One does not have to search long and hard on the Internet to find interesting professional wresting rumors. Online forums, social media platforms and even podcasts are dedicated to discussing, confirming and, in some cases, debunking these stories regarding World Wresting Entertainment, Ring of Honor, New Japan Pro Wrestling, Impact Wrestling and other promotions in North America and those spread throughout the world. Many of the rumors and speculation one sees on a weekly basis are not true and are created by fans looking to generate hits for websites and retweets. Others, however, are confirmed by respected reporters such as Dave Meltzer and Bryan Alvarez. Those individuals have connections with wrestlers and also people who work behind the scenes for promotions, and, thus, they are able to get scoops those of us on the outside would never learn about on our own. Granted, there are plenty of fans around the world who look to shy away from rumors and supposed spoilers. That task is easier said than done, especially if you are a fan who enjoys reading about the industry, following wrestling-related social media accounts or listening to podcasts and radio shows that are available and free to enjoy.
One reason pockets of wrestling fans look for these rumors is the hope of learning something they want to see happen in a promotion such as the WWE will, in fact, take place. For example, they yearn to see the largest promotion on earth sign certain independent wrestlers or push an act they want working in the main events of cards and pay-per-view shows. In that same light, there are almost always stories made available via the wrestling rumor mill that we hope are not true for one reason or another. For instance, such a story could involve a promotion continuing to push a supposed babyface who is booed out of arenas whenever he emerges behind curtains at editions of Raw, SmackDown or larger stadium shows. Probably the most fun thing about the so-called wrestling rumor mill is that it is always updated with new stories from all around the world. Thanks to the depth of the overall WWE roster, the existence of NXT and the popularity of independent promotions as of May 2018, it’s a fun time to be a fan and follower of the industry. Fans may not always get what they want from the WWE, but they can’t say they are bored by the business these days.
20 Hope is true: Brock Lesnar Back to UFC
At this rate, you don’t have to be a fan who actively searches for wrestling rumors to know that Brock Lesnar has been linked with a return to the Ultimate Fighting Championship at some point in the summer or fall of 2018. That speculation was part of the storyline involving Lesnar and Roman Reigns battling for the Universal Championship at WrestleMania 34, and it continues to hover over Lesnar’s status even though he retained his title at ‘Mania and also at the Greatest Royal Rumble show.
Lesnar keeping the title through the spring and, possibly, up through SummerSlam would not necessarily prevent him from fighting in the UFC before the end of the year. After all, it’s no secret the UFC and WWE have recently enjoyed a friendly relationship with each other. Some may not immediately agree with this opinion, but fans should want Lesnar to head back to the UFC for a Heavyweight Championship fight. It would take him away from WWE storylines for a time, and Lesnar notching a victory over somebody such as Stipe Miocic in the cage would strengthen his wrestling character and persona. We’ll see you when we see you ahead of next year's WrestleMania, Brock.
19 Hope isn’t true: The Undertaker’s busier schedule
The yearly tradition of The Undertaker making his return to action for a WrestleMania show continued in April when he faced John Cena at the biggest event of the year. Undertaker, unsurprisingly, was victorious, and WWE diehards could not have been blamed for believing they would not see ‘Taker again on any WWE programming until 2019, at the earliest. Then came the Greatest Royal Rumble show, during which the Deadman competed for a second time in less than a month.
One of the stories to hit the wrestling rumor mill even before the start of that event was that The Undertaker will have a busier WWE schedule in 2018 than in prior years.
It is, so the rumors go, possible he could wrestle another four or five times this year, perhaps at a pay-per-view such as SummerSlam or the Survivor Series.
All due respect to one of the greatest WWE performers and characters to ever work for the promotion, but nobody should want this to be true. As great as Undertaker was, he is now a character and a gimmick, and not much more. It’s actually somewhat sad to watch him work in the ring. The Deadman needs to leave the memories alone.
18 Hope is true: Women’s tag team championships
Some would say that this is nothing more than wishful thinking or maybe even an instance of fans and wrestlers, alike, trying to will something to be true. Whatever the case, the old saying teaches us that there has to be fire to generate smoke, and there has been all kinds of smoke regarding the possibility of the WWE introducing women’s tag team championship on either one, if not both, of the main roster brands.
Supposed leaked pictures of those belts even found their way into the wrestling rumor mill earlier this spring, but the existence of the actual titles still have not been confirmed by anybody working within the company.
