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Jim Ross Blogs About His WWE Status & Future Plans

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WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his JRsBarBQ.com blog with an update on his health, his WWE status and what the future holds for him.

Ross sounds like he’s getting fed up with fans asking when he’ll return to WWE and says he has other options to pursue if he and WWE cannot come to terms on new contract when his short-term deal expires soon. Here’s what JR said about

His WWE Return: “If I get asked one more time when I’m going back to work at WWE, I think my head will explode. My career will take whatever direction it’s meant to take when contract negotiations commence. One never knows how that process will go until it begins. I do expect it to go well.”

Working From Home: “We have several, viable opportunities that will allow me to do some fun things and rarely leave Oklahoma which is a somewhat popular option with some members of my household. … I would be less than honest if I did not say that being at home, working on projects from Norman and from this region of the country isn’t an intriguing option for me to explore.”

Life After WWE:“I do know that my feelings toward broadcasting, my love of sports and entertainment, and emotionally engaging in whatever I do is alive and well. I’m certainly not burned out or even charred around the edges and sincerely feel that my best days lie ahead.”

As always, you can (and should) read the entire blog as well as check out JR’s great line of BBQ products at JRsBarBQ.com.

Edge Appears At FCW Event & Gets Physically Involved

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SmackDown superstar Edge signed autographs at Friday’s Florida Championship Wrestling tapings in Melbourne, Florida and got physically involved at the end of the show, making the save for developmental star Daniel Bryan (Bryan Danielson).

Bryan was attacked after the main event by Curt Hawkins, Caylen Croft and Trent Beretta. Out of nowhere came Edge to the ring, taking out all three men and saving Bryan and FCW Heavyweight Champion Justin Angel.

Edge shook hands with Angel and Danielson before posing for the crowd and leaving.

Edge Appears At FCW Event & Gets Physically Involved

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SmackDown superstar Edge signed autographs at Friday’s Florida Championship Wrestling tapings in Melbourne, Florida and got physically involved at the end of the show, making the save for developmental star Daniel Bryan (Bryan Danielson).

Bryan was attacked after the main event by Curt Hawkins, Caylen Croft and Trent Beretta. Out of nowhere came Edge to the ring, taking out all three men and saving Bryan and FCW Heavyweight Champion Justin Angel.

Edge shook hands with Angel and Danielson before posing for the crowd and leaving.

How Much WWE Paying Bret Hart, Mickie James' Music Career

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— The Wrestling Observer speculates that Bret Hart is being paid $500,000 for his return storyline with WWE as well as a handsome WrestleMania bonus.

— Subway Jared appeared on Raw this past Monday night due to guest host Carl Edwards’ affiliation with the restaurant chain as he is the driver of the No. 99 Aflac/Subway Roush Fenway Racing Ford Fusion. Subway announced yesterday that Edwards was bringing the company’s “Footlong Nation Appreciation” campaign to Daytona, Ohio.

— Click here to view a preview image of the promotional photography being used for Mickie James’ debut single, Are You With Me?.

The single will be released to country music radio stations this Tuesday. The full album is currently slated for a Mar. 23 release.

How Much WWE Paying Bret Hart, Mickie James’ Music Career

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— The Wrestling Observer speculates that Bret Hart is being paid $500,000 for his return storyline with WWE as well as a handsome WrestleMania bonus.

— Subway Jared appeared on Raw this past Monday night due to guest host Carl Edwards’ affiliation with the restaurant chain as he is the driver of the No. 99 Aflac/Subway Roush Fenway Racing Ford Fusion. Subway announced yesterday that Edwards was bringing the company’s “Footlong Nation Appreciation” campaign to Daytona, Ohio.

— Click here to view a preview image of the promotional photography being used for Mickie James’ debut single, Are You With Me?.

The single will be released to country music radio stations this Tuesday. The full album is currently slated for a Mar. 23 release.

