The Rock, Adam Rose and Latest WWE News and Rumors from Ring Rust Radio

Ring Rust Radio is the best wrestling show on the airwaves, and this week was no different. With strong opinions on the Rock, Dean Ambrose and more, this is where you need to go to get all of your weekly WWE nuggets.

Bleacher Report featured columnists Mike Chiari, Donald Wood and Brandon Galvin give the lowdown on everything going on in the wrestling world. WWE Superstar Adam Rose also joined the show to offer his inside perspective on the business.

With another unpredictable episode of Ring Rust Radio in the books, you can't afford to miss another second of the action. Catch us live every Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET (some language NSFW) or follow us on Twitter @RingRustRadio.

We may just read your questions and comments live on the air. Visit our new website at RingRustRadio.com. You can also email us here: [e-mail].

Some Language NSFW.

Upcoming Guests/Events

Oct. 14: TNA star Eddie Edwards

Oct. 21: TNA star Bobby Roode

The Rock Shockingly Returns on Raw

Surprising wrestling fans is almost impossible in this age of sports entertainment, since it is so easy to gather and spread information, but WWE still manages to pull a rabbit out of its hat every once in a while. That is precisely what the organisation did on Monday as the Rock shocked the world by making his return on Raw to confront Rusev and Lana.

Question on Everybody's Mind: Was This a One-Time Deal?

As part of what had been another ho-hum Raw, most people probably expected Big Show to come to the ring in response to Rusev's heckling. When the Rock's familiar music hit, though, the entire Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York came unglued. The Rock hadn't been seen on WWE programming since a guest appearance at WrestleMania XXX, and there was absolutely no inkling that he would appear, since he has been extremely busy with his successful movie career.

The Rock happened to be in New York for business ventures, though, and WWE hit a home run by organizing a shocking return. It can be argued that nobody in the history of wrestling can hold a crowd in the palm of their hand quite like the Rock. In typical People's Champion fashion, the Most Electrifying Man in Entertainment verbally dressed down the Russian villains before laying the smackdown on Rusev, much to the approval of the WWE Universe.

Ring Rust Radio's Take

The Rock's return was certainly a reminder why watching wrestling can be so entertaining. It was a truly unexpected moment, which reminded many of the Attitude Era's unpredictability. When the Rock's return was over and the dust finally cleared, though, fans naturally wondered if it would lead to something more. As well as Rusev has been received as a heel, there is no program between he and the Rock on the horizon. If the Rock is going to return for another match, WWE wouldn't—for lack of a more sensitive word—waste it on Rusev.

With that said, The Rock had a backstage segment on SmackDown with Triple H in which a potential encounter was teased. That would be a huge WrestleMania match between two legends, although they have already faced each other on multiple occasions. Another possible angle to keep an eye on is the Rock vs. Brock Lesnar, since the Brahma Bull confirmed that he was originally supposed to face the Beast Incarnate at WrestleMania XXX.

Regardless of whether the Rock wrestles at WrestleMania XXXI, it is safe to assume that he will be back eventually. He is still in tremendous shape, he is a major asset to WWE and Monday's return makes it blatantly obvious that he still loves stepping in the ring.

Rumor Mill

Backstage news on the Rock and Rusev (WrestlingInc.com via F4WOnline)

Hell in a Cell Main Event Set

WWE has been creating conflict between John Cena, Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins ever since Night of Champions. As such, it comes as no surprise that they will all play some role in to the Hell in a Cell main event. As announced on Raw, the winner of a match between Cena and Ambrose at the PPV will face Rollins inside the cell later on that night.

Question on Everybody's Mind: Is This a Smart Move Creatively?

Although Cena and Ambrose are both faces, they have been at odds because they both desperately want a shot at Rollins. The leader of the Cenation has a legitimate gripe, given Rollins cost him his 16th world title reign at Night of Champions. At the same time, Rollins nearly ended the career of WWE's Lunatic Fringe by curb stomping his head through cinder blocks, so the story of Cena and Ambrose having to go through each other to get to Rollins does make some sense.

