WWE Rumors: Examining Latest Buzz Around Undertaker, Ricochet and More

Don't plan on seeing Undertaker in a WWE ring for a while. And while Ricochet doesn't look like he'll be joining the company right now, the door isn't closed for him. Those are the big lessons learned from the latest WWE rumors.

Speculation about Undertaker's future has been churning since The Deadman laid his gloves in the ring after his WrestleMania 32 match. While it's not clear whether he wrestled his last bout, a new report pointed out that his WWE schedule has been wiped clean.

As for the high-flying Ricochet, signs point to him not taking part in the Global Cruiserweight Series this summer despite the Internet buzz about that possibility.

In other stories, backstage reports offer insight into what WWE had planned for Batista at WrestleMania and the company's line of thinking concerning Maryse.

Batista Reportedly Turned Down WrestleMania 32 Role

WrestleMania 32 had a healthy supply of big-name guest stars, from The Rock to Shaquille O'Neal. Batista was supposed to be among them.

According to Ryan Satin of Pro Wrestling Sheet, "Dave Bautista was never offered the job of guest referee in the main event of WrestleMania 32. Vince McMahon wanted him in the segment which featured three of the most popular wrestlers ever."

Satin is referring to the moment when Mick Foley, Shawn Michaels and Steve Austin all came down to the ring to take out The League of Nations.

It would have been odd to add The Animal to that mix. That trio was made up of Hall of Famers. Batista was never as big a star as any of them.

Having Batista take part in the main event would have been the better move.

Ricochet to WWE?

When WWE announced that it would showcase the world's best high-flyers with the Global Cruiserweight Series, many a fan's mind first went to Ricochet. He has long been one of the most exciting smaller wrestlers. 

Speculation filled the web.

The wrestler himself, though, put that idea to rest:

"

Okay, guys listen. I will NOT be in the Global Cruiserweight Tournament.

One reason, I'll be in Japan winning BOSJ. Again.

— Ricochet (@KingRicochet) April 11, 2016"

But Dave Meltzer noted on Wrestling Observer Radio (h/t Wrestling Inc) that Ricochet has been informing promoters that he is not taking bookings past June. Meltzer added that it's likely that the man also known as Prince Puma will make the move to WWE, though it wouldn't be his immediate next step.

As aggressive as WWE has been in signing independent talent, one has to believe that Ricochet is on the company's radar.

A deal doesn't look to be happening before the cruiserweight tourney on the WWE Network, but don't count out the possibility of a deal after that. The NXT brand will need an in-ring dynamo like him when more of its wrestlers move up to the main roster.

Rumored Reason for Maryse's Return

The Miz's wife has recently stepped back into the spotlight to be by the intercontinental champion's side. Besides how tremendous she is at being an over-the-top elitist, WWE's motivations for bringing her back on board reportedly have to do with Total Divas.

The Wrestling Observer (h/t Wrestle Zone) reported that major changes are coming for Total Divas in response to poor ratings, which is a big part of why Maryse returned to WWE TV.

That fits WWE's usual pattern.

Whenever it needs to promote the show, it slides a star from that reality show on one of its wrestling shows. Natalya or Alicia Fox will suddenly get a match after weeks of inactivity just as a big angle featuring one of them is set to air on Total Divas.

Wisely, WWE hasn't had Maryse push rising stars like Sasha Banks or Becky Lynch aside. The former Divas champ is playing a much different role. She's a diva by design. The other women are wrestlers.

Backstage Word on Undertaker's Schedule

Let the annual "Is Undertaker done?" discussion begin. Every year after his WrestleMania match, questions about how long he will continue to wrestle emerge.

This time, WWE's wiping his name from the docket has provided ammunition for the usual retirement speculation.

On F4WOnline.com, Meltzer reported, "According to those in WWE, Undertaker will not be going on the European tour and Kane will replace him on all the shows he was advertised on. No reason was given, although Undertaker was talking retirement after WrestleMania last week."

Undertaker's schedule change may not mean much of anything. Maybe he just wanted additional rest. Maybe he's nursing an injury.

It's yet not time to start referring to Undertaker's career in the past tense, but it looks as if he will at least be out of the WWE spotlight for now. That's not unusual for The Deadman. Hibernation has often followed WrestleMania for him in recent years.