WWE Rumors: CM Punk, Brock Lesnar, the Rock and Thursday's Top WWE Buzz

WWE is the luckiest company in the world. We often talk about how the fans will stick around, no matter what is going on with the storylines, or how ridiculous the booking gets. 

Right now is a low point in the company, just because there is no sense of clear direction. Everyone looks, thinks and talks exactly the same. Yet the millions of people who tune in every week are not going to go away. 

I used to think this was out of some misplaced sense of loyalty to the company or just wrestling in general. Instead, I have come to learn that it is all about hope. Hope that things will get better, or that some old, beloved star will return, or the idea that something special will happen. 

Hope runs this business, and WWE remains very successful because of it. 

We will give you more signs of hope with the latest news and rumors from WWE. 

CM PUNK READY TO GO EVIL AGAIN?

CM Punk had a strange Twitter rant going on Wednesday night, talking about how July 17 would be the day he goes out with a bang. He ended the ranting with a tweet about the Devil and then a fan responded with something, to which Punk offered a strange reply. 

"

“@luciusmalfoy: @CMPunk "i am the devil himself, and all of you stupid mindless people fell for it."”You'll see.

— CM Punk (@CMPunk) June 26, 2012"

Question on Everybody's Mind: Is WWE turning Punk heel?

Our Take: While it would not seem to make a lot of sense given the timing or direction of the character, it will probably end up happening since he is expected to be feuding with John Cena over the summer. 

Hype Meter: 4 out of 5 Cryptic Twitter Rants

I was going to say that turning Punk would be a big mistake, but thinking about it, I don't see how it would be. WWE needs both heels and faces at this point. Since Punk has become a face, he has lost something and become more of a WWE corporate machine than anything else. Turn him heel, and cut him loose again. 

Deeper Dive

More On Punk's Possible Turn (B/R)

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BROCK LESNAR OFFICIALLY ADVERTISED FOR 1,000TH RAW

After much speculation, Brock Lesnar's name has officially been added to the mix for the 1,000th episode of Raw on July 23 in St. Louis. This isn't much of a surprise, since SummerSlam is just a few weeks later and the build for the match with Triple H has to begin soon. 

Question on Everybody's Mind: Will this be Lesnar's only appearance between now and then?

Our Take: It would appear so. Despite WWE advertising Lesnar's response to Triple H's challenge next week, that will likely only be a taped vignette or, more likely, Paul Heyman will show up so they can yell about contracts again. 

Hype Meter: 5 out of 5 Contracts

It is going to be interesting to see how WWE handles the build for this match. Lesnar is not going to be able to throw Triple H around like he did Cena, so will the intensity and physical nature still be there? Are fans still interested in seeing Lesnar wrestle? So many questions needing answers. 

Deeper Dive

Lesnar Advertised For Raw (Wrestle Zone)

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THE ROCK NOT GOING TO BE DOING MUCH WWE

It has been a while since we have heard anything about Rock's immediate plans in WWE. Turns out the reason for that is, he is not going to be available to do anything until at least November. He is shooting the sixth (!) Fast and Furious movie in the interim. 

Question on Everybody's Mind: Is Rock done with WWE for the year?

Our Take: You can never say never, because if WWE calls up at the end of the year to get him to start building towards something in 2013, he might be open to it. But right now, all you can say is, don't count on it. 

Hype Meter: 2 out of 5 Sequels

It is amazing to think that there have been six Fast and Furious movies. I guess when you put Vin Diesel and Rock together, the people will turn out in droves. (Yes, I know they were only in one of the movies together.)

Deeper Dive

Rock's Movie Schedule (Wrestling Observer h/t NoDQ)

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VINCE MCMAHON IS BETTER THAN YOUR SMALL TOWN

Despite WWE running in smaller towns in recent weeks, there was no mention of them on television. Why? Because Vince McMahon doesn't want the world to know that WWE is doing business in these piddly towns. Yes, he actually goes out of his way to not mention a city. 

Question on Everybody's Mind: Why does McMahon care about trivial things?

Our Take: If anything, McMahon should embrace these places since they are helping support his business, even when he insults their intelligence and steals their money with crap shows and terrible booking. 

Hype Meter: 0 out of 5 Cranky Vince Moments

McMahon is the funniest person in the world, oftentimes when he is not trying to be. When he is trying to get a laugh, he comes off as idiotic. But when he wants to show off his sense of humor, he will institute ridiculous bans for mundane things. 

Deeper Dive

More on McMahon's Latest Ban (Wrestling Observer)

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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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