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Cena to have a major role at SummerSlam?It was a slow weekend for the wrestling fans. Unlike last week – where we had Roadblock – this time around, there was nothing to dissect or analyse for the fans expect the rumors that fill up. While a major portion of these rumors was WrestleMania-centric, there were others from the lot that gave us a peek into the larger context of the WWE product.After securing the services of Shinsuke Nakamura, WWE is planning to bring in another major Japanese star into their roster. Also, there were talks about what the company has in plans for Dean Ambrose after WrestleMania.This and much more feature in this week’s Top five rumors of the week and analysis.
#5 Kazuchika Okada on WWE\'s radar
After snatching up Shinsuke Nakamura from New Japan Pro Wrestling, WWE is looking to add another big Japanese name into their roster in the form of Kazuchika Okada. Okada, who is currently 28 years old, is a three times IWGP Heavyweight champion and has had brief spells in TNA.
He has three five-star matches to his name with two in 2013 and one in 2015, all of which happened against Hiroshi Tanahashi.
Without much doubt, the addition of Okada would be a great move for the WWE roster, but it would be interesting to see how NJPW would react to the offer as they are unlikely to let him go.
#4 Roadblock to be an annual March event
WWE had a solid outing at WWE Roadblock last week and are now planning to make this an annual event.
Usually, WWE uses up the time frame they have in March to build up the WrestleMania matches, but this year, they accommodated Roadblock in between. Although the show was a success, the lack of impact or development it produced on the Road to WrestleMania left the fans disappointed.
The decision to have it as an annual event could be WWE’s idea of plugging the WWE Network ahead of the WrestleMania season since it is the busiest time frame as far as the company is concerned.
#3 WWE expecting big stars for SummerSlam
This year’s WrestleMania is plagued big time due to injuries.
However, WWE is looking for some long-term relief and is expecting to have their big names back in time for SummerSlam. Even if WWE messes up WrestleMania, they will be working to make SummerSlam the biggest success of the year.
The stars that are expected to be back in time for the event are Seth Rollins, John Cena, Randy Orton and Cesaro. From the said list, Cesaro is being advertised for WWE’s WrestleMania revenge tour to Europe.
The status of Randy Orton is the most doubtful one as some suggest that his injury is pretty serious. Rollins has already started his in-ring training and could have a face run when he returns.
#2 Ambrose to be in title picture post-WrestleMania 32
WWE is planning massive angles for Dean Ambrose in the post-WrestleMania period.
The fans are expected to see a few major shifts in the WWE landscape including the debut of Balor Club and a potential power struggle between the McMahons. A big heel push for Bray Wyatt is also in the books but among all of these, Ambrose could get a championship feud with whoever wins at WrestleMania.
The longevity of Ambrose in the top order could vary depending on the situations, but he is almost certain to get a shot at the title once the WrestleMania season gets over.
#1 Retirement of Sting
This was hands down the biggest rumor that came out last week. The actual amount of truth in this rumor is still up for debate, but the air of doubts surrounding this one are guaranteed to be cleared at the Hall of Fame ceremony.
The rumors suggested that Sting was being forced to retire due to the neck injury that he picked up during his match against Seth Rollins at Night of champions.
Sting has not wrestled ever since that match and apparently, the doctors have reached a conclusion that it would be too dangerous for him to continue wrestling. The rumor has killed off all the hopes we had about seeing a dream Undertaker vs. Sting match at WrestleMania as well.
What makes Sting special? His first AEW opponent opens up RIGHT HERE.
