WWE Rumors: Examining Latest Buzz Around Vince McMahon, Kurt Angle and More

Just as he has been a key figure on Raw in recent weeks, Vince McMahon dominated the WWE rumor mill this week.

His reported view of NXT is the biggest story circulating right now. If it's indeed true that he is as dismissive of the brand as is reported, it hampers the excitement surrounding NXT. 

Much of the other rumors floating around focus on potential shifts of the roster.

An appearance in Ohio led to fans speculating about whether another WWE run was in Kurt Angle's future. One report pointed to WWE having its eyes on Kazuchika Okada. And one Superstar is rumored to be following Wade Barrett's lead and not re-signing when his contract is up.

Kurt Angle Rumblings

Since Angle said his goodbyes with TNA, many a WWE fan started wondering if a return to WWE was in the works. Then both and he Triple H attended the Arnold Sports Festival, which led to a surge in speculation.

It appears to be all for naught.

The Wrestling Observer Newsletter (h/t Wrestle Zone) initially reported that Angle and Triple H met with each other at the Arnold Sports Festival in Ohio over the weekend. Dave Meltzer later wrote for F4WOnline, "There was no interaction between the two."

He also noted, "While you never can say never in wrestling, WWE has consistently not been interested in him in ten years."

Angle's age, the wear and tear on his body and his history with drug abuse all has to leave WWE hesitant to invest in him. If Triple H didn't at least chat about the possibility of a WWE return with Angle while they were at the same event, it sure points to the company not wanting to bring him back.

McMahon and NXT

As much as WWE touts NXT as being the future, is McMahon himself even a huge believer in the brand?

The Wrestling Observer Newsletter (h/t Wrestling Inc) noted that McMahon sees NXT as full of guys that he doesn't believe to be "money" talents. The report also touched on some disconnect and conflict regarding how Tyler Breeze has been booked since his call-up.

Breeze is the latest NXTer to have his tires screech once arriving on the main roster. Adam Rose, Neville and The Ascension know exactly how he feels.

Those cases of prospects going nowhere once they get promoted would seem to support this idea that McMahon isn't sold on NXT's talents. That being said, Kalisto is the United States champ, Kevin Owens holds the Intercontinental Championship and Charlotte is about to defend the Divas title at WrestleMania against two fellow NXT participants in Becky Lynch and Sasha Banks.

Triple H and McMahon's vision certainly doesn't match up all the time. But one can't take this as a sign that McMahon is anti-NXT. 

Another Departure On the Way?

More roster change could be on its way.

In February, Ryan Satin of Pro Wrestling Sheet reported, "Wade Barrett will not be signing a new contract with the company when his current deal expires in a few months." Another wrestler looks to be taking the same path. 

Bryan Alvarez noted on the Bryan and Vinny Show last week (h/t PWMania.com) that an unnamed Superstar has put his notice in. Meltzer acknowledged, but could not confirm the rumor:

There is not a lot to go on with this story so far. But with veterans like Mark Henry and Big Show near the end of their careers, hearing that one of them wants to walk away wouldn't be surprising in the least. 

This is certainly a story to keep an eye on. And it will make fans look at booking differently in the coming weeks. If WWE starts showcasing Big Show a ton and starts giving him what seems like a sendoff, many will be speculating whether that means that he is the mystery man from this rumor.

The Rainmaker Cometh?

Now that both AJ Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura are signed with WWE, one has to wonder if Okada is next. The New Japan Pro Wrestling star is reportedly on WWE's radar.

According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter (h/t Wrestling Inc), WWE is interested in signing Okada in addition to being aggressive in picking up talent from Mexico, Japan and the United Kingdom.

Okada would be a tremendous fit. He has the size and in-ring presence to help him outdo what previous Japanese wrestlers have done with the company. But it's not yet time to start dreaming up what matches he would have on Raw.

The Rainmaker has repeatedly said he doesn't want to come to WWE. In a 2015 interview with Aaron Oster of Rolling Stone, for example, he said, "I like doing the shows with Ring of Honor, but I don't want to leave Japan. I'm not interested in WWE at all. Many people ask me about WWE, and if I'd go to WWE in the future. They ask me if I'm going now. I will not go. I want to make New Japan Pro-Wrestling bigger. That's my future."

He could certainly change his mind at some point, especially if there are enough zeroes on his paycheck, but this attitude points to him being a long shot to make his way to WWE.

Plus, WWE hasn't even yet seen how Nakamura translates to his new home. The more that The King of Strong Style thrives, the more WWE will want to have Okada join him.