WWE Rumors: Examining Latest Buzz Around Elias Samson, Seth Rollins and More

"The Drifter" Elias Samson has wasted little time making an impact on Raw, delivering both from a character and in-ring standpoint.

This week, the rumor mill suggests the former NXT star may have a relatively high-profile rivalry coming his way. 

The enigmatic songster is not the only Superstar whose name popped up in this week's speculative reports and gossip circles. 

Seth Rollins may not be the No. 1 contender to Brock Lesnar's Universal Championship following a superb performance at Extreme Rules, but if reports prove accurate, The Kingslayer will find himself the recipient of a nice consolation prize sooner than later.

In an industry ever-changing, the introduction of new talent and the signing of fresh faces is essential.

A new signee, recognizable to fans who are familiar with wrestling beyond the WWE Universe, could prove to be a significant addition to NXT and beyond if WWE Creative proves adept at utilizing her strengths.

What is at the heart of the rumors and what can fans expect from the Superstars involved?

Take a look for yourself.

Elias Samson's First Feud

According to Cageside Seats, Elias Samson's first feud may have been determined by WWE Creative: "Officials are very pleased with Elias Samson's rollout and are planning his first main roster feud with Dean Ambrose after Samson helps Miz end his program with Ambrose."

This should be no great surprise to anyone who has been paying attention to recent episodes of Raw.

Samson appeared in the background of more than one of Miz's backstage promos, seemingly drifting aimlessly. From there, the guitar-strumming enigma took Ambrose to the limit in a non-title match, nearly defeating the Lunatic Fringe in singles competition.

While he took a step back from the program in the week leading into Extreme Rules, he found himself the victim of a sneak attack by Ambrose Monday night, tossed into the audience like a sack of trash.

That attack will likely serve as the emphasis for their rivalry, igniting a program that keeps Ambrose busy while divorcing him from Miz, with whom he has worked entirely too much this year.

It is the perfect first program for Samson, especially if management plans to present Samson as a legitimate contender for the intercontinental title. Ambrose is a former WWE champion and one of the most over stars on the roster. His credibility will rub off on The Drifter and elevate his star in the process.

It will be beneficial for the NXT export if the rumors prove accurate.

Thea Trinidad Signs with WWE

Ryan Satin of Pro Wrestling Sheet reports Thea Trinidad (formerly Rosita in TNA Wrestling) has signed with WWE: "Sources confirm that Thea, who is in a relationship with cruiserweight standout Austin Aries, joins multiple other signees who also recently inked contracts."

He would go on to report that Trinidad sat ringside at a recent set of NXT television tapings. Social media picked up on her appearance at the show. She appeared ringside, watching Andrade "Cien" Almas intently. She was never shown on camera, though.

Trinidad is a talented wrestler who found success on an international stage in TNA Wrestling, where she teamed with Sarita (Sarah Stock), who now works at the WWE Performance Center.

While she is a quality in-ring performer, her most effective use may be as a manager for Almas.

The Mexican-born Superstar has struggled in NXT but recently adopted the character of a cocky, overconfident wrestler more concerned with partying and nights out on the town than winning matches.

As someone who can refocus Almas and provide him with motivation to be an elite talent, Trinidad can contribute to a major story arch in NXT.

Whether she joins a talented crop of female competitors in the women's division remains to be seen.

Early Rumors on WWE 2K18 Cover Superstar

Stuart Ramson/Associated Press

Cageside Seats reports the early front-runner for the WWE 2K18 video game cover is none other than two-time WWE champion, The Kingslayer himself, Seth Rollins.

The Architect may not be the hottest Superstar on the WWE roster right now, with detrimental booking undoubtedly hurting him, but he has credibility among the fanbase and is a gamer himself, which will appeal to consumers outside of the diehard audience.

More important than whether or not he is marketable to the masses, though, is the implications such a move would have.

The last two years, WWE has plastered photos of Steve Austin and Brock Lesnar on the cover of the massively popular game. While those stars absolutely appeal to fans young and old, current and former, the decision was an insult to the main roster performers putting their bodies on the line every week without the strong creative backup Austin and Lesnar rode to stardom.

Even before those stars were put on the cover, legendary figures like The Ultimate Warrior, Sting and Hulk Hogan were major selling points of the game.

Putting Rollins on the cover is a move that would serve as a pat on the back of the full-time stars. An honor that is reflective of one's status in the company, it also a reward for Rollins' hard work and quality performances over the last three years.

There is no telling what special marketing strategy 2K Games and WWE will come up with for this year's presentation, but if rumors prove accurate and Rollins does get the cover, it is a step in the right direction for a company that often worries far too much about nostalgia and not nearly enough about making stars out of its current roster.