WWE Rumors: The Rock, Bret Hart, Wade Barrett and Friday's Top WWE News

You can almost sense the calm before the storm. Tonight's edition of SmackDown and Monday's Raw will have a WrestleMania feel to them, but it will pale in comparison to what we get on the go-home shows the week after. 

WWE has been pushing this year's spectacular as hard as any in recent memory, and the results are either going to be really great or disappointing. 

Considering the star power, particularly at the top of the card with The Rock, it is hard to envision it being a bust. But there are still two weeks left to screw everything up. Put nothing past the creative team. 

While we worry about the next two weeks, let's take a look at the latest news and notes from the world of WWE. 

THE ROCK TO BE ALL OVER WRESTLEMANIA

Not that it should come as a shock to anyone considering where WrestleMania is taking place, and the fact that he is the star of the show, but The Rock is going to be featured on the four-hour pay-per-view a lot with vignettes and promos. Oh, and that match with John Cena. 

Question on Everybody's Mind: Is there going to be too much Rock?

Our Take: It would make the main event feel like a bigger deal if neither man spoke before. Just let the anticipation build throughout the show, put on a great video package right before the match and then let Rock and Cena do their thing. 

Hype Meter: 5 out of 5 Stars Exploited

If this was the last time Rock was ever going to appear on a WWE show in Miami, you could understand wanting to use him as much as possible. But he will be on Raw from Miami the next night. It would be smarter to keep him and Cena off the show until the end. 

Deeper Dive

How Should the WrestleMania Card Be Laid Out? (B/R)

Rock's WrestleMania Appearances (PW Insider)

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BRET HART DOESN'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT YOKOZUNA RUMORS

Despite reports that Hart might be the one to induct Yokozuna in the WWE Hall of Fame, the Hitman responded on Twitter by saying that he isn't aware of any plans right now. 

"

@AngieGarcia0925 As much as I wouldn't mind, it's not true. No one's contacted me about it, at least

"

"— Bret Hart (@BretHart) March 14, 2012"

Question on Everybody's Mind: Is Rock the appropriate person to induct him?

Our Take: At first glance, the answer would be yes. The two are cousins and part of the famous samoan wrestling lineage. But do you really want the speaker overshadowing the person going in? Yokozuna is deceased, so it might not be that big of a deal. 

Hype Meter: 4 out of 5 Pink and Black Attacks

Hart should be a part of WrestleMania weekend, and possibly will be at least as a guest in attendance. But he has the history with Yokozuna in the ring to give a nice speech. 

Deeper Dive

What Else Does Creative Have In Store For 'Mania (B/R)

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WADE BARRETT'S PUSH TO RESUME AT SUMMERSLAM

WWE had big plans for Wade Barrett at WrestleMania this year. Unfortunately, his injury derailed everything, including the Money in the Bank match. His return in a few months will see his push pick right up, possibly with a MITB victory at SummerSlam. 

Question on Everybody's Mind: Is WWE actually going to follow through with this push?

Our Take: Therein lies the problem with having expectations for the WWE creative team. Vince McMahon changes his mind every second of every day that to assume anything for next week's Raw would be insane, much less a pay-per-view five months down the road. 

Hype Meter: 4 out of 5 Barrett Barrages

None of that is to say Barrett doesn't deserve his push—he absolutely does. But to expect him to be put in the spotlight right away could be asking a little too much of McMahon. 

Deeper Dive

Wade Barrett In Line For Big Push (PW Insider via NoDQ)

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EVAN BOURNE COMING SOON

You remember Evan Bourne, right? He's been suspended twice in the last six months for violating the Wellness Policy. He is eligible to come back on March 18, and is expected to be put in a feud with Jack Swagger after WrestleMania. 

Question on Everybody's Mind: Does Bourne have any chance to succeed now?

Our Take: He has a chance but it is a slim one. One reason that Bourne likely wasn't released is the dearth of injuries and lack of depth on the roster right now. He faces an uphill battle with management, so he has to be careful with everything he does. 

Hype Meter: 4 out of 5 Air Bournes

Bourne is a good worker when he isn't getting suspended. He has talent, charisma and the audience really gravitates toward him. If he can keep himself clean, he should have a productive WWE career for a long time. 

Deeper Dive

Underrated and Underpushed Stars (B/R)

Evan Bourne Update (PW Insider)

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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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