WWE Rumors: The Rock, CM Punk, Triple H and Wednesday's Top WWE Buzz

Based on what we have seen play out on television in recent weeks, the logical assumption for Money In the Bank—yes, there is a pay-per-view this Sunday—will be A.J. turning on CM Punk in the WWE Championship Match and John Cena winning the briefcase in the ladder match. 

If you were smart enough to piece that together, you should probably get ready for a swerve in at least one of those matches. I think the most hilarious ending possible would be to have A.J. just call the Punk-Daniel Bryan match down the middle. It would be a waste of time based on what has been built, but truthfully, that whole angle with her is a waste of time. 

What's not a waste of time are the news and rumors we have for you today. So sit back, relax and get your WWE opinions ready. 

The Rock to Shock Raw 1000

In anticipation of his appearance on the 1,000th episode of Raw in less than two weeks, The Rock is going to make the fans sit on the edge of their seats, wondering what he is going to say and/or do in St. Louis.

Question on Everybody's Mind

What is Rock's announcement? 

Our Take

With Rock and Brock Lesnar in the same building, we could be getting a WrestleMania challenge. We could hear him say that WrestleMania 29 will be his last match, or we could hear him say that the long-awaited sequel to the Tooth Fairy is on its way. 

Hype Meter

5 out of 5 Rock Talks

One of the great things about having someone like Rock appear on this show is the unknown. We know that something significant, or at least entertaining, is going to come out of it. It just gives us so much to speculate about for the next 12 days.  

Deeper Dive

News On Rock's Raw Appearance (Figure Four Wrestling h/t NoDQ) 

CM Punk and Rock Teasing War

In keeping with Rock's special announcement on Raw, CM Punk saw Rock's tweet about the show and goal. Needless to say, the WWE Champion was not hiding in fear of the People's Champion (via Twitter). 

"

“@TheRock: RAW's 1000th episode. The People's Champ returns.. As promised, my goal: THE WWE CHAMPIONSHIP. #RELENTLESS”I'm waiting.

— CM Punk (@CMPunk) July 10, 2012"

Question on Everybody's Mind

Will WWE do Punk vs. Rock?

Our Take

That would be a shock. While I think WWE likes Punk, I still don't believe the people in charge see him as a top star or on the same plane as a top star. If they did, they wouldn't make A.J. the focus of an angle involving him and Bryan.  

Hype Meter

3 out of 5 Dream Matches

Punk is in a very precarious position as WWE champion. He is getting featured on Raw, but he has not felt like one of the top two or three stars on the show in a long time. For someone who has been champion for so long, that is a big problem WWE seems to have no plans on rectifying.  

Deeper Dive

Predicting Rock's Announcement At Raw 1000 (B/R) 

Triple H to Appear on Post-SummerSlam Raw and SmackDown

In case you were worried that WWE was going to have Triple H get destroyed by Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam—at least to the point where he wouldn't be able to appear on television—don't fret too much. He is currently being advertised for Raw on August 20 and SmackDown on August 21.

Question on Everybody's Mind

Is Triple H winning that match? 

Our Take

I said before Extreme Rules, don't be shocked when John Cena defeats Brock Lesnar. WWE has no desire to make Lesnar look better than one of its stars, especially not someone like Triple H. I have to see the build, but right now I would put money on Lesnar losing again. 

Hype Meter

2 out of 5 Ways to Lose Money

Since WWE is more in the business of weekly ratings patterns than trying to make money, it doesn't have to worry about turning Lesnar into the money-making machine that he could have been. Instead, he can be used to get Cena and Triple H, two of the biggest stars in WWE history, over.  

Deeper Dive

Triple H Post-SummerSlam Plans (NoDQ) 

Rey Mysterio Advertised for Early Return

Another day, another update on Rey Mysterio's return. Despite numerous reports that WWE was going to be saving Mysterio for the 1,000th episode of Raw on July 23, there are new advertisements out there saying the masked star will appear at next week's show.  

Question on Everybody's Mind

What is WWE doing with Mysterio? 

Our Take

Who knows. We know he will be returning soon, or is at least expected to. He could appear next week after Raw is over, then make his "official" return to television on the 1,000th Raw.  

Hype Meter

4 out of 5 False Returns

If your head is spinning from all the different Mysterio rumors, just imagine how things are for poor Rey. He might be told to show up at these events, only not to be used. It is an unusual set of circumstances, but at least we are getting closer to seeing him again. 

Deeper Dive

News on Rey Mysterio's Return (PW Torch)

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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