WWE Rumors: Examining Latest Buzz Around Brock Lesnar, AJ Styles and More

The biggest WWE rumor floating around now involves who the company is reportedly considering pitting Brock Lesnar against at WrestleMania 32. It's the type of story that is hard to believe didn't start out as a joke.

The Internet is buzzing about AJ Styles, too, especially after he debuted at the Royal Rumble. After weeks of rumors about whether he was actually WWE-bound, the backstage news now turns to details of the deal he inked with the company. 

Other stories include an update on Shinsuke Nakamura heading to WWE and more on the internal reaction to the WWE Tough Enough winner's social media gaffe. 

More Word on 'Tough Enough' Winner Heat

Josh Bredl's stay in the WWE doghouse is apparently not over. After referring to The Social Outcasts as "jobbers," in a tweet he has since deleted, the internal reaction has been unfavorable to be kind.

Dave Meltzer noted on Wrestling Observer Radio (h/t Wrestling Inc) that Bredl has substantial heat on him. Meltzer added that there were already resentment issues due to his high salary. The tweet only made things worse.

"

Let him LOL. People like him fizzle out by themselves pretty quick anyway. https://t.co/VkdJQeVEBo

— Kevin Owens (@FightOwensFight) January 19, 2016"

Meltzer also mentioned that WWE had considered putting him in the Royal Rumble as a form of punishment. That clearly didn't end up happening.

WWE was smart to avoid that route. Rumble spots are precious. Using the match to teach a rookie a lesson would be a waste.

AJ Styles Contract Details

Count negotiating as one of Styles' many skills. When he and WWE worked out a deal to come to Vince McMahon's playground, he got quite the deal in the end.

Ryan Satin of Pro Wrestling Sheet reported, "Styles not only retained ownership of his name in the new 'multi-year' WWE contract he signed, the 38 year-old wrestler also held onto his various trademarks." That reportedly includes the Styles Clash finisher and his nickname, The Phenomenal One. 

This is a rarity.

Styles keeping his name at all is unusual. For him to also maintain all his trademarks is a sign of how badly WWE wanted him. That's a good omen for his fans, as WWE wouldn't work something like out with someone it just planned to place in midcard limbo.

Nakamura to WWE Update

The reality of Nakamura competing inside a WWE ring is coming closer and closer to fruition. Speculation about him leaving New Japan Pro Wrestling has run rampant for weeks. The latest report on the issue moves the conversation from vague to specific. 

According to PWInsider, "Shinsuke Nakamura is slated to be at the WWE Performance Center the first week in February. He will have his final appearance for New Japan on 1/30." As Nick Paglino of Wrestle Zone noted, Nakamura announced his NJPW departure at a press conference on Monday. 

WWE itself has yet to announce any kind of deal. And it hasn't teased The King of Strong Style's arrival the way it did for Styles.

Still, it looks inevitable that Nakamura is on his way. The question is now whether WWE will fast-track him to the main roster a la Styles or have him begin at NXT.

Beast vs. Monster?

Lesnar is clearly on a collision course with The Wyatt Family.

The backwoods clan attacked The Beast Incarnate on the Raw before the Royal Rumble. At the Rumble itself, the foursome converged on Lesnar and ousted him from the match. That would all seemingly be a means to set up Bray Wyatt vs. Lesnar, but another idea is reportedly on the table.

According to PWInsider (h/t Wrestling Inc), there has been an internal push of late to have Braun Strowman and Lesnar meet in singles action, potentially at WrestleMania 32.

That would be one of the most baffling decisions WWE could make.

Strowman is too green to get that kind of opportunity. He is at best the third best option of The Wyatt Family members to face Lesnar. Hopefully, Strowman taking on the big man is just a thought that has been tossed around but will soon get shot down.