WWE Rumors: Steve Austin, Randy Orton, SmackDown Spoilers & Wednesday's WWE Buzz

Not to go all Goldberg on you, but with the 1,000th episode of Raw behind us, three-hour shows every Monday and SummerSlam rapidly approaching, it is time to start asking, what's next?

We have all seen the huge ratings for Raw, and it is definitely a good thing for that show, but it also doesn't really mean anything. This show was always going to be huge because of the advertisement and returning stars. 

What does matter is what happens starting July 30. Does WWE have enough talent and ideas to keep a three-hour Raw entertaining? Will the creative team get burned out? So many questions with so little answers right now. 

Here are some news and rumors that we are going to try to ask and answer questions about, so sit back and enjoy all that WWE has to offer. 

STEVE AUSTIN DIDN'T BURN WWE FANS

Despite some rumors that Austin was filming a movie and might not be able to make it to Raw, the reason that the Rattlesnake was not at the 1,000th episode celebration had nothing to do with film and everything to do with health. He issued a statement saying that he was recovering from knee surgery earlier in the month and is still on crutches.

Question on Everybody's Mind: Will Austin give WWE another run?

Our Take: Austin doesn't hate WWE or the fans, so I am sure he would tell you that as long as the right circumstance presents itself, he will do a show. As for a match, it doesn't appear that's likely right now, as WrestleMania seems to be Rock vs. Cena II and Brock vs. Undertaker. 

Hype Meter: 5 out of 5 Stunners

Austin not appearing at Raw did leave a huge gaping hole that no one could fill, but at least now fans don't have to worry about whether they were dissed. He would have been there if he could, and will surely return someday to unleash hell as only he can. 

Deeper Dive

Austin's Statement On Raw (Broken Skull Ranch)

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RANDY ORTON CAN STILL ATTEND WWE SHOWS

Even though he wasn't actually able to work on the show because of his 60-day suspension, Randy Orton was reportedly backstage on Monday night for the 1,000th episode of Raw. That's not a huge surprise, as he is from St. Louis. 

Question on Everybody's Mind: Will WWE welcome Orton back with open arms?

Our Take: Looking at SmackDown, WWE almost has no choice. Sheamus is becoming the Triple H of the blue brand, beating almost everyone and always standing tall over an opponent even when he doesn't win. After him, who else is there?

Hype Meter: 4 out of 5 Personal Tour Buses

I look forward to seeing Orton back. I think he had become one of the better workers in WWE right before his suspension, and his face character was starting to work for the first time in a long time. Hopefully, he can keep his momentum going. 

Deeper Dive

Where Was Randy Orton Monday Night? (NoDQ)

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SHAWN MICHAELS TALKS NOT WRESTLING

Wrestling fans have been conditioned to never believe in wrestling retirements. Sadly, of all the retirements we have seen in recent years, it appears that Shawn Michaels' will be the one that sticks. During an interview with the Miami Herald, HBK said that he loves appearances but never gets the itch to get in the ring. 

Question on Everybody's Mind: Why does HBK's retirement have to be the one that lasts?

Our Take: As much as it stinks, there is something to be said for going out the way he did. Michaels had a phenomenal match with Undertaker, was clearly still the top performer in WWE and got a sendoff befitting one of the biggest stars in company history. Why ruin a perfect ending?

Hype Meter: 5 out of 5 DX Army Helmets

Given the shape Michaels' body was in when he retired, it's hard to argue with his decision to stay out of the ring. He can barely walk, let alone do anything else standing up. It's sad, but hard to argue with the way he went out. 

Deeper Dive

HBK Interview (Miami Herald)

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****WARNING*****

THE FOLLOWING SECTION CONTAINS SPOILERS FROM THIS WEEK'S SMACKDOWN TAPINGS, SO IF YOU DON'T WANT TO KNOW ANYTHING, SKIP THIS SECTION

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ALBERTO DEL RIO IS THE NO. 1 CONTENDER...AGAIN

As WWE continues to build for SummerSlam, we now know what the World Heavyweight Championship match will be for the big show. Alberto Del Rio won a four-way match against Kane, Rey Mysterio and Daniel Bryan to earn the title shot. 

Question on Everybody's Mind: What does Del Rio vs. Sheamus have left to offer?

Our Take: Nothing. We saw what these two are capable of at Money In the Bank. Sheamus won that match clean, so I don't know what WWE gets out of doing the match again. Perhaps Dolph Ziggler will have something to do with the finish....

Hype Meter: 1 out of 5 Fancy Cars

I like Del Rio, but I would have preferred to see him and Sheamus move on to other things for SummerSlam. Even though it would have been face vs. face, I wouldn't have been upset to see Mysterio win the shot. 

Deeper Dive

Complete SmackDown Spoilers (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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