Buying or Selling Mercedes Moné to AEW, Reigns-Rock at WrestleMania and More Rumors

Just when it looked like maybe, potentially, possibly that the pro wrestling rumor mill would finally slow, both WWE and AEW turned the dial all the way to 10.

The Rock returning to WWE yet again and dropping a reference to Roman Reigns sparked off a massive wave of buzz and speculation.

And over in AEW, MJF's dominant reign finally ended at the hands of Samoa Joe, with the company finally, literally peeling off the mask behind the Devil persona, revealing Adam Cole.

Feel free to tack on the fact this is the time of year that things really heat up on the mill with the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania season getting into full gear and, let's just say there's a lot of must-see stuff to go over.

In an effort to lend a helping hand, here's a look at the most important rumors and buzz and some advice as to whether fans should actually buy or sell on the rumblings.

Roman Reigns' Long-term Rock Plot

Roman Reigns has been calling himself the "Head of the Table" for a long, long time now.

And while the description has been fitting for a heel champion and slots nicely in what has primarily been a long-term, family-based storyline, new buzz says it might even run a little deeper than that.

According to Wrestling Observer Radio's Dave Meltzer (h/t Randall Ortman of Cageside Seats), the term originated from Reigns' desire to build a program with Rock.

In fact, the report mentions WrestleMania 38 as the planned date for that showdown before multiple factors derailed that and subsequent chances to make it happen.

Given the payoff that was Rock's recent return to use that very same phrase, it's a pretty easy buy. The term has performed admirably for Reigns all along, but the ultimate payoff would appear to be soon.

Verdict: Buying

Samoa Joe Was Always the Plan

MJF's run as the guy ended at AEW World's End at the hands of Samoa Joe in an entertaining bout with a stunner of a finish.

It was a surprise, not because Joe isn't a credible threat, but because MJF's heading for that free-agent storyline AEW seems to want to tell and is by far one of the best things going in pro wrestling.

But according to Wrestling Observer Radio (h/t Ortman), Joe winning there was always the plan.

It's a tough sell, though, given how sudden it seemed and how little the Devil reveal had to do with the outcome of the match itself. So much so, the fact everyone knows MJF's dealing with real-life injuries he needs to take time off to rehab actually dampened the surprise of the result.

Were MJF not dealing with injuries, it's pretty hard to imagine he'd be dropping a top title just as AEW might want to ramp up the storyline teases of him leaving the company for WWE.

Verdict: Selling

Naomi Back Home?

When thinking of big WWE returns right now, especially for the women's division, much of the attention focuses on Sasha Banks.

But don't only look there, folks.

According to Fightful Select (h/t Ortman), Naomi will make her return to the company soon, too.

It's a no-brainer of a buy, really. Naomi left with Banks amid some controversy and joined Impact Wrestling, going on to win a title there.

But like with other Superstars who have left only to return at a later date, WWE is much different than when Naomi left it. The women's division could use her and vice versa, never mind she was a fan favorite who would make for a fantastic surprise during the Royal Rumble.

Verdict: Buying

Mercedes Moné Outlook Has Never Faltered

It's understandable that Mercedes Moné has dominated the return conversations on the women's side for a long time now.

The Superstar formerly known as Sasha Banks worked other companies before an injury after her WWE departure and has been the subject of speculation for a return there or as a high-profile AEW signing.

Fightful Select (h/t Ortman) provided the latest buzz on that front, noting that she and AEW are "close to agreeing on terms" on a deal. The same writeup even mentions that Bryan Alvarez mentioned on the "Bryan & Vinny & Lisa Show" that he would be "very surprised" if it didn't happen on this week's episode of Dynamite.

Alas, Moné has yet to make that AEW debut and the longer it stretches, the more it feels like a major sell. We might have to take it a step further, too, and suggest that these are the types of leaks a WWE company about to land Banks might put out while trying to keep it a secret, just as the recent CM Punk saga unfolded.

Right now, it sure feels like she will go back to WWE as Banks, especially with the Royal Rumble and 'Mania coming up.

Verdict: Selling

Plan for Rock vs. Reigns

The when of The Rock challenging Reigns is probably the hottest-debated topic in pro wrestling right now.

After all, there's little known about the plans and the schedule is wide open as 'Mania season gets going. So much so, BWE (h/t Ortman) has stressed that WWE still wants Cody Rhodes against Reigns at 'Mania, which would explain a theory making the rounds that Rock-Reigns might happen at Elimination Chamber.

To keep it simple, WWE might not want Rhodes winning the Royal Rumble again. So perhaps he wins the right to face Reigns at Elimination Chamber. That special event from Australia, then, could be the perfect spot for Rock-Reigns before 'Mania.

But Alvarez (Ortman) has pushed back on this idea in a big way, saying the only way the hinted showdown for head of table status happens is at a stage like 'Mania.

And that's the big buy here. There's a near-zero chance Rock comes back to work a one-off with this much long-form storytelling just to not do it at 'Mania. It's the perfect show-closer to what could be one of the best 'Manias ever and would give all involved more than enough time to build the stories and promos around it.

Verdict: Buying