WWE Rumors: The Rock, Shawn Michaels, Undertaker and Thursday's Top WWE News

It is a strange and refreshing time to be watching WWE. Instead of the usual nonsense we talk about, like John Cena turning heel, we are able to focus on all the big things ready to happen following the Elimination Chamber. 

But when you look at everything that is happening now, it is scary to imagine what is going to happen after WrestleMania. For now, we should enjoy the ride that we are on, because it is likely to be a lot less glamorous after Raw on April 2. 

While we can worry about what happens after WrestleMania in two months, it is time to take a look at all the fun things WWE is doing, or rumored to be doing, leading up to the show. 

THE ROCK WILL ELECTRIFY AFTER WRESTLEMANIA

In a move that should not come as a big surprise, Rock is being advertised on the Raw show the night after WrestleMania. As has become tradition, the show is also in Miami, so it's not like there will be any travel. 

Question on Everybody's Mind: What is he going to say?

Our Take: Until we know the result of the WrestleMania match, it's impossible to say. If he wins, he can thank the fans and tell them he is done wrestling. If he loses, he can shake John Cena's hand. I don't want that last one, but WWE tried to have them make nice the day after 'Mania last year. 

Hype Meter: 5 out of 5 People's Eyebrows

Rock is treating WWE like it is 1999 with all these scheduled appearances. It is going to be great to have him around so much, but the void the company has to fill when he leaves after April 2 will be huge. 

Deeper Dive

WrestleMania 28 Looks Like One Of The Best PPV's Ever (B/R)

Rock Advertised For Raw (Wrestle Zone)

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SHAWN MICHAELS & UNDERTAKER ADDING RAW DATES

It seems like everyday there is something new to talk about involving Michaels, Undertaker and Triple H. The latest news has the former two appearing at the Raw show on March 12. 

Question on Everybody's Mind: What's in store for this feud?

Our Take: Something tells me it is going to take more than just HBK to convince Triple H to accept a match against Undertaker at WrestleMania. Since WWE has time to drag it out, why not wait until the day after Elimination Chamber to set the match? 

Hype Meter: 5 out of 5 Superstar Angles

No matter how you slice it, Shawn Michaels being added to the Undertaker and Triple H match in some form is good for business. He has a long, storied history with both men that can be played up on television. 

Deeper Dive

Why John Cena Should Retire Undertaker (B/R)

HBK and Undertaker Advertised For Raw (Wrestling Observer)

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SHAQUILLE O'NEAL READY TO ROCK WWE

While the details of Shaq's involvement at WrestleMania have not been talked about in great detail for the last couple weeks, it appears that we know when he will start appearing on television to start his feud with Big Show. Things will kick off on March 5 in Boston. 

Question on Everybody's Mind: What's going to happen?

Our Take: Shaq is going to ridicule Big Show for crying after he ran over A.J. Okay, he probably won't do that, but he should. Perhaps Show will snap and beat down the former NBA superstar. That could be interesting, just to see how Shaq sells. 

Hype Meter: 4 out of 5 Giants Who Aren't Great Khali

The gimmick celebrity matches at WrestleMania rarely work, but for some reason, I believe in Shaq to pull it off. He has the personality and is an avid wrestling fan, so he will want to put on the best show possible. 

Deeper Dive

Looking At The Overrated and Underrated In WWE (B/R)

Shaq and Rock On The Same Raw? (NoDQ)

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DAMN! RON SIMMONS IS GOING INTO THE HALL OF FAME

While Ron Simmons did not have a great WWE career, his contributions to the business, his work backstage and notoriety as a college football player will make him a 2012 Hall of Famer. 

Question on Everybody's Mind: Is he a worthy selection?

Our Take: Ignoring the fact that the WWE Hall of Fame is all about who Vince McMahon wants to put in at a given moment, Simmons has been an entertaining character in WWE for the better part of a decade, had an underrated run in WCW and will give a great speech when he goes in. 

Hype Meter: 3 out of 5 Faarooq Asaad Helmets

This is going to be one of the deeper Hall of Fame classes, with Simmons joining Edge, the Four Horsemen and Yokozuna, among others. At the very least, the crowd will get a kick out of seeing a lot of these old stars talk about days gone by. 

Deeper Dive

Greatest Talkers In Professional Wrestling (B/R)

More Hall of Fame Announcements Coming Soon (Wrestling Observer - Subscription Required)

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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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