CLEANING OUT THE LOCKER: "Monday Night: Raw" is WWF's new and improved Monday night show. It debuts live tomorrow night at 9. ... [Vince McMahon] launched Max Moon this week. ... Van Hammer will be talking about arm wrestling, caged thunder and much, much more as Cody Boyns' guest tonight on "Wrestling Rap" (WALE, 990 AM). To join in the fun, call 508-676-9253 or 401-621-9253. ... Celebrating birthdays this week include B. Brian Blair (Tuesday) and Hacksaw Jim Duggan (Thursday). ... Scott Putski got a tryout with the WWF last week in Texas. ... WWF returns to the area Jan. 30 in Providence and Feb. 6 in Springfield. ... Rumor of the week: Jesse "The Body" Ventura is considering a run for the U.S. Senate in '94.

McMahon must have felt that [Ric Flair]'s best days were behind him, and he could be easily replaced with new talent. The recent big-name additions of Yokozuna, Bam Bam Bigelow, Steiner Brothers and Lex Luger, as well as Hulk Hogan's imminent return, give him that cushion. And with wrestlers with questionable talent such as Doink the Clown getting a push, it's obvious where Flair stands in McMahon's eyes.