When names like CM Punk and Brock Lesnar headline the latest and greatest bits of the rumor mill, pro wrestling fans know the upcoming weeks have the potential to be wild.

That rumor mill isn't taking a break despite WWE and AEW getting ready to hit the winter months.

How could it? WWE has Crown Jewel coming up in early November, then Survivor Series: WarGames right at the end of the same month. The rumor mill has plenty to say about upcoming events, never mind normal housekeeping items such as contract fates of top Superstars, potential big returns, and—of course—a hint of WrestleMania plans.

Granted, rumors are just rumors, but the latest offerings have plenty to say about the immediate future and potentially years to come.

Here is a look at the latest buzz and a verdict on whether fans should buy or sell each item as legit.

Kevin Owens Contract Update

This week in "WWE contract drama," Kevin Owens takes center stage in all the buzz and speculation.

According to WrestleVotes (h/t Randall Ortman of Cageside Seats), Owens has a new contract on the way with WWE that he will sign soon.

While it might surprise some fans, it's an easy buy. Because of his downright amazing career across multiple promotions before ever setting foot in WWE, Owens has always been one of those guys fans wondered about when it comes to hopping over to AEW.

No chance, of course. Owens has been a top workhorse in WWE for roughly a decade now. His current prominent spot in the very top storylines alongside the likes of Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton pretty much says it all about his standing and future with the company—and for what it's worth, it's easy to forget he's only 40 years old.

Verdict: Buying

Punk vs. Gunther?

It is easy to assume that Punk, upon his return post-Crown Jewel, will head right into a feud with archenemy Seth Rollins.

But a new rumor suggests fans might want to pump the brakes on that.

According to WrestlePurists' Ibou (h/t Ortman), Punk will actually take on Gunther at Survivor Series for the World Heavyweight title.

This one feels like it falls under "possible plans" at best, though. Punk is bound to get title shots eventually and has hinted as much, sure. But Survivor Series is more than a month away and WWE still has to jump the hurdle that is Gunther vs. Cody Rhodes at Crown Jewel.

Considering Punk probably won't be there, a betting fan might want to wager on Goldberg throwing interference to set up a feud with Gunther.

That's just one idea, of course. But the Goldberg thread has been dangled for a reason. There are so, so many other Superstars who have an "issue" with Punk, too, that shoving him into a Gunther feud only because of the belt feels like it would be a misstep.

Verdict: Selling

Huge Surprise Return Potential?

When it comes to WWE returns, it doesn't get much bigger than CM Punk.

But frankly, at this point, AJ Lee coming back would generate surprise on an almost similar level.

According to WrestleVotes (h/t Ortman), WWE is "totally on board for" that to happen. But the report does stress that Lee hasn't suggested anything of the sort.

Even so, it's interesting that this rumor has made its way public now. The fact it's even a conversation is interesting, although it also feels natural now that Punk is back. Fans haven't seen Lee in a WWE ring since roughly 2015, yet she remains a beloved trailblazer for the current era of women's superstars.

It also feels like a major buy, of course. WWE would be foolish to have no interest in a Lee return in the sheer interests of doing right by her and fans.

Verdict: Buying

Brock Lesnar Return?

Fans have long wondered when Brock Lesnar might walk back through that door and wreak havoc across the roster.

A new report suggests an answer, with Bill Apter (h/t Ortman) replying in the affirmative about Lesnar returning to WWE in the near future.

It's a big sell, though. Lesnar has been missing in action since August of 2023. From a strictly in-ring perspective, WWE has veered away from part-timers more than ever under the new creative direction of Triple H.

Conflicting reports have emerged, too, with Fightful Select (h/t Wrestling Inc's Nick Miller) reporting there are zero creative plans in place for Lesnar and that some within the company don't see it happening while the Janel Grant lawsuit proceeds.

For now, it feels like Lesnar return speculation will hit the airwaves this time of year, each year. But it might just feel like a sell each year, too.

Verdict: Selling

Plans for Rock?

Speculation has recently gone overboard about what the plans for The Rock might be in the near future.

No surprise there, as Rock himself shot down a rumor that he can't attend WrestleMania 41 due to Hollywood calendar conflicts.

As a follow up, WrestleVotes (h/t Ortman) reported that nothing has changed in regards to plans for The Rock since WrestleMania 40.

Look, this might be a tough one to buy after the sloppy build to 40, which included Rock taking Rhodes' Royal Rumble win before a dramatic change.

But it's a buy nonetheless—Rock obviously remains in the plans for 'Mania in some capacity, whether it's in a match with Rhodes or a family-based match with Roman Reigns. The longform storytelling is there and, even if Rock has Hollywood commitments, there is plenty of time between now and 'Mania to work out schedule conflicts.

Verdict: Buying