WWE Rumors: Examining Latest Buzz Around Maria Kanellis, Paige and More

The week that was in WWE and professional wrestling featured a monumental victory by perennial underdog James Ellsworth, the announcement of Goldberg's epic return and the revelation that Sasha Banks will battle Charlotte inside Hell in a Cell, marking the first time that two female competitors have done battle in the gimmick bout.

Yet none of those competitors were at the heart of the rumors and news that spread across the internet this week. In fact, former Superstars dominated, their names making waves at a time when WWE could use all of the publicity it can get.

The only Superstar to generate buzz as the company approaches Hell in a Cell is a SmackDown star, previously considered a franchise wrestler, essentially daring the company's wellness policy to strike him down.

Maria Kanellis on Donald Trump

Controversy continues to swirl around presidential candidate Donald Trump as he faces the harsh fallout of scandal involving comments he made, on tape, regarding the treatment of women. Some of the backlash has featured former WWE star and current TNA Wrestling Knockout Maria Kanellis.

The 2004 Diva Search contestant appeared in print and on television this week, discussing her tenure on Trump's Celebrity Apprentice reality show and the impression the Republican nominee made on her, as seen below.

Always a smart and well-spoken woman, it is somewhat ironic that she was portrayed as an airhead during her WWE stint.

A premier talent with TNA Wrestling and featured player on Impact Wrestling, her presence on mainstream cable media channels only brings that promotion further exposure at a time when it is in turmoil.

Paige Proposes to Alberto Del Rio

The latest chapter in the Paige-Alberto Del Rio saga was written in Mexico this past weekend when the former knelt down on one knee and proposed to her beau at a World Wrestling Council event.

Video of the occasion hit YouTube shortly thereafter.

The latest twist and turn in the story further muddies the waters between the happy couple and WWE.

Earlier in the week, Figure Four Online (h/t Marc Middleton of Wrestling Inc) reported that WWE officials refused to pay for Paige's upcoming neck surgery, citing reports from its own medical staff that she does not need it.

Del Rio responded to those reports with a curious tweet that suggested otherwise.

The tension that exists between the two is at its height. The removal of Paige from the Raw opening suggests the second-generation British wrestler could be on her way out the door.

Randy Orton, Colorado and Twitter Fun

WWE SmackDown will emanate from Denver Tuesday night, and as always, Randy Orton figures to play a key role in the night's proceedings as he continues his feud with Bray Wyatt.

Ahead of Tuesday's television tapings, Orton did some interacting with fans on Twitter, including one interesting exchange that likely had management and officials cringing.

Under WWE's stringent testing, a positive marijuana test nets a fine of $2,500, per its official corporate website.

While hardly the worst of WWE's violation penalties, it is still surprising to see someone of Orton's stature openly joking that he may actually partake in an activity that would blatantly break rules set forth by the company's celebrated drug enforcement policy.