Rumor Roundup for Tuesday, April 16: John Cena vs. Ryback, Batista return, 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 will be taking 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:

• When John Cena made good on his promise to capture the WWE title from the Rock at WrestleMania 29, just about everyone expected Cena to embark on a lengthy title reign throughout the summer of 2013. Well, pump the brakes on that for a second. Cena is expected to face newly-heel-turned Ryback at May's Extreme Rules pay per view. Few expect Ryback to have a serious chance to dethrone Cena so soon after regaining the title, but don't rule it out. Why? Because of a seemingly unrelated rumor regarding former WWE Superstar Batista getting back into wrestling shape. Though the situation is still very fluid, there is some talk of having Batista return this summer to work an angle with John Cena, sort of like a "summer version" of Cena's feuds with the Rock the past two years. While WWE was reportedly pleased with the turnout at their events with the WWE title on the part-time champion Rock, it seems unlikely that they'd put a part timer back into that situation so soon. Until we hear whether or not Batista is returning for sure, and what his schedule will be should he return, this is one to merely keep in the back of your mind for now.
• As reported previously, CM Punk has been removed from all house shows in the near future, including on WWE's upcoming European tour. This may not be the end of Punk's house show absence, as it is currently rumored that he may be removed from house show events permanently. Whether this is something Punk himself pushed for or if it is something WWE has done in order to extend Punk's career, is not yet known. Additionally, as expected, Punk is not likely to wrestle in the near future as he recovers from a slew of minor injuries.
• With Kofi Kingston winning the US Title from Antonio Cesaro on last night's (April 15) Raw, as well as R-Truth defeating Intercontinental Champion Wade Barrett in a non-title match (likely earning him an eventual shot at the title,) we move closer to confirming yesterday's rumor that Fandango will be taking one of these titles from one of these "face" champions in the near future. Fandango owes his epic rise in popularity, in part at least, to his catchy theme song, written by WWE composer Jim Johnston. WWE.com posted a story where Johnston discusses the origins of said theme, which you can read here.
• WWE is still working to bring back former Divas who left the company in a mass exodus over the past several years. In particular, it is said negotiations are ongoing with Kelly Kelly. Other names previously mentioned include Kharma and Maryse.

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.