We hope this rumor is true for several reasons. There are far too many talented women on Raw, SmackDown and NXT for only one championship per division, and adding another singles title (i.e. a Women’s United States Championship) would only water-down the mid-card and, in time, make that belt insignificant and unimportant in the eyes of viewers. Women’s tag team wrestling can get over among WWE audiences if done correctly. It’s also possible that adding a tag team division could lead to the WWE moving all of the talented female wrestlers to one brand to create an incredible roster.
17 Hope isn’t true: Bayley vs. Sasha Banks continues
As much as fans can hope and pray that this wrestling rumor isn’t true, all should see the writing on the wall and realize this storyline and rivalry isn’t disappearing from our televisions quite yet. The hope had by those who have seen enough of Bayley versus Sasha Banks was that the WWE would split these two after WrestleMania via the Superstar Shakeup. That, as you probably know if you’re reading this sentence, didn’t happen, and writers have continued to link these two together because apparently there is nothing better for either of them to do at the moment.
It’s not that these two aren’t talented performers and athletes; far from it, in fact. They produced arguably the greatest women’s match in NXT history at the first TakeOver: Brooklyn show. Any momentum this once-promising feud had is now barely a memory heading into the summer of 2018, and enough is enough. Even the idea of these two joining forces to battle for the previously mentioned women’s tag titles, if they exist, doesn’t excite viewers who just want to see Bayley and Banks do something else and get away from each other. The last thing the WWE needs is a women’s version of Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens.
16 Hope is true: Batista return
Just as with Chris Jericho, Batista is somebody who can be coy about any relationship he may have with the WWE these days. Also like Jericho, Batista finds himself busy with projects away from pro wrestling, and he wouldn’t have to return to the WWE to make great money.
Maybe this is why we were surprised to see him claim earlier this spring that he is open to a return and maybe even a final meaningful run on the roster before he retires, for good, and/or enters the WWE Hall of Fame in 2019 or later.
Even those who don’t think Batista is all that talented of a worker should hope this rumor is true and that he is willing to head back inside the ring. The WWE roster has a wide variety of skilled performers spread over the roster, but the company could still use recognizable stars who draw pops from fans. A heel or babyface Batista would still be an excellent promo, and there are new and fresh matches awaiting that character once he comes back. As with other nostalgic acts, Batista probably shouldn’t stick around too long, but seeing him on WWE for a few months leading up to a major pay-per-view could improve the product.
15 Hope isn’t true: Rusev Day breakup
There were hints within the wrestling rumor mill before WrestleMania that Rusev could either outright leave the WWE, turn babyface or split from Aiden English and end the “Rusev Day” gimmick that has gotten over among fans.
On a recent edition of SmackDown, the WWE teased that Lana, Rusev’s wife in real-life and in storyline, could work to end the duo of Rusev and English, which makes sense but is also somewhat of a bummer for those who actively follow the blue brand each week.
Rusev is a tremendous performer and character, and he has improved dramatically as a wrestler. He’s also popular even though he has never made the official turn to babyface. Fans want to cheer Rusev and English using the Rusev Day gimmick together for a period of time before that act disappears from our screens, for good, and it would be a shame if the promotion took that from those who pay to travel to arenas for shows. Eventually, this will get stale, and that will be when the WWE should have Rusev turn on English and go back to playing a heel alongside Lana. It’s too early in May 2018, though, and that’s why we hope this rumor is not true.
14 Hope is true: Natalya Turns on Ronda Rousey
Assuming the rumors are true and the WWE chose to move Natalya from SmackDown to Raw in the Superstar Shakeup to have her work alongside Ronda Rousey leading up to a future feud between the two, the company is handling the matter perfectly as of the first week of May. Natalya, Rousey’s friend in real life who has helped train the former UFC star, should, in storyline, want to befriend the Rowdy one before turning heel and cutting promos about how she, a proven performer who comes from a famous wrestling family, and not Rousey deserves to be in major WrestleMania matches and in advertisements for the WWE.
Because these two are familiar with each other, any match involving them should be entertaining. That isn’t a knock on Rousey, who looked much better than many expected during her match at WrestleMania 34. Remember that Rousey is still a rookie in the business who needs to be protected inside of the ring and in front of live audiences. Natalya is an ideal opponent and foe for her, so much so that some may already be anticipating Nattie’s turn. Give it time, WWE fans, and let it breathe. This one could be worth the wait.
