WWE Rumors: Steve Austin, CM Punk, SmackDown Spoilers & Wednesday's WWE Buzz

It always fascinating to watch what WWE does as a followup to a major show. Everyone knows about the post-WrestleMania lull that usually hits the creative team, though Brock Lesnar changed that a little bit this year. 

SummerSlam is obviously not as big as 'Mania, but it is the biggest event of the summer. We are not going to see another major show until, presumably, Survivor Series in November. If WWE doesn't go all-out for that show, the Royal Rumble is the next major show. 

Night of Champions has the dubious honor of following SummerSlam. Hopefully the creative team is able to come up with something strong for the show. 

Speaking of strong, we will bring a lot of power with the latest news and rumors from the wacky world of professional wrestling. 

STEVE AUSTIN REFUTES WRESTLEMANIA 30 RUMOR

On Tuesday, there was a report citing sources stating that Austin would be wrestling his final match at WrestleMania 30 in 2014. Naturally, the news made its way to the Rattlesnake. Jim Ross also made his feelings known on the subject, via Twitter:

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Sources/'media' saying @steveaustinbsr will wrestle at WM29 have zero credibility. Less than zero. IF Austin ever returns, HE'LL make call.

— Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) August 21, 2012"

Question on Everybody's Mind: What's going on with Austin?

Our Take: No one knows anything. Any report you read basically means nothing. Like Ross says, if Austin wants to wrestle again, he will. If he doesn't, or the right opportunity doesn't present itself, he won't. He doesn't need to do anything with WWE again to help his legacy.

Hype Meter: 5 out of 5 Beer Baths

At least there is never a dull moment with Austin, who is still making headlines even though he can't walk right now. WrestleMania would certainly be better with him, but he has to physically be able to handle a match to make it worth his wile. 

Deeper Dive

Austin Expected To Wrestle At WrestleMania 30 (PW Insider h/t Wrestling Inc)

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CM PUNK IS THE BEST WRESTLER IN THE WORLD

Pro Wrestling Illustrated will come out with its annual list of the 500 best wrestlers in the world, with WWE champion CM Punk claiming the top spot for the first time in his career. Last year, Punk ranked No. 10 on this list. 

"

Here's the first look at the cover of the 2012 "PWI 500." The digital release will be Thursday at noon. twitter.com/OfficialPWI/st…

— OfficialPWI (@OfficialPWI) August 21, 2012"

Question on Everybody's Mind: Is this ranking a big deal?

Our Take: Not really. It might be a nice honor for the person who is No. 1, but bear in mind that last year, Miz was the No. 1 wrestler on the list. How is that working out? PWI has its own special criteria, which can easily skew the rankings in the direction of whomever they want. 

Hype Meter: 4 out of 5 Signs of Respect

Even if Punk can't get John Cena or Jerry Lawler to respect him on Raw, he has the love and admiration of the people who compile the list. In a vacuum, this is a nice honor and recognition of all Punk has done. 

Deeper Dive

More on CM Punk and PWI 500 (B/R) 

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SHAQ TOUTS BROCK LESNAR

Since Tout is the way of the future in WWE, it makes sense that Shaquille O'Neal would take to the social media website to deliver a message to Brock Lesnar. Sadly, it was just a way for Shaq to congratulate Lesnar's career following his "retirement."

Question on Everybody's Mind: How will WWE bring Lesnar back?

Our Take: This is an interesting dilemma for the company, and a big reason why him leaving forever made no sense. Sure, WWE will probably just do something simple, like have Triple H issue a challenge for a rematch and Lesnar accepts, but that doesn't exactly light the world on fire. 

Hype Meter: 4 out of 5 Touts of Destiny

What would really be interesting is if WWE could find a way to work Shaq into an angle with Lesnar. Of course, we all thought Shaq would be at WrestleMania, so expecting anything with him is a dangerous proposition. 

Deeper Dive

Watch Shaq Tout (NoDQ)

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****WARNING****

THE FOLLOWING SECTION CONTAINS SPOILERS FROM THIS WEEK'S SMACKDOWN TAPINGS. IF YOU DON'T WANT TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENED, STOP READING.

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RANDY ORTON AND ALBERTO DEL RIO BATTLE TO FIGHT SHEAMUS

WWE wasted no time in just throwing Randy Orton, who has really done nothing to warrant a title shot, back into the main-event mix. He was put in a No. 1 contender match for Night of Champions with Del Rio, which Del Rio won clean with an armbar. Dolph Ziggler teased cashing in his briefcase after Sheamus and Del Rio got into it. Orton laid out Ziggler with an RKO. 

Question on Everybody's Mind: What is with Alberto Del Rio and title shots?

Our Take: I don't know, but unless he actually wins one of these matches, there really is no way to care at all about him, Sheamus or the world title. Del Rio needs something to really get some momentum going, because no one believes he is a title threat. 

Hype Meter: 3 out of 5 Unnecessary Rematches

Even adding Ziggler to the festivities did nothing, because Orton just laid him out like he was nothing. If WWE wants to push Ziggler, stop having him laid out on every show. One win over Chris Jericho, which came the night after he lost to the same man, does not count as a push. 

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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