Buying or Selling Rock, John Cena's Future, WrestleMania Match Order, More WWE Rumors

The biggest stretch for the pro wrestling rumor mill has arrived alongside WrestleMania weekend.

That's saying something, too, considering the heavy lifting the mill has done for the better part of a year. Highlights have included CM Punk's AEW departure and WWE arrival, free agency for major names like Mercedes Moné and so much more.

Now? Now there's a two-night card at the biggest annual event in the sport that features huge championship stakes, conclusions to can't-miss storylines and The Rock's involvement in the Bloodline saga, featuring Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns.

To help fans keep up with the important buzz over the course of what should be a historic weekend, here's a look at the top rumors to know and whether each item is worth buying or selling.

Match Order for 'Mania?

Just how the WrestleMania card might unfold over two nights is an interesting topic.

This year, after all, The Rock figures to headline one night, while Reigns vs. Rhodes takes Night 2. That leaves a lot of other main-event-worthy matches and Superstars in a state of flux.

According to Wrestling Observer Radio's Dave Meltzer (h/t Randall Ortman of Cageside Seats), the Women's World Championship match between champion Rhea Ripley and challenger Bekcy Lynch will open 'Mania on Night 1. Seth Rollins against Drew McIntyre for the former's World Heavyweight Championship will kick off Night 2.

It's a rather easy buy, as those are the two biggest non-Bloodline-related title matches set to unfold. Like names such as Brock Lesnar opening a night of 'Mania in the past, it only makes sense to let Superstars like that set the tone for each night's card while getting the full advantage of an energized crowd, as opposed to a worn-out one by night's end.

Verdict: Buying

Schedule for John Cena

The availability of certain Superstars is always a big conversation this time of year, too.

Take, for instance, John Cena.

While there's fun fan-booking that Cena might have a role to play in the weekend's events, nothing concrete has emerged. According to PW Insider (h/t Ortman), there's an expectation that Cena will be at 'Mania, though he's otherwise off the schedule for the remainder of 2024 when it comes to in-ring action.

But we're going to sell on Cena being a no-go for the rest of the year. That Cena will be in town for a WrestleMania seems a no-brainer. But to think even a light match similar to the brief one-offs he's had in recent years is impossible seems like a stretch at this point in time.

Even if Cena's brief action in 2024 sets up a possible career-ender this time one year from now in 2025, it feels safe to think he'll be physical in a WWE sense in some fashion—especially when accounting for the likelihood that movie filmings and other non-WWE responsibilities are subject to change.

Verdict: Selling

Where Things Go with Rock After 'Mania

One of the biggest questions unique to this 'Mania is what might happen with The Rock after the event ends.

Some of that would seem to hinge on how things unfold in his tag match and for Reigns in the overall main event.

But according to ESPN's Mike Coppinger and Marc Raimondi, outside factors will play a bigger role—Rock's heading back to film a movie right after 'Mania.

No reason to sell on this rumor because what's nice about Rock is that pretty much no matter what happens at 'Mania, he can take a large break and remain critical to storylines.

For example, should he betray Reigns and cost the Tribal Chief the title to set up a feud, any sort of match wouldn't happen until SummerSlam at the earliest anyway. Likewise, if he's merely the next challenger to a still-champion Reigns.

As always, there's a certain amount of flexibility that part-timers enjoy, so Rock headed out for a while after 'Mania wouldn't be a stunner.

Verdict: Buying

Big Plan for Rhea Ripley's Entrance

The biggest Superstars tend to get the incredible, live-performance treatment during their 'Mania entrances.

So it only makes sense that Rhea Ripley's chance is next.

According to PWInsider (h/t Ross W Berman IV of Wrestling Inc), the band Motionless In White will be at 'Mania to perform a live rendition of Ripley's entrance music, "Demon In Your Dreams" on Night 1.

It's a layup of a fun rumor and the live performance makes sense in the first match of the night. WWE has been going all out with Ripley, including that amazing hometown treatment as the headliner at Elimination Chamber in Australia.

This live entrance would simply be the next logical step for the biggest current women's Superstar on the planet.

Verdict: Buying