– Nigel McGuinness turns 37 years old today.

– Mark Henry noted on Twitter that he’s currently in Istanbul, Turkey. He is there doing promotional work for WWE.

– Sunday’s WWE Royal Rumble pay-per-view from the US Airways Center in Phoenix, Arizona is totally sold out. WWE reportedly informed talent this week that there would be no comp tickets given out due to the packed house. This is yet another sign that WWE’s business is up since The Rock returned to television.

– WWEDVDNews.com has released the official synopsis for the upcoming WWE WrestleMania 29 DVD:

“It only happens once a year, and in 2013, The Showcase of the Immortals comes to the greater New York City area for WrestleMania XXIX! From MetLife Stadium, the biggest stars in WWE and several returning legends compete on sports entertainment’s grandest stage. Last year, fans witnessed The Rock defeat John Cena in one of the most epic matches of all time. Will the People’s Champ bring it to WrestleMania for the second year in a row? Will Undertaker build on his incomparable legacy by extending his winning streak to 21-0, and is there a brave soul willing to challenge him? Plus, CM Punk, Big Show, Triple H, Sheamus, and several major Superstars strive to cement their legacies and create moments that will own a permanent place in WWE lore.”

* ROYAL RUMBLE DVD Synopsis *SPOILS* The Winner of CM PUNK vs. THE ROCK (View Here)

WWE has announced that United States champion Antonio Cesaro will defend against The Miz this Sunday on the 30-minute online Royal Rumble pre-show. WWE.com asks:

“With so much bad blood between them already and championship gold on the line, it is safe to say The Miz will be in attack mode this Sunday. Can The Swiss Superman, who’s looked otherworldly at times during his five-month title reign, muster victory against a peeved Miz, a former U.S. Title holder himself?”

Check out these recent Royal Rumble news stories:

– Stipulations Added To CM Punk vs. The Rock & Alberto Del Rio vs. Big Show

– Updated List Of Royal Rumble 2013 Entrants

– Royal Rumble 2013 Spoilers: Script Leaks, Details Revealed

– David Otunga noted on Twitter that he will be appearing on TruTV’s Headline News TV from 12-2pm EST and will be serving as a guest legal expert weighing in on the Jodi Arias trial. Arias is accused of stabbing her boyfriend.

– Santino Marella’s daughter Bianca Carelli won the Miss Teen Canada World pageant in Toronto, Canada over the weekend. Here’s a picture of Bianca after her win:

– Here’s WWE’s latest promo video hyping CM Punk’s match against The Rock this Sunday at the Royal Rumble:

Following Monday’s WWE RAW, here’s the updated card for the 2013 Royal Rumble pay-per-view:

WWE Championship Match
CM Punk (c) vs. The Rock
* If The Shield interferes, Vince McMahon will strip CM Punk of the championship.

World Heavyweight Championship Match: Last Man Standing
Alberto Del Rio (c) vs. Big Show

WWE Tag Team Championship Match
Team Hell No (c) vs. Team Rhodes Scholars

Royal Rumble Pre-Show Match:
US Champion Antonio Cesaro vs. The Miz

30-Man Royal Rumble Match (7 Spots Remain)

– Dolph Ziggler (Entering at #1 or #2)
– John Cena
– Randy Orton
– Ryback
– Sheamus
– Antonio Cesaro
– Wade Barrett
– Kane
– Daniel Bryan
– The Miz
– Cody Rhodes
– Damien Sandow
– Darren Young
– Titus O’Neil
– Heath Slater
– Jinder Mahal
– Drew McIntyre
– Kofi Kingston
– Brodus Clay
– The Great Khali
– Jimmy Uso
– Jey Uso
– Michael McGillicutty

– Following The Shield’s attack on The Rock on RAW, Vince McMahon stated that he will personally strip CM Punk of the WWE Championship if The Shield interferes in Punk’s match with The Rock at the Royal Rumble.

– Also on RAW, it was announced that Big Show’s World Heavyweight title match against Alberto Del Rio at the Royal Rumble will have a Last Man Standing stipulation.

