Buying or Selling Seth Rollins WWE Drama, CM Punk AEW Return Details and Top Rumors

Mercifully, the pro wrestling rumor mill has started to subside a bit in the weeks after WrestleMania 39.

But the decrease has certainly been in quantity, not quality.

Some of the biggest buzz making the rounds right now pertains to plans past and present, plus some rumblings about contract statuses or a Superstar's standing within WWE.

With names like Seth Rollins, Drew McIntyre and even Dominik Mysterio in the headlines right now, the mill is indeed worth a look from fans before the 2023 edition of Backlash on May 6.

Oh, and don't forget about CM Punk's return to All Elite Wrestling.

Here's a look at the rumors, plus an analysis on whether fans should buy or sell each item.

Drew McIntyre and WWE Aren't Close on New Contract

While Drew McIntyre has been missing from WWE programming with an injury, buzz about an upcoming potential contract standoff has started to make the rounds.

According to Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio (h/t Randall Ortman of Cageside Seats) McIntyre and WWE are "still far apart" on the details of his next contract.

Granted, that is if there is a next contract. Because, let's be honest, McIntyre would be one of the biggest free agents on the planet to hit the market in modern times. His initial leaving WWE, remaking himself around the world and returning to dethrone Brock Lesnar has cemented him as a modern great.

And that's perhaps the crux of the issue. McIntyre's using his leverage. He did, after all, carry the company on his back during the audience-less COVID-19 pandemic era as top champion, but he never got his big moment in front of a live crowd, even losing the perfect moment in the UK against Roman Reigns.

McIntyre has every right to demand a top contract, making this an easy buy.

Verdict: Buying

WWE Considered Sending Dominik to NXT

Thanks to his actions in a feud against his own father and his sheer outstanding character work, Dominik Mysterio is one of the most heat-absorbing villains at live shows we've seen in the last decade.

To think Dominik is not too far removed from being demoted to NXT is wild, right?

According to Wrestling Observer Newsletter (h/t Ortman), there was "serious thought" about sending Dominik to NXT before the family-based feud started.

This one is hard to see, though. Yes, Dominik was clearly green in the ring at the time and wasn't wildly over yet. But he's a Mysterio—relegating him to the third brand that fans aren't fooled by as anything other than developmental would have never worked.

Given his name and clear upside, Dominik was always going to stick on the main roster and develop there, and it clearly paid off big time.

Verdict: Selling

No Issues Between Seth Rollins and WWE?

It would be hard for fans not to wonder if something was amiss between Seth Rollins and WWE.

After the stellar showing against Logan Paul at 'Mania 39, Rollins had one of the stranger moments of anyone on the Raw after 'Mania. He walked to the ring, the show cut to commercials and when it came back, Rollins left the ring while fans chanted along to his theme song. Social media pictures showed he had a mic in his hand during the break but never said anything.

This came amid speculation that WWE creative had changed course dramatically again and the fact Rollins has mostly been losing since last November to the likes of Austin Theory, despite clearly doing some of the best work of his career.

Yet according to Fightful Select (h/t Ortman), there are "no issues" between the two parties.

That makes sense. Live television has its hiccups...if that strange moment wasn't a work. And Rollins sitting out of the main-event scene for now isn't too unusual. In fact, it wouldn't be too shocking to see all of this incorporated into his character at some point when he heads for a bigger role again.

Verdict: Buying

CM Punk Return Has Been Set for Weeks

In not-so-shocking news, it sounds like CM Punk's return to AEW is set.

Meltzer wrote on Wrestling Observer Newsletter recently that Punk's return date is June 17 in Chicago at the United Center on a currently-unnamed new Saturday show.

The writeup added this: "The decision on Punk returning was made many weeks ago, although there was a snag two weeks back that has evidently been worked out."

It's hard to imagine a decision this big was made weeks ago, given the bump it would provide across the board if AEW was able to start promoting it—and even stealing some attention from WWE during 'Mania season.

The last time Punk was set to return, AEW programming was littered with hints and winks-and-nods to viewers. It's safe to go with the idea Punk will return on that date to help boost a new show, but it feels like it would have been promoted well before now.

Verdict: Selling