WWE Rumors: Buzz on Road to WWE Survivor Series 2016 for Week of Nov. 17

With WWE Survivor Series 2016 coming up on Sunday, speculation is growing about who will emerge triumphant in the pay-per-view's biggest matches.

That and the dramatic return of The Undertaker on Tuesday's go-home edition of SmackDown make for an intriguing rumor roundup this week.

There's news about who Taker may face in his first feud back with the company, as well as the latest on a top WWE star set to take some time off.

Brock Lesnar vs. Goldberg Spoiler

The marquee match at this year's Survivor Series is the brawl between Brock Lesnar and Goldberg, and there's plenty of speculation about the likely winner.

Randall Ortman of Cageside Seats has the latest update with the match just a few days away. He reported that the plan is still—as it was a couple of weeks ago—for Lesnar to go over Goldberg and avenge his loss in 2004.

However, there's extra detail in the report this time, as Ortman reported that WWE is keen on Goldberg getting a "big send-off." That would imply it will be the former WCW icon's last match with WWE.

At the age of 49, that shouldn't come as too much of a surprise, nor should the result. It makes sense for Lesnar to go over, as he's going to be the guy who sticks around beyond Survivor Series.

Whether plans change between now and Sunday remains to be seen, but it seems the general feeling right now is that Lesnar will be the one having his hand raised in the air this weekend.

Top WWE Star Set for Short Break?

Randy Orton's involvement in the men's traditional Survivor Series match this Sunday will be a pivotal one.

However, it seems The Viper is set for a break from WWE after this Sunday, according to reports, but it looks like it will only be a short one.

The Wrestling Observer Newsletter (h/t Raj Giri of Wrestling Inc) noted that Orton is expected to take time off until the end of this month, with the SmackDown on Nov. 29 likely being his return date.

Orton and his wife are expecting a baby girl just a couple of days after Survivor Series, which is the reason why he's taking a short break.

However, if the other rumors surfacing this week are to be believed, Orton's immediate future when he returns is going to be interesting.

The Undertaker's Next Opponent Revealed?

Usually, WWE fans have to wait until around January to discover the identity of The Undertaker's next opponent.

However, with him looking likely to work a program that extends beyond just WrestleMania following his return to SmackDown on Tuesday, we're going to see a whole lot more of The Deadman in the next few months.

But who will he feud with? Which SmackDown stars are set to be in the running to fight The Phenom?

Ortman reported that it could well be Orton who gets the chance to feud with Taker.

This could depend on what happens this Sunday at Survivor Series, of course. If Orton and perhaps Bray Wyatt decide to turn their backs on Team SmackDown, it could enrage Taker and force him to target The Viper.

Or perhaps Orton will inadvertently cost SmackDown the match, leaving Taker to set his sights on the newest member of The Wyatt Family following Survivor Series.

Ortman also reported that AJ Styles is being considered for Taker's next opponent, too, and if he was to cost SmackDown, that would make a lot more sense.

"

I need AJ Styles vs The Undertaker. Oh my god.

That's your Royal Rumble match.

Oh my god. #SDLive900

— Fray (@TheFrayMovement) November 16, 2016"

But no matter who the next opponent for Taker is, it's just great to see him back on SmackDown as a regular fixture.