BS Meter on Latest WrestleMania 42 Celebrity Rumors, Bianca Belair's WWE Return Update, More

One can feel the desperation and all-in nature of WWE programming right now with WrestleMania looming. 

It's a vibe shifting to a panicky stretch for the rumor mill, too. 

A quick scan of the biggest rumors sort of says it all: There's buzz about major character developments for a Superstar in a main event at 'Mania. There are rumblings of a major unexpected return, shocking possible match stipulations and plans for wrestlers who could still steal a top-billed spot at the last second. 

Got all that?

To help fans keep up with the quick pace, let's put the biggest rumors on the BS Meter, with 10 being the highest form of unbelievable buzz fans can safely dismiss.

Cody Rhodes character change?

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The Rumor

One can almost feel the change coming for Cody Rhodes. According to Self Made Pro (h/t Randall Ortman of Cageside Seats), Rhodes is about to have "more of an edge" when he returns, matching Randy Orton's energy. 

Reaction

Fans have heard this one before about Rhodes, who likes to toe the line of going heel, but never actually doing it. But this time does feel a little different, considering just how bloody and nasty Orton got while escalating the feud. 

BS Meter: 5

This is wait-and-see material. Rhodes' "edge" often isn't, well, all that edgy. It would be nice if they told a story about him sinking to Orton's level and either losing himself or overcoming it. The pace of the storytelling right now, at least, is compelling. 

WrestleMania for iShowSpeed?

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The Rumor

At this point, iShowSpeed almost feels inevitable for WrestleMania. According to Bodyslam (h/t Ortman), his recent appearance on Raw is a precursor to a 'Mania appearance, which has been discussed. 

Reaction

WWE would be foolish not to at least reach out and see if iShowSpeed wants to do something over the course of the two-night event at 'Mania. His 2025 rumble appearance was iconic and still talked about today. 

BS Meter: 1

WWE loves eyeballs on its product. Few have international reach like iShowSpeed right now. It certainly helps that he's more than shown in the past that he can take wrestling moves. It could be something as small as a backstage segment, but iShowSpeed will almost certainly be at 'Mania. 

Bianca Belair's comeback

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The Rumor

Here comes Bianca Belair…potentially. According to Self Made Pro (h/t Rajah's Jeff Whalen), expectations say Belair will be at WrestleMania. Bodyslam reported she's back training in a "light" capacity. 

Reaction

Any appearance from Belair is good for all involved. She's been out of action for going on a year while publicly battling a serious finger injury. The women's division could use the intrigue, but it will just be nice to see her getting involved again. 

BS Meter: 1

Easy enough to believe. Even if it's just a backstage segment, any involvement that so much as hints at her ramping up to a comeback would be great. Maybe it goes beyond that, but low expectations certainly leave room for a welcome surprise. 

Jacob Fatu vs. Drew McIntyre stipulation?

The Rumor

WWE wants things even more personal between Jacob Fatu and Drew McIntyre, it seems. According to Self Made Pro (h/t Ortman), the two will get in a Hell in a Cell encounter at 'Mania. 

Reaction

The scaffolding-falling angle at SmackDown would seem to hint as much. Whether fans want to actually see HIAC, though, is tougher to predict. It's a match-type that suffered greatly from its longtime PLE with the same name. 

BS Meter: 5

WWE could certainly be considering this. Unfortunately, it just has the meta-fan stuff hanging over it. Yanking the title off McIntyre for Rhodes at the last second before 'Mania was polarizing. Throwing a polarizing match-type into his next feud might not exactly rehab the situation well enough. 

Gunther WrestleMania update

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The Rumor

Maybe Gunther won't be left off 'Mania after all. According to WrestleVotes (h/t Ortman), he'll still have a major role at 'Mania despite a recent absence or two. 

Reaction

Here's to hoping WWE can find something great for the man who retired John Cena. Kidding aside, WWE has felt lost on the Gunther subject for a little while now. What the swerve might be that gets him back on course this late in 'Mania season is hard to say. 

BS Meter: 1

Gunther isn't going to miss WrestleMania. He's too important to WWE history now and the current landscape. But he's a made man who doesn't need to be in a title scene, either. Unfortunately, WWE's haphazard, panicky booking around titles and main events has left him rudderless and a little lost in the mix right now.