WWE Rumors: The Rock, Rey Mysterio, Shaquille O'Neal and Thursday's Top WWE News
WrestleMania is gaining traction now that the build has really begun. Things will ramp up even more next Monday when The Rock makes his triumphant return to Raw. He will answer John Cena and the rest of the locker room that doesn't like him.
While we have to wait four days for that to go down, there is a ton of news coming out of WWE today. Some of it involves WrestleMania, some shows the pettiness of the locker room, some of it is exciting, some of it is depressing.
No matter what it is, we are here to break it down for you. Here is the inside slant on all the happenings backstage in WWE for Thursday.
TOP NEWS
Fresh Backstage WWE Rumors 👊
Modern-Day Dream Matches 💭
Most Likely Backlash Heel/Face Turns 🎭
MORE ON THE ROCK CATCHING HEAT
This week has been all about WWE wrestlers piling on The Rock for having the nerve to work on movies instead of showing up on Raw every week and taking a main-event spot away from someone else at WrestleMania.
Question on Everybody's Mind: Could these people really be more petty?
Our Take: It would be great for Rock to be on television every week, because he is entertaining. But that's not realistic. The fact that he is even coming back to do another match when he doesn't have to should be respected among the people in the back who weren't going to work a match against John Cena anyway.
Hype Meter: 5 out of 5 Shoot Feuds
Everyone in the company who feels that Rock is a sellout, or doesn't deserve to work a WrestleMania main event because he is not a WWE employee anymore, should not take that nice fat paycheck they will get for the show. Rock's appearance, just like last year, is going to push this event well over one million buys, which means more money for everyone.
Deeper Dive
Latest Developments on Rock's Backstage Heat (Figure Four Online, via NoDQ)
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REY MYSTERIO GETTING TREATED LIKE THE ROCK
There are few WWE stars today who have put their body through more torment and pain than Rey Mysterio, yet, in typical fashion, he is starting to feel some heat because he is not playing the way they want. Also, he is small and should feel "lucky to be employed to WWE."
Question on Everybody's Mind: Does anyone in WWE actually like anyone else?
Our Take: I am sure if you were to talk to Triple H, he would say that he likes Vince McMahon and Stephanie. He might even say that he likes the Undertaker. Other than that, there are not a lot of friendly get-togethers taking place between employees.
Hype Meter: 4 out of 5 Reasons to Bury Someone
Mysterio's knees are completely shot, he wanted to get a contract that protected himself and his family in the event of a serious injury and, by the way, he is one of your biggest stars. But because he wants more money and is being cautious with his return, let's destroy him. Smart.
Deeper Dive
Mysterio Catching Heat (B/R)
More on Mysterio (Wrestling Observer - Subscription Required)
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SHAQ AND WWE TELLING TWO DIFFERENT STORIES
While there was a report on WWE.com stating that the former NBA center would not be wrestling at WrestleMania, he was not feeling the same way. ESPN Radio's Mike and Mike In the Morning reported that he would be wrestling.
Question on Everybody's Mind: Who is telling the truth?
Our Take: Normally it isn't smart to take what WWE says as iron clad, but it is interesting that Shaq hasn't been on television to start building a match. We should still expect the match with Big Show to happen, so until Show is booked in another match, that is what we will be waiting to see.
Hype Meter: 3 out of 5 Swerves
Considering that Shaq has made the media rounds and explicitly stated that he will be wrestling on the show, he is the voice that we need to be listening to in this whole thing. If Raw comes and goes this week with no Shaq, then you can expect a change in plans.
Deeper Dive
Update on Shaq and WrestleMania (Wrestle Zone)
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MONEY IN THE BANK TAKEN OFF WRESTLEMANIA?
If you watched Raw and SmackDown this week, you noticed the lack of build or talk for the Money In the Bank match at WrestleMania. The reason for that is, there is talk of not having that match happen anymore.
Question on Everybody's Mind: What would take its place?
Our Take: Reportedly, an EPIC tag team battle with John Laurinaitis leading one team and Teddy Long the other one. The winner gets to be the sole general manager of both Raw and SmackDown.
Hype Meter: 2 out of 5 Creative Jumbles
In theory, the idea of one general manager could have potential. The problem is, you know that WWE is going to give it to Mr. Excitement. Replacing MITB for that would be a huge letdown.
Deeper Dive
Possible WrestleMania Match Change (Wrestling Observer - Subscription Required)
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KHARMA'S RETURNING FOR REAL SOMETIME IN THE FUTURE
Kharma made her unofficial return at the Royal Rumble, but she still has some recovering to do after giving birth late last year. She is scheduled to come back, though a definite date has not been set yet.
Question on Everybody's Mind: Will Kharma save the diva's division?
Our Take: She was doing a helluva job before she left last May, so there is a reason for optimism. With Beth Phoenix being positioned as her opponent, they could actually have a good match.
Hype Meter: 4 out of 5 Laughs That Scare Me
It has been a long, long time since the diva's division in WWE has been relevant, and even with Kharma, it was only relevant because of her, not anyone else raising their game to match her. She has been greatly missed.
Deeper Dive
New Update on Kharma (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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