WWE Releasing New Crime Drama, Triple H Unveils Action Figure

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— Beginning Apr. 13 in New Orleans, WWE Studios will shoot a new film called Killing Karma.

The crime drama film stars a character named AJ who is determined to make a new life for himself after being released from prison, but fate intervenes. His best friend inadvertently shoots a guy, and soon AJ is scrambling to protect his buddy, his buddy’s wife and daughter, all while scrambling to keep one step ahead of a vendetta-driven mobster.

No word yet on which WWE star will star in the film.

— Marketwatch.com has a story on Triple H unveiling his new Mattel action figure this past week at the New York Toy Fair.

— WWE returns to the John Labatt Centre in London, Ontario, Canada on Sunday, May 16th, 2010 at 5 PM. Tickets go on sale Saturday, March 13th, 2010 at 10 AM. (Thanks to Devin Cutting)

Tommy Dreamer Wrestling Again, Ricky Ortiz Resurfaces

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— Tommy Dreamer will be taking part in his first wrestling match since parting ways tonight in Union City, New Jersey for ACE Pro Wrestling. He will be squaring off against Mo Sexton in an Extreme Rules match. Visit ACEprowrestling.com for more information.

— Ricky Ortiz will be making his first stateside wrestling appearance since being released by World Wrestling Entertainment for Combat Championship Wrestling on Friday, Feb. 26 at the Advantage Village Academy Gym located at 1201 22nd St. South St. Petersburg, Florida. Other stars scheduled to appear include Eric Escobar, Bam Bam Nealy, Jesse Neal, NWA Champion The Shiek, Shawn Gavin Spears, ‘KiZarny’ SiNN Bodhi & dYNAMITE dEATH mONKIEZ, The Original Cuban Assassin, and more. For more information, call 727-520-3537. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. with the show starting at 8:00. To view the event poster, click here.

— Former WWE Diva Terri Runnels has a reality show in the works as cameras were on hand shooting the prospective program two weeks ago at the WrestleReunion convention in Los Angeles. She interviewed The Iron Sheik for her planned show.

— SportsTownChicago.com’s weekly wrestling internet radio show Inside the Squared Circle recently conducted interviews with Diamond Dallas Page and Road Dogg. To listen to the interviews, click here.

TNA Streaming Monday's "Major Announcement" Live Online

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After sending out a press release on Friday regarding a “major announcement” to be made on Monday afternoon, the TNA website says fans can watch the announcement live online:

TNA WRESTLING PRESIDENT DIXIE CARTER AND HULK HOGAN TO MAKE MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT THIS MONDAY

TNA Wrestling President Dixie Carter and pop culture icon Hulk Hogan are scheduled to make a major announcement at the “TNA iMPACT! Zone” at Sound Stage 21 located as Universal Studios Florida this Monday, February 15 at 2:30 Eastern Time.

Fans can watch the press conference live online by logging on to tnawrestlinglive.com.

Read More: BIG News: TNA iMPACT! Moving To Mondays In March

TNA Streaming Monday’s “Major Announcement” Live Online

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After sending out a press release on Friday regarding a “major announcement” to be made on Monday afternoon, the TNA website says fans can watch the announcement live online:

TNA WRESTLING PRESIDENT DIXIE CARTER AND HULK HOGAN TO MAKE MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT THIS MONDAY

TNA Wrestling President Dixie Carter and pop culture icon Hulk Hogan are scheduled to make a major announcement at the “TNA iMPACT! Zone” at Sound Stage 21 located as Universal Studios Florida this Monday, February 15 at 2:30 Eastern Time.

Fans can watch the press conference live online by logging on to tnawrestlinglive.com.

Read More: BIG News: TNA iMPACT! Moving To Mondays In March

SpikeTV Exec Talks About Monday iMPACT!, Hogan & More

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Spike TV Senior Vice President Brian J. Diamond spoke to the Miami Herald about a number of TNA topics. Here are some highlights:

Having Hulk Hogan in TNA: “Hulk Hogan is a name that transcends wrestling into the pop culture. So adding him to the mix was the icing on the cake. Hulk is an amazing guy. He is revered by wrestling fans and people around the world, and it was an incredible acquisition. We are so proud and excited to have him as part of the team.”