13 Hope isn’t true: Young Bucks turn WWE Down again
Every now and again, somebody will ask Wrestling Observer creator and editor Dave Meltzer about the possibility of the Young Bucks leaving the independent scene to sign with the WWE. While Meltzer has often kept a “never say never” mentality about their futures, he has stated that the Bucks do well enough on their own wrestling in promotions such as NJPW to remain independent acts who don’t jump over to the WWE. In fact, Meltzer has even suggested the Bucks would take a pay cut by signing with the WWE ahead of next year’s WrestleMania.
It’s understandable both Matt and Nick Jackson enjoy maintaining the creative control they have over their characters, and working where they please. Fans still hope this isn’t true, and that the Bucks could be convinced to complete one meaningful stint in the WWE before they are no longer in their physical primes. WWE already has multiple former Bullet Club acts underneath the promotion’s umbrella, but the Bucks could put the finishing touches on any future invasion storyline. Along with the Bucks, fans would like to see the other member of the original Elite trio sign with the WWE once 2018 ends. That man may even put pen to paper with the WWE ahead of the Bucks.
12 Hope is true: Chad Gable and Jason Jordan linked again
So many times, the WWE has seemingly had a slam-dunk act in NXT only to then squander it on the main roster. Bayley and Sasha Banks, written about earlier in this piece, are a couple of examples. The tag team of Chad Gable and Jason Jordon, known as American Alpha when together, became one of the top babyface duos down in NXT, and their championship victory over The Revival at the NXT Takeover: Dallas show made for an emotional moment that caused fans to leap from their seats in celebration.
Unfortunately, American Alpha never became as hot while a team on SmackDown, and the WWE split them when some creative mind within the company decided that Jason Jordan needed to play the role of Kurt Angle’s son on Raw. That storyline flopped in the eyes of fans, as anybody could have guessed. Meanwhile, Gable was moved from SmackDown to Raw in this year’s Superstar Shakeup. With these two on the same roster, the only logical move, and rumor, is for them to work together once Jordan returns from injury. They could become a tag team, or they could feud with each other. Either way, there’s unfinished business that must be settled in this storyline.
11 Hope isn’t true: Neville gone for good
In the weeks and days leading up to WrestleMania, there was speculation that Neville, the former King of the Cruiserweights who walked away from his WWE duties in the fall of 2017 after he reportedly was unhappy with his role in the company, could return and take his rightful spot back atop that division and the 205 Live show. That, of course, did not happen, and there has been no indication that he and the company are any closer to getting back together than they were ahead of the 2017 holiday season.
Per the latest to hit the wrestling rumor mill, it looks as if Neville is still searching for a way out of his WWE contract, a story that fans should hope isn’t true for several reasons.
Neville would immediately be one of the better acts in the Cruiserweight division and on 205 Live, if not the absolute best, were he to return this spring or summer, and he could be a positive contributor on either Raw or SmackDown if he decided that he no longer wants to feud over the purple championship. Losing Neville would be a blow for the WWE despite the depth that remains on the promotion’s roster.
10 Hope is true: Cruiserweight tag team titles
Much of what was written about speculation of the existence of Women’s Tag Team Titles would also work for supposed Cruiserweight Tag Titles that have been rumored since before WrestleMania. The 205 Live show that airs on the WWE Network was floundering in early 2018 before it was reportedly taken over by Triple H, the man responsible for weekly NXT shows, and the program that features Cruiserweight wrestlers found new life after the company parted ways with Enzo Amore.
Just as with the women’s division, there are far too many Cruiserweight performers signed underneath the WWE umbrella, including those in NXT, for the company to have only one belt for that portion of the roster. A Cruiserweight mid-card belt shouldn’t excite fans as much as a tag team division that, in fairness to those who believe this rumor, has been teased on 205 Live for quite some time. One worry is that the WWE, most notably Vince McMahon, has often soured on tag team wrestling, but Triple H being there to push the importance of these tag team titles could bolster 205 Live and even create entertaining feuds and matches that could play out on editions of Raw later this year.
