WWE Rumors: Examining Latest Buzz Around Daniel Bryan, Dean Ambrose and More

Where a reign is rumored to begin for Daniel Bryan, Dean Ambrose may see his tenure atop WWE end in a hurry.

An image sent out on the WWE app sparked speculation about how Bryan could spend the next stage of his retirement. Does a vacancy at SmackDown have the former world champ's name on it, or are fans just hungry to see him on TV again?

Uncertainty surrounds the Ambrose story. A recent report mentioned a planned scenario that does not include The Lunatic Fringe as WWE champ, but the company's plans often shift.

In other news, WWE's opinion of Cathy Kelley reportedly was leaked. And both WWE and TNA fans are wondering whether either promotion will sign Moose now that the powerhouse is no longer with Ring of Honor.

Before we take a look at all those rumors, let's flash back to a story from last week, one that serves as a reminder that the guys who make a living digging up behind-the-curtain news often get it right.

A Quick Look Back

Before it was clear what WWE had in mind for Randy Orton's return, PWInsider.com's Mike Johnson wrote: "There is a belief among some we've spoken to that Orton could be facing Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam."

That turned out to be 100 percent correct. WWE revealed on last Thursday's SmackDown that Lesnar vs. Orton will indeed happen at this year's SummerSlam pay-per-view.

The Viper is currently gearing up for that fight at WWE's developmental headquarters. Dave Meltzer reported for the Wrestling Observer Newsletter: "Orton is in Orlando training for his comeback."

Ambrose a Lame-Duck Champion?

The end for Ambrose as WWE champ may be just around the corner. 

Meltzer noted on Wrestling Observer Radio (h/t PWMania.com) that Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins for the WWE title was the original plan for SummerSlam. That would, of course, mean that Ambrose would no longer be champion at that point.

And while Meltzer mentioned he was unsure of how Reigns' suspension will affect those plans, Ambrose fans have reason to be worried. The Lunatic Fringe has a number of chances to drop the title ahead.

Ambrose is set to defend the belt against Rollins on next week's Raw. Should he retain, he would have to fight off both Rollins and Reigns at Battleground to keep the gold in his hands. 

WWE has long been intent on pushing Reigns to the top and making him the next big thing. That mindset may be what does Ambrose in, despite how popular he has been. 

Should the company change champions in the next few weeks, it will speak volumes about how hesitant WWE is to put its faith in Ambrose.

Backstage Word on WWE Announcer

If you think that recently hired announcer Cathy Kelley is a valuable part of the WWE team, you're apparently not alone. It seems the company itself is sold on her skills.

According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter (h/t Marc Middleton of Wrestling Inc), WWE officials are "very high" on Kelley.

That should mean we see fewer personnel changes in the near future. WWE recently cut announcers Kyle Edwards, Rich Brennan and Alex Reyes. Perhaps Kelley has the connection with the audience that the company didn't believe those men had.

She has been a charming, fun presence on WWE programming. It sounds as if officials recognize that.

Moose's Future Home

Quinn Ojinnaka, formerly of the Indianapolis Colts, has made quite the impression in the wrestling world as Moose. Where he will end up after becoming a free agent has fans buzzing.

After two years with ROH, Moose said his goodbyes to the company, per Twitter:

WWE fans hoping to see the big man bowl over people at NXT may be disappointed. Joseph Currier of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter wrote that WWE was interested but "backed off due to a domestic-violence allegation in 2009 that led to Ojinnaka being suspended from the NFL."

TNA, meanwhile, appears to the be the front-runner to land Moose. 

Major League Wrestling tweeted:

In addition, Currier noted: "It is not confirmed that Ojinnaka has signed with TNA, but they did make the best financial offer."

All signs seem to point to TNA, but don't count out WWE just yet. A 6'5", 295-pound frame with NFL-level athleticism has to have Moose squarely on its radar, checkered past or not.

A New Gig Awaiting Bryan? 

Don't get too comfortable with the idea of Daniel Bryan running SmackDown. Speculation is rumbling around the internet about that possibility, but there isn't much to go on.

On Monday's Raw, Vince McMahon appointed his son, Shane, the new commissioner of SmackDown but ordered that he also hire a general manager. On its official app, WWE seemed to make a reference to Bryan when discussing that situation.

PWMania.com tweeted a screenshot of the article in question: 

Although there is no mention of Bryan, the use of the term "Yes! Movement" has many believing this to be an accidental spoiler of who Shane will appoint as GM. The fans rallying around Bryan during his run to the WWE title in 2014 was called the Yes! Movement.

He has since retired due to the lingering effects of concussions.

Bryan would be a popular pick for the GM spot, but this could just be much ado about a subheading. The wording could have just been misguided, with WWE not realizing what people would read into it. Perhaps Shane is supposed to be starting a populist movement similar to Bryan's.

One also has to consider that the former world champ will be busy with his commentary duties for the Cruiserweight Classic tournament over the next few months. Fans have to wait for more information before getting too pumped about Bryan in a GM role.