WWE Rumors: Examining Latest Buzz Around Luke Harper, Brie Bella and More

Rumors ahead of WrestleMania suggest that WWE fans will not see Luke Harper for a long stretch or Brie Bella in the ring for much longer. Retirement, returns and the roster continuing to be hurt by an ongoing rash of injuries comprise the biggest WWE stories floating around the Internet.

Harper fans won't like what a recent backstage report said about his condition. There's a reason he wasn't included in the Instagram photo of The Wyatt Family visiting the New York Stock Exchange.

As for Bella, it's not health but concerns about her husband that are reportedly seeing her step away from the WWE soon.

In other stories, WWE didn't get what it expected with Eva Marie, and Alberto Del Rio's recent absence has been explained.

Backstage Note on Eva's Return

The five-on-five Divas match at WrestleMania is now set. Eva Marie revealed herself to be the final member of the babyface squad on Monday's Raw.

The fans in Brooklyn, New York, welcomed her with boos. Despite how NXT audiences have so passionately jeered her, WWE reportedly didn't see that coming.

Dave Meltzer noted on Wrestling Observer Radio (h/t Wrestling Inc) that WWE thought Eva Marie would get a positive reaction, believing that WWE crowds think differently than the NXT faithful.

That's about as tone-deaf as one could possibly get. Eva Marie was roundly rejected during her first WWE go-round, and the company hasn't given crowds any reason to change their minds. Having her play a heel would be one thing, but expecting fans to root for her out of nowhere is borderline insane.

This is one of those rumors one hopes isn't true. It would signal a level of thickheadedness from the company that's hard to believe.

Brie on Her Way Out?

For weeks, there have been rumblings about Brie joining husband Daniel Bryan in retirement, but it looks as if that moment may arrive sooner than anyone expected.

Ryan Satin of Pro Wrestling Sheet reported, "Brie Bella will be retiring sooner than she originally planned. ... Pro Wrestling Sheet has learned the wrestler is hanging up her boots following the Raw after WrestleMania."

Satin also noted that a health issue with Bryan is partly why her retirement plans have changed.

Expect this news to affect how WrestleMania's 10-Diva tag match is booked. If Brie is indeed on her way out, the company is likely to afford her a sendoff moment of some sort.

The rumor isn't surprising in the least. Bryan and Brie have been very open about wanting to start a family.

Backstage Word on Del Rio

The League of Nations wasn't at full strength over the last week. Del Rio stepped away from the spotlight with no explanation, missing last Monday's Raw and a recent round of house shows.

Mexico's Greatest Export was reportedly dealing with an injury. "Del Rio will be back at TV tomorrow. He's on a limited-date deal and also has been resting a bad back," Meltzer wrote on F4WOnline.com. 

Del Rio did return to action on Monday's Raw, taking on Kofi Kingston in singles action. He looked fine in the bout.

Learning that he was hurt, though, will shock no one. Injuries have thinned the roster in the past few months. Everyone from Neville to Nikki Bella is on the shelf. 

If Del Rio's back is still bothering him at WrestleMania, WWE can easily lighten his load, as he will be in the ring with three tag team partners.

Luke Harper Hobbled

WWE hasn't yet acknowledged the injury, but the word is that The Wyatt Family member is seriously hurt. 

During a dark match following last week's Raw, Harper collapsed at ringside in pain. Pro Wrestling Sheet shared a video of the incident:

A new report revealed that Harper is set to be inactive for a long time. PWInsider.com's Mike Johnson wrote, "The word making the rounds backstage at the WWE Madison Square Garden event is that Luke Harper's knee injury is worse than originally feared and he is now expected out for five-to-six months."

Harper becomes the latest victim of an unprecedented stretch of injuries. WWE has yet to confirm that he's out or announce what exactly is wrong with his knee.

With the company being so secretive about injuries of late, fans are having to rely on rumors and backstage reports like these to stay updated on the unending series of Superstars ending up on the disabled list.

With The Wyatt Family having little momentum and seemingly nothing in line at WrestleMania, an extended rest may end up being good for Harper.