Credit: WWE.com

The blockbuster departure of one of wrestling's most popular acts ever, and what that means for its potential return to WWE, dominates this week's WWE rumors.

The Hardy Boyz waved goodbye to TNA Wrestling February 27, but their immediate plans are among the most buzz-worthy topics in all of sports entertainment.

But they are not the only notable performers drawing the interest of fans and insiders.

Returning champions are at the heart of wrestling news, rumors and speculation.

One is preparing to set foot back inside the squared circle for the first time in five years, while another is recovering from an injury and eyeing up a return to the squared circle in time for WrestleMania 33.

Then there is the celebrated performer whose return to the company that made him a household name could prove one of the most newsworthy stories of the year.

The Hardy Boyz: Free Agents

Matt and Jeff Hardy are free from Total Nonstop Action Wrestling as of Monday, February 27 and the former wasted little time announcing their departure from the company they have helped steady over the last year on Twitter.

The sudden free agency, coupled with the announcement by Matt's wife Reby that his official online store will be closing imminently, has many fans wondering if a WWE return is in the books.

Tweets between Matt and former Raw womens' champion Sasha Banks have only helped to intensify that speculation.

The Hardys were, once upon a time, one of the most popular acts WWE had ever produced. They revolutionized tag team wrestling in the early 2000s and were a significant act during the critically acclaimed, and financially successfully, Attitude Era.

A return to the company that made them famous would be a fitting conclusion to one of the most wildly successful, and wholly improbable, runs in wrestling history.

Whether or not the brothers Hardy ever compete inside a Vince McMahon-owned ring again remains to be seen. A legion of fans, though, will be watching with bated breath as the influential superstars plot out their next move.

Kelly Kelly to Induct Beth Phoenix?

According to Cageside Seats, the returning former Divas champion Kelly Kelly will induct one of her greatest rivals, Beth Phoenix, into the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2017.

If true, it is a questionable choice to be sure.

After all, Kelly was the total opposite of Phoenix. Whereas The Glamazon represented wrestling, Kelly was the former model who broke into the business at 19 years old and seemed to become a star more for her looks.

Their feud in 2011 helped legitimize Kelly as a wrestler, but the majority of the matches they had together were the product of Phoenix's ability to carry her from start to finish.

It is almost inconceivable that Natalya would not be the one to induct her into the Hall, especially given their status as longtime tag team partners.

Olympic-Sized Return

According to PWInsider (h/t Cageside Seats), Kurt Angle will return to WWE television on the April 3 episode of Raw, one night after WrestleMania 33.

If so, that would make another unforgettable moment on a post-'Mania episode of WWE's flagship show. The question immediately becomes, though, will it be as an in-ring performer or some other role on the show.

After all, it appears as though the Raw general manager position could be opening up at any moment, with Mick Foley routinely finding himself in hot water with superior Stephanie McMahon.

Could Angle, whose relationship with The Billion Dollar Princess is no secret to longtime wrestling fans, be next in line to rule over Raw?

Given the incredible talent on today's WWE roster, one would hope fans would get to see some of the dream matches they have been robbed of since the 1996 Olympic gold medalist has been gone. For the sake of his long-term health, though, an on-screen role as an authority figure may best suit him.

Either way, it will be nice to see Angle back on television with the promotion that got him his start in the industry.

The Demon is Back?

On Monday, Triple H tweeted that he will be returning to the squared circle for a slate of live events in March, including stops in Toronto and Buffalo.

According to WrestleZone.com, The Game is not the only interesting addition to those events.

The site reveals that Triple H will team with universal champion Kevin Owens and Samoa Joe to battle United States champion Chris Jericho, Sami Zayn and...Finn Balor in a huge Six-Man Tag Team match.

If true, Balor will be returning to the squared circle in time for WrestleMania. That he would be involved in such a high-profile match right out of the gate suggests that he may find himself embroiled in the ongoing drama involving The Game, Joe, Zayn and, potentially, Seth Rollins just in time for The Showcase of the Immortals.

If that is the case, could Balor be Rollins' replacement on the grand stage? Or may he team with The Architect in a tag team match that would understandably limit what Rollins is asked to do with his torn MCL?

Either way, fans of the charismatic star should be excited that the previously injured competitor may be back in time for a WrestleMania-sized awakening of The Demon.