Rumor Roundup for Monday, December 23: Batista, Chris Jericho return, Superstars, and More!

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:

• As you may have heard, former WWE superstar Batista is now expected to make his WWE return at next month's Royal Rumble pay per view. WWE officials are said to be livid that this news was leaked out, killing much of the surprise factor a Batista return would have had. There has even been some talk that WWE may decide to scrap the surprise factor entirely and announce his return before the Rumble. Either way, I would not want to be the person responsible for that news leaking out right now...
• Another Royal Rumble return possibly being spoiled is that of Chris Jericho. He has been booked for a signing at World of Wheels in Pittsburgh, PA, the same city where the Rumble will take place, the day before the Rumble. Past rumors indicated that Jericho would likely be returning for the event, but this is more evidence to that. Last year, Jericho had one of the most surprising Rumble entrances ever and took every precaution against spoiling his return. He drove into town so he wasn't seen at the airport and then stayed in a trailer outside of the building until moments before he was set to enter the match.
• With WWE reportedly in negotiations for a new television contract and in the process of rolling out the WWE Network, it seems that their internet show Superstars might end up a casualty when all is said and done. According to reports, WWE will no longer post Superstars on WWE.com or on the company's YouTube channel. Some have speculated that Superstars may become a WWE Network exclusive, but it could also possibly be replaced by some new WWE Network program, such as the long rumored Cruiserweights show.
• AJ Styles and TNA are reportedly still negotiating on a new contract. Styles is still booking himself on Indy shows, and has appearances scheduled for various Indy promotions through April. One option being considered in the new deal is to allow Styles to continue working Indy dates in addition to working for TNA in order to make up some of the lost income. This arrangement would be easier than in past years, now that TNA is taping multiple episodes of Impact at once rather than having a live show each week.

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.