WWE Rumors: Examining Latest Buzz Around Dolph Ziggler, Sheamus and More

Whether Dolph Ziggler will stick around and what officials have in mind for Sheamus post-Money in the Bank headline the newest round of WWE rumors.

Ziggler could be wrapping up his WWE career soon. It's hard to tell, however, as the information suggesting that exit is far from the confirmed variety. 

In addition, we will look to make sense of rumors surrounding what's ahead for Mr. Money in the Bank. Other stories feature backstage notes on what Triple H was up to on Monday's Raw and updates on both Erick Rowan's and Tyson Kidd's injuries.

Usually, that last item wouldn't be something that fans would need to dig into rumors to find out about. WWE has been mighty hush-hush lately, though, when it comes to injury reports.

Backstage reports eyed through a critical lens serve as the means to those injury situations and the biggest behind-the-scenes stories.

Backstage Word on Money in the Bank Win

Sheamus now holds the Money in the Bank briefcase, but for how long? A recent report offers somewhat of a clue to when he will cash in.

According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter (h/t Wrestling Inc), Sheamus was supposed to win the Money in the Bank briefcase last year, but plans shifted. As for when he will use the contract, he is likely to do so against a babyface Seth Rollins in the next year. 

That's quite vague. He has to cash in within the next year, per the terms of the contract inside the briefcase, so the timing isn't revealing in the least.

It's the fact that Rollins is rumored to be turning face that stands out.

That's a transition that seems likely given how much conflict Rollins has had with The Authority. And one would expect that the cash-in doesn't come until SummerSlam at the earliest. Rollins is likely to either have a rematch with Lesnar at the event or perhaps face Triple H. Should he defeat The Game as a face, that would be an opportune time to have The Authority rely on its backup plan in Sheamus.

But as we can see with the above report's info on how Sheamus' proposed Money in the Bank win was moved around, WWE's plans aren't fixed.  

Dolph Ziggler on the Way Out?

Fans of The Showoff are suddenly nervous. The conversation around the virtual water cooler is about Ziggler potentially leaving WWE before long.

Former WWE Creative member Court Bauer started that wildfire of a rumor. On MLW Radio, Bauer said, "Dolph's deal is up in a few months, and he has indicated informally that unless he gets a big push, he may leave like Mundo."

He's referring to Johnny Mundo (known as John Morrison) there.

This is all the information we have to go on for now. There have been no reports about a potential exit from major wrestling outlets. And Ziggler himself, of course, isn't talking.

Ziggler did, however, joke about the rumors on Twitter:

Even with such little information, this rumor is spreading quickly because of its plausibility. One has to imagine that it's been a frustrating ride for the former world champ. He keeps getting close to the top tier only to fall back down into a "workhorse who puts guys over" role.

Mundo and AJ Styles have provided the blueprint of how to make a living outside of the WWE. If Ziggler truly is feeling undervalued, he will have plenty of places to go.

He did post a Twitter rant (h/t WrestleView.com) in April that included the line, "You've got 5 months to prove that 'I' need 'YOU.'" Consider that more fuel for a fire that won't burn out until word of a contract extension or an exit plan emerges.

Triple H Captaining the Ship

Word that Triple H was in charge during Monday's Raw is not as exciting as it first sounds.

According to F4WOnline (h/t Wrestling Inc), Triple H ran Monday's Raw because Kevin Dunn and McMahon were tied up with Tough Enough duties. That left The Game to be in charge for the night, but he didn't pen Raw; he only oversaw it.

Credit: WWE.com

This is not the beginning of WWE looking more like NXT or of Vince McMahon stepping aside for a younger voice. This was just a case of the second-in-command holding the reigns for a short while.

Triple H's not being involved in the writing has it make sense that there was no distinct difference in tone and style to this show. It wasn't Triple H's creation.

In this case, the headline is more notable than the story. 

Injury Updates

Rowan and Kidd are hurt, but WWE isn't about to tell you how badly. The company has taken to being tight-lipped about releasing injury information.

WWE.com's report didn't offer any details in Rowan's case. It only stated that Rowan suffered an injury. That's the same M.O. WWE employed when it announced that Kidd was on the mend. 

That's forced fans to turn to backstage sources to sort things out. According to F4WOnline (h/t Wrestle Zone), Rowan suffered a significant arm injury, although he did work the night after getting hurt.

The report also notes that Kidd is set for neck surgery and is expected to be unable to compete for over a year.

It's easy to buy what F4WOnline is selling with Kidd. He posted a picture of Natalya and himself, mentioning that he was in the preop stage:

Unfortunately, Rowan isn't as active on social media. For now, fans will have to rely on this early, vague info on what's going on with the big man. 

That leaves fans guessing about when Rowan can come back. That is, unless more rumors start to offer some clarity at some point.