Royal Rumble 2013 Spoilers: Script Leaks, Details Revealed

Following Monday’s episode of WWE RAW, the following participants are confirmed for Sunday’s 2013 Royal Rumble battle royal match:

– John Cena
– Randy Orton
– Ryback
– Sheamus
– Dolph Ziggler (Entering at #1 or #2)
– Antonio Cesaro
– Wade Barrett
– Kane
– Daniel Bryan
– The Miz
– Cody Rhodes
– Damien Sandow
– Darren Young
– Titus O’Neil
– Heath Slater
– Jinder Mahal
– Drew McIntyre
– Kofi Kingston
– Brodus Clay
– The Great Khali
– Jimmy Uso
– Jey Uso
– Michael McGillicutty

With 23 competitors announced, that leaves 7 spots open. WWE will likely name a few more entrants on SmackDown and will almost certainly leave a few spots open for surprise appearances this Sunday.

* ROYAL RUMBLE SURPRISES Revealed: Find Out Which Former Stars Are Returning

– Zack Ryder will perform “Hoeski” prior to Sunday’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view event in Phoenix, Arizona.

“BREAKING NEWS! I will perform #Hoeski LIVE before WWE Royal Rumble outside the US Airways Arena,” Ryder wrote on Twitter Monday.

– Adam “Edge” Copeland reiterated his stance on the possibility of a wrestling return in a Twitter message Monday. The WWE Hall of Famer was asked, “If the doctors ever cleared you, would you return to wrestling?” He responded, “They won’t. Seems half of you refuse to understand that.”

In 2011, Copeland was diagnosed with cervical spinal stenosis, and because of such, the doctors cannot medically clear him to compete without him risking neck-down paralysis, or even death.

Copeland was also asked if he would be interested in working for WWE in a behind-the-scenes capacity, responding, “After 20 yrs on the road I prefer home for now.”

– Today’s wrestling birthdays include WWE Superstar R-Truth (41) and Hall of Famer Pat Patterson (72).

– Following his knee surgery on Thursday, Tyson Kidd revealed what he’ll be doing at home while he recovers:

Got home and got my order of DVDs from @IVPvideos
Great selection of Japanese wrestling. Coming back with some new tricks#workhorse

— TJ Wilson (@TJWilson) January 19, 2013

– Lilian Garcia noted on Twitter that she’s in Las Vegas this weekend for “Big music meetings!!” She noted that fans should expect new music from her in 2013 and that there are “Big things ahead!!!”

– The latest episode of WWE Countdown looks at the Top 10 most controversial eliminations in Royal Rumble history:

– The Miz announced on this week’s episode of WWE Main Event that he will be participating in the 30-man Royal Rumble match next weekend.

– Curt Hawkins returned to action at Thursday night’s WWE SmackDown live event in Anchorage, Alaska, losing to Justin Gabriel.

– Kevin Nash has pulled out of this weekend’s Hart Legacy Wrestling debut event in Canada. Nash noted on Twitter that his wife is battling the flu and after his wife has come down with the flu and “After 23 years, it’s time to put family first.”

– WWE DVDNews.com has released the following cover art for the upcoming “Bret Hart: The Dungeon Collection” DVD set, in stores March 5th (Pre-Order Here).

– Following Kaitlyn’s Divas championship win on Monday’s RAW, there are plans for her to defend the title at the Royal Rumble.

Royal Rumble 2013: Updated Card (New Matches, Entrant)

Originally, Eve Torres was scheduled to defend the against Kaitlyn at the Royal Rumble in a Lumberjills match, but the decision was made last week for Eve to drop the title to Kaitlyn on RAW in her final match before leaving WWE. No word yet on who Kaitlyn’s challenger will be.

Backstage News On Eve Torres Leaving WWE

– WWE officials are said to be impressed with the recent work of NXT Diva Sasha Banks, formerly known Mercedes KV. The 20 year old diva made her NXT debut back in November.

* Pictures of the Beautiful SASHA BANKS

– According to WWE sources, Kamala has been contacted about being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame this April. Kamala had a main event run in WWE against Hulk Hogan during the late 1980’s, had a feud with the Undertaker in 1992 and then worked as a comedy babyface after that. He also wrestled in Memphis as well as WCW.

– Here is the latest episode of WWE Backstage Fallout, featuring interviews from Monday’s 20th Anniversary RAW:

* Pictures of Beautiful NXT Diva SASHA BANKS

On Monday’s 20th Anniversary RAW, two more title matches were announced for the Royal Rumble: Alberto Del Rio defending the World Heavyweight championship against the Big Show and Team Hell No defending the Tag Team championships against Team Rhodes Scholars.

