 'Wrestlemania' might be more than just rumors, as the former three-time WWF champion has met with WWF senior vice president Jim Ross about a possible comeback. Scott Hall was released from jail last week. Hall was sent to prison because of past community service work he had yet to complete. Hall's failure to complete the community service was recognized by a Florida judge, who reviewed Hall's record a couple weeks ago because of an auto accident involving Hall over the Thanksgiving holiday. Rennie Detore's Pro Wrestling Insider appears Sundays in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

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