WWE Rumors: CM Punk, The Rock, SmackDown Spoilers and Wednesday's Top WWE News
One of the most interesting stories to come out of this whole WrestleMania build is the fact that Randy Orton does not have a match yet. There are extenuating circumstances surrounding his status, but there doesn't even seem to be a plan in place.
When the top three matches look as good as what we have now, perhaps there just isn't room for Orton in the grand scheme of things, though things appear to be changing based on what happened at SmackDown this week.
We will have all the latest news, notes and information from the SmackDown tapings last night, as well as everything else in the world of WWE that you need to know.
TOP NEWS
Fresh Backstage WWE Rumors 👊
Modern-Day Dream Matches 💭
Most Likely Backlash Heel/Face Turns 🎭
CM PUNK GETTING SUPPORT FROM UFC STAR
Everyone knows that Chael Sonnen and CM Punk are buddies outside of the MMA and WWE world. Sonnen had time to attend Monday's Raw, and was none to pleased with the actions of Daniel Bryan in the champion vs. champion match.
"At #RAW. @WWEDanielBryan cheated against @CMPunk. Threw him into the guard rails. I'm disgusted. #WWE
— chael sonnen (@sonnench) February 28, 2012"
Question on Everybody's Mind: Should Sonnen be a professional wrestler?
Our Take: His promo ability alone would make him a superstar in WWE. He is a better talker than anyone who is currently a full-time employee of WWE. He is off the cuff, edgy and knows how to sell fights. Sign him up, Vince!
Hype Meter: 5 out of 5 WWE-MMA Crossovers
It really is too bad that Vince McMahon and Triple H hate UFC, because they could learn a lot from the way they build feuds on television. WrestleMania has proven that they know how to do that, but for reasons unknown it doesn't always shine through.
Deeper Dive
-----------------------------------------------------
WHAT DOES ROCK'S RETURN DO FOR RATINGS?
While the quarterly numbers could tell us more about Rock's return, the fact that Raw just did a 3.1 rating, which was lower than last week's 3.2, has to be considered a big disappointment. Ratings aren't anyone's favorite thing to talk about, but are a part of the business model today.
Question on Everybody's Mind: What does this mean for WrestleMania?
Our Take: Nothing, really. There were 4.6 million people watching the show, so as long as they are interested in the show, the buy rate will be exactly what WWE is hoping for. It is telling that the return of the Rock can't provide a spark, though.
Hype Meter: 4 out of 5 Ratings Trends
The business side of WWE doesn't get talked about as much as it should, because as fans we are supposed to stay focused on what's happening on television. But these ratings and trends with the first hour beating the second hour, which never used to happen, is alarming.
Deeper Dive
------------------------------------------------------------
INSTANT KHARMA IS GONNA GET YOU
While she is still not giving a lot of information on her much-anticipated return to WWE, Kharma is talking about it on Twitter. The response is vague, so we can keep speculating on when the powerful star will be back.
"@MACI_WINTER soon
— Kharma (@Kharma) February 26, 2012"
Question on Everybody's Mind: What does "soon" mean?
Our Take: While WrestleMania would be nice, just to get her on the biggest show of the year, my best guess—and that is all it is—would be closer to May. Remember, she just gave birth three months ago.
Hype Meter: 4 out of 5 Evil Cackles
With the exception of the tag team division, no one needs more help in WWE right now than the divas. Eve and Kelly Kelly are terrible. Natalya should be a bigger deal than she is, but everyone can see the career-killing gimmick she is in right now. Beth Phoenix is fine, but she needs someone to wrestle.
Deeper Dive
-------------------------------------------------------------
****WARNING****
THE FOLLOWING SECTION CONTAINS SPOILERS ON THIS WEEK'S SMACKDOWN TAPINGS, SO IF YOU DON'T WANT TO KNOW SKIP AHEAD
--------------------------------------------------------------
SMACKDOWN SETS UP TWO WRESTLEMANIA MATCHES
With Randy Orton making his return, it was only logical that WWE would set him up for a WrestleMania match. Sure enough, his match with Daniel Bryan couldn't have a finish because Kane had to lay out Orton with a chokeslam. In a somewhat surprising move, it was also announced that Cody Rhodes will defend the intercontinental title against Big Show.
Question on Everybody's Mind: Is Kane trying to get Orton to embrace the hate?
Our Take: Dear Lord, let's hope not. As long as there are no stupid gimmicks like that hovering over this feud, it could be good. It's a step down for Orton, who is used to high-profile matches on the show, but this is a unique year for WrestleMania and someone was always going to be pushed down.
Hype Meter: 4 out of 5 Chokeslams of Doom
The bigger story here is that Shaquille O'Neal will not be wrestling Big Show. That was one of the rumored attraction matches for WrestleMania, but apparently things just didn't work out.
Deeper Dive
Complete SmackDown Spoilers (Wrestling Observer)
---------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
.jpg?w=600 "Colts Release Kenny Moore")
