WWE Rumors: Examining Latest Buzz Around Ronda Rousey and Lana

WWE's reported plans for Ronda Rousey and Lana are at the center of the newest squared circle rumors.

The company's internal reaction to word that Rousey's stint was one and done reveals what WWE Creative had lined up for her at WrestleMania 32. As for Lana, she's headed for a bigger share of the spotlight, with or without Rusev.

When fans can expect to see Paul Heyman on TV again and an update on NXT's new head trainer round out the latest batch of WWE rumors.

Which of these stories require grains of salt, and which should be taken at face value? Let's dive in, dig through the backstage reports and analyze what WWE has hinted at so far to find out.

Heyman's Return

Brock Lesnar's slimy manager has followed the big man out of frame. Heyman hasn't been seen since WrestleMania season.

That reportedly won't change until summertime. According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter (h/t Wrestling Inc), WWE plans to keep Heyman off TV until July.

Don Feria/Associated Press

If Lesnar is headed for a WWE title showdown at SummerSlam, it makes sense to bring Heyman back then. However, Heyman can be part of the show without The Beast Incarnate around. This rumored plan is likely what WWE has in mind, but plans, especially in the wrestling world, are subject to change.

Should ratings for Raw dip or WWE needs a jolt in general, don't count out seeing Heyman slip onto the screen earlier than scheduled.

He would be a tremendous asset to Finn Balor if WWE wants to call him up in the near future.

Backstage Word on NXT 

After controversy ousted Bill DeMott as NXT's head trainer, Jason Albert got his turn in that spot. Allegations of bullying, homophobia and endangering injured prospects marred DeMott's career. How is Albert now doing in his place? 

F4WOnline (h/t Wrestling Inc) reports that there have been no negative reports coming out of NXT regarding Albert thus far.

It would be absolutely idiotic of Albert to abuse NXT wrestlers at this point. The spotlight is bright on him and the entire developmental system. WWE officials are sure to be more attune to issues like that than ever before.

Anything other than squeaky-clean reports would be shocking at this point. 

Divas on the Rise

Eva Marie and Lana fans have reason to celebrate. Both women are expected to be bigger parts of WWE programming soon.

Wrestling Observer Newsletter (h/t PWMania) reports that Eva and Lana are set for big pushes in the near future.

Credit: WWE.com

Eva's recent training with The Brian Kendrick (documented on WWE.com) makes it plausible that WWE wants to feature her when she returns to action. The company was willing to put her out there when she was terrible. If she's far better now, it's a safe bet that she gets plenty of attention from the writing team.

In Lana's case, the signs are already emerging that she's in for a change.

At Extreme Rules and the Raw following the pay-per-view, Lana played to the crowd before Rusev berated her. She has quickly gone from brash, unfeeling manager to a sympathetic character suffering Rusev's abuse.

That hints at a babyface turn and a potential split from Rusev. If that happens, it's easy to see WWE then sliding her up the card as a solo act.

Backstage Reaction to Dana White's Comments on Ronda Rousey 

What WWE saw in Rousey's future doesn't match up to the UFC president's vision. White recently spoke with John Pollock for the Fight Network and said that Rousey would not perform in any WWE matches:

That's not only a letdown for WWE fans, but for WWE itself. According to F4WOnline (h/t Wrestle Zone) the news stunned the creative team. It reportedly expected to book Rousey against Stephanie McMahon at WrestleMania 32.

That's one big match off the table unless White changes his mind. Don't expect him to, though. Rousey remains one of UFC's biggest stars. He's not going to want to jeopardize that by having her get injured in a wrestling ring.

One would think that WWE officials would have spoken with White before starting to make WrestleMania plans. Rousey is under contract with him, after all. 

Perhaps this was just a case of wishful thinking and the WWE writing team hadn't yet actually started prepping for a potential Rousey-McMahon showdown. It's a match that remains just a fantasy for now.

WWE will have to seek out WrestleMania-level draws elsewhere.