World Heavyweight Champion John Cena has been pulled from next week’s Raw house show tour. Main events had previously been advertised as Cena defending against Chris Jericho and were changed to Rey Mysterio vs. Chris Jericho in 2 out of 3 falls matches. It remains to be seen if this means anything regard TV this week. So take it for what it is worth at this point.
As I noted earlier before the PPV, the booking plans for the Royal Rumble were changed at some point between the SmackDown double tapings nearly two weeks ago and the airing of Friday night’s show. Last Friday’s show was scheduled to be based around Vince Guerrero forcing Triple H to be first person to enter the Rumble match, but the angle was completely scratched. Commentary and interviews were redone, and all references to the storyline were removed from Friday’s broadcast.
Rob Van Dam has not re-signed with WWE, according to one source. His appearance at the Royal Rumble was merely a one-off appearance. Additionally, RVD was seen greeting fans outside the arena during the morning hours. He was telling fans he’d be a surprise entrant in tonight’s Rumble match.
It’s going to be a VERY busy very days around here with loads of post-Royal Rumble news, iMPACT! tapings on Monday and Tuesday, RAW/ECW tapings, and a double SmackDown! taping on Tuesday. Make sure you keep it locked to this website for news updated on an hourly basis. We’ll be starting early tomorrow morning (Monday) and going all day long.
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WWE SmackDown Notes: Cody Rhodes Says He’s Medically Cleared, Ricky Saints Makes SmackDown Debut, Gunther Appears & Attacks Rhodes, The Miz Fakes Out Being Danhausen’s Mentor & Attacks Him, Sami Zayn vs. Trick Williams for WWE US Title and More Set for Backlash 2026, 5/8 Show Card
