WWE Rumors: Examining Latest Buzz Around The Rock, Daniel Bryan and More

The latest round of WWE rumors offered a look behind the curtain at how those backstage felt about The Rock's promo last week and Daniel Bryan's shot at entering the Royal Rumble.

The Rock veered off-script during his appearance on Raw last week. As one would expect, the backstage reaction was one of panic. The Great One steered the show in a direction producers didn't want to go.

As for Bryan, fans may have given up on the idea of his returning in time to appear in the Royal Rumble, but reportedly some within the company did not.

In other stories, Samoa Joe may be soon on the move, while Brie Bella may have a major opportunity in front of her. The following is a dive into all of that, as we try to make sense of all the rumblings around the Internet.

Backstage Word on The Rock Promo

Last week, The Rock toyed with Big Show, verbally jousted with The New Day and at one point stepped out of the ring to acknowledge a group of fans in wrestling costumes, including a Hulk Hogan one.

WWE had clearly made an effort not to spotlight them all night. The Rock gave them TV time instead.

According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter (h/t Ringside News), the move caused a freak-out backstage. The report noted that this would get just about most roster members fired.

The Rock, though, exists on a wholly different plane.

He's a box-office megastar and a legend of the squared circle. A goofy little moment like the one from Monday night wouldn't be enough to get him in trouble.

It's not surprising that WWE wasn't thrilled with how everything went down, though. The guy dressed as Randy Savage took attention away from the wrestlers in the ring as he incited chants from the crowd. And WWE has done everything it can to have fans forget about Hogan after his infamous racially charged comments last year.

Divas Championship Match in the Works?

The chase for Charlotte's title is looking increasingly crowded.

After tangling with both Becky Lynch and Sasha Banks at the Royal Rumble, it looked obvious that the champ was headed for a three-way feud. Go ahead and add one more name to the list: Brie Bella. 

Mike Johnson of PWInsider reported, "There is talk of Brie Bella vs. Charlotte for the Fastlane PPV."

Monday's Raw played out as if that bout is actually on the way. Brie bickered with Charlotte backstage when the heel mocked her injured sister. The two then collided in the ring, with Brie getting the upset win.

That kind of non-title victory usually leads to a championship opportunity.

So it's hugely plausible that WWE is planning on inserting Brie into the No. 1 contender's spot, as odd a move as that would be. Lynch had great momentum leading into the Rumble. Banks' is swelling as we speak.

To then switch focus and choose Brie as Charlotte's challenger is a head-scratcher.

NXT Call-Up on the Way?

The Samoan Submission Machine has looked fantastic at NXT, recharged and rejuvenated. Apparently, WWE has taken notice.

According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter (h/t Wrestle Zone), WWE is currently planning to bring Samoa Joe up to the main roster after WrestleMania 32. In addition, Finn Balor is not expected to make the jump at the moment, but there's been talk of moving Sami Zayn up to feud with Kevin Owens again.

The report also mentioned that Joe may instead be extending his feud with Balor, which would delay his arrival.

Either way, it's refreshing to hear of this discussion. It looked as if Joe was going to be NXT's resident veteran and not get a chance to show off his skills on the main roster.

Promoting him is a wise move. Whether WWE's injury epidemic or Joe's performance inspired the move, Raw and SmackDown are set to get better with the powerhouse on board.

Update on Daniel Bryan

Even those within WWE don't know what to make of Bryan's situation.

After suffering a concussion last April, Bryan has been waiting around for the company doctors to clear him. WWE made no hints that Bryan would be back for the Royal Rumble. Still, some thought he would make his way back on that night.

Valerie Macon/Getty Images

The Wrestling Observer Newsletter (h/t Wrestling Inc) reported that some talents believed that Bryan would return at the Rumble. WWE also reportedly offered Bryan non-wrestling roles, telling him that he would not be cleared. 

More and more, this is the kind of report one reads about Bryan. WWE is remaining adamant about keeping him out. 

Considering how much the company needs him right now, it's surprising how cautious WWE is being. The Royal Rumble passed with no sighting of Bryan. That's something fans apparently will have to get used to seeing.