WWE Rumors: Examining Latest Buzz Around the Dudley Boyz, Kurt Angle and More

The Dudley Boyz and Kurt Angle are the subjects of rumors regarding their possible returns to WWE.

The latest rumblings point to the possibility of Bubba Ray and D-Von Dudley putting WWE stars through tables again. Recent word suggests that Angle may not be finishing out his career where he first debuted.

Other WWE rumors concern AJ Lee's exclusion from a reality show, Hell in a Cell's true main event and RybAxel's return to television.

We start with an update on whether Angle is headed for WWE.

Kurt Angle Staying with TNA?

Rusev may not have to worry about an American Olympian making his way back to WWE ready to clamp on the ankle lock. The recent uncertainty as to Angle's future may just be a publicity stunt. 

Dave Meltzer reported on Wrestling Observer Radio (subscription required; h/t PW Mania) that TNA wants fans to think that Angle is leaving so that his return to the company will be a bigger surprise.

That's quite an elaborate ruse to get some buzz going for Angle. He's spent the last few weeks discussing his contract status in several interviews. Did TNA officials instruct him to do so to drum up interest in his comeback?

It's hard to swallow that scenario.

Maybe this is just Dixie Carter and Company blowing smoke. It's not as if TNA is going to say, "One of our biggest stars ever is pining to go back to the other guys." 

TNA has decided to let its free agents go rather than re-sign them lately, as in the case of AJ Styles. Many assumed that was going to happen with Angle as well.  

If this report turns out to be true, TNA will get back an aging, top-tier star, while WWE will have one less special guest for WrestleMania season.

Reported Reason for AJ Lee's Exclusion from Total Divas

The Total Divas cast is getting crowded. As WWE.com announced, Paige and Alicia Fox will be added to the reality show.

That leaves just a few women on the roster, AJ included, who aren't on it. The reason why the Divas champ was left off that team may have to do with her being attached to someone considered persona non grata.

According to F4WOnline (subscription required; h/t Wrestling Inc) the reason AJ has not been made a part of Total Divas is that she is married to CM Punk.

Credit: WWE.com

That would create all sorts of problems. WWE isn't going to want to remind fans on a weekly basis that Punk is sitting on a couch rather than wrestling. And it's not as if Punk would be thrilled to have cameras follow him around.

This seems to be an open-and-shut case: The Diva-centric reality show will continue to be AJ-free, and with good reason.

Hell in a Cell Main Event Update

Contrary to what WWE is telling us, there is no such thing as a double main event. Only one match can go on last. 

While Seth Rollins vs. Dean Ambrose seems like the obvious choice for that spot, WWE may not be so sure. F4WOnline (h/t PW Mania) reports that it's still up in the air which match will be the main event on Sunday's pay-per-view.

That sounds as if WWE is hesitant to go with the emerging stars in the official marquee spot. Yes, Orton and Cena are dependable there, but the audience has to be tired of seeing the same faces in the main event. 

Let Ambrose and Rollins have their moment. This isn't WrestleMania; it's a lower-level show that can serve as a testing ground. It's a chance to see how those two men thrive when given the lead roles in the Hell in a Cell drama.

They have shown us in their previous clashes that they are destined to pull of a masterpiece inside the steel.

RybAxel Set to Return

Ryback took time off to heal from a number of surgeries. Curtis Axel faded away without his tag team partner.

The duo could be back soon. PWInsider's Mike Johnson reports, "Ryback and Curtis Axel are both expected to return to WWE TV within the month, as Ryback is about cleared to return medically."

The tag team division is sorely in need of bodies. Depth has been a major issue. RybAxel's return isn't a cure-all but gives WWE's bookers more options.

Credit: WWE.com

The company would be wise not to just throw them in the mix and return them to jobber status. There need to be more viable contenders in the division. Those two bruisers can provide that.

Dudley Boyz Potential Return

If RybAxel's return would be a shot in the arm for the tag team division, The Dudley Boyz coming back would be an IV filled with electricity. There has been nothing concrete yet, but the popular duo's comeback is a distinct possibility.

According to PWInsider (h/t WrestlingRumors.net), there is mutual interest between WWE and The Dudley Boyz.

Bubba Ray and D-Von have been working for TNA for the last few years. With that company's financial issues and the uncertainty surrounding its TV deal, this is WWE's chance to come in and grab these two gentlemen. 

They would be a fun addition to the roster, a short-term boost to an ailing tag team scene. Here's hoping this story continues to develop and that interest morphs into signatures on contracts.