WWE's Most Controversial and Shocking Stories for the Week of May 12

Braun Strowman got injured at the worst possible time, while Brie Bella and Daniel Bryan received the best possible news in a week that was not short on the spectacular. But as WWE programming continues to struggle through the post-WrestleMania season, who will step up with one of its biggest stars currently out with injury? 

Gone Strowman 

Braun Strowman was on top of the world and within screaming distance of the Universal Championship and a blockbuster match against Brock Lesnar. Unfortunately, straight from the bad timing department, Strowman will require surgery for an elbow injury that will force him out of WWE's next two pay-per-view main events per the Pro Wrestling Sheet (h/t Wrestling Inc). 

Moving forward, the fates of Roman Reigns and Lesnar figure to trickle down throughout the rest of the Raw roster as WWE's never-ending schedule is poised to soldier on without its prized monster. 

Strowman's undeniable tear through Raw drew parallels to Mark Henry's memorable run on SmackDown in 2011. Unfortunately, this also includes their momentum being slowed by an untimely injury as Henry was forced to drop the World Heavyweight Championship due to a groin injury, per Jason Powell of Prowrestling.net. Hopefully for Strowman, he can come back sooner rather than later and pick up where he left off. 

From a Galaxy to a Universe? 

With the success of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, whispers of a potential Batista return have resurfaced despite his ill-fated comeback in 2014. During a recent appearance on Talk is Jericho (h/t Wrestling Inc), Batista himself fueled return rumors, saying: 

"

I've asked [to come back]. I've asked. I've asked for what I want. I'll tell [Jericho] and I've talked to Hunter about it and I've talked to Vince about it. I said I would come back and run a whole program with Hunter. That's the only thing I'm interested in and they're just not interested in it.

I guess [WWE is] not [interested]. And I've run it by them a few different times. They just say, 'meh, we'll think about it.' Vince, every time I ask him, 'meh, I'll think about it.' 

"

WWE's apparent standoffishness toward Batista, who has a starring role in the current biggest movie in the world, is somewhat baffling. Perhaps the promotion still has a bad taste in its mouth after his previous return fell apart under otherwise extraordinary circumstances. 

Bryan and Brie Welcome Baby Birdie 

After an intense 11-day wait, Birdie Joe Danielson was finally welcomed into the world per WWE.com as Brie Bella and Daniel Bryan gave birth to their first child. Bryan, the current General Manager of SmackDown Live, has been off television to be with Brie.

The two have been active on the Bella Twins YouTube channel where they have documented Brie's entire pregnancy. Birdie Joe figures to quickly become a star and a viewership monster among fans of Total Divas, Total Bellas and subscribers to the YouTube channel.

Now that he's officially a father, hopefully Daniel Bryan, whose history of head trauma forced him to retire from WWE, will rethink his stance on a potentially risky return to wrestling. 

Rock the White House 

Caity Weaver of GQ magazine currently has an in-depth interview with The Rock which focuses on his immense potential as a presidential candidate. The article paints a very optimistic picture of a potential Rock presidency, something The Rock himself acknowledged was "a real possibility." 

It's possible that WWE Hall of Famer Donald Trump's victory has launched the era of celebrity presidents. And while The Rock—an A-list actor and WWE legend—in the White House sounds just as preposterous as a Trump presidency on paper, Rock and Trump represent polar opposites as candidates. 

Unlike the bronzed loose cannon and habitual hot-button pusher that is Donald Trump, The Rock—a registered independent—has been so even-tempered and diplomatic when it comes to political issues, it is unknown which political party he leans toward. As the biggest star in Hollywood and the richest actor of 2016, the iron may not get any hotter for The People's Champion to declare his candidacy as The People's President. 

Alfred Konuwa is a Featured Columnist and on-air host for Bleacher Report and Forbes. Like him on Facebook.