WWE Rumors: CM Punk, Randy Orton, Sheamus and Thursday's Top WWE Buzz

With so much emphasis being placed on the 1,000th Raw, you have to wonder how much effort is being put into putting on the three remaining shows before we get to July 23. 

Money In the Bank already feels like a lost show, with virtually no build for it this week on Raw or SmackDown. 

Next week's Raw should have a good feel to it, since it is coming off a pay-per-view. But even that show is going to be used to just build July 23. There are so many balls floating in the air for that one show that nothing happening right now feels like it matters. 

What does matter is all the news and rumors we have to offer you on this Thursday. So sit back, relax, and let a crazy lady referee your match. 

CM PUNK KEEPS HINTING AT HEEL TURN

Over the last two months, CM Punk has been using Twitter to make some subtle hints about what the future holds for him. Instead of putting out smiley faces and telling the world some lame jokes, Punk is invoking evil for his character. 

"

The Devil exists.

— CM Punk (@CMPunk) July 11, 2012"

Question on Everybody's Mind: Can WWE afford to turn Punk heel now?

Our Take: We know that Rey Mysterio and Randy Orton are coming back soon, so the face side of the roster will get a lift. But it is an unusual time to even think about turning him. He is as popular as ever, and there is no clamoring to see him turn, nor have the people turned on him in a way that would warrant a turn. 

Hype Meter: 3 out of 5 False Turns

WWE loves to make these moves in order to chase ratings for one show, without regard to building something that has a good payoff. Punk can work as a heel, obviously, but I don't know if it is what anyone wants right now. 

Deeper Dive

Analyzing Punk-Bryan-AJ (B/R)

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RANDY ORTON COMING BACK TO TITLE PICTURE

Just as it has been a long time since WWE put John Cena in the championship mix, Randy Orton has been adrift in various feuds with no real payoff over the last nine months. His suspension is over soon, and advertisements are floating around that pit Orton in world title matches.

Question on Everybody's Mind: Should Orton be put in a high-profile spot right away?

Our Take: WWE is taking a risk, though no one should be surprised. Despite all the problems that Vince McMahon had with Orton after the suspension, Orton is still one of the faces of the company. He needs something to do upon returning, so why not?

Hype Meter: 2 out of 5 Main Eventers

It is going to be interesting to see how Orton is welcomed back. If this was anyone else—except John Cena—they would be buried for months before their career was on the same level as Zack Ryder's. Orton might get some kind of push, but I want to see how often he wins.

Deeper Dive

Orton In World Title Picture (NoDQ) 

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SHEAMUS DREAMS ABOUT THE UNDERTAKER

Whenever you ask anyone what their dream WrestleMania match would be, odds are a lot of wrestlers today would say Undertaker. He has the undefeated streak and presence to easily get a match over. In a recent interview, current world champion Sheamus said he would love to face the Dead Man at WrestleMania 29 or 30.

Question on Everybody's Mind: Will WWE make Sheamus' dreams come true?

Our Take: I would like to see what Sheamus can do against Undertaker, but it is not going to happen at WrestleMania. There was a time when it could have. Not anymore. Sheamus is not a big enough star. He is a name, just not at the level we are accustomed to seeing Undertaker go against on the WrestleMania stage. 

Hype Meter: 3 out of 5 Dream Matches

I look forward to seeing how Sheamus gets handled next year at WrestleMania. Everyone knows the fiasco that happened this past year. If you look back, his WrestleMania resume is not very strong. He had the match with Triple H a few years ago, though that wasn't a very good WrestleMania match. 

Deeper Dive

Sheamus Interview (Digital Spy)

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CHAEL SONNEN WILL NOT BE TRASH TALKING IN WWE

Though it should not come as a surprise to anyone, UFC fighter Chael Sonnen squashed any talk that he will be going to WWE to wrestle. Given his rocky past in mixed martial arts, you never know how quickly the tide can turn, though. 

Question on Everybody's Mind: Would Sonnen work in WWE?

Our Take: If WWE didn't try to give him any of its lame dialogue to spout on a weekly basis, absolutely. He is a better talker and seller of fights than anyone in WWE right now. He would have to learn how to work a match, but half the guys in WWE don't know how to work. 

Hype Meter: 4 out of 5 UFC-WWE Mergers

One problem Sonnen would have with WWE is playing by Vince McMahon's rules. UFC is great for him because he is able to say what he wants, when he wants and how he wants. Vince McMahon micromanages everything to the point where none of his workers has a personality of their own. 

Deeper Dive

Sonnen Denies Jumping To WWE (USA Today)

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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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