Buy or Sell Latest Rock vs. Cody Rhodes Rumors, Goldberg WWE Return Update and More

As expected, the pro wrestling rumor mill didn't exactly slow down now that WWE's Raw just made its long-awaited debut on Netflix.

If anything, the speed of the rumor mill increased, causing the major items to zip by in a blur.

Case in point, the latest bit of buzz from the mill now that the attention turns to upcoming big dates on the road to WrestleMania, including Royal Rumble and others.

This week alone, there are rumblings about 'Mania main events, when part-timers might appear again, scrapped plans that might happen later and, of course, whispers about big-name returns.

Here's a look at the most noteworthy buzz making the rounds right now and whether fans should buy or sell each item.

Big Return on Raw Soon?

The Rumor

Goldberg buzz, even from fans, isn't exactly uncommon right now. The latest, according to Wrestling Observer's Dave Meltzer (h/t Randall Ortman of Cageside Seats) is that he will appear on the Jan. 27 edition of Raw.

Reaction

WWE threw out that weird hint about a Goldberg match feud with Gunther not all that long ago, only for it to very obviously get shelved. One has to wonder now how the part-time legend might fit into any WrestleMania plans.

Buy or Sell?

Buy. WWE has been less reliant on part-timers not named The Rock for 'Mania in recent years. But the Goldberg retirement match is coming, perhaps in 2025. This is the standard time to start putting down the foundation for a 'Mania match, so perhaps fans see something like seeds of a passing-the-torch moment with a Bronn Breakker or other fast-riser.

WrestleMania Plans Scrapped?

The Rumor

WWE clearly wanted the first episode of Raw on Netflix to have a heavyweight feel. And according to PW Insider (h/t Ortman), the CM Punk vs. Seth Rollins and Liv Morgan vs. Rhea Ripley matches were moved up from 'Mania to the show.

Reaction

This one stings a little. Morgan and Ripley resetting the women's division a bit might make sense. But this also might hint that Punk and Rollins won't get their big WrestleMania main event on Night 1, which means at least one of them is once again going to miss their long-awaited singles main event.

Buy or Sell?

It's an unfortunate buy. WWE's entire approach to the Netlifx debut (celebrity emphasis, Rock changing character and crushing storylines, etc.) was odd. Taking fantastic 'Mania main events and putting them on a lukewarm show fits.

Becky Lynch Update

The Rumor

Becky Lynch was one of the biggest speculated names around the Netflix premiere. According to Bodyslam.net (h/t Ortman), Lynch was supposed to make an appearance after Ripley's title win over Morgan—only for that slot to go to The Undertaker.

Reaction

This is an odd one. Lynch coming back at that point to set up a feud would have made sense...but only if WWE knows how it wants to tackle 'Mania. Otherwise, a Royal Rumble surprise, perhaps alongside Charlotte Flair's return, would work.

Buy or Sell?

Sell. It's hard to see WWE oddly shifting around Undertaker's cameo to just any match. Lynch has Royal Rumble written all over her, especially as creative figures out how exactly to sort the women's division for 'Mania.

Hulk Hogan Reaction and Plans

The Rumor

Hulk Hogan was effectively boo'd out of the building on the Netflix premiere. According to WrestleVotes (h/t Ortman), WWE will respond by limiting his appearances to pre-taped items and avoid most live appearances.

Reaction

That WWE seems shocked that fans boo'd Hogan is pretty funny, as it wasn't all that hard to see coming. And if it happens there on such a stage, it's probably going to happen at any live event they want to use him at.

Buy or Sell?

Buy. Maybe WWE tries to embrace this a little and flirts with the idea of a heel manager role or something. But this reception, especially now that all fans saw it on the biggest stage, will happen everywhere and derail live segments.

Rock, Rhodes and Reigns Plans?

The Rumor

WWE fans left the Netflix premier utterly perplexed about what might happen with the Big 3 'Mania main event contenders. According to Wrestling Observer Radio's Dave Meltzer (h/t Ortman), Rock vs. Cody Rhodes "is dead," although Rock taking on Reigns could end up happening if Rock finds the time to do it.

Reaction

Rock sort of scrubbed away any meaningful continuity to storylines from the better part of the last year during the premier. It seems clear that a match against Rhodes just isn't on the table, at least.

Buy or Sell?

Buy. Maybe this is for the better—Rock's only avenue to a 'Mania match being a straight-up family affair against Reigns. What stinks is how long he may hold main event plans in limbo as they wait to see whether he actually wants to work the show or not.

Alexa Bliss Buzz

The Rumor

Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch aren't the only major question mark around women's division returns. According to WrestleVotes (h/t Ortman), Alexa Bliss' return could happen soon, especially with merchandise and the like getting prepped.

Reaction

This has been a long, long time coming, as fans haven't seen Bliss in a WWE ring since the Royal Rumble in 2023 when she challenged and failed against Bianca Belair for the Raw women's title.

Buy or Sell?

Buy. If it wasn't last year, the most sensible place for the return of a modern legend is around Royal Rumble time. While it's impossible to say what and how, especially given some of her past character arcs, the timing does feel right for the long-awaited return.