WWE Rumors: CM Punk, Shawn Michaels, Brock Lesnar and Friday's Top WWE Buzz

As the week comes to a close, it is going to be a long weekend at the WWE headquarters in Stamford, Conn. While the talent is over Japan, the creative team will be hard at work plotting the final Raw before SummerSlam. 

I have stated that I am not sure how much can be done with one show left to change a buy rate, but we shall see how things go. 

WWE has high hopes for the PPV show, rightfully so, as the main event of Brock Lesnar vs. Triple H is as big as any match in recent memory not involving The Rock and John Cena. 

We always give our best all the time, so here are the latest news and notes from WWE on this glorious Friday. 

CM PUNK MAKES COLIN COWHERD ANGRY

CM Punk speaks his mind. The news of UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones signing an endorsement deal with Nike just months after he was arrested for a DUI angered the WWE champion, who shared his feelings via Twitter.

ESPN's Colin Cowherd reportedly said on his radio show that Punk shouldn't have an opinion because wrestlers are charged with DUI and all the drug-related deaths in wresting. 

"

Let's reward more drunk drivers with endorsement deals! #responsibility

— CM Punk (@CMPunk) August 9, 2012"

Question on Everybody's Mind: What is wrong with Colin Cowherd?

Our Take: Where do we begin? CM Punk is going to criticize anyone who deserves it...even fellow wrestlers. Saying someone can't have an opinion on something is as ridiculous as any statement you will hear. 

Hype Meter: 5 out of 5 Non-Wrestling Feuds

Cowherd is a lot like his fellow ESPN cohort Skip Bayless: both are there to raise the ire of anyone and everyone who will listen. As long as you don't take them seriously, you can resist the urge to poke your brain with a pencil. 

Deeper Dive

More On Colin Cowherd and CM Punk (Wrestle Zone)

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SHAWN MICHAELS' CELEBRATION CHANGED BROCK LESNAR PLANS

For those who thought it would be a good idea to get heat on Brock Lesnar by having him beat up Shawn Michaels on Monday, just know you were not alone. Reportedly, there was an idea to have Michaels laid out, but because of the post-show celebration for HBK, the angle was nixed. 

Question on Everybody's Mind: Couldn't WWE still have done the non-televised celebration?

Our Take: Since Vince McMahon is apparently a slave to appearances in some instances, yes, he very well could have done it that way. Building a celebration with Michaels having not been touched was more important than selling pay-per-views, I guess. 

Hype Meter: 5 out of 5 Botched Angles

WWE has made the whole Lesnar-Triple H dynamic far more complicated than it needed to be. By bringing so many outside forces in, no one has been given a good reason to care about the match other than the fact Triple H and Lesnar are in it. 

Deeper Dive

Nixed Ideas For Raw (Wrestling Observer h/t NoDQ)

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WADE BARRETT GETTING BIG PUSH UPON RETURN

As we await the return of Wade Barrett to WWE television, the British superstar is reportedly going to be in line for a major push when he gets back. That push is expected to include a title run at some point in the future. 

Question on Everybody's Mind: Will WWE pull the trigger on a Barrett title run?

Our Take: It is an interesting spot the company is in, especially since Sheamus is being pushed as the new Triple H. If WWE truly believes Barrett can be a top heel, he will get the title rub sooner rather than later. If not, we could be looking at a Jack Swagger-esque title run. 

Hype Meter: 4 out of 5 Bare-Knuckle Brawlers

I remain high on Barrett as a performer. Plus, I think it helps his cause that he is a taller guy, despite the fact he isn't as huge as someone like Sheamus or John Cena. He can make a good champion if WWE doesn't wait too long to put the strap on him. 

Deeper Dive

News on Plans For Wade Barrett (Wrestling Observer h/t Wrestling Inc)

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CHARLIE SHEEN AND DANIEL BRYAN'S PPV PLANS NOT LIKELY

There was a time, just a few weeks ago, where it looked like WWE had grand plans for Daniel Bryan and Charlie Sheen at SummerSlam. Sadly, it seems those plans may have fallen through, as Sheen may not appear, according to a report. 

Question on Everybody's Mind: Can we still care about Bryan vs. Kane?

Our Take: Of course you can. I don't know why you would, aside from the fact that Bryan is so good and entertaining. Kane is that guy who will get a match, but really has done nothing to deserve it. 

Hype Meter: 2 out of 5 NO!

While a Sheen angle would likely have been a disaster, at least it would have been one of those trainwrecks you can't look away from. Another Kane-Bryan match is not going to mean anything, nor will it be so bad you remember it. 

Deeper Dive

Update on Charlie Sheen at SummerSlam (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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