Intercontinental champion Wade Barrett is also now confirmed for the Rumble match. With those changes in place, here’s the updated card for WWE’s upcoming Royal Rumble pay-per-view:

WWE Championship Match:
CM Punk (c) vs. The Rock

World Heavyweight Championship Match:
Alberto Del Rio (c) vs. Big Show

Tag Team Championship Match:
Team Hell No (c) vs. Team Rhodes Scholars

Royal Rumble Match Participants:
– John Cena
– Randy Orton
– Sheamus
– Antonio Cesaro
– Wade Barrett
– Dolph Ziggler
– Heath Slater
– Drew McIntyre
– Jinder Mahal

– The late Bam Bam Bigelow is the latest name being discussed for this year’s WWE Hall of Fame class.

– Edge tweeted the following about Trent Barreta’s WWE release:

Disappointed to hear @trentylocks released. Über talented kid who'll land on his feet(he's agile)

— Adam Copeland (@RatedRCope) January 13, 2013

– Former WWE superstar MVP says he could wind up back in WWE one day, but he won’t be making a surprise appearance at the Royal Rumble:

I may return to WWE one day. But my WORD! I won't be a surprise entrant in the Rumble. No surprises. Being honest.

— MVP (@The305MVP) January 13, 2013

WWE counts down the Top 10 most Amazing Rumble Eliminations in history. Tell us if you agree with the list – did #1 deserve to be #1?

– WWE United States Champion Antonio Cesaro announced on SmackDown that he will be participating in the Royal Rumble match later this month. The updated list of entrants now includes:

* John Cena
* Randy Orton
* Sheamus
* Dolph Ziggler
* Antonio Cesaro
* Heath Slater
* Drew McIntyre
* Jinder Mahal

– Speaking of Cesaro, he and WWE Hall of Famer Dusty Rhodes continue to talk trash back and forth on Twitter. It’s possible this will lead to a confrontation between the two at an upcoming SmackDown or NXT show.

– Here’s the latest episode of WWE Backstage Fallout:

In the SmackDown edition of “Backstage Fallout,” get an exclusive interview with the new World Heavyweight Champion, Alberto Del Rio. Plus, find what Divas Champion Eve has to say all the haters in the WWE Universe.

– Both Mark Henry and Christian are expected to return to WWE soon. Henry’s status is more up in the air, while Christian should be back by the end of the month.

– As we’ve seen in recent years, WWE has a few surprises planned for the Royal Rumble match. The company typically contacts two or three veterans to come in for special appearances. Additionally, there are several former WWE superstars that are now free agents that are rumored to be returning to the company, as well as injured performers like Mark Henry that are due back any time now.

We reported earlier this week that Team Hell No vs. Team Rhodes Scholars and Eve Torres vs. Kaitlyn (Lumberjill Match) are rumored for the show. Another title match that could be added is US Champion Antonio Cesaro vs. The Miz.

(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

– Former WWE Tag Team Champions The Headbangers (Mosh and Thrasher) were backstage at this week’s WWE TV tapings from Florida. Ryder posted a picture on Instagram of himself and Mosh together.

– WWE announced this week that their “be a STAR” alliance has reached 25,000 pledges to stop bullying. Head over to Beastaralliance.org to take the pledge and help end bullying.

– With the Royal Rumble less than three weeks away, the only matches confirmed for the show are CM Punk vs. The Rock for the WWE Championship and the 30-man Royal Rumble match.

Two other matches rumored for the card are Team Rhodes Scholars vs. Team Hell No for the Tag Team Championship and Kaitlyn vs. Eve Torres for the Divas title, possibly in a Lumberjill match.

* Exclusive Backstage PICTURE of RYBACK & THE SHIELD Rehearsing TLC Before RAW Began

(Partial Source: F4wonline.com)

– WWE’s upcoming Royal Rumble pay-per-view is now sold out, according to Ticketmaster. Additional tickets are typically released in the days leading up to the event, as WWE finalizes its production plans for the show’s stage, lighting, etc.

View Here: The 7 Superstars Already Confirmed For The Royal Rumble Match

– WWEShop.com is now selling men’s and women’s versions of the new “Just Bring It!” t-shirt The Rock was wearing on Monday’s RAW. They also have The Rock’s previous merchandise on sale for 30% off.