January 4th: “It was tremendous. Obviously we were going head-to-head with WWE. It was not in our anticipation that we were going to beat them in the ratings, but the fact that we did what we did on that night and basically planted the flag and said, `We’re going to go with this.’ It was a big deal.”

iMPACT! Moving to Mondays Permanently: “It’s something we’re looking at right now. Obviously, the success of Jan. 4 lends itself to that, and after that success, it’s making us take pause and consider that. As to when and how and where, that remains to be seen, but that result on Jan. 4 made us look at it and say, `Maybe we’re onto something.”’

How Involved Spike TV Is With TNA: “We work very closely with TNA. Ironically, their base of operation for the television production is in Orlando [Universal Studios], and we happen to have a gentleman who works for us — who actually at one time ran the studios where TNA records. So he’s there all the time when TNA taping is going. We’re very actively involved. It’s a collaborative relationship. We work very closely together on how things are going to play out. Having said that, they’re the experts when it comes to wrestling. They know what works and what doesn’t. In combination with our television expertise, it works really well.”

To read the full interview, visit MiamiHerald.com.

SpikeTV Exec Talks About Monday iMPACT!, Hogan & More

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Spike TV Senior Vice President Brian J. Diamond spoke to the Miami Herald about a number of TNA topics. Here are some highlights:

Having Hulk Hogan in TNA: “Hulk Hogan is a name that transcends wrestling into the pop culture. So adding him to the mix was the icing on the cake. Hulk is an amazing guy. He is revered by wrestling fans and people around the world, and it was an incredible acquisition. We are so proud and excited to have him as part of the team.”

January 4th: “It was tremendous. Obviously we were going head-to-head with WWE. It was not in our anticipation that we were going to beat them in the ratings, but the fact that we did what we did on that night and basically planted the flag and said, `We’re going to go with this.’ It was a big deal.”

iMPACT! Moving to Mondays Permanently: “It’s something we’re looking at right now. Obviously, the success of Jan. 4 lends itself to that, and after that success, it’s making us take pause and consider that. As to when and how and where, that remains to be seen, but that result on Jan. 4 made us look at it and say, `Maybe we’re onto something.”’

How Involved Spike TV Is With TNA: “We work very closely with TNA. Ironically, their base of operation for the television production is in Orlando [Universal Studios], and we happen to have a gentleman who works for us — who actually at one time ran the studios where TNA records. So he’s there all the time when TNA taping is going. We’re very actively involved. It’s a collaborative relationship. We work very closely together on how things are going to play out. Having said that, they’re the experts when it comes to wrestling. They know what works and what doesn’t. In combination with our television expertise, it works really well.”

To read the full interview, visit MiamiHerald.com.

Edge's In-Ring Return, Title Match Added to Elimination Chamber

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– Another title match has ben added to the WWE Elimination Chamber pay-per-view on 2/1, as Drew McIntyre will defend the Intercontinental championship against Kane.

– SmackDown GM Teddy Long has announced that Edge will make his in-ring return against Batista next Friday on SmackDown.

– The man who is trying to bring WrestleMania to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada is Dave Teixeira, better known as the promoter of Extreme Canadian Championship Wrestling.

– The official theme song for WWE’s NXT is “Wild & Young” by the band American Bang, according to the Wrestling Observer.

Edge’s In-Ring Return, Title Match Added to Elimination Chamber

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– Another title match has ben added to the WWE Elimination Chamber pay-per-view on 2/1, as Drew McIntyre will defend the Intercontinental championship against Kane.

– SmackDown GM Teddy Long has announced that Edge will make his in-ring return against Batista next Friday on SmackDown.

