Will a New Storyline Bolster WWE's Fortunes?

The problem is, there's only so many feud combinations you can create. How many times has the Undertaker battled it out with this guy or that guy? After a while, it all seems to appear like one big fight.

However, I came across some news that really fascinated me. There are reports out there that say Bret Hart will be returning for a short stint on WWE programming in the new year.

If ever there existed the catalyst to end all catalysts, it just might be Hart coming back to WWE. Word is that he will be fighting with CEO Vince McMahon. For those who don't know, Hart had a falling out with McMahon and some other wrestlers years ago during an event that came to be known as The Montreal Screwjob. I'm not certain how orchestrated the whole thing was (most everyone, however, believes McMahon truly did change the original outcome on Hart without telling him).

I won't recount the details (feel free to look them up). It doesn't matter. What does matter is that Hart's return to WWE should theoretically be great for the company's ratings. Hart's relationship with McMahon will probably inspire some of the best scripts ever written by the authors employed at the organization. It also should give WWE a shot of adrenaline as it prepares for the marketing blitz surrounding the next Wrestlemania. And recall that the evil Mr. McMahon character had its origins in the Hart affair. Without a doubt, one of the best feuds ever synthesized was the one between Steve Austin and Mr. McMahon. Can the magic strike twice?

No, I'm not suggesting you buy WWE based on a Hart program. Instead, I think investors should take it as a reminder to study the stock and its potential for 2010. WWE isn't far from a 52-week high, and again, it has that nice yield. That might not mean anything if the market takes a bad turn, so, as always, be careful and perform copious amounts of due diligence.

Disclosure: I don't own any company mentioned; positions can change without notice.