Just as ECW is starting hit the national scene with a primetime slot on TNN, their World champion appears to be on the way out.

Dave Scherer of the Daily Lariat is reporting that ECW champ Taz is headed to the WWF.

When contacted by SLAM! Wrestling, Taz, ‘Human Suplex Machine’, declined to comment.

“Right now I can’t comment on anything. I’m not permitted,” said Taz, who is one the few remaining ECW wrestlers who have been with the company since their inception as Eastern Championship Wrestling.

“I’m sure a statement will come out real soon though.”

Reading between the lines, it isn’t hard to tell that something is up.

On the WWF web site, Jim Ross wrote “Expect the Federation to announce the signing of another top competitor very soon. This one even surprised J.R.”

According to Scherer, the recently-reported Taz contract with ECW was never more than a handshake deal.

No word on when the deal will be announced (or if, for that matter) and the use of the name Taz could also be an issue.

— With files from Kevin Nielsen