WWE Rumors: Shawn Michaels, Chris Jericho and Monday's Top WWE Buzz

At the end of last week, we talked about optimism regarding wrestling and WWE. It is imperative that the company is always looking toward the big picture, while at the same time doing what it must to put on an entertaining, logical show right now. 

Building for the future is just as important as taking care of what is happening now. Stars like John Cena and Randy Orton are always going to be given the advantage today, but it is not hard to envision names like Dolph Ziggler, Daniel Bryan and a few others being turned into the top stars of the future. 

Of course, WWE has to get behind them for that to happen; whether it ever does is another story. The fact of the matter is there is no reason it shouldn't. Keep looking ahead and doing what it takes to make money now. 

SHAWN MICHAELS SORT OF SOFTENS NO-WRESTLING STANCE

Not that he is exactly itching to get back in the ring, but Shawn Michaels did say in an interview with the Miami Herald that he can still wrestle. He just isn't sure it's something that interests him, for personal and professional reasons. 

Question on Everybody's Mind: Is HBK going to wrestle again?

Our Take: I have said it before, and will continue to say it for as long as this subject comes up, I would never say never, but the only way to believe it is when you see it. There is no reason for him to come back at this stage, nor has he given any indication he really wants to wrestle.

Hype Meter: 5 out of 5 Changes of Heart

If Michaels were to come back and wrestle again, it would have to be against a part-time superstar, because there is no one big enough on the roster we haven't seen him work with hundreds of times already. That's another problem with trying to coax him back into a match. 

Deeper Dive

Shawn Michaels Interview (Miami Herald)

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CHRIS JERICHO GEARING UP FOR SUMMERSLAM FINALE

In the latest round of "Life of Jericho," it seems that Fozzy's schedule is not going to conflict with SummerSlam on Aug. 19. Reportedly, the band has been removed from a show in St. Louis on that date, making it more likely Jericho will say goodbye, at least for a while, on the pay-per-view. 

Question on Everybody's Mind: How will Jericho go out?

Our Take: I have said before that WWE needs to have him go against Dolph Ziggler, with Ziggler getting the victory and doing so much damage that it makes for an easy injury angle. It will give Jericho a storyline exit, while at the same time making Ziggler look like a bigger threat than ever before. 

Hype Meter: 4 out of 5 Scheduling Conflicts

The ongoing saga of Jericho's WWE status has been exhausting to keep up with. At least now it appears we have some sort of definitive end date. It will be sad to see him go, but if he can help put a talented star over on his way out, then it is all good.

Deeper Dive

Jericho's SummerSlam Status (PW Insider h/t NoDQ)

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WADE BARRETT READY FOR RETURN

After Wade Barrett's year was ruined in February after suffering a nasty arm injury that cost him a WrestleMania match, he is reportedly ready to make his triumphant return to the ring very soon. There is no word on who his first feud will be with. 

Question on Everybody's Mind: Who should Barrett's first feud be with?

Our Take: I always thought that if Randy Orton came back and was not instantly added to the World Championship Match at SummerSlam, it meant that Barrett was coming back to feud with him. I think these two were supposed to wrestle at WrestleMania, so it would be a natural continuation of a story that never had a payoff due to the injury. 

Hype Meter: 4 out of 5 Bare-Knuckle Brawlers

Barrett is someone WWE can build around. He won't ever be the best technical wrestler, but he is a good talker and has solid in-ring skills. Getting him back will mean a lot to the roster heading into a very busy fall. 

Deeper Dive

News On Barrett's Return (NoDQ)

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SMACKDOWN GETTING A NEW VOICE?

With Booker T (thankfully) vacating the announcer's chair to become the new GM of SmackDown, there is a hole at the booth looking to be filled. Who better to take that spot than the self-proclaimed "Wrestling God" JBL? He is not-so-subtly teasing it on Twitter. 

"

I was only debating coming back, not very serious. But after @michaelcole shows he is still alive and an idiot. I'm coming back! #smackdown

— John Layfield (@JCLayfield) August 4, 2012"

Question on Everybody's Mind: How will JBL fare?

Our Take: He is a really great personality with a strong voice and knowledge of the business. I think JBL can easily handle a return to this role, if he so chooses. Plus, who doesn't like hearing Michael Cole get yelled at?

Hype Meter: 3 out of 5 New Voices

Even if JBL was an incompetent announcer, which he isn't, he would be a significant upgrade over Booker T. I understand that job is really hard, and is not made easier with someone yelling in your ear, but Booker was a disaster who never got better. 

Deeper Dive

Hits & Misses From SmackDown (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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