WWE announced this evening that World Heavyweight Champion Edge will defend his title against Dolph Ziggler at the Royal Rumble pay-per-view.

Ziggler became the No. 1 contender to the World Heavyweight Championship last week on SmackDown.

Below is the updated Royal Rumble pay-per-view line-up.

WWE Championship Match
The Miz (c) vs. Randy Orton

World Heavywegith Championship Match
Edge (c) vs. Dolph Ziggler

30-Man Royal Rumble match for a shot at the WWE Championship or World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania XXVII

— As reported earlier, the Rey Mysterio vs. Alberto Del Rio match scheduled for Sunday’s WWE TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs pay-per-view was canceled and both men were moved into the World Heavyweight Title bout because they wanted all the major matches on the show to have adequate time. It has since been disclosed that WWE officials felt the Kane vs. Edge storyline “wasn’t clicking,” and would thus lead to a bad pay-per-view match.

— David Hart Smith has deleted his Twitter account.

— Matt Hardy will be the guest live tonight on In Your Head. Listen live starting at 8PM EST 5PM PST at www.inyourheadonline.com and www.justin.tv/jackiyh. To call in and talk to Hardy, dial 1-508-644-8503 between 8:30 and 9:00 PM EST.

source: f4wonline.com

— Both John Morrison and Edge are under consideration for heel turns over the next few months. However, the main holdup with Edge turning heel is that babyface side on SmackDown lacks depth. The Undertaker is out and Rey Mysterio is working while hurt.

— The Miz is receiving high marks from WWE officials for how hard he’s worked since becoming WWE Champion. He is being compared to John Cena with the amount of media appearances he’s doing, never complaining about the load, not to mention that he performs well on television.

— WWE has a Raw live event scheduled for the PNE Agrodome in Vancouver, BC on Feb. 11. Insurance regulations caused WWE to cancel its last planned event in the city.

source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter

— Current creative plans call for Melina to turn heel and feud with Divas Champion Natalya. It’s expected to be a slow turn. The idea was first conceived a few weeks ago and it said that Melina garnered heat because she was negative about going bad.

Meanwhile, a renewed on-screen relationship with John Morrison which was recently teased on Monday Night Raw is considered a dead idea.

— Creative has devised long-term storyline plans for Randy Orton, The Miz, Sheamus, Edge, John Cena and The Nexus through February.

— The pre-sale code for the Jan. 31 Monday Night Raw taping at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, Rhode Island is ORTON. Tickets for the pre-sale are on sale now through Friday morning via Ticketmaster.com.

sources: Wrestling Observer Newsletter, PWInsider.com

— According to an SPC stationed in Fort Hood, Texas, signs have been posted around the military base advertising WWE’s annual Tribute to the Troops event for Saturday, Dec. 11.

The hour-long special will air 9 p.m. EST/8 p.m. CST the following Saturday on NBC and chronicle WWE Superstars and Divas visiting Fort Hood to meet with the troops and their families, culminating with a live in-ring performance in front of thousands of military personnel.

— A clip of Edge’s profile in WWE’s forthcoming Top 50 Superstars of All Time DVD has been released. The clip highlights his WWE career in under three minutes and features comments from fellow colleagues such as John Cena and William Regal.

To view the video profile, click here.

— Former WWE ring announcer Lilian Garcia has been announced for Wizard World’s Miami Comic Con, which takes place Feb. 26-27 at the Miami Airport Convention Center in Miami, Florida.

— Goldust suffered an injury to his eye during his bout against Ted DiBiase at last night’s Raw live event in Cardiff, Wales. He wrote on Twitter that he was heading to the hospital for eye surgery, but noted hours later the procedure had been called off and that he was okay enough to resume performing.

— Edge has missed the first shows of SmackDown’s live event tour of Europe to film the third season finale of Syfy’s Sanctuary. He will play the role of “an abnormal” named Thelo, with the episode scheduled to air in spring 2011.

— Wade Barrett’s father was in attendance at last night’s Raw live event in Cardiff, Wales, which saw the leader of The Nexus lose to Randy Orton, with John Cena serving as special guest referee. Barrett attended high school in Cardiff.

source: PWInsider.com

– Last night’s episode of Monday Night Raw drew a 3.26 cable rating, which is up from previous week’s 3.07 figure. The show averaged 4.8 million viewers over the course of two hours and finished second in the cable ratings race to Monday Night Football.