– The Rock had a number of friends and family members at ringside for Monday’s RAW, including his longtime friend Milton McBride Rosen. Rosen suffers from down syndrome and has been very close with The Rock for many years, with The Rock calling him one of his strongest sources of inspiration.

Other notable people at ringside were Carolina Panthers DeAngelo Williams and Gary Barnidge and ESPN analyst and former NFL coach Jon Gruden.

As previously reported, former WWE superstar Sean “X-Pac” Waltman was also backstage at the show.

* Exclusive Backstage PICTURE of RYBACK & THE SHIELD Rehearsing TLC Before RAW Began

Following Monday’s WWE RAW, the following is an updated list of Superstars confirmed as entrants for the 2013 Royal Rumble match:

– John Cena
– Randy Orton
– Sheamus
– Dolph Ziggler
– Heath Slater
– Jinder Mahal
– Drew McIntyre

Also confirmed for the show is the highly anticipated WWE Championship match between CM Punk and The Rock.

* Rumored ROYAL RUMBLE Winner

During Friday’s WWE SmackDown broadcast, two more participants were revealed for the upcoming Royal Rumble battle royal match.

Former WWE & World Heavyweight champions Sheamus and Randy Orton are the first two SmackDown competitors to be confirmed as entrants. They join John Cena, who announced on RAW that he would be in the match as well.

Aside from the Rumble match, WWE Champion CM Punk vs. The Rock is the only other match announced for the pay-per-view as of this writing. The 2013 Royal Rumble PPV takes place on Sunday, January 27th from Phoenix, Arizona.

* Rumored ROYAL RUMBLE Winner (Find Out Here)

Warning: The following contains a *Spoiler* for Monday’s RAW:

During the conclusion of Saturday night’s WWE RAW tapings from Washington, D.C. (airing Monday night, New Year’s Eve), John Cena announced that he is officially the first entrant in next month’s 30-man Royal Rumble battle royal match.

Cena announced his entry during the show-closing New Year’s toast segment with AJ Lee and Dolph Ziggler. Cena promised the WWE Universe that he will win the WWE Championship again in 2013.

The 2013 Royal Rumble takes place on Sunday, January 27th from the US Airways Arena in Phoenix, Arizona.

– WWE Hall of Famers “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan, Bret “Hit Man” Hart, Harley Race, Jake “The Snake” Roberts, Hillbilly Jim and Tito Santana, participants in the inaugural Royal Rumble Match in 1988, look back at the event in interviews with WWE.com.

Duggan, winner of the inaugural match, says of his other favorite Rumble, “It was the 2009 Rumble, and I was one of the later guys coming out. I got a good pop, as a lot of the guys from my generation do. Fans remember us, which we are grateful for. I came through the curtain and stormed to the ring and, of course, one of the first guys I roll into and am nose-to-nose with is The Undertaker. When he first came into WWE, I actually contested a lot of his first matches, against him and Paul Bearer. So here I am, face to face, with the big Deadman. I give him a shot, and a shot, and a real big shot and he went down like a big tank hit him. Then, of course, Big Show came down and tossed my a** out, but I shined there for a good couple of minutes.”

– Crush is the latest addition to the Alumni section on WWE.com. All of his personas are acknowledged; third member of Demolition, fan favorite Hawaiian powerhouse turned villain, jailbird, biker thug and his time in World Championship Wrestling. His passing in August 2007, however, is not acknowledged.

– This week’s issue of The National Enquirer features a story on a wedding that took place at a recent Resistance Pro event in Chicago, Illinois.

– This week’s WWE Classics Five-Star Match of the Week was chosen by Matt Striker. He chose the Best of 3 Falls Match between Eddie Guerrero and Dean Malenko that aired on the August 26th, 1995 episode of ECW TV. Striker explained to WWE.com why this classic match was worthy of the five-star rating:

“During this time, I had dreams of being a professional wrestler. I would study these tapes and steal these moves. I tried to emulate Dean and Eddie to a tee and I was nowhere near as talented as either of those guys. Watch that match and see the story that these two men are telling. There are no catchphrases. There are no T-shirts being sold. There’s no cool fanfare on a TitanTron behind you. It’s just two guys in a dingy wrestling hall in front of true wrestling fans doing what the sign on the arena says. They are wrestling. The ovation, the appreciation, the camaraderie and the brotherhood is something that transcends all of sports, all of pop culture. For one brief moment, you believed in what Eddie Guerrero and Dean Malenko were doing. And because of those men and their dedication to our craft, that moment that you believe stays with you for the rest of your life.”

