WWE Rumors: The Rock, Randy Orton, Shawn Michaels and Friday's Top WWE News

It was a banner Thursday for WWE. Not only did the company officially announce that WrestleMania 29 will be taking place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., but they had a huge press conference that garnered a lot of national attention.

We will have plenty of updates on that story in today's update. But that is not the only thing happening in the wacky world of professional wrestling. 

So before you plant yourself in front of a television to watch the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view, enjoy all of the silky smooth goodness we have for you on this Friday. 

THE ROCK IS COMING BACK TO WRESTLEMANIA

While yesterday's big question was about whether Rock would be involved in next year's WrestleMania, today's is what his role will be. He confirmed at the WrestleMania 29 press conference he will be at the show, but was coy about giving away any plans. 

Question on Everybody's Mind: What can Rock possibly do?

Our Take: There is going to have to be a special match to get him back in the ring. He can't come back just to do another match. It has to be the right situation and opponent. 

Hype Meter: 5 out of 5 Fast and Furious Sequels

We haven't even made it to WrestleMania 28 and we are already talking about next year. It would be great if WWE could plan storylines as far ahead as it does this show. You can feel the buzz building for the big shows. 

Deeper Dive

The Rock Announces Plans For WrestleMania 29 (B/R)

---------------------------------------------------------------------

RANDY ORTON'S CONCUSSION CAME FROM RKO?

WWE is playing up the idea that Daniel Bryan gave Randy Orton a concussion by hitting him with the belt. Dave Meltzer of WrestlingObserver.com is reporting that it likely happened when he gave Big Show the RKO. 

Question on Everybody's Mind: Will this change Orton's WrestleMania plans?

Our Take: Concussions are a tricky thing, and Orton has had a lot of them throughout his career. Since no one really knew what his plans for WrestleMania were, it is hard to say what will happen. I always liked the idea of him in Money In the Bank, so perhaps there is a way to make that work. 

Hype Meter: 4 out of 5 Botched RKO's

While it is not good to hear that Orton is out, and even worse that Santino is (at least for now) taking his spot in the Elimination Chamber, it does increase the chances that Daniel Bryan goes into WrestleMania to fight Sheamus. 

Deeper Dive

Elimination Chamber Predictions (B/R)

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

SHAWN MICHAELS WILL HAVE TO RESPOND TO SOMETHING

While Triple H and the Undertaker will be building to their match next week on Raw, Shawn Michaels is still very much a part of this feud and will take a more active role in the coming weeks. There are even advertisements for the March 5 show that wonder how HBK will respond. 

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

Our Take: Seeing where this feud is going, and the fact that HBK will be the special referee for the match, my guess would be Undertaker raises the stakes by asking him to do something. Triple H could, but that would be too obvious. 

Hype Meter: 5 out of 5 Love Triangles

Forget John Cena, Eve and Zack Ryder, the best angle involving three people in WWE right now is Triple H, Undertaker and HBK. The only way it could be better is if Michaels was going to wrestle. 

Deeper Dive

Why Triple H Should Wrestle Shawn Michaels At WrestleMania (B/R)

Shawn Michaels and the March 5 Raw Supershow (NoDQ)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BILL SIMMONS IS NOT A TRIPLE H FAN

Bill Simmons, the popular writer who runs the website Grantland and worked for ESPN, buried Triple H in a way that Triple H usually buries everyone else. Simmons was asked if New York Knicks point guard Jeremy Lin is the NBA equivalent of CM Punk. 

Here is his response:

"

Does this mean Carmelo is going to be Triple H—the egotistical, overrated star who couldn't handle that something good was happening without him, so he interjected himself into the storyline and ended up throwing a wet blanket on all the momentum? I sure hope not.

"

Question on Everybody's Mind: How on the nose is Simmons' analogy?

Our Take: It couldn't be more on the nose if you actually took Triple H's giant nose and placed it on there. 

Hype Meter: 4 out of 5 Grantland Writers

While Simmons has never been my favorite writer, it is easy to appreciate why he is so popular. He has a good sense of humor and understanding of all sorts of pop culture. Plus, Carmelo Anthony as Triple H is absolute gold. 

Deeper Dive

Undertaker Needs to Send a Message to Triple H At the Elimination Chamber (B/R)

----------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

Follow @adamwells1985