9 Hope isn’t true: Finn Balor heel turn
The Finn Balor character needs some kind of spark or an injection of life following the WrestleMania and Greatest Royal Rumble events. He is currently in the mid-card of the Raw roster and battling over the Intercontinental Championship with the likes of Seth Rollins and The Miz (before Miz jumped to SmackDown). Singles matches involving Balor and Rollins could be a lot of fun, and Balor turning heel, especially now that the other two wrestlers in the Balor Club made the switch from SmackDown to Raw in the post-WrestleMania Superstar Shakeup, makes sense, on paper.
Nevertheless, we hope this rumor isn’t true, if only for the reason of Balor publicly representing the “Balor Club is for Everyone” ideal and merchandise.
According to the official WWE website, the company is donating proceeds of sales of these shirts to GLAAD, a positive gesture from a company that hasn’t always been kind to members of the LGBT community over the years. There could, in the future, be a time where Balor turns, goes heel and abandons this version of his character. It’s too early in the process for the WWE to pull the trigger on this move. Even if this is symbolic and another way to sell merch, Balor Club being for everyone needs to continue through the end of summer, at least.
8 Hope is true: Keith Lee to WWE
Despite what some out there are saying and/or have reported, there has not yet been any confirmation that Keith Lee has, in fact, signed with the WWE as of the third day of May 2018. In fact, Lee even took to Twitter to blast the wrestling rumor mill regarding these stories at the start of the month.
As those who follow the industry know, such strong denials often mean that the person mentioned has signed with the WWE. We hope this rumor is true and that Keith Lee has (finally) agreed to terms on a contract en route to him finishing his dates on the independent scene for several reasons.
Lee looks great in the ring, and he provides something different than so many other independent stars who made their names working for organizations like ROH. It also must be noted that NXT needs additional proven commodities following several male and female performers receiving deserved call-ups from NXT to the main roster. In time, Keith Lee will be ready for either Raw or SmackDown. For now, though, he can work on weekly NXT shows and the touring NXT brand, a roster that can use somebody such as Lee until at least April 2019.
7 Hope isn’t true: Chris Jericho missing SummerSlam
Despite what he had said about the subject earlier in the spring, there are now numerous reports linking Chris Jericho with a return to NJPW to work a program that will include dates up through June, at least. That, on its own, isn’t too significant a worry for fans who only follow the WWE and who don’t watch promotions located overseas.
What is a bit of a downer, though, is the story that hit the wrestling rumor mill in the middle of April in which Jericho, himself, claimed that he will likely miss out on SummerSlam later this year.
We cannot ignore that Y2J has, in the past, found much enjoyment in trolling fans who search for rumors by telling tall tales en route to swerving those who want to learn about storylines and feuds before they occur on Raw or SmackDown. Hopefully, that is the case, and there is nothing to the rumor about Jericho missing SummerSlam. As great as he is, he isn’t getting any younger. Realistically, there isn't all that many opportunities for Jericho to partake in the so-called “big four” shows on the WWE calendar each year. As was proven at the Greatest Royal Rumble, Jericho versus Kevin Owens isn’t finished just yet.
6 Hope is true: Rob Gronkowski wrestles
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski poured some cold water over rumors and speculation that he could retire from the National Football League when he announced that he will be returning to the club and playing during the 2018 season. One intriguing aspect about those rumors was the possibility of Gronkowski, who is a known WWE fan and who once appeared inside of the ring at a WrestleMania, working alongside friend Mojo Rawley leading up to a storyline and match. Gronk’s NFL duties will prevent him from having any kind of significant match before New England’s campaign comes to an end, but that doesn’t mean rumors about him eventually working for the WWE in some capacity have disappeared.
Playing another grueling season in the NFL could be what convinces Gronkowski that he has made enough money through pro football, and that it is time to retire from the sport and pursue other endeavors.
Gronkowski’s personality is one that is perfect for the wacky world of pro wrestling and the WWE. The guy also happens to be a talented and unique athlete. Sigh him up, WWE, and let’s see a different kind of Gronk Spike at a stadium in either 2019 or 2020.
5 Hope isn’t true: Saudi Arabia return
The WWE coming to terms on hosting the Greatest Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia in late April 2018 did not generate much headlines, other than those posted and shared by wrestling websites, when the ink dried on that contract. In the days leading up to the event, however, the company did receive criticism for several reasons, including the fact that women were not allowed to perform on that show.
Vince McMahon and other executives will always care about what is best for business, meaning those rumors about the WWE possibly returning to Saudi Arabia for a show in November are probably true.
