(source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

— It’s worth noting that the official Syfy website lists Edge, as well as The Undertaker, Rey Mysterio, Beth Phoenix and Michelle McCool, as appearing on Friday Night SmackDown when the program debuts on the network this October.

Regarding Edge, he was originally supposed to remain on SmackDown before WWE’s mentality during the Draft changed to making the Raw brand the company’s top priority. A renewed push for the Smackdown brand is expected this fall given that Vince McMahon has predicted with its move to Syfy that the audience for SmackDown will eventually be as large as Raw’s.

— Many within WWE’s developmental sytem are raving on the potential and progress of NXT season one winner Wade Barrett. Those affiliated with Florida Championship Wrestling rave about how he continually improves in the ring. They also feel he has the size and promo ability to headline.

— Edge was given the weekend off to attend the wedding of former WWE performers Nick Cvjetkovich (a/k/a Kizarny) and Stacy Carter (a/k/a Miss Kitty). Edge, Cvjetkovich and Christian were friends growing up in Orangeville, Ontario. The trio also started their wrestling careers together training at Ron Hutchison’s gym in Toronto.

Meanwhile, Christian was not given the weekend off due to the SmackDown brand’s tour of Australia.

– Former ECW superstars Christian and Yoshi Tatsu are now a part of the RAW roster. Christian defeated Carlito to qualify for Money in the Bank and Yoshi Tatsu teamed with Evan Bourne and Kofi Kingston in their win over Legacy.

– Maryse is the new WWE Divas Champion after defeating Gail Kim in the finals of the Divas tournament on Monday’s RAW.

– The new member of the 2010 WWE Hall of Fame class is former two-time WWF Women’s Champion Wendi Richter. Fellow “Rock-n-Wrestling” star and Hall of Famer “Rowdy” Roddy Piper will be inducting her. She joins Ted DiBiase Sr. and Antonio Inoki in this year’s class.

2010 WWE Royal Rumble

ECW champion Christian will defend the ECW Title against Ezekiel Jackson at the Royal Rumble PPV after Jackson “ECW Homecoming” challenge. Jackson won the #1 contender eight-man battle royal in the main event of Tuesday’s ECW on SyFy show. Here’s the latest card:

Royal Rumble Match:
Confirmed participants include:
– Cody Rhodes
– Ted DiBiase
– Evan Bourne
– Mark Henry

WWE Title Match:
Sheamus defends against Randy Orton

World Heavyweight Title Match:
The Undertaker defends against Rey Mysterio or Batista (will be decided on SmackDown)

ECW Title Match:
Christian defends against Ezekiel Jackson

– To keep with the undefeated storyline on RAW, WWE had the John Cena vs. Sheamus matches at this weekend’s live events end in disqualification with Cena as the winner. The Saturday night show saw Sheamus knock the referee down to be disqualified and yesterday’s show saw Sheamus get disqualified after hitting Cena with a low blow. It will be interesting to see what happens with the two on tonight’s RAW.

– Reader Ted sent in the following: Just thought everyone might want to know that Christian is now the longest reigning WWE-ECW Champion after holding it for 154 days. The previous record was held by Big Show with 152 days.

– The January 2010 edition of WWE Magazine is a Best of 2009 themed issue.

– Last week’s edition of ECW on Syfy scored a 1.0 cable rating, the same number as the previous week.