WWE Rumors: Examining Latest Buzz Around Ryback, Rey Mysterio and More

WWE is rumored to be cooking up something huge for Ryback and planning on bringing back Rey Mysterio soon.

The former is the one fans can count on actually happening. It makes sense for Ryback's recent rise to lead to a showdown with a marquee name. As for Mysterio, what WWE wants may not happen. He may not have a CM Punk-like relationship with the company, but it's not great either.

Other WWE rumors focus on what Brock Lesnar will be up to when he finally shows his face again as well as some good news for SmackDown's quality.

We begin, though, with Ryback, a bruiser possibly in line for a career-changing match.

Ryback's Next Rival? 

WWE reportedly has big plans for The Big Guy.

His recent showdowns with Triple H may actually lead to a match between the two. As reported on Wrestling Observer Radio (h/t PWMania.com), WWE is currently planning a Triple H vs. Ryback match, possibly at next year's Royal Rumble.

That's huge news for Ryback if it works out that way. Since returning from injury, he has reignited his career. He is fresh off wrestling in the main event at Survivor Series.

His tag team partner Curtis Axel, meanwhile, has rarely made it to TV.

This is the kind of established-veteran-versus-up-and-comer bout WWE should be focused on doing. It helps a guy like Ryback look like a headliner when he goes up against a man of Triple H's caliber.

With Ryback currently in a feud with Triple H ally Kane, it's easy to foresee him moving on to face The Game at some point. 

Superstars Scheduled to Return

A roster thinned by injury and sudden exits may soon get some relief. A number of names are rumored to be on their way back to action.

The Wrestling Observer Newsletter (subscription required) reports (h/t Wrestling Inc) that WWE plans to bring Rey Mysterio back to TV soon. The report also notes that Roman Reigns, Randy Orton and Brock Lesnar should be onscreen on a regular basis in a short while as well.

Reigns' return is no secret. He told fans at Survivor Series that he'd be ready to come back in December.

Many expected Orton to show up at that event after taking time off to film The Condemned 2. As PWInsider.com (h/t Wrestling Inc) reported last week, The Viper was backstage at the pay-per-view, but WWE decided it didn't need both him and Sting to appear.

With his rival Seth Rollins fully involved in a feud with John Cena, there's less of a hurry to bring Orton back. A surprise appearance in the Royal Rumble would be a good spot to do that.

Mysterio is the one wrestler here no one should hold their breath for. The high-flyer has been at odds with the company for months, beginning with Vince McMahon renewing his contract to make up for time lost due to injury.

Don't count on him popping back up on WWE TV even if officials are planning on him doing so. 

In mid-November, the Wrestling Observer Newsletter reported (h/t Wrestle Zone) that a recent meeting between WWE brass and Mysterio didn't resolve any issues. Unless we hear otherwise, consider this a stalemate situation.

When is Lesnar Coming Back? 

As for Lesnar, we now have an exact date on when he will be back on Raw.

The Beast Incarnate is no longer scheduled for the Dec. 7 edition of WWE's premier show. PWInsider's Mike Johnson reports "We are told the creative changed and he'll be returning at the 12/15 episode." Johnson notes that Lesnar will begin building toward his match at the 2015 Royal Rumble.

That will make it more than four full months between his title defenses and almost three months since he showed up on TV.

Pushing back his return to the spotlight until after TLC makes sense. Otherwise, the pay-per-view build ceases to become the focus of the go-home show.

Better to have the powerhouse pounce on Cena right after he's done battling Seth Rollins. 

SmackDown Getting More Stories

The SmackDown revival is underway.

WWE announced in November that the show would move from Friday to Thursday nights. Another logical step in improving SmackDown looks to be on its way as well.

According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter (h/t Wrestling Inc), WWE plans to give SmackDown more major storylines. The idea is to reportedly make SmackDown less like the "B" show when it moves nights next year.

That's welcome news. SmackDown was once as must-see as Raw, but it has since become a supplementary show. Making it more than just rematches and Raw retreads will better it right away.

There's no need to return to a full brand split again, but this is a chance to highlight more of the roster. Cesaro, Tyson Kidd and Zack Ryder, for example, could get more screen time on SmackDown. That would help to give that show its own flavor.

Having the WWE champ not just skip out on SmackDown for his entire reign would be a boost as well.