WWE Rumors: Examining Latest Buzz Around John Cena, Alberto Del Rio and More

Rumors continue to focus on John Cena and his reported WWE sabbatical. His old rival, Alberto Del Rio, meanwhile, is now the subject of his own rumors as to whether he may return to the company.

The latest batch of Internet rumblings offer little clarity on why Cena is reportedly set to take time off. They do, however, give Del Rio fans reason to be excited. Mexico's Greatest Export is reportedly a topic on the tongues of WWE officials. 

The rest of the week's backstage stories feature an NXT flair.

A WWE Tough Enough contestant may be close to signing a deal. A former member of D-Generation X reportedly helped James Storm venture into the developmental brand. And Blue Pants is rumored to be in the NXT doghouse.

None of these rumors should be taken as gospel. Many of them rely on whispers rather than confirmation, and in one case, a subject of the rumors reminded fans not to believe everything they read. 

WWE Reportedly Interesting in Bringing Back Del Rio 

Could it be time for more Cross Armbreakers and aristocracy in WWE before long? Could the company that fired Del Rio in 2014 re-sign him?

There is reportedly interest from one side, at least.

PWInsider's Mike Johnson reported the following:

"

Several sources have noted to PWInsider.com that former WWE champion Alberto Del Rio's name has come up in conversation for creative ideas over the last several weeks. While there is no confirmation he is returning to the company at this time, the timing of his name being brought up is especially interesting since WWE is heading to Mexico to tour this weekend.

"

There has been sufficient time for both sides to cool down since Del Rio's contentious exit. WWE could certainly use the depth that Del Rio would bring, especially with Daniel Bryan still sitting on the sidelines with a concussion.

It's certainly believable that WWE would be having these conversations, but don't count on his return. Del Rio could well still hold a grudge against the company. And he's doing well as a roaming free agent, wrestling in Mexico, the U.S. and elsewhere.

The biggest question will be whether Del Rio and WWE can agree on the wrestler's worth. Asking him to come in as a midcard act won't convince him. 

Backstage Word on James Storm Joining NXT

The surreal year that has been 2015 continued with another TNA cornerstone moving over to WWE. Storm debuted during last week's NXT tapings, as the company announced on Twitter:

The rumor element of this story has to do with how Storm brokered his current deal. Even with Samoa Joe and Sting signing with WWE this year, there's not a lot of history with TNA stars getting a look from Vince McMahon's company.

According to PWInsider (h/t Wrestle Zone), Billy Gunn got Storm in touch with WWE officials.

That jibes with the recent pictures floating around the Internet of Storm and Gunn meeting outside the WWE Performance Center.

If Gunn did indeed play a hand in getting Storm a deal, it's a reminder of how much nepotism is a part of the business. Does that mean that if AJ Styles had a buddy behind the scenes at WWE, he would have had a better shot at getting a serious look from the company?

Whether it's William Regal showing a tape of your matches to the higher-ups or knowing someone on the inside, it sure helps to have a way to get your foot in the door, even if you're on Storm's level.

Heat on Blue Pants?

Leva Bates, better known as Blue Pants to the NXT faithful, comes in for short stints at Full Sail University and then returns to her life on the independent circuit. She has a unique free-agent deal. But one rumor suggested that this deal may be finished.

PWInsider (h/t Wrestling Inc) reported that Bates has ruffled feathers with recent comments and that she may be done with the company.

One would imagine that jealousy among Bates' peers is possible. She has both the freedom of a wrestling mercenary and the stability of having an NXT deal. Fans are vocal about appreciating her, as well.

Before one starts to say goodbye to Bates at NXT, though, note what she recently tweeted:

Bates seemed to be refuting those rumors here, although she could be referring to something else entirely. Either way, she does share a good lesson: Rumors often turn out to be false and shouldn't be taken as truth until more information emerges.

Backstage Update on John Cena's Rumored Time Off  

Why is Cena departing just as Raw's ratings are plummetting?

Dave Meltzer reported earlier this month that "Cena will be taking time off from wrestling shortly for what the WWE has described as personal reasons." A more recent report ruled out a few of those possible reasons. PWInsider (h/t Wrestling Inc) noted that Cena is not taking time off to heal from an injury, nor is he using the respite from the ring to get married to Nikki Bella.

That closes two doors but doesn't exactly answer the key question.

JP Yim/Getty Images

It doesn't really matter why Cena is reportedly stepping away from the ring temporarily. He more than deserves a break for whatever reason he needs it. The bigger concern for WWE is what to do in his absence.

The smart choice would be to use the opportunity to elevate other stars, trying them out in Cena's spot. 

WWE Signing Another 'Tough Enough' Competitor?

The NXT roster could be growing, taking in another wrestler from the Tough Enough competition.

Josh Bredl's victory guaranteed him a spot. According to PWInsider, runner-up Zamariah "ZZ" Loupe signed a deal, too. Patrick Clark may soon join them.

According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter (h/t Wrestling Inc), while it's not yet confirmed, Clark is possibly close to signing a WWE deal.

This is as believable as rumors get. It makes a ton of sense for WWE to scoop up Clark. He was one of the favorites going in and looked excellent at moments during the show. His early elimination was the biggest shocker of the entire series.

Bringing him aboard makes total sense.

WWE doesn't have to make a major commitment, either. It can send him to the WWE Performance Center alongside Loupe and Bredl and see who earns his way to NXT TV.