— The following SmackDown stars are being advertised to appear on WWE’s “Old School” edition of Monday Night Raw on Nov. 15 in Hershey, Pennsylvania: WWE World Heavyweight Champion Kane, Edge, Rey Mysterio, Big Show, Jack Swagger and Kofi Kingston.

Early plans for the show call for the program to be a throwback to 1993 with no pyro and the first season intro to be played. “Legends” confirmed to appear on the show include Sgt. Slaughter, Dusty Rhodes, Jimmy Snuka, “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, The Iron Sheik, “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan, Arn Anderson and Irwin R. Schyster.

— Syfy has announced that Edge will play the role of “an abnormal” named Thelo in the season finale of Sanctuary (scheduled to air in spring 2011).

Sanctuary airs Friday night at 10:00 p.m., immediately following SmackDown.

– Today is Darren Young’s birthday. He turns 31 years old.

(Partial source: f4wonline.com)

— It was advertised tonight during a commercial on Raw that Edge would be squaring off against Alberto Del Rio this Friday on SmackDown.

— Tonight, John Cena became the first WWE Superstar to accumulate 200,000 followers on Twitter.

— The Smackdown house show on January 9, 2011 will be held at the Knoxville Coliseum in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tickets go on sale November 20, 2010. (Thanks to Devin Cutting)

— Edge defeated Rey Mysterio and Alberto Del Rio last night on SmackDown to earn a shot at Kane’s World Heavyweight Championship at the Survivor Series.

One other match has been announced in Wade Barrett vs. Randy Orton for the WWE Championship, with John Cena as the special guest referee.

— Speaking of Edge, he celebrates his 37th birthday today – October 30th.

— There is frustration among some in WWE with the “Stand Up” initiative being Vince McMahon’s top priority. They feel his mindset won’t change following next Tuesday’s election, whether Linda McMahon wins her Senate campaign or not. (source: www.f4wonline.com)

— To follow up on the news that RAW superstar Edge is considering retirement in the near future, the Rated R Superstar recently told the Asheville Citizen-Times that his days in the ring are indeed coming to an end soon. Edge recently purchased a new home in North Carolina, where he plans to settle down after he leaves WWE.

“That’s part of the reason I bought up here. We want to retire and listen to the wind in the trees, and we want to do it fairly soon. I may have two more years. With each injury, it’s harder and harder to come back.”

— Today is Chavo Guerrero’s birthday, who turns 40 years old.

— WWE SmackDown garnered a 8.7 rating in Mexico, topping programming from AAA (4.5) and CMLL (2.6).

Several WWE stars have privately indicated in recent weeks that they are contemplating leaving the organization—and the wrestling business altogether—once their current contracts expire.

Edge, who’s current deal with World Wrestling Entertainment expires in two years, has been telling people that he may retire from the wrestling industry once it concludes.

One company insider noted to Wrestling Observer editor Dave Meltzer that four other WWE stars have stated in recent weeks that they’ve completely lost their passion for wrestling, to such a degree that they vow to leave the business altogether once their contracts expire.

A fifth wrestler claims he will leave WWE once his current deal runs out, but will continue wrestling elsewhere.

source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter

— Evan Bourne is expected to be sidelined for four months once he undergoes shoulder surgery, reports www.f4wonline.com.

— Edge is being advertised again to appear at WWE’s Fan Appreciation Day event at the XL Center in Hartford, Conn., on Saturday, Oct. 30.

— John Cena is featured on the cover of the latest issue of Fighting Spirit, with the headline reading “Have We Cena ‘Nuff?” To view the cover, click here.

The synopsis reads: “Between his superhero act getting incredibly old and him almost ruining the careers of people like The Miz and Nexus by squashing them completely, FSM has had it up to here with John Cena. But is it really all his fault? FSM examines WWE’s top man and wonders if he’s to blame for ruining WWE for everyone.”

— It was announced during Raw that Edge had been traded to the SmackDown brand. Though it was not disclosed who would be heading to Raw in exchange for the “Rated-R Superstar,” new information released indicates it being CM Punk.

A new match line-up has been issued for Friday’s Raw live event at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California. Edge has been replaced on the card by Punk, who will be facing R-Truth.

Also added to the show is a bout between Goldust and Ted DiBiase, whose program kicked off last night on Raw. Ezekiel Jackson, who last night wrestled his second match since returning from injury three weeks ago, is advertised to face Zack Ryder. Other matches promoted include Randy Orton vs. Sheamus in a Steel Cage Match, Mark Henry vs. Wade Barrett, Daniel Bryan vs. John Morrison, Melina and Eve vs. Alicia Fox and Maryse, as well as The Nexus vs. Santino Marella and Vladimir Kozlov.

