Buy or Sell WrestleMania 41 Match Order Rumors, Latest on Rusev's WWE Return, More

Rumors and buzz abound on the road to WrestleMania 41. 

No great shock there. Annually, the closer ‘Mania creeps, the wilder things tend to get when it comes to speculation and reports—no other part of the calendar really compares. 

Like almost every week, the rumor mill features rumblings about wrestlers changing companies, returns and big-match plans. 

But this year is especially unique with John Cena’s heel turn hanging over the proceedings and things like the debate on what the two-night ‘Mania card might actually look like now that, for example, the CM Punk-Seth Rollins-Roman Reigns showdown has been cemented as a main event. 

These are the top rumors and notes making the rounds just a few weeks out from ‘Mania. Let’s break down each, then help fans buy or sell the validity, too. 

WWE Scripting Update

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The Rumor

The subject of WWE scripting promos is back on the menu again. According to Fightful Select (h/t Randall Ortman of Cageside Seats), WWE continues “heavily scripting promos” these days. 

Reaction

This isn’t all that shocking and what one might define as actual “scripting” varies. There’s obviously still a team of writers and things are planned out, at least to a degree. It’s safe to presume top guys like Punk don’t need or want their hand held as much and have more leeway to improvise, too. 

Buy or Sell?

Easy buy. If nothing else, the Triple H era has been good at giving off the vibe things like this don’t happen. The last era was too heavy-handed in this regard at times, certainly. But this “scripting” and promo work feels more authentic, at least, so it doesn’t have to be a bad thing. 

WWE Return Soon?

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The Rumor

It wouldn’t be a week in pro wrestling without a return rumor. This time it’s about Rusev, with PWInsider’s Mike Johnson (Sean Rueter of Cageside Seats) reporting that WWE re-signed him this week. 

Reaction

As soon as rumblings started around Rusev’s pro wrestling future, it was easy to think he could head back to WWE. What’s interesting now is whether the company might announce it or save it for a Raw-after-’Mania special. 

Buy or Sell?

Buy. Rusev had some really fun moments during his prior run and returns to a changed WWE. Just spitballing, but seeing him get back in Chad Gable’s orbit could work. Seeing him throw down with Gunther might be a highlight worth exploring, too. 

AEW Match Sooner Than Expected?

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The Rumor

The rumors around a possible Mercedes Moné vs. Athena match keep flying. According to Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful, the match could happen "way sooner” than fans might think. 

Reaction

This would come as a surprise. As the report noted, the speculation pinned the matchup for AEW All In Texas this July. Bumping it sooner could mean moving it to the Dynasty show or something else upcoming.

Buy or Sell?

Sell. AEW might want to slow-burn this one. The All In Texas show needs some massive matchups and for the women’s division, it really doesn’t get much bigger than this. Moné hasn’t really lost since joining AEW and Athena is an 800-plus day champion. Promotions don’t get to book showdowns with that type of background often, so it should go on the biggest shows. 

Key AEW Injury?

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The Rumor

One of the most popular names in the industry could be out for a while. According to Sapp, Orange Cassidy suffered a torn pec and will remain sidelined. 

Reaction

The former AEW International Champion hasn’t been seen in a match since March 19, which is highly unusual for him, especially at a time when the promotion continues to pave the way for some of its biggest events of the year. 

Buy or Sell?

Buy, unfortunately. Sometimes companies don’t bother writing wrestlers off with on-screen injuries to explain absences. The timing of Cassidy’s stepping back certainly lines up, otherwise he’d still be hot after Kenny Omega to get the mentioned title back. 

WrestleMania Match Order Insight?

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The Rumor

The lineup for the two nights of ‘Mania remains a mystery. According to WrestleVotes, though, the triple threat with Punk, Reigns and Rollins will take place on Night 1, as will Gunther vs. Jey Uso. Beyond John Cena vs. Cody Rhodes, Night 2 will feature Bianca Belair vs. Rhea Ripley vs. Iyo Sky and AJ Styles vs. Logan Paul. 

Reaction

It seems pretty balanced so far. WWE has only announced so many matches as it is, so dispersing men and women’s title matches evenly across the nights and some one-offs to keep the pace steady makes sense.

Buy or Sell?

Buy. We’ll have to see what, if anything, WWE comes up with for names like Liv Morgan and Drew McIntyre, never mind possible late surprises like a Becky Lynch. But a limited run of high-profile, earned matches across two nights feels fitting.