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Speculating on the rumors surrounding pro wrestling is a favored pastime of many fans, perhaps second only to actually watching the matches. In this daily column, we take a look at the latest rumors being churned out by the pro wrestling rumor mill.
Important reminder: Rumors are just that -- rumors. None of this has been confirmed as legitimate news or fact; so remember to take it all with a grain of salt.
Errrrrrrrrrrrrr.
We interrupt your regularly scheduled programming for a special edition of the Rumor Roundup focused solely on WrestleMania 30 and the match card as it currently stands. There are quite a few bouts now on the table for the big event, and it's worth breaking it down.
So let's get to it:
- John Cena vs. Bray Wyatt
Yes, folks, if you can believe it, this match has been discussed for the show. Not only that, but it would be the main event, according to the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter (subscription required), namely because Vince McMahon has literally stated that Cena is the man who feeds everyone at WWE, so he's the headliner and that's that. However, this would be assuming Hulk Hogan doesn't work a match on the show. If he does, Cena will be involved in that, and that's still entirely possible. If not, a freshly turned heel Sheamus is an option.
- Batista vs. Randy Orton
If Orton is going to remain WWE champion through WrestleMania season, that almost surely means Batista will win the Royal Rumble match to earn the title shot. It's possible that won't happen and the program won't involve the belt, but as of now that's the idea.
- Triple H vs. CM Punk
As has been alluded to recent in storyline, Punk has taken the spot Big Show was in as chief rival of The Authority. It now appears he's the guy being positioned as the man to bring the evil corporate overlords to their knees. In an interesting twist, Roman Reigns has been discussed as a potential back up for Punk. If that was done, it would obviously mean turning him babyface and giving him a huge push.
- Undertaker vs. Brock Lesnar
This one has been on the books for a long time now. In fact, the only thing that seems to be threatening this match happening is Sting signing with WWE. If he does, they almost have to do Sting vs. 'Taker at 'Mania but it's looking more and more likely that that's not something anyone will have to worry about.
- Daniel Bryan vs. Shawn Michaels
This is an interesting one if only because everyone and their mother continues insisting Michaels won't return for another match, instead honoring the retirement stipulation attached to his WrestleMania 26 match with Undertaker. But there's an easy fix to that (having 'Taker give his blessing, both to Bryan as a huge star and Michaels to come back to battle him to prove Michaels can't beat him) and a belief that if Michaels comes back, it would be for a match with Bryan. If this doesn't happen, there's no telling where Bryan ends up on the card.
- Goldberg vs. Ryback
There are still efforts being made to put this match together but it's looking like it won't happen. Goldberg is driving a hard bargain and if everything else on the card shapes up the way it could, he won't be worth the asking price anyway. The problem is WWE booked Ryback so poorly over the past year it gave Goldberg negotiating power. If they want him to come back just to job to a glorified jobber, they're going to have to pay up.
- Cody Rhodes vs. Goldust
These two have been trying to work a match at WrestleMania for some time now, years even, and they may finally get their wish. It would almost be a shame, though, considering how great they've been as a tag team and how expendable Goldust will be once it goes away.
- Rey Mysterio vs. Sin Cara
Yes, there are those who still want to put this match together and it's hard to argue against the idea. These two, despite all their problems, move a ton of merchandise, specifically how it relates to their masks. That's an angle WWE feels it can exploit, and would be able to do so easily in New Orleans. So don't be surprised if this happens for just that reason.
This leaves a lot of mid-card wrestlers unaccounted for. Perhaps a Big E. Langston vs. Dean Ambrose match to unify the Intercontinental and United States titles could be thrown in with a battle royal to determine the next number one contender for the newly unified belt also on the show. That would be a fine way to fit more talent on the card, especially names like Mark Henry, Big Show, and a host of others.
Remember, none of this is official -- obviously -- and these are just rumors for the time being. Everything is subject to change in WWE, and it often does. So don't take this as fact, simply a look at what's on the table at this time.
_________________
"He is a loathsome, offensive brute
--yet I can't look away." Frank Coztansa wrote:
I have MANY years of experience in trying to appreciate steaming piles of dogshit.