WWE Rumors: Examining Latest Buzz Around Nikki Bella, Cesaro and More

For both Nikki Bella and Cesaro, the latest WWE rumors provide insight into injury situations.

Nikki has been nursing a neck injury. A new report pointed to her potentially needing to go under the knife and extending her absence.

Backstage word on Cesaro is less gloomy. He's rumored to be seeing a famous doctor soon, but mostly for an update on his condition.

Elsewhere on the WWE rumor mill, Alberto Del Rio reportedly had a surprising alternative to wrestling open to him, and the company is apparently mulling over potential changes to the Slammy Awards format.

Update on Nikki Bella

Brie Bella may be forced to go it alone well into 2016. Nikki could be headed for a neck operation.

According to F4WOnline (h/t Wrestling Inc), Nikki is rehabbing her neck and will find out at the end of next month whether she will have to undergo surgery for bulging discs. She seemed to confirm that in a recent tweet:

While she didn't type the words "bulging discs," this certainly looks like a reference to what F4WOnline mentioned.

Obviously, surgery would push her return timetable back considerably. However, Nikki should return refreshed after not taking bumps and working the grueling WWE schedule for such a long stretch. It's unfortunate, but an injury is often the only time the wrestlers can get any time off.

Rumored Alternative Route for Del Rio

A lot has been made about what kind of offer WWE laid out for Del Rio to lure him away from Lucha Underground. Apparently, WWE wasn't the only one interested in Mexico's Greatest Export.

The Wrestling Observer Newsletter (h/t Wrestle Zone) reported that NBC considered Del Rio for a role in a telenovela before he made his return to WWE.

Credit: WWE.com

The money-to-bruise ratio would have been far better were he to choose TV over wrestling. Del Rio, though, is not an experienced actor or a major star outside of the WWE world. It's surprising that NBC would seek him out for this role.

If it's true, it must have been welcome leverage for him to use when negotiating with WWE.

Backstage Word on Cesaro 

Cesaro is among the slew of wrestlers out with shoulder issues. He should soon have a better idea when he'll be able to exit that group.

Todd Williamson/Associated Press

PWInsider (h/t Wrestling Inc) reported that Cesaro is set to head to Alabama in early January to get an update on his shoulder. He is reportedly scheduled to see Dr. James Andrews for a few days.

Andrews is a famous surgeon who has performed procedures on CM Punk, Randy Orton and John Cena. At least The Swiss Superman knows he's in good hands.

This isn't the kind of report that should inspire any skepticism. It's just a smart move to have Andrews check on Cesaro's progress. 

So, it appears by the end of next month, fans will have a much better idea of how long to expect Cesaro and Nikki to remain out of action.

Changes Coming for the Slammys?

Those who watched the year's Slammys and thought that something has to change with the ceremony are not alone. A recent report noted that officials are talking over ways to improve things.

According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter (h/t Wrestle Zone), fans did indeed select the winners. The awards were not rigged. 

More importantly, WWE is reportedly considering making changes to the show's format including closing voting a week ahead of time in order to bring in the award winners. This was a major issue with the ceremony this year, as many Slammy winners weren't around to claim their statuettes. 

Another reported idea is to move the event to WrestleMania week, a time when star power is most concentrated.

Surprisingly, there was no word here about making the show a WWE Network exclusive rather than have it invade Raw and derail storylines. That's the biggest flaw of the program—the fact that it doesn't have room to operate and leaves Raw with too little airtime.

Still, it's good to hear that WWE is recognizing the Slammys need to be altered somehow.