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

Seth Rollins is reportedly extremely close to a WWE return, while CM Punk looks to be far from where he needs to be to enter the UFC Octagon.

A pair of backstage reports pointed to Rollins coming back to Raw rather soon. The former WWE world champion has been out of action since November thanks to a torn ACL and MCL. The Architect, though, appears to be in the final stage of rehabilitation.

As for when we will see Punk make his MMA debut, the latest word creates doubt about his future in that sport. 

Other rumors touched on WWE's plans for former NXT women's champion Bayley and caused mass confusion about announcer Lilian Garcia's status.

Rollins Update

The WWE roster is set to get a major boost in the form of a returning Rollins. After tearing up his knee last November, The Architect is poised for a comeback.

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"Rollins' return is imminent after wrapping up filming the movie Temple," wrote F4WOnline.com's Dave Meltzer. "Rollins has been training this past week in Orlando at the Performance Center for a return that could come at just about any time." 

PWInsider.com's Mike Johnson added, "WWE sources indicate that Rollins is slated to return to WWE TV the week of June 6 but could be back sooner than that if needed."

That would have Rollins back in action just seven months after an ACL tear. A superhuman healer himself, John Cena noted how impressive Rollins' recovery has been:

WWE Creative will be thrilled once Rollins is back in the ring. He instantly gives the writing team a wealth of appealing options, from a feud with Triple H to trying to take down Roman Reigns.

Garcia Rumor-Killer

Earlier this month, when WWE cut Damien Sandow, Wade Barrett and several other talents, Garcia was not among that group. But that's not what Internet rumblings were saying. Rumors spread about the company letting the ring announcer go.

Former WWE writer Court Bauer started the wildfire on his radio show but later tweeted that he had the story wrong:

There was so much buzz about her supposedly losing her job that she felt the need to address the rumors. On a Facebook post, Garcia explained that she has missed several shows because she has been with her father who is battling cancer. She said she was shocked to read of her reported release.

Apparently, even those within the company weren't sure about Garcia's status. On Wrestling Observer Radio (h/t Wrestling Inc), Meltzer mentioned that people within WWE believed Garcia was one of the employees WWE released on May 6.

She clearly wasn't. Garcia appeared on Monday's Raw, resuming her ring announcing duties.

Backstage Word on Bayley

If you're among the portion of the audience who chants, "We want some Bayley!" you will have to settle for getting your fill of the popular star on NXT. WWE is reportedly planning to use her star power at Full Sail University rather than on Raw or SmackDown for now.

According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter (h/t Wrestling Inc), WWE has decided to keep Bayley at the NXT level because there is no top-flight babyface to replace her.

Alexa Bliss has shown great promise, but she's a heel. Nia Jax is improving but is also a villain at the moment. The NXT women's division is strong, but it would certainly be vastly different without Bayley on the top tier.

She likely isn't in a rush to move to the main roster. She has to see the difficulties WWE has had in showcasing women like Paige and Sasha Banks.

Bayley remaining at NXT means we have to wait to see her face Banks again, but her rivalry with Asuka can continue for a good while instead. That's quite the consolation prize.

Punk's Reported Struggles

Those who predicted that Punk would struggle with the transition from wrestling to fighting suddenly have new ammunition. The Wrestling Observer Newsletter (h/t Wrestle Zone) reported that Punk is not progressing well as an MMA fighter and has not done well in sparring sessions.

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In many ways, this isn't surprising to hear. Punk entered the fight game at age 36 with only minimal training beforehand. He enters the UFC with a body banged up by his days as a wrestler. 

It's not clear whether this will lead to him delaying his debut or possibly not fighting at all. One would have to believe that Punk is too proud to quit before throwing his first professional punch.

For UFC in the short term, it doesn't really matter how good Punk is. Whether he gets mauled or pulls off an upset, the world will certainly be watching.