As noted earlier, reigning Florida Heavyweight Champion Mason Ryan will be going on the road with the Raw brand. He is being advertised to face William Regal on the card.

— Democratic state Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and Republican Linda McMahon met last night in the first debate of the general election to replace retiring Democratic Senator Christopher Dodd. Cable news channel CSPAN has posted video of the debate online, which you can view here.

— It was announced during Raw that Edge has been traded to the SmackDown brand. It was not disclosed who would be heading to Raw in exchange for the “Rated-R Superstar.”

— Ezekiel Jackson defeated Primo in a dark match prior to tonight’s live Raw broadcast in Wichita, Kansas. It was Jackson’s second match since returning last month from a tear in his right quadriceps muscle.

— The USA Network had listed the Nov. 15 episode of Monday Night Raw as a three-hour broadcast, but it is now scheduled for its regularly allotted time.

— Via an e-mail read by announcer Michael Cole at Hell in a Cell, the anonymous Raw General Manager informed Edge that he will make a live, in-ring apology to him on Raw. He then declared that “The Rated-R Superstar” would face Jack Swagger immediately in an impromptu match. The nine-time World Champion gained the victory following a Spear.

— The dark match that took place prior to tonight’s Hell in a Cell pay-per-view broadcast was a six-man tag pitting Kofi Kingston, Goldust and R Truth against Dolph Ziggler, Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre. Prior to the match, there was an altercation between brothers Cody Rhodes and Goldust, with the WWE Tag Team Champion taunting The Bizarre One. Goldust ultimately came out on top in the brothers duel as he hit his finisher on Rhodes for the win.

— Click here to view the promotional video advertisement for WWE’s next pay-per-view event, Bragging Rights. The second annual show takes place three weeks from now at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

— The hash tag #HIAC narrowly managed to trend on Twitter towards the conclusion of the pay-per-view event.

– For what it’s worth, RAW Superstar Edge is being advertised as a SmackDown talent by SyFy as they promote SmackDown’s network debut on October 1st. No word yet if WWE is planning on sending Edge back to Friday nights. As noted before, there has been talk of beefing up the SmackDown roster before the SyFy debut.

– Road Warrior Animal will be signing autographs at the WWE developmental show on Friday in Ft. Myers, Florida. Matches include NXT’s Alex Riley vs. Lucky Cannon and a six-man ladder match.

– MVP noted on Twitter that his new theme song will debut on SmackDown within a few weeks.

– The August 13th episode of WWE’s Friday Night SmackDown scored a 1.6 broadcast rating with 2.691 million viewers. This is the third straight week SmackDown has done a 1.6.

Entertainment blog Deadline New York is reporting that Adam “Edge” Copeland’s WWE Studios film “Chasing The Hawk” has a new name and several actors have signed on to the project.

The movie is now titled “Bending the Rules.” In the film, Edge plays a lawyer trying to track down a stolen car.

Starring opposite Copeland in the film will be “Scream” actor Jamie Kennedy.

Also featured are Jessica Walter (“Arrested Development”), Jennifer Esposito (“Samantha Who?”), Alicia Witt (“Friday Night Lights”) and Philip Baker Hall (the infamous “Bookman” from “Seinfeld”).

Director Artie Mandleberg has been attached to the project, which is based on a script by Dylan Schaffer.

(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.

— Live tonight on Raw, three Superstars will compete in a Triple Threat Match to determine WWE Champion Sheamus’ opponent at SummerSlam. The match will feature Chris Jericho vs. Randy Orton vs. Edge for the WWE Title opportunity.

— There were no serious injuries coming out of last night’s Money in the Bank pay-per-view event, reports www.F4WOnline.com.

— Former WWE star Batista is featured on the cover of the latest issue of Ironpoy, a fitness, lifestyle and leisure magazine. The cover can be viewed here.

(source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

— Though Triple H’s current absence from television is in due part to filming the upcoming WWE Films project The Chaperone, the word is that he is more hurt than first thought. The extent to which the injuries will delay his planned return to the squared circle are unclear, but sources indicate a rumored SummerSlam feud between him and Edge has been scrapped.

Meanwhile, Edge is expected to miss some house shows during the month of August as he films WWE’s action-oriented comedy Chasing the Hawk.

