Buying or Selling Latest on Mercedes Moné, Potential Brock Lesnar Return, More Rumors

The super-active pro wrestling rumor mill fulfilled another longstanding bit of buzz recently with the debut of Mercedes Moné in AEW.

So for WWE and AEW fans alike, one question remains: What comes next?

The current rumor mill is once again uncanny in its ability to cycle out something as big as the Moné rumors (and Kazuchika Okada rumors before that) for items that feel just as big.

Case in point, this week there are rumblings about further Okada developments in storylines, Brock Lesnar speculation and possible plans for major WWE happenings at PLEs that could impact fans.

Here's a look at the latest batch of big rumors making the rounds and whether fans should buy or sell on each item.

Kazuchika Okada Character Plans

Okada's debut surprsied some onlookers more with the details of his character than the actual fact of his arrival.

After all, the rumor mill had made it pretty clear that the big anticipated debut was coming. What it didn't prepare fans for, though, was Okada quickly hinting at a heel persona.

According to Fightful Select (h/t Randall Ortman of Cageside Seats), Tony Khan sees Okada as a possible "major heel star on American wrestling TV" and is very happy with The Elite's segments on television already.

Given the direction in the early stages of Okada's work, it's clear that is the belief right now. It could very well turn out to be true, too, given the early returns.

If things continue at this trajectory, Okada as a heel could be a dominant force that drives non-AEW viewers to the product, too.

Verdict: Buying

Brock Lesnar Return?

Brock Lesnar hasn't appeared on WWE programming since August when he took a loss at the hands of Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam.

There hasn't been much to suggest that could change, though Wrestling Observer Live's Bryan Alvarez (h/t Ortman) has said "there are movements to bring him back" within WWE.

But Lesnar returning at all is a sell, especially before WrestleMania in April, even if there's a small contingent of people behind the scenes who want him back.

Fact is, WWE's new "golden era" of sorts has dramatically lessened the need to have part-timers like Lesnar around (Rock is a big exception given the Bloodline story). Even over the course of two nights, WrestleMania 40's card looks absolutely stacked with little room for Lesnar as-is.

Right now, it feels like Lesnar might be a Superstar fans only see at those international events when legends are likelier to return for a one-off than anything else.

Verdict: Selling

New Start Times for WWE?

One smaller rumor that wound up true in the run-up to WrestleMania 40 is the 7 p.m. ET start time.

And according to PW Insider (h/t Ortman), that could end up applying to all domestic PLE events in the future.

Easy buy, really. That earlier start time will give Night 1 and Night 2 of 'Mania more time to breathe. Like the two-night format helps live audiences not get worn down by the time the main event starts, the earlier start time will mean viewers from afar can still finish watching the ending at a respectable time.

It's a little thing, but one of those quality-of-life modernizations that make sense for product and fan alike.

Verdict: Buying

How WWE Viewed Will Ospreay

Most fans knew what Will Ospreay was capable of while he was the subject of a supposed bidding war between WWE and AEW.

Wrestling Observer Radio's Dave Meltzer (h/t Ortman), though, has recently suggested that Triple H undersold the charisma factor of Ospreay, which partially explains WWE not signing him.

But it's hard to imagine WWE doesn't keep close enough tabs on wrestlers in other promotions, especially when they're some of the biggest names in the world. Surely, there are NFL-styled scouts who do just that.

Realistically, WWE knew but took the same stance as it did on Okada—WWE doesn't need those guys. Coming to WWE is its own separate thing, creating an almost take-it-or-leave-it standoff.

Verdict: Selling

Moné Contract Details

Moné is officially All Elite, though rumblings about the specifics remain.

For example, Meltzer (h/t Nikunj Walia of Ringside News) reported that he's heard Moné has become the highest-paid women's wrestler right now.

Anyone who follows other sports knows this is an easy buy. The team trying to lure an outside free agent away from another team (in this case, technically WWE) usually pays up big. In this case, exceeding the biggest contracts the other company has dished seems a given.

And it's a net positive for everyone. The Superstar wins, AEW wins and all women's wrestlers in both companies win, too, with the bar set higher.

Verdict: Buying