WWE Rumors: Alberto Del Rio, John Cena and Tuesday's Top WWE News

Who would have thought that when WWE just does standalone shows instead of trying to build to pay-per-views that the product would be enjoyable. After a year that has been memorable for how bad Raw was, at least the year is closing on a positive note. 

And with good shows come good, upbeat news and rumors that have to be talked about. There are going to be a lot of big stories to talk about when 2012 comes, like the revealing of the mysterious "It Begins" person, but for now, we are still left to figure that out for ourselves. 

We will have the latest updates on that situation, as well as all the news, notes and information that you need to know on this Tuesday. 

DID YOU PUT ALL THE CLUES TOGETHER?

After six weeks of promos and speculation, there is nothing left for WWE to do but reveal the identity of the man or woman behind the strange videos that have been interrupting Raw and SmackDown. 

Question on Everybody's Mind: Will it be a surprise if it is Chris Jericho?

Our Take: Jericho has done all he can to tell people that he is not returning. All the clues have pointed to him being the returning star. So while I think that there are some fans that will be genuinely surprised if it is the Ayatollah of Rock and Rollah, the majority of us will be shocked if it is not him. 

Hype Meter: 5 out of 5 Superstars WWE Needs Back

I don't care how much Jericho denies it. I don't care how long we have had to wait to see it. The fact that he is likely coming back is a major boon to WWE for the start of 2012. It doesn't matter how long he is around, even if it is just through WrestleMania, he will make the product better because he understands what works and what doesn't as well as anyone in the business. 

Deeper Dive

Chris Jericho's Imminent Return Is Bad For WWE (B/R)

Why Vignettes Are Signaling Jericho's Return (B/R)

------------------------------------------------------------

ALBERTO DEL RIO LIKELY OUT OF ACTION UNTIL THE ROYAL RUMBLE

While we knew that Del Rio was injured during last week's Raw, it was revealed on last night's show that he has suffered a torn groin and will likely be out of action for awhile. 

Question on Everybody's Mind: Will he be ready to go at the Royal Rumble?

Our Take: Basing my opinion off the WWE.com report, Del Rio is going to be back in four-to-six weeks. There are five weeks until the Rumble show, so I would be shocked to see him miss that. How long he lasts in the match depends on how his recovery goes. 

Hype Meter: 4 out of 5 Injuries WWE Can't Afford

While Del Rio's push has come to a screeching halt in recent weeks, he is still one of the better workers on Raw and WWE needs all the star power that it can get right now. 

Deeper Dive

Del Rio's Injury Is A Blessing In Disguise (B/R)

Alberto Del Rio Injury Prognosis (WWE.com)

-------------------------------------------------------------

DANIEL BRYAN COULD BE LOOKING AT A FEUD WITH JOHN CENA

In a potential feud that would have the IWC locking horns with the mainstream, there is currently talk of having world heavyweight champion Daniel Bryan work a program with John Cena in the future. 

Question on Everybody's Mind: Will WWE follow through with this plan?

Our Take: I would never say never to anything involving Vince McMahon. However, there are a lot of things that get discussed that don't actually come to fruition. I think it would be good for Bryan, but until I see it, I won't believe it. 

Hype Meter: 5 out of 5 Feuds That Need to Happen

There are not a lot of new feuds going on in WWE right now. I guess the closest thing that we have is John Laurinaitis and CM Punk, but because no one cares about the Executive Vice President of Talent Relations, it is hard to get invested in that one. Bryan and Cena would have a fresh feel to it. 

Deeper Dive

5 Predictions For The Road To WrestleMania (B/R)

Cena vs. Bryan Being Discussed (Wrestle Zone)

---------------------------------------------------------------

CM PUNK TO LEAD THE SMACKDOWN BRAND IN 2012?

While CM Punk is currently doing his thing on Raw, there is talk backstage of moving him over to the "other" brand at some point next year. The thinking is that he will add depth to the roster and give that show another worker capable of handling himself in main events. 

Question on Everybody's Mind: Does switching brands mean anything anymore?

Our Take: Not one bit. Punk would still be appearing on Raw. The only difference is that we would get to see him on television twice a week and he would work SmackDown house shows. Nothing would really change, so I say go ahead and make the move. 

Hype Meter: 5 out of 5 Cults of Personality

I would like to see Punk leading the SmackDown brand with Randy Orton and Mark Henry. He is always going to play No. 2 on Raw with Cena, so move him to the blue brand and let him shine in a different environment.

Deeper Dive

The 10 Best Title Reigns In 2011 (B/R) 

Possible Changes For CM Punk in 2012 (Wrestle Zone)

------------------------------------------------------------------

Check back for more on the WWE as it comes, and check out Bleacher Report’s Wrestling Page to get your fill of the WWE. For more WWE talk, check out Ring Rust Radio for all of the hot topics you just can’t miss.

Listen to internet radio with RingRustRadio on Blog Talk Radio

Follow @adamwells1985