WWE Rumors: John Cena, CM Punk, Randy Orton and Friday's Top WWE Buzz

As we come to the end of what has been a very memorable week in WWE, it is time to take one look back at all the great things that we saw. 

Sure, SmackDown still has to air, but that show will feel modest, at best, based on what happened Monday. There is no way to call the 1,000th Raw anything but a success. 

From a ratings perspective, it was one of the biggest shows in recent years. WWE loves to chase weekly ratings, so they had to be smiling from ear to ear. Storyline wise, it worked fairly well by setting up big matches for all of the biggest shows between now and WrestleMania. 

Good for WWE for getting so many things right and being rewarded for it this week. We are going to try and reward you by giving you all the latest news and rumors from behind the scenes in WWE. 

JOHN CENA ENDED ALEX RILEY'S PUSH

Remember when WWE was starting to push Alex Riley a couple years ago and then he just dropped off the face of the earth? Apparently it is because Riley got in trouble for having the nerve to respond to the almighty Cena's backstage ribs in defensive fashion, according to a report. 

Question on Everybody's Mind: Is it possible Cena is phony?

Our Take: Given the disingenuous way he presents himself on television, and yes, I know it is a character he plays, one might surmise that. I don't know the man, so I can't say for sure. You hear horror stories backstage, but that is common practice in wrestling. 

Hype Meter: 4 out of 5 Cena Wristbands

I love listening to wrestlers sell each other out, as it just seems so petty and trite. Sometimes it is warranted, like when Triple H would bury everyone in the early-2000s, but for the most part it is such an elementary school mentality. 

Deeper Dive

Friction Between John Cena and Alex Riley (PW Insider h/t SEScoops)

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WWE BUILDING SUMMER AROUND CM PUNK

Another year, another proposed CM Punk summer push. According to a report, though you could see it on Monday night, the big angle WWE is using for this summer and, presumably, the rest of the year is the CM Punk heel turn. 

Question on Everybody's Mind: Will this year's push be better than last year's?

Our Take: It is hard to see it ending much worse. Punk's summer started out in marvelous fashion, with that scathing promo against the McMahon family and WWE. It failed miserably when he came back a week after "leaving" and started feuding with Kevin Nash. 

Hype Meter: 5 out of 5 Summers of Punk

Turning Punk heel was an absolutely brilliant move on WWE's part. First, the heel side on Raw is seriously lacking any kind of depth, and there is no one at the top. Second, Punk is just so much better as a heel. He was stuck in mediocrity week after week as a baby face, so hopefully this re-energizes his character.

Deeper Dive

News On Punk's Turn (Figure Four Wrestling h/t SEScoops)

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RANDY ORTON ON THE COMEBACK TRAIL

After missing the biggest Raw show of the year, Randy Orton can take comfort in knowing that he will be back soon. Very soon, actually. Reportedly, WWE is bringing the Viper back to television on Monday night. 

Question on Everybody's Mind: How will Orton be integrated into the SummerSlam mix?

Our Take: It will be interesting, as (spoiler alert) the World Title match gets set this week on SmackDown. If WWE is serious about pushing him, as the report suggests, he could be thrown into the title match. Other than that, there isn't a lot big out there for Orton right now. 

Hype Meter: 3 out of 5 RKOs

WWE is taking a very big risk by putting a lot of its eggs in Orton's basket. We know there are ways to get around the Wellness Policy testing, but if Orton fails another test, it will be hard to see WWE putting up with the headache. Not to say Vince McMahon wouldn't—he will do anything for business. 

Deeper Dive

Randy Orton's Return (Wrestling Inc)

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DOLPH ZIGGLER WANTS TO ENSURE HE DOESN'T WRESTLE LONG

When you watch Dolph Ziggler wrestle, you can see that he is going to leave everything he has every single night. Part of the reason for that is he reportedly tells the agents laying out the match that he wants to do crazy spots all the time. 

Question on Everybody's Mind: Is that a smart strategy?

Our Take: There are two schools of thought. On the one hand, sacrificing your body is an easy way to make the fans fall in love with you. On the flip side, you are far more susceptible to injuries and long-term health problems. I don't want to see Ziggler unable to run ropes in his late 30s because of what he is doing right now. 

Hype Meter: 3 out of 5 Wrestling Sacrifices

Wrestling fans already love Ziggler. He is one of the best wrestlers on the roster, and his matches are regularly the best on every show. There is a way to work where you aren't destroying yourself, so hopefully Ziggler figures out how to do it before something bad happens. 

Deeper Dive

Ziggler's Crazy Spots (Figure Four Online 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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