WWE Rumors: Examining Latest Buzz Around Brock Lesnar, Bray Wyatt and More

A pair of beasts of the squared circle, Brock Lesnar and Bray Wyatt, are at the forefront of the WWE rumor mill as anticipation to see them return to the ring grows.

News of Lesnar's surprise one-off move back to UFC broke over the weekend. WWE has since confirmed the unique deal. It's how long this has all been in the works that is the subject of internet chatter.

As for Wyatt, there continues to be information about him making his way back after a calf injury, but those reports haven't preceded an actual return. Not yet anyway. 

Elsewhere, rumblings about CM Punk's potential UFC debut and WWE's interest in two Ring of Honor wrestlers have fans talking. Let's dive into those stories as well as take a backstage glimpse into Wyatt's status and Lesnar's UFC return.

Where is The Eater of Worlds?

Wyatt has been teasing a return online, inserting the hashtag "TheReturn" into many of his recent tweets, but it's not clear when he will actually be back.

It's now been nearly two months since Wyatt went down with a calf injury during WWE's European tour. There continue to be reports of him being ready to perform again.

On Monday, Dave Meltzer wrote for the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, "Bray Wyatt has been medically cleared and is expected to debut imminently, as in as soon as tonight, but if not, very shortly."

The Wyatt Family patriarch did not return on Monday's Raw. That leaves just one more Raw before Money in the Bank, a pay-per-view many expected Wyatt to be a part of as the final entrant in the event's signature ladder match.

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Maybe WWE is looking to space out its returns. John Cena resumed his Superstar duties last week. Seth Rollins reemerged after recovering from injury just a week before that.

At this point, it looks like WWE may hold off until after Money in the Bank to bring Wyatt and his crew back into the fold. For now, The Club has established itself as the top heel group instead.

Update on CM Punk's UFC Debut 

WWE fans waiting to see how Punk will fare in the Octagon have had to be patient. His first UFC match has yet to come despite the former WWE world champ signing with the MMA promotion in December 2014.

That wait is reportedly only going to last another two months. Flo Sports' Jeremy Botter tweeted that Punk is scheduled to fight Mickey Gall on August 20:

UFC has not confirmed that as of this writing. Neither has Punk's camp. The only official fight for UFC 202 is Nate Diaz vs. Conor McGregor.

As much as Punk's first foray into professional MMA has been talked about only to be pushed back, one can't blame fans for not marking their calendars in ink. File this in the wait-and-see category. 

Rumored Interest in ROH Stars

NXT's talent base could eventually add a powerhouse with an NFL background and a respected indie grappler with over 15 years of experience. Moose and Roderick Strong are reportedly coming up on the end of their deals with ROH, according to to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter (h/t Wrestling Inc's Marc Middleton), which would open the door for WWE to scoop them up.

According to Middleton, rumors have increased about Moose possibly signing with WWE. The big man's contract is set to expire in a matter of weeks. Strong is in the same position.

The report is not exactly a confirmation of WWE being intent on picking them up, but few fans will be surprised if either, especially Moose, shows up at Full Sail University in a matter of months.

WWE has not been shy about adding new faces via the independent circuit. The Mighty Don't Kneel, La Sombra, Johnny Gargano and Rich Swann are among those who fit that bill.

Moose is so massive (6'5", 295 lbs) that WWE is certain to at least give him a shot. Expect him to get a long look from the company, unless ROH manages to re-signs him beforehand. 

He would be a great fit for NXT, but ROH surely realizes his value and will shell out what they can to keep him around.

Backstage Word on Brock's UFC Return

The Beast Incarnate is set to face Mark Hunt at UFC 200 and swiftly make the turn around back to pro wrestling in time for SummerSlam. While it may have felt like an out-of-the-blue story when it emerged, Lesnar's deal allowing him to fight for UFC again has been in the making since at least WrestleMania season. 

Meltzer noted on Wrestling Observer Radio (h/t Wrestling Inc) discussions of Lesnar's one-off UFC stint had been ongoing. The powerhouse reportedly started training for the fight back in April. 

The fact that both sides managed to keep things quiet for this long in this age of instant information is impressive. It wasn't until the weekend that word leaked. Ariel Helwani actually broke the news on MMA Fighting on Saturday.

If Lesnar had his heart set on prepping for another go-round in the Octagon all this time, it makes perfect sense that he has been so quiet on the WWE front. The former world champ has not appeared for the company since WrestleMania.

No word on if his UFC plans were a part of why he took such little punishment against Dean Ambrose at that marquee event. WWE may have agreed to lighten Lesnar's load, knowing that a major opportunity to increase exposure around him and the company was on the horizon.