WWE Rumors Roundup for Week of Jan. 25 Ahead of Royal Rumble

With the 2018 WWE Royal Rumble set for Sunday, the rumor mill has officially gone into overdrive.

There's furious speculation about not just the outcome of the men's Rumble match but also who could be likely to appear in the first-ever women's bout.

And with the road to WrestleMania 34 set to officially open this weekend, there's also plenty of discussion about the April 8 show's card and how it is beginning to take shape.

From the WrestleMania plans for one of Raw's biggest stars to the latest on a blockbuster bout featuring The Undertaker, here's the latest gossip as the Rumble approaches fast on the horizon.

The Miz Set for Huge Push, and Huge Match, at WrestleMania

It's only right that, given his performances in WWE over the last year or so, the company makes a big deal out of eight-time intercontinental champion The Miz at WrestleMania.

He's put more prestige into the title in recent years than anyone else, and it now appears WWE has big plans for him at WrestleMania.

That's because, per the Wrestling Observer Newsletter (h/t Wrestling Inc), he's set to defend the Intercontinental Championship against none other than Braun Strowman.

Many would prefer to see Strowman move forward to WrestleMania with the Universal Championship over his shoulder, but the report also notes the current plans still call for Roman Reigns to face Brock Lesnar for that title.

However, it's clear WWE is doing as much as possible to make a big deal out of Miz vs. Strowman. It would be one of the biggest matches on the card and, given the good work both have put in over the last year, it would be thoroughly deserved.

Is Matt Hardy About to Become 'Broken?'

It's fair to say the "Woken" Matt Hardy gimmick hasn't started how many people hoped it would.

His feud with Bray Wyatt has received little in the way of airtime, with the match between the two on Monday failing to capture the imagination.

WWE hasn't really handled the gimmick all that well, but Marc Middleton at Wrestling Inc reported on Wednesday there could be an important development for the character on the way.

The article noted that, following Hardy's comments he could "return to his compound" on Raw as seen above, he could be about to get back the "Broken" gimmick.

Middleton added speculation is now that Hardy could get the full gimmick back after reaching a deal with Anthem for the ownership of all characters involved in the angle which was such a hit in TNA.

That would mean, per the report, Senor Benjamin, Reby Hardy and their son, Maxel, joining Matt in WWE. 

Maybe all isn't lost for the gimmick just yet.

Is The Undertaker vs. John Cena at WrestleMania Still On?

It would have been easy for WWE fans to think John Cena vs. The Undertaker is now off the table following Raw 25.

Taker, as anticipated, did emerge at the show to cut a promo. However, it didn't give away anywhere near as many clues as was expected.

Instead, Undertaker was coy on his future. The promo left confusion over whether the constant speculation about a blockbuster WrestleMania match with Cena has cooled.

However, speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio (h/t Cageside Seats), Dave Meltzer reported the only reason Cena didn't emerge to set up the angle was that Monday was the only opportunity for him to set up a rivalry with Elias.

That, it is believed, will take place before WrestleMania, so it looks like the plans have not been changed just yet.

Cena vs. The Undertaker is still on.

Ronda Rousey: Is She or Isn't She?

With the inaugural women's Royal Rumble just days away, conflicting reports about Ronda Rousey leave her participation at the show no clearer than it was weeks ago.

On Thursday, Rousey told TMZ Sports she's signed no deal with WWE so far, and any talk of her appearing at the Rumble is wide of the mark because she's bound for Colombia to finish shooting the film Mile 22.

Earlier in the week, though, Meltzer reported (h/t Sportskeeda) she's now "likely" to win the match and move on to a title shot at WrestleMania.

All of this will leave fans confused about what happens next. Is this an elaborate plot by WWE to throw fans off the scent of a potential Rousey debut at the Royal Rumble?

Or is it the truth? Thankfully, we don't have long to find out.