– WWE has released more information regarding the Superstar Panels that will take place during the Royal Rumble Fan Fest weekend in Phoenix Arizona:

* The Montreal Screwjob Panel on Saturday (3-6pm) will be hosted by Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels and Jerry Lawler.

* The DeGeneration-X Panel on Saturday (6:30-9:30pm) will be hosted by Triple H, Sean “X-Pac” Waltman, “Road Dogg” BG James and Billy Gunn.

* The WCW Nitro & Monday Night Wars Panel on Sunday (9am-12pm) will be hosted by Kevin Nash, Big Show and Booker T.

– WWE has confirmed that this year’s Royal Rumble match will feature 30 Superstars. As previously reported, the Royal Rumble fan fest taking place in Phoenix the day before the event will feature a Battle Royal, with the winner earning a spot in the Rumble match.

– WWE superstars Christian and Tyson Kidd joked around on Twitter about the 12/21/12 “end of the world” hype turning out to be a bust.

Christian: “Mayans: Come for the apocalypse, stay for the jokes on Twitter.”

Tyson Kidd: “I hope this Mayan deal isn’t like the cable company coming to your house. Any time between 8-5.”

– The Shield member Seth Rollins tweeted the following explanation of his group’s recent attacks:

“People don’t like the idea of justice because it forces them to pick a side. Action begets reaction. #believeintheshield #justicelives”

– WWE officials currently have mixed feelings regarding The Miz’s recent babyface turn. His character needed to be freshened up and he’s been getting solid reactions from live WWE crowds, however most feel that he needs to continue improving his “good guy” persona.

* Find Out Who Is Scheduled To Win The ROYAL RUMBLE (Direct Link)

WWE has announced that next month’s 2013 Royal Rumble from Phoenix, Arizona will feature a Royal Rumble Fan Fest. Tickets go on sale this Thursday morning, with the fan fest taking place on Saturday, January 26th from the US Airways Center, the day before the Rumble.

The events will include three Superstar Panels, including one looking at the Montreal Screwjob, one focusing on DX and the other looking at the Monday Night Wars. Fans can buy tickets to the Royal Rumble Fan Fest, an “All-Access Experience” or the three individual panels. Here is additional information on each event from Ticketmaster.com:

WWE Royal Rumble Fan Fest

– WWE Ring with NXT matches
– Appearances by WWE Superstars, Divas and Legends (will not include autographs)
– Live Bands
– Food Trucks
– Local Sponsors

WWE Royal Rumble Fan Fest ALL-ACCESS Experience

– Street Fair Ticket for Saturday 1/26/13 12p – 4p only
– Located on 1st Street between Madison and Jefferson & on the USAC Plaza
– All 3 Fan Panels discussions with moderator plus WWE Superstars and Legends
– Located in the Casino Arizona Pavilion
– VIP reception in Blue Moon Club follows panel where fan mingle with WWE Superstars and Legends
– Includes food and beverage
– Commemorative Autographed Gift per person

Panel #1: Montreal Screwjob:

November 9, 1997: a day that will forever live in sports entertainment infamy. Over a decade later, the Montreal Screwjob still remains one of the most unforgettable moments in WWE history. Return to the scene of the crime, and revisit the whole story from the people who experienced it firsthand.

Panel #2: DX:

WWE Universe, ARE YOU READY??? From an era filled with rule-breakers, DX stands alone as the most uncontrollable, unpredictable, and undeniable force in WWE history. Get a first-hand lowdown on DX’s most rebellious exploits and discuss the group’s lasting legacy from DX members ready to tell it all.

Panel #3: WCW & Monday Night Wars

For 84 consecutive weeks during the Monday Night Wars, WCW defeated WWE in the ratings on the strength of the nWo phenomenon, the wizardry of the cruiserweights, and an almost unlimited budget. Hear from WCW’s most influential personalities as they tell the in-depth story of the innovative thinking that led to WCW’s meteoric rise and the embarrassing failures that ultimately led to its downfall.