Rumor Roundup (Dec. 27, 2017): Royal Rumble favorites, Dean Ambrose injury, Matt Hardy, 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, it's just circulating around the pro wrestling rumor mill. Remember, take it all with a grain of salt.

Rumors for the Day:

• Betting sites are currently favoring John Cena and Ronda Rousey to win the two Royal Rumble matches next month.
• While the rumor is WWE is likely exaggerating how long Dean Ambrose will be out injured, there are various timelines floating around on a possible return date, from 2-to-3 months to 6-to-7. The consensus seems to be that it won't be as many as 9 as WWE claimed.
• WWE had Matt Hardy use the old "Broken" piano theme at the MSG show last night, leading to obvious speculation he may get to use it on TV soon.
• Jonathan Coachman recently mentioned he believes Vince McMahon may attempt to buy the Carolina Panthers.
• Dave Meltzer noted recently that Mark Cuban wants to push the New Japan TV show more.

If you have heard of any interesting rumors that you'd like to add, feel free to post them in the comments section below. Just remember they are rumors and not confirmed as fact, so please take them as such. Have fun with it.