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.
Rumors for the Day:
- AJ Styles, who was one of TNA's founding members when the company was established 12 years ago, is expected to leave the company after the two sides failed to agree to a new contract, as we brought you word last night. That's going to lead to plenty of speculation on his future, particularly in regards to WWE. The most recent word on that is WWE isn't interested, at least not at the level that would make a deal possible.
- There is some concern within WWE in regards to CM Punk's long-term future in the business. Right now, it would be easier to list the joints on Punk's body that aren't injured, and now you can add a back injury and, per Punk himself, "busted" ribs to that list. In addition, there are concerns that Punk has been hiding or downplaying possible concussions that he has suffered in the ring. Furthering concerns for WWE in regard to Punk is that his contract will be up next summer, likely around the time of Money in the Bank (the contract he famously signed following his "pipe bomb" promo in 2011 was a 3 year deal). While there would be little fear that any other company in the world could afford to pay Punk what WWE could, Punk has always said he plans to retire early, and an expiring contract would give him a chance to do so. The 35-year-old wants to leave on his own terms with his body still intact, and given the rumors about all of the injuries he is dealing with, his body is far from intact. While the expiration of his contract is still more than six months off, it is a situation worth watching.
- Just in case you needed further verification that Total Divas will impact everything we see when it comes to wrestling and storylines, a planned heel turn for Tons of Funk and the Funkadactyls was nixed when the show was renewed for its second season. We saw some signs of it when the newly called-up Xavier Woods used Brodus Clay's entrance theme and it looked like a story may play out between them. That situation was buried and hasn't been mentioned since, meaning that for the sake of Total Divas, Tons of Funk and the Funkadactyls will remain faces.
- WWE has reportedly signed Stuart Tomlinson, a soccer goalkeeper from the UK, to a developmental deal. The 28-year-old Tomlinson has a background in bodybuilding. He retired from professional soccer this past summer after suffering a knee injury.
If you have heard of any interesting rumors that you'd like to add, feel free to post them in the comments section below. Please remember, these are merely rumors. Try not to take them too seriously, just have fun with them.