WWE Rumors: Examining Latest Buzz Around Tony Nese, Vader and More

It was an interesting week for WWE rumors in that none involved the upcoming Survivor Series pay-per-view, but two revolved around all-time greats who made the annual November spectacular their playground.

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson earned another achievement while Vader greeted longtime fans with a bit of harrowing news regarding his health.

But first, there was the cruiserweight competitor whose work in the WWE Network exclusive Cruiserweight Classic and Monday nights earned him a contract with Vince McMahon's sports entertainment empire.

Tony Nese signs with WWE

To say WWE's cruiserweight division has gotten off to a bumpy start would be an understatement. Character development has been nonexistent and storylines have been clunky. Despite the resurrection of Brian Kendrick, the biggest breakout star to this point may be Tony Nese, whose performances to this point have been nothing short of fantastic.

During a Nov. 13 EVOLVE taping, William Regal presented Nese with a full-time WWE contract, something he more than earned based on his work to this point.

Nese took to Twitter to thank the promotion that helped him earn acclaim.

Dave Meltzer of F4WOnline.com discussed the signing.

"The segment was dark because it involved William Regal, who offered Nese a contract at the show and he signed it," Meltzer said. "This took place after the broadcast ended. They did an EVOLVE farewell to Nese at that point.

"Nese had been working regularly for the company including multiple appearances on Raw, but had not yet been signed. With the cruiserweight show starting on November 29th, the company was back being aggressive in adding new contracted talent."

The signing is a big one for WWE in that it provides the cruiserweight division with a star capable of being the foundation of the roster.

The Rock is People's Sexiest Man

People magazine announced Tuesday morning that Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson has been selected its Sexiest Man Alive for 2016. He joins leading men the likes of Hugh Jackman, Brad Pitt and Ryan Reynolds.

While it may appear to be a shallow award, one steeped in good looks rather than a reward for talent or box office success, the recognition is reserved for only Hollywood's elite leading men. It is further recognition that the former pro wrestler has become the iconic movie star so many had hoped he would.

More importantly, it comes just as his starring vehicle, Disney's Moana, hits theaters.

The film, which brings Samoan culture to the big screen for the first time under the Disney banner, has been a passion project of The Great One for years.

Now, he can promote the film even more effectively as media outlets reach out for comments about the People magazine article.

Vader's heartbreaking news

Just after midnight Tuesday, Vader took to Twitter to reveal some sad news regarding his health.

The latest bit of news is incredibly sad and disappointing for a star who spent his Hall of Fame-worthy career touring the globe as the industry's premiere big man.

A multiple-time WCW champion and one of the biggest stars in the pre-Attitude Era WWE, his career is even more impressive in retrospect than it was when he was brutalizing Shawn Michaels and delivering show-stealing performances against Sting.

Mick Foley, one of Vader's greatest opponents stateside, spoke on his long-time rival on Twitter.

We wish Vader and his family the best at this difficult time.