— One soldier stationed in Iraq says Layla is by far the most popular WWE Superstar when the company goes overseas for its annual Tribute to the Troops event. Though her striking appearance probably doesn’t hurt, the feeling is her popularity is due to how friendly and caring she appears as she takes time to talk to most everyone, making them feel special in the process.

“When she talks to you, she makes you feel like the most important person in the world at that moment, and that there’s no one she’d rather be talking to,” the soldier said.

– Former WWE superstar Batista was ringside at last night’s Strikeforce MMA event from Los Angeles, California. Several MMA news sites are reporting that Batista was telling people that he does not plan on returning to WWE and was unhappy there for a long time before leaving. Batista is a big MMA fan and has been training at various MMA camps across the country in recent months, but has his sights set on acting and has been auditioning regularly since leaving WWE.

– In related news, Bill Goldberg, Chavo Guerrero and Ernest Miller were also at Strikeforce last night.

– As we reported earlier this week, RAW superstar Edge will be starring in a new WWE action-comedy called “Chasing the Hawk.” The movie will begin filming this coming August from New Orleans, where WWE has filmed all of its recent movies.

– Tuesday’s episode of NXT Season 2 drew a 0.89 cable rating and averaged 1,306,000 viewers. The 0.89 rating is down 17% from last week’s 1.07, which was the season 2 premiere and the night after the NXT invasion angle.

– RAW Superstar Edge is set to star in a new WWE movie called “Chasing the Hawk.” Edge will play a lawyer from New Orleans who loses a classic car and then goes out to find it. The movie will be an action comedy.

– John Cena’s Twitter handle has been changed to @johncena and is now accessible at http://twitter.com/johncena.

– Actress Florence Henderson, who played “Carol Brady” on the classic Brady Bunch television show, will be guest hosting the July 12th WWE Monday Night RAW from Lexington, Kentucky. No guest host has been announced for next week’s RAW, the night after no Fatal 4 Way.

— In an interview with North Carolina’s Citizen Times newspaper, WWE RAW superstar Edge revealed that the injures he’s suffered in recent years have shortened his career and he doesn’t see himself wrestling more than two years. Edge said:

“I’m coming up on my 20th year, and I’ve definitely had some injuries that have shortened my career. That’s part of the reason I bought up here — we want to retire and listen to the wind in the trees, and we want to do it fairly soon. I may have two more years. With each injury, it’s harder and harder to come back.”

– WWE NXT Season 2 rookie Michael McGillicutty, son of the legendary Mr. Perfect Curt Hennig, posted a message on Twitter explaining why he decided not to use the Hennig family name:

“A lot of folks are asking about my “name”. Lets face it: Michael McGillicutty is the next generation of the WWE, the next World Champion…While on the other hand Joe Hennig was simply the son of Mr. Perfect…I will make a mark in the WWE & on NXT by MYSELF, not my name.”

— Bret Hart canceled his appearance at the BTW WrestleFest convention yesterday in Fremont, California due to a scheduling conflict with his Calgary Hitmen hockey team. He noted on his official website that the Hitmen were in a semi-final game last night in Brandon, Manitoba with the championship game scheduled for today. Furthermore, he expects to be on hand for tomorrow night’s Raw in Toledo, Ohio, but as of yesterday, wasn’t completely sure.

Regarding the United States Championship, upcoming Raw live events list three-way U.S. Title bouts between R-Truth, The Miz and Ted DiBiase. It’s expected that one of the three will receive the belt once Hart’s run as champion concludes.

— Matches pitting John Cena against Edge with the WWE Championship on the line are advertised for upcoming Raw live events.

— The Blade has conducted an interview The Miz promoting tomorrow night’s Raw in Toledo, Ohio. He discusses the toll wrestling’s had on his body, the worst injury he’s suffered, and more. (Article link)

(source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

– Current creative plans call for Jack Swagger to defend his World Heavyweight Championship against Undertaker at SummerSlam. A match between Triple H vs. Edge is also being talked about for WWE’s annual summer pay-per-view.

– Rey Mysterio is said to be unhappy with WWE after they prevented AAA from holding a Rey Misterio Jr., Cup this year. Mysterio asked WWE for permission, but turned him down, saying they don’t want him appearing on a AAA show even if it’s merely to present a trophy.

— NXT Rookie David Otunga is scheduled to work SmackDown house shows. Company officials feel he has star potential but want him to get more experience on the road since his wrestling isn’t close to ready.