Cashing paychecks and earning money upfront isn’t always the right business decision, and McMahon and others should think about that before guaranteeing a second Saudi Arabia show before the end of 2018. While there is something to be said for respecting other cultures and embracing countries located on the other side of the globe, a lot should have to change before the WWE agrees to host another show in that country. Besides, creating yet another WWE Network special that airs live on a weekday when fans living in North America are working is silly. There are already enough pay-per-view events on the schedule. One more isn't needed.
4 Hope is true: Shayna Baszler reigns
One noteworthy story to hit the wrestling rumor mill before WrestleMania weekend this year was that Triple H is very high on Shayna Baszler, the mixed martial artist who, like former UFC champions Ronda Rousey and Brock Lesnar, made the move to pro wrestling. Baszler debuted on NXT television earlier this year, and she became the queen of that division when she defeated Ember Moon at the Takeover: New Orleans show before Moon was added to the Raw brand.
An extension of the original rumor is that Baszler is expected to reign as the NXT Women’s Champion for a lengthy amount of time. We hope this is true because NXT has been in need of a dominant heel who does nothing to get herself over as a babyface and who crushes those cheered by fans. Remember that the WWE teased turning Asuka heel, but it didn’t take among audiences who watch the weekly shows or travel for Takeover events. Baszler is the perfect person to play a role we haven’t yet seen in NXT. Triple H needs to work to keep Baszler strong in NXT, maybe even until he and others deem that she is ready to join Rousey on the main roster.
3 Hope isn’t true: Vince high on Baron Corbin
This is a rumor that existed even before Baron Corbin first appeared on the main roster, as speculation arose that none other than Vince McMahon noticed the Lone Wolf when Corbin was wrestling in NXT and using an “Indy Killer” gimmick on that brand. Those who would consider themselves passionate fans of the WWE and the industry, in general, can probably guess why McMahon sees money and a future champion whenever he watches Corbin wrestle or stroll down to the ring. Corbin is tall, he is a former football player who made it all the way to an NFL roster and he has a good look. He has also improved as a heel promo. What else could McMahon want or need from a Superstar?
Oh yeah; there’s the wrestling aspect of the job. Corbin has gotten better as a worker since his early days in NXT when he participated in short squash matches that resulted in fans booing him, in time, but he still has a long way to go before he is remotely ready to carry a major title. He isn’t ready for such a role, and we hope Vince realizes that sooner rather than later and doesn’t pull the trigger on a decision he may regret.
2 Hope is true: WWE Signing Kenny Omega in 2019
Before anybody gets too excited about stories linking Kenny Omega with a future move to the WWE, know that such rumors going public has become a yearly tradition.
The truth of the matter is that Omega himself probably hasn’t decided where he is going to be wrestling in the spring of 2019. A lot can and will happen between now and next January.
Omega is scheduled to take part in the “All In” show occurring in Chicago this coming September. He remains involved in an fascinating feud with the “American Nightmare” Cody and with other members of the Bullet Club, a faction that may dissolve. He recently reunited with Kota Ibushi to reform the Golden Lovers, a move that made international headlines for reasons that go beyond pro wrestling and five-star matches. Omega may be the best overall wrestler in the world today. That’s why we want this rumor to be true. He could start a WWE version of a feud with AJ Styles, battle Finn Balor in a “leader versus leader” storyline and work with performers such as Seth Rollins, Samoa Joe and Shinsuke Nakamura. We could also see Omega versus Chris Jericho at a major WWE event.
1 Hope isn’t true: Roman Reigns Is Still The Big Dog
The final rumor that continues to make headlines and generate discussions on podcasts and forums is that Vince McMahon and others within the WWE still see Roman Reigns as the future top babyface and star of the Raw brand. Per those stories, Reigns was supposed to be a sympathetic figure during and after his loss to Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania, and the final seconds of his loss to Lesnar in a cage match that took place at the Greatest Royal Rumble created controversy when both men were launched from the cage at the same time due to Reigns spearing the champion.
You may love him, you may hate him or you may be somewhere in between. However you feel about Reigns, reports and rumors suggest you should get used to him remaining the Big Dog in segments and main-event matches.
As much as we all should probably know better, we’re going to cross our fingers and hope this isn’t true. Pushing Reigns is an experiment that has failed again and again, and it cannot be saved. Braun Strowman is over and ready become Universal Champion if Lesnar is on the verge of going back to the UFC. Stowman, not Reigns, should rule the Raw brand this summer.