WWE Rumors: Examining Latest Buzz Around Big Show, Kelly Kelly and More

Could a major rumored WrestleMania match that was set up a year ago no longer be in the cards?

If reports are true, it appears that could be the case.

What about the potential returns of former female Superstars?

It is looking more and more possible, if rumors across the internet are to be believed.

And then there is a celebrated independent talent whose impending debut in WWE could have hit a legal snag, robbing fans of seeing him inside a Vince McMahon-owned ring anytime soon.

With WWE Fastlane 2017 right around the corner and WrestleMania 33 rapidly approaching, the rumor mill is heating up. Here's what it had in store for wrestling fans this week.

Big Show vs. Shaq Off at WrestleMania?

At WrestleMania 32, Big Show and NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal squared off as part of the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal. After being eliminated at the same time, the internationally recognized stars took turns exchanging challenges for a match at the following year's Showcase of the Immortals.

Unfortunately, it appears that match may be in jeopardy, per rumors from Randall Ortman of Cageside Seats.

If so, Big Show's tremendous advancements in health and fitness may go to waste, with his one last opportunity at a mainstream, media-friendly WrestleMania match flying out the window.

Ortman does not outright suggest the match will not happen but, instead, cites "whispers" that the match may not occur. Considering the company has put no promotion whatsoever into the bout, there may be something to said speculation.

Recent social media posts from The World's Largest Athlete suggest that, at least up until recently, he expected the contest to be an integral part of the April 2 show.

If that match does get scrapped, it leaves Big Show in an unenviable position. Once expected to compete in one of the premier matches on the show, he would likely settle for a spot in the aforementioned Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal.

Considering that match is the wasteland of Superstars unimportant enough to be considered for anything else on the card, it is a significant fall from grace.

Kelly Kelly's Return

A week ago, Raw emanated from Las Vegas, and former WWE Divas champion Kelly Kelly was backstage, visiting friends and employers.

According to Ortman, it may be the beginning of an unexpected return for the blonde bombshell.

There is no evidence to suggest she needs to come back to the wrestling world. Married to hockey star Sheldon Souray, she has appeared on E! Network's WAGS reality show.

But where there is smoke, there is fire, and recent visits, along with a report from Josh Barnett of USA Today, suggest the 30-year-old is closer to setting foot back inside the squared circle for the company she called home for six years of her young life.

It is a WWE unlike the one she left behind.

There is no room for getting over based strictly on one's looks. The women's revolution has created an atmosphere in which wrestling is celebrated first, and anyone who cannot keep up with the Charlotte Flairs, Becky Lynches and Bayleys of the world will find themselves on the receiving end of harsh criticism and vitriol from fans.

While many would be happy to see her back, she will have to prove better than she was when she left, or her return could be catastrophically disappointing.

Kyle O'Reilly Update

Kyle O'Reilly is one of the most recognizable stars in independent wrestling—a master technician whose ability to stretch any competitor and then kick him into oblivion has helped him gain the reputation as one of the sport's best.

Since his contract with Ring of Honor ran out in January, speculation ran rampant that O'Reilly could join WWE and report to NXT. However, Ortman reported that, while WWE is interested in the former ROH world champion, it has "backed off due to potential contractual/legal issues with Ring of Honor."

There are no further details presented as to what those contractual or legal issues may be, but one would assume O'Reilly may not be as free and clear of ROH as Vince McMahon's company expected.

That is not to say O'Reilly will not end up under the WWE umbrella at some point in the near future. With potential for a Shinsuke Nakamura call-up shortly after WrestleMania 33, NXT will be in desperate need of roster replenishment.

What better way to help speed up the process than by introducing a renowned, respected worker like O'Reilly to go along with Roderick Strong, Kassius Ohno and Bobby Roode at the top of the card?

The hurdles are there, but if WWE wants O'Reilly badly enough, it will do what it has to in order to make the acquisition legal and official.