Officially the kickoff to WrestleMania season, Royal Rumble weekend creates the biggest waves of the year on the pro wrestling rumor mill.

There, every type of hypothetical remains on the table when it comes to 'Mania title matches and feuds. With so many possible winners in the men's and women's rumbles and so many domino effects branching off those ideas, it has no equal when it comes to rumors and buzz. Don't forget, either, the possibility of surprise returns.

The above is especially true this year, with what feels like more possible winners in each rumble than usual. With so many deserving winners and storylines capable of taking the top spotlight at Mania, the unpredictable nature of it all is great for fans and borderline overwhelming.

To help fans prepare for what could be a historic weekend, here are the top rumors and advice on whether to buy or sell each.

John Cena Update?

The Rumor

Speculation continues to run rampant on the how and why of John Cena's status with WWE. According to PW Insider (h/t Randall Ortman of Cageside Seats), Cena has been overseas filming a movie.

Reaction

Fans have been confused by Cena's recent lack of involvement in WWE. After all, he is supposed to be kicking off his retirement tour. But when was never truly specified—for all fans know, his year-long "tour" won't really start until the Royal Rumble or Mania itself.

Buy or Sell?

Buy. More Cena on the build to the rumble would've been nice. But it also makes sense that he might be wrapping up non-wrestling obligations before the "tour" really starts. And it's not like this wrinkle means he can't win the whole thing, either.

Charlotte Flair Plans?

The Rumor

Charlotte Flair has been one of the biggest names in rumors for months now. As Ortman points out, she remains the top candidate to win the women's rumble this weekend. Additionally, WrestleVotes reported (h/t Ortman) that Flair is going to embrace a "top girl" attitude, leaning into a character who gets everything handed to her, at least in part, because of her last name.

Reaction

Flair's long-awaited return from injury was always going to get hype around rumble season. It fits with the recovery time and her hype videos. Given her history and so many other factors, it only makes sense she's considered one of the top names to potentially win it all, too. Her return, winning a rumble, and then leaning into the meta angle to earn superheat with fans, would fit that "top girl" character arc mentioned.

Buy or Sell?

Let's sell on Flair winning the rumble, at least. WWE has to recognize that having her overcome most of the women's division immediately upon return could generate bad reactions. The rumble, instead, feels like a nice way to ease her back into things and set up a feud. If she needs to challenge for a title at 'Mania, she certainly doesn't need a rumble win to do so. Ditto for winning gold so that she can serve as the sort of final boss while they build up upstart babyfaces.

Brock Lesnar Latest

The Rumor

Despite the time of year, Brock Lesnar has been quiet. According to Wrestling Observer (h/t Ortman), there is "no movement" on a return, some of which hinges on the legal department clearing that to happen.

Reaction

It speaks volumes to where things are at that even amongst fans, the hype for a Lesnar return has been silent. Typically, at least, rumble season would generate some buzz—but this isn't a typical year, it seems.

Buy or Sell?

Buy. There is a very good chance this muted question about Lesnar's status is something that pops up this time next year, too. And frankly, the overall indifference to it now speaks to the fact the roster and state of programming don't need Lesnar right now, either.

Rhea Ripley vs. Bianca Belair on the Way?

The Rumor

Of the possible 'Mania feuds the Royal Rumble could set up, Rhea Ripley vs. Bianca Belair is one of the most intriguing. According to Fightful Select (h/t Ortman), that is one of the top options on the table right now.

Reaction

By now, fans shouldn't be shocked that plans aren't cemented even this close to the match itself. It is impossible to get a read on the women's division when it comes to Mania right now, but Ripley and Belair would certainly be an option few fans could find problematic for the biggest event of the year.

Buy or Sell?

Easiest buy of the week. This isn't a guarantee that Belair will win the rumble to set it up. But it does feel like WWE has been sitting on doing this feud for a special moment, which would be now.

Becky Lynch Latest

The Rumor

Most fans seem to have circled the Royal Rumble in red as the Becky Lynch return spot. PW Insider (h/t Ortman), though, reported that while she will indeed be at the event, there's no confirmation that the right creative has emerged to push through her surprise return.

Reaction

Like some return buzz around this event every year, this feels like exactly what a promotion might leak to deflect from the obvious, keeping a big return a surprise. It's also just hard to imagine WWE is having problems coming up with creative for Lynch.

Buy or Sell?

Sell on no Lynch creative and return. She's been out roughly half a year, which is plenty of time to figure out where and how she will fit into things in the rumble itself and beyond.