Rumor Roundup (June 16, 2018): WWE & New Japan, Daniel Bryan vs. The Miz, James Ellsworth, 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. We track rumor accuracy in a weekly feature called Rumor Look Back you can find here. Remember, take it all with a grain of salt.

Rumors for the Day:

• According to the Observer, there are “lots of rumblings about WWE making moves on opening communication with talent in New Japan.” Apparently that also includes talent who are announced for All In.
• Advertising seems to indicate that WWE will be going to the Daniel Bryan vs. The Miz feud sooner rather than later.
• The expectation is that James Ellsworth is indeed returning to WWE at Money in the Bank and he will help Carmella retain the SmackDown women’s title against Asuka.
• Pro Wrestling Sheet is saying AJ Styles will be on the cover of WWE 2K19 and Ronda Rousey will be a pre-order bonus character.
• Per Post Wrestling, Authors of Pain haven’t been used recently due to a visa issue but that’s apparently been worked out.

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. And check our weekly Rumor Look Back here to keep track of how often rumors turn out to be correct!