WWE Rumors: Examining Latest Buzz Around Daniel Bryan, Kurt Angle and More

The question of when we may see Daniel Bryan or Kurt Angle in a ring again headlines the latest batch of WWE rumors.

The latest word on Bryan's recovery from neck surgery is of the depressing variety. His projected return date continues to get pushed back. As for Angle, a pair of conflicting reports surround a potential WWE comeback for the former world champ.

How folks backstage reviewed Justin Roberts' release and recent performances from Damien Sandow, aka Damien "Mizdow," round out the rest of the biggest WWE rumors making their way around the Internet.

We begin with the Olympic gold medalist and whether he's in line to work for WWE again. 

Word on a Potential Kurt Angle Return

An all-time great may or may not be on the comeback trail. A pair of leading outlets disagree.

As noted on ProWrestling.net, Angle told WEEI radio back in January that his contract with TNA was set to expire in the summer. That has come and gone, and Angle is now a free agent.

Does that mean that Rusev should be ready for an all-American whooping? Possibly.

PWInsider reports (h/t PW Mania) that a company source informed it that Angle is discussing a return with WWE. Reportedly, he declined a full-time contract and wants to work part time instead.

However, Dave Meltzer refuted that claim on Wrestling Observer Radio (subscription required) (h/t Wrestling Inc).

WWE offering a 45-year-old with a history of neck issues would certainly be a curious move. But so is resisting his request to be a part-time star. 

Angle has tremendous value as a star and has shown in recent work with TNA that he's not yet done in the ring. 

If the PWInsider report is true, WWE needs to stop messing around and come to terms with him. Having Angle work with Bray Wyatt, Cesaro or Rusev is greatness waiting to happen.

News on WWE Releasing Announcer

The ongoing budget cuts snagged their latest victim. WWE announced on its official website that it would not renew ring announcer Roberts' contract, wishing him well on his future endeavors. Even with all the employees who have been let go this year, Roberts' departure was unexpected.

According to PWInsider (h/t PW Mania), Roberts' release came as a shock to many. The report goes on to say that he was well-liked and that some talents didn't believe the news at first.

Credit: WWE.com

The reason that no one saw this coming may be that WWE didn't know it was going to let him go until Monday's Raw. 

PWInsider later reported (h/t Wrestling Inc) that some fans have claimed to have seen Roberts and Michael Cole arguing during the show, even going to the point of flipping him off. If that's true, that explains the suddenness of his exit.

As Alberto Del Rio found out not long ago, a single act of unprofessionalism can net one a one-way ticket out of the company. If WWE weren't looking for ways to trim the budget, it's more likely he would have just been reprimanded or suspended.

Right now, though, it looks like everyone is wearing a short leash.

Backstage Reception for Damien Sandow

Sandow accompanied The Miz to the ring on Monday's Raw and mimicked his every move. This shtick has become one of the most entertaining elements on WWE TV each week.

Fans aren't the only ones who have noticed. According to F4WOnline (subscription required) (h/t Wrestle Zone), Sandow's antics were a big hit backstage.

That's not surprising in the least. He's thrown himself into this role and turned what could have been a throwaway gimmick into a regular highlight.

Sometimes wrestlers take strange journeys to the top. For Sandow, the success of this angle, especially with how it is perceived by folks in the business, could be how he ascends the company ladder.

Playing a stunt double may do for him what being in anger management sessions did for Bryan.

Daniel Bryan Injury Update

Don't get your hopes up about Bryan.

It's increasingly uncertain when he's coming back. The prevailing thought recently has been that Bryan would be ready to go come Royal Rumble time. That's not likely to be the case now.

Meltzer said on Wrestling Observer Radio (h/t Wrestling Inc) that Bryan has yet to regain strength in his arm and there is word that he may need more surgery. Meltzer also noted that Bryan will probably not be back in time for the Royal Rumble but may make it back by WrestleMania.

There has been little good Bryan-centered news since he went under the knife earlier this year. His lack of arm strength is troubling, as is the fact that it seems that he won't be able to avoid a second surgery.

Bryan's absence has meant added opportunities for guys like Dean Ambrose, but WWE just hasn't been the same without his energy and recklessness in the ring. 

WrestleMania 31 isn't that long to wait in the grand scheme of things, but the more worrisome scenario is that the second surgery doesn't alleviate his issues. Being healthy to compete at all is no guarantee. That's not something Bryan or his fans want to even think about.

Here's to a successful trip to the surgeon's table and a speedy recovery.