WWE Rumors: Randy Orton, Chris Jericho, CM Punk and Friday's Top WWE News

With the news of Randy Orton's suspension sending shock waves through the WWE locker room, it is going to be interesting to see how the company manages without him until he returns in late July. 

WWE has survived in the past without a few of its biggest stars, but it is imperative that someone is allowed to step up in Orton's absence. That is where WWE continues to drop the ball, so this is a chance to make good on some of those past failures. 

All we really know is that things will get interesting in a hurry for WWE and the creative team as we head toward No Way Out. 

After a busy, crazy week, here is a roundup of the latest news and notes from WWE to get you through the weekend. 

RANDY ORTON'S SUSPENSION ENDS IN TIME FOR SUMMERSLAM

Since Orton's suspension reportedly started on Thursday, he is going to be eligible to return on July 29. That will give him three Raw shows to create a storyline and a match for SummerSlam on August 19. 

Question on Everybody's Mind: What can WWE do with Orton with so little time to build?

Our Take: The first feud that comes to mind is with Wade Barrett. We still don't know when he will be back after suffering that arm injury in February, but if he can return around July, WWE could pick up his feud with Orton right where it left off. 

Hype Meter: Five out of Five Vipers

Orton's absence might not be the big blow that it first appeared. He is a big star, sure, and yet he has lost a lot of luster since being relegated to SmackDown. He hasn't been in a main-event feud for months, so he could be perceived at a different level than before. 

Deeper Dive: Details On Orton's Suspension (NoDQ)

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CHRIS JERICHO'S SUSPENSION COUNTDOWN GOES INSANE

If you have been following Chris Jericho on Twitter, you know each day he has been giving an update on the days left in his suspension from WWE. Thursday marked the one-week anniversary, and with 23 days left, he said this:

"

The 23 Enigma refers to the belief that most incidents and events are directly connected to the number 23 or a number related to number 23

"

"— Chris Jericho (@IAmJericho) May 31, 2012"

Question on Everybody's Mind: How awesome is Jericho?

Our Take: His personality is so great, it makes you wonder what WWE is doing using him the way they have since he returned. He has such a distinct voice that it would be a shame to waste it on mediocre feuds that go nowhere. 

Hype Meter: Five out of Five Bright Light Jackets

I am getting the impression Jericho will be around a lot more than originally anticipated. He is still going to be taking some time off here and there, but there is so much more to do with him that WWE would be wise to keep him around, at least through the summer. 

Deeper Dive: Why Jericho Must Return As A Face (B/R)

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DANIEL BRYAN'S PERMANENT ROLE ON RAW BECOMING MORE EVIDENT

Given that Bryan has been dealing with CM Punk on Raw for the last two months, it makes no sense for WWE to call him a SmackDown superstar. Apparently, WWE realizes that; he is moving from the Blue Brand to the Red on house shows to do submission matches with CM Punk. 

Question on Everybody's Mind: Will WWE give fans a Punk-Bryan PPV submission match?

Our Take: This may just be my inner mark coming out, but let's hope so. We saw what these two are capable of on pay-per-view in a singles match. If you are going to keep going back to the well, better to try keeping things fresh. 

Hype Meter: Four out of Five Yes! Locks

One of the problems with going back to Bryan-Punk so many times is—like Christian vs. Orton last year—eventually Bryan has to win for it to stay interesting. WWE doesn't seem likely to put Bryan over, so things could change for these two very soon. 

Deeper Dive: Plans For Bryan-Punk (Wrestling Observer h/t NoDQ)

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EVAN BOURNE GETTING CLOSER TO WALKING ON HIS OWN

It has been a few months since we had any kind of update on Evan Bourne, until now. The high-flying superstar alerted fans to his status via Twitter:

"

Took another xray today.Things are progressing as planned. Another step in the right direction!Might even be off these crutches soon!

"

"— airbourne(@findevan) May 29, 2012"

Question on Everybody's Mind: Is Air Bourne destined for big things?

Our Take: WWE is probably still feeling frustrated with him, so the odds of Bourne doing anything substantial when he returns are slim. He has a good style, which will help him be over with fans, but don't expect a title run. 

Hype Meter: Three out of Five Shooting Star Presses

Bourne may forever be in the WWE doghouse, and yet there is a lot of untapped potential in him. There were times when he was teaming with John Cena, so they obviously understand what he can do. 

Deeper Dive: How Kofi Can Get To The Top (B/R)

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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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