WWE Rumors: Examining Latest Buzz Around Stardust, Kalisto and More

Rumors point to why Stardust and Kalisto, two of WWE's most colorful figures, aren't being showcased more.

In Stardust's case, a reported but not-yet-confirmed injury may be holding him out of the ring. As for Kalisto, WWE is rumored to be down on him because of his size.

As much as both wrestlers can make strong cases that they are underused, Natalya would kill for the amount of spotlight those two get. The former Divas champ has been pushed way into the background. A recent backstage report offered some insight into why that's been the case.

The rumor mill also touched on where WrestleMania 33 will be held. 

How much of all this is to be believed, and what should be taken with ample grains of salt? Read on as we dive into the latest batch of WWE rumblings.

Natalya Update

Natalya hasn't wrestled a televised match since Nov. 9, per CageMatch.net. Her burgeoning feud with Sasha Banks evaporated before it ever really began. She hasn't been more than a bit player in the Divas Revolution storyline.

It appears that it's an issue with WWE Creative, not an injury, that has kept her out of action and out of sight of late.

On Wrestling Observer Radio (h/t Ringside News' Steve Carrier), Dave Meltzer mentioned that Natalya has not been on TV recently because the company doesn't feel that it has a spot for her. WWE is reportedly focused on the three Divas factions instead.

Credit: WWE.com

That certainly seems like the case from the outside. WWE has struggled to find a balance in how it highlight its women, even the ones in the featured groups. It's not surprising that the company is confused about how to also include Natalya.

That's a shame, as she's one of the most talented performers on the roster. She joins a long list of wrestlers with plenty to gripe about as 2015 closes.

Lingering Injury for Stardust?

Fans haven't seen a ton of Stardust either, but that looks to be more of a case of him healing than being in limbo with WWE Creative.

Ric Flair mentioned on his WOOOOO! Nation! podcast that Stardust is dealing with a "neck issue." As much as this idea has been tossed around the Internet, WWE hasn't issued an official statement. Stardust hasn't confirmed it via social media, either.

But the evidence does point to him being hurt. While he did appear in a backstage segment on Monday's Raw, he hasn't competed since Dec. 7, per CageMatch.net, on TV or at live events.

With the holiday season underway, WWE is likely taking it easy and being extra cautious with Stardust. The company is going to need all the bodies it can get at the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania. There's no sense in exasperating any medical issue at this point in the year.

Backstage Word on Kalisto 

Kalisto's career highlight so far is his insane leap from the top of a ladder onto another ladder at TLC. Beyond that, he hasn't done a whole lot since moving to the main roster. He and Sin Cara have been in the tag title hunt, but haven't had a sustained rivalry or much of a storyline.

That may be a result of WWE making him one of the odd men out. According to Wrestling Observer Radio (h/t Wrestling Inc.'s Marc Middleton), one reason that WWE hasn't done much with Kalisto is that it feels he isn't tall enough for what the company is looking for. 

WWE has a long history of doubting smaller performers, from Rey Mysterio to Daniel Bryan. This wouldn't be surprising in the least.

Then again, Kalisto is doing far better than a ton of the roster. Damien Sandow is among those who don't even make it on TV. The high-flyer is at least in the tag team championship mix. 

WrestleMania 33 Whispers

With Monday's Raw being in Minneapolis, many fans were wondering if an announcement was on its way about the 2017 WrestleMania heading to Minnesota. 

Jim Mone/Associated Press

No announcement came on Monday, and there's not a clear sign that it will happen at all. PWInsider's Mike Johnson reported, "There is no scheduled WWE announcement today for that event and we are also hearing that as of now, Mania 33 in 2017 is not confirmed for Minneapolis."

Dave Meltzer has heard the city discussed as a possible WrestleMania site. He wrote on F4WOnline, "There were people in the company expecting that would happen tonight months ago, but I've heard nothing in that direction in recent weeks."

Minnesota fans are going to have to hold tight. There is nothing solid to suggest the Gopher State is hosting The Show of Shows after Dallas gets its turn.