WWE Rumors: Examining Latest Buzz Around CM Punk, Batista and More

The CM Punk return rumors refuse to die regardless of how clear it is that he has moved on. Talk of Batista working WrestleMania has made its way to various corners of the Internet, too.

The increased buzz about these big names should be expected. WrestleMania season equals swirling WWE rumors. This is when WWE brings in past stars, hits fans with huge surprises and tries to pack its premier pay-per-view with as much name power as it can.

But can fans really expect The Animal to take part in The Show of Shows? Is there any reason to think Punk is on his way back?

Diving into the latest reports and looking at credible information rather than conjecture will disappoint those expecting earth-shattering roster moves. The Punk buzz is a non-story. Goldberg doesn't look to be prepping for WrestleMania, and the same goes for Randy Orton.

Fans will just have to settle for the jaw-dropping surprise that was Shane McMahon's return to Raw on Monday.

Don't Count on a Goldberg Comeback

When it was unclear who would face Undertaker at WrestleMania, there was ample talk online of WWE perhaps giving Goldberg a call.

Injuries have forced WWE to scramble ahead of WrestleMania. A comeback from the powerhouse would be a huge boost to counteract that. It makes sense, then, that WWE would be talking with Goldberg about a potential deal.

However, it looks like the company hasn't reached out to him. Dave Meltzer noted on Wrestling Observer Radio (h/t Wrestling Inc) that WWE has not approached Goldberg to appear at WrestleMania 32.

If there haven't been any talks up to this point, one can start forgetting about him showing up at the massive event. It's only six weeks away, and the card is already starting to take shape.

Plus, the obvious spot for him would be against Undertaker. After Monday's Raw, fans now know that Shane McMahon will be filling that role instead.

The Viper Reportedly Out for WrestleMania

WWE has been Bill Belichick-ian in how tight-lipped it has been about Orton's shoulder injury. Fans have had to guess when he might be ready to come back, with The Apex Predator's admirers hoping for a recovery in time for WrestleMania.

According to Ric Flair, Orton will in fact miss the show.

On his Wooo! Nation podcast (h/t ProWrestling.com), Flair said he has heard that Orton won't be healthy in time for WrestleMania. He said, "I'm told it won't be ready. Randy's shoulder surgery was a lot more serious than people understand."

Jonathan Bachman/Associated Press

As disappointing as this news is, it can't be surprising. Orton only just had shoulder surgery in December.

Still, don't take this as official confirmation. Flair is only sharing secondhand information. It's logical and believable secondhand information, but it isn't word from either Orton himself or WWE.

CM Punk Rumblings 

Blame John Cena for reviving the Punk-to-WWE talk.

With The Second City Saint busy preparing for his UFC debut, it looked clear that Punk wasn't even thinking about a return to pro wrestling. Cena posted a shot on Instagram that stirred up conversation about that possibility, though:

The image is the same one Punk has used on his Twitter profile for a long time. Leaving it out there with no explanation led to wild speculation. Remember, too, that Cena posted a shot of AJ Styles before the TNA original made his WWE debut.

Fans buzzed about what this all meant on the Internet. It even inspired an article on Forbes discussing the financial impact of a Punk return.

But Meltzer noted on Wrestling Observer Radio (h/t Wrestle Zone) that there is nothing to the Instagram photo.

It's easy to believe Meltzer here. The idea of Punk coming back any time soon is far-fetched.

For one, Punk is hurt. As MMAFighting.com reported, Punk needed surgery on a herniated disc in his back. Secondly, he is still under contract with UFC. And it's not as if WWE and Punk are on good terms after their rough divorce two years ago.

Batista in Stripes?

Count The Animal among the stars who aren't headed to WrestleMania 32.

Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter tweeted that WWE wanted to bring in Batista as a guest referee for the main event, but the former world champ didn't take the offer:

Given how his acting career is taking off, it's not hard to imagine Batista turning down a minor role at WrestleMania like that. He's surely not desperate for the paycheck at this point.

The company wanting to go in this direction makes sense. Batista has recent history as Triple H's ally and Roman Reigns' adversary. He would certainly add an interesting dynamic to the bout, but it looks as if the company has to look elsewhere.

However, expect WWE to pull out every trick it can to enhance Reigns vs. Triple H in light of the negative reaction The Big Dog has received of late.