Also, Ambrose has arguably become WWE's fastest-rising star since returning to the fold at Night of Champions. He is a volatile antihero who the fans can really get behind, and putting him up against Cena feels very much like an endorsement. Advertising Cena vs. Ambrose could generate some extra interest in Hell in a Cell, as could the notion that one of them may get some retribution against Rollins.

Ring Rust Radio's Take

As entertaining as Cena vs. Ambrose promises to be, this reeks of desperation on WWE's part. The fact that at least one of them will be pulling double duty speaks of the lack of depth currently on the roster. Also, while their rivalry has been built well, it seems way too soon to give this match away. Cena vs. Ambrose is a huge deal and should be headlining multiple pay-per-views rather than potentially serving as the opener at Hell in a Cell. The Rollins part of the equation takes the focus off of the tension between Cena and Ambrose as well.

The added stipulation of putting a contract on a pole makes a mockery of the match too; any match that involves something being put on a pole isn't very good. It is easy to envision both men working hard to put on a fine performance, but the end result isn't going to be satisfying. That is especially true if Cena is given the win over Ambrose as expected. Perhaps the stipulation is a way to give Ambrose the win without damaging Cena whatsoever, but it is weak to say the least.

In the interest of getting everyone involved and protecting the Superstars who need to be protected, WWE would have been much better off booking a Fatal 4-Way between Cena, Ambrose, Rollins and Randy Orton, who is now stuck in limbo. It is far too early to feed Ambrose to Cena, but it unfortunately feels like that is what will ultimately happen.

Rumor Mill

Possible WrestleMania plans for Cena (WrestlingInc.com via Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

RRR Interview with WWE's Adam Rose

Ever since Adam Rose and his Rosebuds burst onto the scene in WWE, they have brought a unique brand of entertainment along with them. Few current Superstars are able to connect with the fans as well as Rose, which is why he has enjoyed so much success thus far. With the Exotic Express continuing to roll, Rose joined Ring Rust Radio to discuss his future in WWE.

Question on Everybody's Mind: What's Next for Rose?

Every performer in WWE is asked to fill some type of role, and there is no question that Rose has found his niche. Although his character is far removed from someone like Santino Marella, Rose has essentially assumed his spot on the roster to provide lightheartedness and comic relief. Rose is very much committed to his gimmick, and that is likely because he views it as an amplified version of himself.

"The best characters are those that are extensions of yourself," Rose said. "I think Adam Rose is most definitely just an extension of the man behind him."

Even though Rose hasn't exactly been placed in blockbuster feuds to this point, he has made the most of every situation. In fact, Rose has even managed to make the Bunny a popular and viable Superstar. There will always be a spot for guys like Rose in WWE, and he will continue to endear himself to the powers that be as long as he keeps developing his uncommon character.

Ring Rust Radio's Take

Some might believe that a gimmick such as the one possessed by Rose can only go so far in WWE. Perhaps that is true to some degree, but Rose is understandably happy with what he is accomplishing. Above all else, Rose aims to create an entertaining atmosphere whenever he goes to the ring.

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When Adam Rose finally did finally step foot within the WWE, the whole point was to make an impact, to be different and to bring something that has never been brought before—to bring the party to the WWE. And that's exactly what we've done with the Exotic Express. ... So it's an experience, and I think that's what people need to realize. It's an experience, and you want to be a part of it and be a part of the totally different exotic experience we are bringing.

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Not everyone is going to embrace Rose's brand of entertainment, but that can be said for every Superstar in WWE. Rose is perfectly capable of continuing to serve in a midcard comedy role, but the sky is the limit depending upon what direction WWE wants to take him in. Rose even proved in NXT that he could play a more serious character like Leo Kruger, so it is obvious that the man behind Rose is a top-tier talent.

Rose is an interesting character with a lot of dimensions, and WWE has likely only scratched the surface in terms of how it can utilize him.

Ring Rust Radio's Season 6 Fantasy WWE Standings

1. Donald Wood: 177.5

2. Mike Chiari: 172.5

3. Joe Arcidiacono: 20

4. Brandon Galvin: -32.5

For more wrestling talk, listen to Ring Rust Radio. Catch the latest episode in the player below (some language NSFW).

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