'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
We all love a good rumor right? Something to discuss over the water cooler at work.
Well in the WWE, there are plenty of rumors abound, as the company and its fans barrel forward on the road to WrestleMania 35.
With the Elimination Chamber pay per view now behind us, the WWE Universe looks forward to Fastlane, the final pit-stop on the road to the Showcase of the Immortals.
Some huge title matches have already been announced, including a huge SmackDown Tag Team Championship rematch, as well as the New Day's Kofi Kingston getting his shot at the WWE Championship against the new Daniel Bryan.
But with Fastlane and WrestleMania on the horizon, there are plenty of rumors going around right now.
Here are five WWE Rumors from this week that you simply can't afford to miss:
#5: Happy in NXT
Since its relaunch in 2012, NXT has become arguably the most popular aspect of WWE programming.
Once a reality show, NXT has now become WWE's developmental brand, a feeder to the main roster, with its own subsequent spin-off: NXT UK.
According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter this week though, many stars of the WWE's third brand are happy where they are.
Whilst the report didn't give exact names, "a lot of top NXT stars" would rather stay in the yellow brand, and one top NXT star "dreads the idea of being called up to either RAW or SmackDown Live".
The same report also states that others can't wait to be called up though, so who knows which star of NXT will be the next one to make their presence known on the main roster.
#4: TJP's shocking release
When the WWE re-launched their Cruiserweight division in 2016, they needed someone special as their new champion.
After an incredible tournament, that special someone was TJP, who dazzled fans with his incredible charisma and unique offence.
Being the first Cruiserweight Champion of this new era was a huge deal for TJP, which is why it was all the more shocking that WWE parted ways with him last week.
TJP wasn't the only departure from the company last week, but definitely came as the most surprising.
According to the PW Insider, TJP did not request his release, unlike fellow releases Hideo Itami and Tye Dillinger.
Hopefully, the former Cruiserweight star will land on his feet elsewhere, perhaps in All Elite Wrestling, or even in Impact, where he is a former X-Division Champion.
#3: Kofi vs. Bryan to main event
At the WWE Fastlane Pay Per View, Kofi Kingston will have his first one-on-one chance to capture the WWE Championship when he takes on Daniel Bryan.
An eleven-year veteran of the main roster, the title match has been a long-time coming for Kingston, who many consider one of WWE's greatest ever stars to never hold world championship gold.
With so much on the line for both men, who are both incredible athletes, it makes sense that this match will reportedly main event Fastlane, according to the Wrestling Observer.
After impressing on SmackDown Live and inside the Elimination Chamber, Kingston certainly has the crowd on his side.
Whether that means we will see the former Intercontinental, United States and Tag Champion finally win the big one, only time will tell.
#2: Updates on Cena, Undertaker and others
This year's WrestleMania is coming together nicely, and although some huge matches have already been announced, it does feel like something is missing.
Several top stars have not been addressed recently, including Roman Reigns, John Cena, Triple H (who will be entering the Hall of Fame with DX) and perhaps the most glaring omission, The Undertaker.
The Wrestling Observer notes that there has been a big push by the company to get the Deadman on the Mania card, especially after it was announced he would be attending Starrcast.
Cena, on the other hand, is expected to compete, though it is not yet clear who his opponent will be.
The Game's Mania future is in jeopardy after his injury suffered at Crown Jewel, while Reigns' future comes down to his leukemia diagnosis.
#1: Rousey's request
Though they may no longer be scheduled to face off at WrestleMania (for now), the beef between Ronda Rousey and Becky Lynch is far from over.
In case you missed it, the suspended Lynch attacked Rousey at the Elimination Chamber pay per view, leaving the former UFC star heavily beaten.
According to the Observer, Rousey specifically requested that Lynch hit her as hard as she could during the altercation, something that the inaugural SmackDown Women's Champion was happy to oblige.
Speaking of the Man, PW Insider is noting that Lynch will appear on tonight's edition of Monday Night RAW, though did not make clear what she would be doing.
Many have speculated that it will be connected to Ric Flair's birthday celebration, as the Nature Boy's daughter Charlotte has replaced Lynch as Rousey's opponent for WrestleMania.
