WWE Battleground 2014: Breaking Down Biggest Rumors Surrounding PPV

WWE’s Battleground is typically an afterthought for most wrestling fans. But with a stacked card and several marquee storylines being built for SummerSlam in August, the 2014 edition of the pay-per-view should be one of the best Battlegrounds to date.

While much of the card is already set in stone, there are rumors swirling about possible returns and potential feuds spawning from Battleground that could have a long-term impact on the product and the next PPV.

Here is the latest scuttlebutt surrounding Sunday’s WWE Battleground.

Brock Lesnar’s Return Imminent?

Brock Lesnar is one of the biggest names in wrestling history, and the mystique around the man who defeated The Undertaker at WrestleMania has only grown since he stunned the world in April.

According to Mike Johnson of PWInsider, Lesnar is scheduled to return to WWE programming as soon as the Raw following Battleground.

With Amazon.com accidentally teasing a match between John Cena and Lesnar at SummerSlam (via Cageside Seats), it is likely that he will be coming back to win the championship he talked about before agreeing to a match with Undertaker.

One distinct possibility for the WWE is having Lesnar appear at the Battleground PPV. While it would be unorthodox to not advertise Lesnar for Sunday’s show, the company is desperately trying to sell the WWE Network. If Lesnar randomly appears, fans will feel obligated to get the network to avoid missing any amazing moments in the future.

Most fans believe the WWE World Heavyweight Championship will be on the line if this match does come to fruition, but that doesn’t have to be the case. If Lesnar beats Cena down on Sunday during the PPV, one of the other competitors—or even Seth Rollins—could walk out with the championship. That would lead to Lesnar vs. Cena at SummerSlam without the title.

Regardless of how Lesnar returns, it will be good to have the Beast Incarnate back in the WWE.

Big Plans for Roman Reigns Following Battleground?

All three members of The Shield have been built strong coming out of the breakup, but none have been pushed to the level that Roman Reigns has as the company’s No. 2 babyface behind Cena.

With a shot at the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at Battleground, there are reportedly huge plans for Reigns as the company heads toward its second-largest PPV of the year.

According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, via WrestlingInc., “Coming out of The Shield vs. Evolution feud and the split with The Shield, the idea is that Reigns will work a feud with Orton and maybe a big pay-per-view match with Triple H before moving on.”

There is no doubt that Reigns has the potential to be a top star in the business, but giving him the title right now is premature. As a relatively new wrestler, he needs to continue learning the ins-and-outs of the sport before being given the opportunity to carry the company.

As Reigns continues to expand his move set and improve his mic skills, he will be given more chances to shine. A great place to start that process would be in a long-term feud with Randy Orton that begins at SummerSlam.

Orton could help carry Reigns through matches as he continues honing his craft, and the former Shield powerhouse would still be portrayed as the monster face going up against one of the most universally despised heels in the company.

Losing at Battleground won’t be so bad for Reigns if Orton and eventually Triple H are the next wrestlers in line to challenge him.

Feud Heating Up in IC Title Battle Royal?

One of the most intriguing matchups on the Battleground card is the Battle Royal to crown the new intercontinental champion, but the match itself may be used as a way to further several undercard storylines.

One of the most prominent feuds coming out of Sunday’s show may be Sheamus vs. The Miz.

In a report from F4WOnline.com, via WrestleZone, the battle between Sheamus and The Miz that started on Monday’s Raw and picked up steam during Tuesday’s Main Event is expected to continue after Battleground.

Initially, a feud between a stale Sheamus and a sorely mistreated Miz sounds flat-out awful, but this could be exactly what both characters need. The Miz needs to find legitimacy after becoming a glorified jobber, and beating Sheamus for the U.S. title accomplishes that feat.

On the other hand, Sheamus either needs a full-blown heel turn or needs to become an unpredictable face. Losing to The Miz again would be almost too much for The Celtic Warrior to handle, and the rumored heel turn could officially begin.

Whether Sheamus eventually turns heel because of this feud or not, it is clear that both men will eliminate each other from Sunday’s Battle Royal and continue their storyline into SummerSlam.

For complete predictions of the card's top matches, courtesy of Bleacher Report's Team Stream Now, check out the following video:

For more wrestling talk, listen to Ring Rust Radio for all of the hot topics or catch the latest episode in the player below (some language NSFW).