:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/32479957/AJ_Lee.0.jpg)
For many fans, reading about rumors -- and trawling the sites that traffic in them -- has become as popular as watching the matches themselves. In this daily column, we take a look at the biggest rumors and stories being churned out by those pro wrestling "news" sites.
Important reminders: Rumors are "rumors" and not "news" for a reason, folks. That which has not been confirmed as legitimate news or fact will be made clear. Also, don't let these things ruin your day. It gets better.
Rumors:
- Apparently, the original plan for the Payback main event was Batista vs. Daniel Bryan for the WWE world heavyweight title. PW Insider reported as much while also saying Batista decided he didn't want to lose so it was decided he would take time off earlier than expected, just after Extreme Rules.
- Here's your CM Punk update you were surely hopping in here to see: He is not expected to return at this show, but WWE is planning an angle to address his absence. This is only because the show is taking place in Chicago and the feeling is they need to do something, much like the Paul Heyman promo on Raw last month.
- Speaking of returns, Punk's bride-to-be, AJ Lee, is expected back either just before or just after Payback.
- Despite the angle that was run on this past Monday night's episode of Raw, Ric Flair is not currently expected to appear in any capacity at the Extreme Rules event this weekend.
- There is still a plan in place to turn Sheamus heel, just not until after the European tour.
- NXT might become a bi-weekly taped show instead of monthly because it's gotten far more popular now that it airs on the WWE Network. This would solve a ton of issues they currently run into by taping weeks and weeks of television at one time.
- When Evan Bourne comes back, he could very well be forming a tag team with Tyson Kidd.
- Low Ki is apparently close to signing a new deal with TNA where he would both wrestle as part of the X Division, providing a much needed infusion of talent -- they can't run Sanada vs. Tigre Uno/Zema Ion forever. It's also been said he could act as an agent.
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.