WWE Rumors: Examining Latest Buzz Around Alberto Del Rio, the Usos and More

Since his surprise return to the WWE, Alberto Del Rio has been the focal point of a variety of rumors, the United States champ becoming a lightning rod for backstage rumblings.

The talk at first centered on his relationship with Mexico's AAA promotion. The conversation has since shifted to his contract. How much is Del Rio really guaranteed? Conflicting reports make it hard to answer that.

Other stories fans are buzzing about include WWE's reported plans for The Usos. A report about their next possible foes and their place on the card mesh up well with what unfolded onscreen on Monday's Raw.

We round out the week's rumor mill with a look at WWE's partnership with Tapout apparel, what's next for Los Matadores and a note about the buildup for Survivor Series.

Rough Road to Survivor Series?

One insider apparently believed that fans wouldn't be thrilled with how WWE journeyed to the Survivor Series pay-per-view. Bryan Alvarez of Wrestling Observer Live (h/t Wrestling Inc) noted that a source told him that WWE Raw will be "rough viewing" for the next two weeks.

After Monday's Raw, it looks as if this source was wrong. Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins both captained five-man teams in an entertaining main event, Paige earned her title shot in an impressive Fatal 4-Way match and Bray Wyatt demonstrated what devouring Undertaker's soul has netted him. 

It was one of the better editions of Raw that WWE has produced in the last few months.

Perhaps this source was referring to how thin the roster was set to be. John Cena isn't around. Randy Orton is nursing an injured shoulder. And part-timers like Brock Lesnar and Undertaker haven't been seen since Hell in a Cell.

That has only forced WWE to step it up with its writing. Reigns and company have also done well to impress in the absence of these more established names.

Tag Team Rumors

The tag team division is poised for a shakeup. The Usos returned to action on Monday night. Los Matadores may be stepping into the ring soon again too.

According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter (h/t Wrestling Inc), WWE's plan is to push The Usos as the top babyface team and have them face The New Day. 

That makes perfect sense. There isn't a strong enough face team to combat the red-hot New Day other than Jimmy and Jey Uso. 

The New Day has already moved past The Dudley Boyz and now need a fresh challenge. The Usos' in-ring electricity and New Day's fun shtick promise to be a winning combo.

As for Los Matadores, the above report stated that the plan is to re-package them. WWE will be leaving them off TV for in the hopes that fans forget the gimmick.

That's a move that's been needed for some time now. The bullfighter act never really caught on. It's not surprising in the least that WWE would consider a change, looking to make use of Fernando and Diego in a new context with new personas.

Rumored Plans with Tapout

WWE's current partnership with the Tapout brand is reportedly set to grow. PWInsider's Mike Johnson reported that there are plans for WWE to partner with the company as they open Tapout Fitness Centers in several cities.

Johnson added, "Part of the strategy is to integrate talents so that they are appearing and taking part in the Tapout Fitness Centers in the markets they live. So, Daniel Bryan could appear, teach or take part at the Center in Phoenix, for example."

This is much like the UFC Gym concept. And it makes a lot more sense for WWE to get involved in this venture than when it went into the restaurant business.

There's a natural connection between gyms and WWE Superstars that both companies are smart to explore. 

Backstage Word on Alberto Del Rio's Contract

What did it take to snag Del Rio away from AAA and his freer schedule? The numbers are hard to pin down. 

According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter (h/t Wrestle Zone), Del Rio has a downside guarantee of $1.45 million. However, PWInsider (h/t Wrestling Inc) purported that the 1.45 million number was too high. Del Rio is reportedly set to make only close to a third of that.

Whatever the actual figure is, it was enough for Del Rio to leave AAA despite still being its world champ.

And it's now not clear if he's going to head back to that promotion to drop the title. Dave Meltzer mentioned on Wrestler Observer Radio (h/t Cageside Seats) that Vince McMahon refuses to let Del Rio lose on another TV show.

If that's true, that puts AAA in an unenviable spot. Vacating the belt may be its best bet.

It's surprising that a plan for how to handle this championship situation wasn't written into Del Rio's contract. Wasn't there an exit strategy in place?

Del Rio looks like the winner now with fattened pockets, but he risks hurting his future relationship with AAA.