WWE Rumors: The Rock, John Cena, SmackDown Spoilers and Wednesday's Top WWE News

Looking at the Royal Rumble card, you are struck by two things: First, just how little promotion there has been for the Rumble match itself. Even if WWE wanted to ignore all the other matches, they could have tried to push the main event of the show. 

The second thing that stands out is the triple threat cage match for the world heavyweight championship between Daniel Bryan, Mark Henry and Big Show. A cage match used to be a novelty, and now it is a complete afterthought. 

The good news is that we don't have to worry about anymore promotion or build. Instead, we can just focus on the pay-per-view. 

Before we get there, we have to give you your daily spoonful of WWE medicine so you can make it through the day. 

THE ROCK HAS COME BACK TO BOSTON AND CLEVELAND!

The WWE appearances are starting to pile up for the Great One. It was announced on Tuesday that he will be at Raw in Boston on March 5 and Cleveland on March 12. His only other confirmed appearance before this was the WrestleMania go-home show on March 26. 

Question on Everybody's Mind: What does Rock's return mean for WWE?

Our Take: It is no secret that things have been going downhill for most of the top performers in the company, so getting back someone like the Rock will likely add a spark to the creative team. 

Hype Meter: 5 out of 5 Brahma Bulls

It feels like WWE is on cruise control right now. Things have to pick up when Rock returns to stand face to face with John Cena. Raw will be better for it, fans will be happier and WrestleMania will get the main event that it deserves. 

Deeper Dive

John Cena Will Get Screwed By The Rock At The Royal Rumble (B/R)

The Rock's Latest Appearances Confirmed (Sports Entertainment Scoops)

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WWE FINDS NOTHING FUNNY ABOUT JOHN CENA'S ANGRY FACE

While the laughter at Cena's mean face on Monday night could be heard all across the land, WWE apparently didn't get the memo. In fact, the feeling backstage is that he is finally embracing the hate. 

Question on Everybody's Mind: Why does Cena have to embrace anything?

Our Take: The way that Vince McMahon's mind works is baffling. This new attitude is supposed to make the men cheer Cena. Good luck with that. 

Hype Meter: 5 out of 5 Faces That Don't Scare Kittens

This whole thing has played like a cheesy 1980s B-rated horror movie. The biggest difference is, those movies know they are humorous and want to be treated as such. Cena is angry and hateful, yet no one is buying it because he is so terrible at being evil. 

Deeper Dive

13 Storylines That Need To Be Addressed At The Royal Rumble (B/R)

The Idea Behind "Angry Face" Cena (Wrestle Zone)

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RANDY ORTON SMACKS DOWN WWE TALENT

Fans have talked about the lack of depth in WWE for years. Randy Orton knows that he can say whatever he wants without fear of repercussions, so he is joining the talent bashing train. He told WWE Magazine that no one he hasn't worked with will give him a big WrestleMania match. 

Question on Everybody's Mind: Is Orton trying to set up an angle?

Our Take: Considering that the statement was made in a WWE-related publication, there is no other way to interpret this. Wade Barrett would appear to be the obvious choice, which means it probably won't be him. 

Hype Meter: 4 out of 5 Statements of Truth

When the talent starts talking about the problems on the roster, you know that you are in trouble. Vince McMahon might want to reconsider the way that he books these stars. Sometimes I make myself laugh. 

Deeper Dive

Royal Rumble Predictions You Can Take To The Bank (B/R)

Randy Orton Talks WWE Roster (Sports Entertainment Scoops)

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*****WARNING*****

THE FOLLOWING SECTION CONTAINS SPOILERS FROM THIS FRIDAY'S EPISODE OF SMACKDOWN

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RANDY ORTON RETURNS FOR NO APPARENT REASON

There has been a lot of speculation about what would happen with Orton leading up to the Royal Rumble, and we finally got a definitive answer at the SmackDown tapings on Tuesday. He attacked Wade Barrett and laid out a bunch of wrestlers with the RKO. 

Question on Everybody's Mind: Was Orton's early return worth it?

Our Take: It is unfair to completely judge the angle until we see it on television, but based on the report, not at all. This seems like a cheap ratings grab instead of saving something for the Royal Rumble. 

Hype Meter: 3 out of 5 Barrett Barrages

In the scheme of things, bringing Orton back for the SmackDown go-home show doesn't mean that much. It would have been better to hold him off until the Rumble, but who needs logic in wrestling booking. 

Deeper Dive

5 Wrestlers Who Need A Victory In The Rumble (B/R)

Complete SmackDown Spoilers (Wrestling Observer)

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Check back for more on the WWE as it comes, and check out Bleacher Report’s Wrestling Page to get your fill of the WWE. For more WWE talk, check out Ring Rust Radio for all of the hot topics you just can’t miss.

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