WWE Rumors: Raw 1000, Triple H, Randy Orton and Monday's Top WWE News

So it has all come to this. After weeks of hype and build on television, the biggest night in WWE since WrestleMania takes place tonight in St. Louis. 

WWE has done a great job of promoting this show, not only the big names that will appear but the fact that the show starts an hour earlier. Even more than seeing the returning stars, I am interested to see how the rating for this show does. 

It is a known fact that three-hour Raw shows do worse ratings than normal because of a low first hour. Will fans follow along with the change this week? I would be surprised if they didn't. Keeping the people when the stars aren't coming out will be a tougher task. 

We will have a look at some things that could come out of Raw tonight, as well as other news and notes from WWE on this sure-to-be epic Monday. 

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM RAW CELEBRATION

One of the great things about a huge Raw show is that WWE will always put its best foot forward. Right now, the current reported plan, which will likely change several hundred times between now and the start of the show, is to feature the biggest stars at the start of every hour. 

Question on Everybody's Mind: What surprises will Raw 1,000 have?

Our Take: I would expect to see a lot of short segments that feature a lot of old stars, some well known and others who are popular but not big names, and then the top segments getting a lot of time. In that way, it will feel very similar to most Raw shows. 

Hype Meter: 5 out of 5 WWE Parties

Even though there will be angles on the show, I would expect tonight to just be a fun, entertaining show with all of the stars that WWE usually only brings on to promote a pay-per-view or around WrestleMania season. 

Deeper Dive

Current Plans For Raw 1,000 Segments (Wrestling Observer h/t NoDQ)

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TRIPLE H KINDA, SORTA TALKS POSITIVE ABOUT RANDY ORTON

While Randy Orton will not be on tonight's episode of Raw, Triple H did talk about the Viper in interviews over the weekend. He certainly didn't sound like he was angry, saying that "wrestlers are human but they also have to be accountable."

Question on Everybody's Mind: So, is Orton back in management's good graces?

Our Take: It is hard to know where everyone in the company stands on Orton personally. But they have to recognize what he means to the business, and as a result will be willing to welcome him back when he is eligible. 

Hype Meter: 3 out of 5 Triple H Endorsements

You know that Triple H is keen on you when he doesn't attempt to bury you in an interview. Orton is in a very precarious position when he returns, though I think WWE will give him every chance to succeed. 

Deeper Dive

Triple H Talks Randy Orton and New Talent (NoDQ)

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DOLPH ZIGGLER WANTS SHAWN MICHAELS IN A MATCH

Since people so often like to say that a small, good wrestler is going to be the next Shawn Michaels, it makes sense that Ziggler is the current WWE star who gets that comparison so often now. Ziggler would like to find out how he stacks up against HBK now that he is established in the company. 

Question on Everybody's Mind: Would Michaels agree to one more match?

Our Take: Even if Michaels were to wrestle again, which I would be surprised if he did, a lot of things would have to go wrong for Ziggler to fall in that spot. Unless WWE decides to really build Ziggler, which will take a long time as it is, he has no shot at working a match with HBK. 

Hype Meter: 5 out of 5 Dream Matches

Even though Ziggler would never get the match with HBK, it would be a great treat for the fans just to see those two go at it for 15 minutes. Even with a two-year layoff, Michaels could come back and be the best worker in the company, and we all know how good Ziggler is. 

Deeper Dive

Dolph Ziggler On His Dream Match (Amarillo Globe News)

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WADE BARRETT IS OH-SO-CLOSE TO RETURNING

Since being forced to the sidelines in February, Wade Barrett's return date has been kept largely under wraps. Now there is at least a reported comeback date, with WWE looking at after SummerSlam to bring him back. 

Question on Everybody's Mind: What will WWE do with Barrett?

Our Take: In some ways, Orton's suspension worked out well for WWE. This way, when Orton returns, WWE can just have Barrett come right back into his feud with Orton like no time has passed at all. 

Hype Meter: 4 out of 5 Barrett Barrages

Barrett was starting to come into his own in WWE. He may not be the best worker, but he is good enough and has always been a good talker. Getting him back will increase the strength of the heel side on Raw and SmackDown, an area that is devoid of talent right now. 

Deeper Dive

Barrett's Return Date (Figure Four Wrestling h/t NoDQ)

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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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