WWE Rumors: CM Punk, Steve Austin, Randy Orton and Monday's Top WWE News

Tonight's Raw is going to be a unique challenge for WWE. We have seen how hard the company has promoted WrestleMania on television already, and with Shawn Michaels returning to add fuel to the Triple H-Undertaker rivalry that will surely continue. 

But there is also the matter of promoting the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view this Sunday. The show has not gotten as much air time as 'Mania so far, though it has not been buried either. We know all the top matches, and anything else will just be filler anyway. 

Before we get to Raw and the Elimination Chamber build, we have to talk about the latest backstage rumblings and grumblings. 

CM PUNK IS GOING BLUE ON FEBRUARY 21

With SmackDown being live a week from Tuesday, WWE is going to crank up the star power to pop a good rating. The biggest name advertised for the show right now is none other than the best in the world, CM Punk. 

Question on Everybody's Mind: Chris Jericho is coming too, right?

Our Take: It would be hard to envision WWE doing a show on the Road to WrestleMania that did not involve the two stars who are (likely) battling for the WWE championship. They can run an angle on Raw next week, then do a small follow-up on the blue brand. 

Hype Meter: 5 out of 5 Cults of Personality

SmackDown gets the short straw when it comes to star power, so it is refreshing to see WWE kick down the door and bring more talent over to bump ratings and further a few Raw storylines. 

Deeper Dive

The 5 Most Important Names This WrestleMania Season (B/R)

CM Punk On SmackDown (Wrestlenewz)

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"STONE COLD" READY TO SKIP WRESTLING'S BIGGEST NIGHT

While it is customary for WWE to bring back a number of legends for WrestleMania, it sounds like you can count Steve Austin among those that won't be showing up in Miami on April 1. 

Question on Everybody's Mind: What is Austin doing that's so important?

Our Take: He is filming his latest blockbuster film with Steven Seagal, though that should be done by the time WrestleMania gets here. He is supposedly not keen on being the No. 2 on the show. 

Hype Meter: 4 out of 5 Beer Baths

While it will be upsetting to have a WrestleMania without Austin, it doesn't come as a total surprise. He really would have had no role on the show with the top matches already set and Shawn Michaels being a guest referee in the Undertaker-Triple H bout. 

Deeper Dive

Top Gimmick Feuds For WrestleMania (B/R)

Stone Cold's WrestleMania Plans Revealed (Wrestle Zone)

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RANDY ORTON FORCES BIG SHOW'S HEEL TURN

While we have been wondering how WWE was going to turn Big Show heel in time for his WrestleMania match with Shaquille O'Neal, it turns out the plan was put into motion over the weekend at a house show when he chokeslammed Randy Orton. 

Question on Everybody's Mind: Will they follow this up on television?

Our Take: The angle in question has been on the WWE website all weekend, so the company clearly wants people to hop on board with this right away. It's only too bad that a small section of the audience actually pays attention to the Internet. 

Hype Meter: 4 out of 5 Knockout Punches

While it is not the perfect way to kick off a heel turn, WWE was backed into a corner by holding it off for so long. Show will sell it well, and Shaq is going to be able to match him on the microphone. 

Deeper Dive

Is WWE Setting Up A Big Show-Sheamus Match At WrestleMania? (B/R)

Watch Post SmackDown Brawl (WWE.com)

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ALBERTO DEL RIO MAKES HIS TRIUMPHANT RETURN

After being sidelined for the last month with a groin injury, Del Rio returned at a house show this weekend. He still can't wrestle, but he is doing his best to get in an Over the Top sequel by working on his arm wrestling.

Question on Everybody's Mind: When will ADR get back in the ring to wrestle?

Our Take: While a tune-up match on Raw before WrestleMania could be in the works, it would not be a stretch to see him in the Money in the Bank match on the big show. He could get on the card and not have to do much since there will be seven other wrestlers vying for the briefcase. 

Hype Meter: 3 out of 5 Fancy Cars

Del Rio's absence has been felt on Raw these last few weeks. As much as WWE likes The Miz—or at least used to—he is not as strong as the No. 2 or 3 heel on Raw as Del Rio. Getting him back will be a huge boon to television. 

Deeper Dive

Alberto Del Rio Destroys Miz (B/R)

Alberto Del Rio Makes His Return (Wrestle Zone)

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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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