WWE Rumors: Brock Lesnar, Shaquille O'Neal and Thursday's Top WWE News

The battle for supremacy in WWE usually starts at the Royal Rumble. All of the top stars get put in main event feuds that will build all the way through WrestleMania. We know that John Cena and The Rock will headline that show, but recent developments have thrown a few other matches up in the air. 

Hopefully things don't get too insane in the creative meetings, because there should be a solid, long-term plan that plays out as we move closer to the big event in Miami. 

We will have updates on what to expect from the event, as well as other backstage news and notes from the world of Vince McMahon and his merry band of misfits. 

CREATIVE TEAM NOT GETTING READY FOR LESNAR RETURN

When Brock Lesnar retired from UFC, it was automatically assumed that he would return to WWE for at least one more match. But according to Dave Meltzer, the creative team has been told that nothing is happening with him right now. 

Question on Everybody's Mind: What does that mean?

Our Take: Nothing right now. As Meltzer also says, if Lesnar were negotiating with WWE, the creative team would be kept out of the loop until the last possible second. I don't expect anything to happen at WrestleMania this year, but stranger things have happened. 

Hype Meter: 5 out of 5 Body Kicks

The anticipation for a Lesnar return is probably going to be bigger than when he actually does show up. Hopefully WWE does the right thing and actually promotes it instead of just having him arrive out of the blue. 

Deeper Dive

No Plans For Lesnar Right Now (Wrestling Observer - Subscription Required)

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SHAQ IS ON THE WAY

Unlike Lesnar, the creative team is preparing material for the arrival of Shaquille O'Neal. The future NBA Hall of Famer is going to be feuding with Big Show heading into WrestleMania. 

Question on Everybody's Mind: How will Shaq work in WWE?

Our Take: Unlike most celebrities that WWE brings in, Shaq is actually a wrestling fan, so he is going to sell his match better than most people would. We have seen teases of this match before, and it will be fun to see it actually happen.

Hype Meter: 5 out of 5 Celebrity Cameos

Unlike last year's awful Snoop Dogg appearance, at least Shaq is going to contribute something entertaining to the biggest event of the year. Bring him in and let him off the leash. 

Deeper Dive

Shaq Moving Closer To Deal With WWE (Wrestling Observer - Subscription Required)

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HULK HOGAN BURIES HIS MUSTACHE

Tired of destroying the careers of young TNA wrestlers like Robert Roode, Hulk Hogan has decided to destroy his career by shaving off his iconic mustache because he wants to be in more movies like Mr. Nanny and the new 3 Ninjas sequel. 

Question on Everybody's Mind: What will happen to Hogan's magic powers?

Our Take: Don't worry, those will never go away. Hulkamania will run wild for years to come, because Hogan always knew the keys to success were eating vitamins and saying prayers, brother.

Hype Meter: 5 out of 5 Leg Drops of Doom

I don't care what's going on in Hogan's personal life, for him to even consider shaving off his perfectly dyed mustache is insane. But he knows what he's doing, right?

Deeper Dive

"I'm Shaving Off My Mustache" (TMZ)

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ZACK RYDER GETTING THE RANDY ORTON TREATMENT

Following that vicious beating from Kane, and his inability to change a tire without a jack, WWE.com is reporting that Zack Ryder is seriously injured. 

Question on Everybody's Mind: Will Ryder start stalking Kane?

Our Take: That would certainly be an interesting story. But there is a better chance that Eve will start stalking the Big Red Monster, and then she will finally get her epic date with Ryder. 

Hype Meter: 4 out of 5 Chokeslams Onto Wood Pallets

Ryder needs to get out of this whole Cena-Kane thing, because the more WWE uses him, the worse he looks. He always has to be used as the dork that runs and hides in fear, which makes it hard to take him seriously. 

Deeper Dive

Kane's Attack Leaves Ryder Injured (WWE)

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GOLDUST THINKS BRODUS CLAY IS CUTTING EDGE

Apparently, Brodus Clay is the talk of the WWE world, and everyone has to get in on the action. Even Goldust, who tweeted this out a few days ago. 

Question on Everybody's Mind: What exactly is cutting edge about a fat man dancing?

Our Take: In WWE, terms get used loosely just to make something seem cooler than it is. It's like those "Did You Know" tidbits on Raw that tout WWE has more people attending its events than the Super Bowl. (That could because there is only one Super Bowl a year and over 200 WWE shows.)

Hype Meter: 3 out of 5 Cutting Edge Segments

The actual Cutting Edge segments hosted by Edge were more cutting edge than anything Brodus Clay is doing. 

Deeper Dive

Brodus Clay Needs To Be On Raw Permanently (B/R)

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