– The man who is trying to bring WrestleMania to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada is Dave Teixeira, better known as the promoter of Extreme Canadian Championship Wrestling.

– The official theme song for WWE’s NXT is “Wild & Young” by the band American Bang, according to the Wrestling Observer.

Kong Reportedly Suspended, More On TNA Possibly Going Live

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— It has been confirmed that TNA recently suspended Awesome Kong. A decision was made to suspend the TNA Knockout after she refused to appear on the company’s recent UK tour. As noted earlier, Kong and TNA are in the midst of a contractual dispute as she has asked repeatedly for a raise.

Specifics of her suspension remain unclear as it’s possible the suspension will conclude before Sunday’s pay-per-view and the next round of television tapings next week. It is believed that she was suspended for a few weeks.

— Though the official Universal Studios schedule lists Mar. 8-9 as dates for iMPACT! tapings, talent schedules still list Mar. 1-2. Meanwhile, it’s possible that TNA hasn’t updated the talent schedule to reflect a change back to the Mar. 8-9 tapings that are advertised on the Universal Studios website. Whatever the case may be, talent are scheduled to be in Orlando on Mar. 1 unless they hear otherwise.

(Credit to prowrestling.net for some of the information used in this report)

BIG News: TNA iMPACT! Moving To Mondays In March

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As reported earlier, TNA sent out a press release on Friday stating that Dixie Carter and Hulk Hogan would be making a “major announcement” on Monday afternoon. It is almost certain that TNA will be announcing that iMPACT! is moving to Monday nights in March.

Following the ratings success of January 4th’s Monday night iMPACT! special, TNA and Spike have been working out a deal that would bring iMPACT! to Monday nights permanently. While there were a serious of hangups during the negotiations, most of the major hurdles of been cleared.

iMPACT! is expected to run from 9-11pm (eastern), head-to-head with WWE RAW for two hours straight. The show will not be live each week at the beginning, but it’s certainly an option down the road if the show is a success and the show generates more money.

As for what qualifies as successful, it’s believed that a 1.2-1.5 is what both sides are expecting. There is always the possibility that Spike moves the show back to Thursday nights in the event that the rating falls off significantly, but the network is said to be behind TNA and will give them some time to establish themselves on Monday nights.

(Credit to PWTorch.com for some of the information used in this report)

Reporter Strongly Criticizes Linda McMahon & WWE (VIDEO)

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MSNBC reporter Lawrence O’Donnell called out Linda McMahon on World Wrestling Entertainment’s lingering steroid issue during an appearance on Morning Joe last week, claiming she “made money off the blood of people who destroyed themselves for a living for you.”

The former WWE Superstar responded by saying O’Donnell was “behind the times.” She cited the company’s drug testing policy, cardio testing, and even noted padding around the ring. After McMahon finished responding, O’Donnell thanked her for giving him a situation where he can ask a politician about WWE. However, he went back on attack mode moments later by saying WWE gets away with drug problems because “everyone thinks your business is a joke.”

You can watch the 7-minute exchange below, courtesy of MSNBC.com:

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Reporter Strongly Criticizes Linda McMahon & WWE (VIDEO)

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MSNBC reporter Lawrence O’Donnell called out Linda McMahon on World Wrestling Entertainment’s lingering steroid issue during an appearance on Morning Joe last week, claiming she “made money off the blood of people who destroyed themselves for a living for you.”

The former WWE Superstar responded by saying O’Donnell was “behind the times.” She cited the company’s drug testing policy, cardio testing, and even noted padding around the ring. After McMahon finished responding, O’Donnell thanked her for giving him a situation where he can ask a politician about WWE. However, he went back on attack mode moments later by saying WWE gets away with drug problems because “everyone thinks your business is a joke.”

You can watch the 7-minute exchange below, courtesy of MSNBC.com:

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Early Plans For This Year's Draft, Title Matches On ECW Finale

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Credit to the Wrestling Observer for some of the information used in this report:

— Creative has begun tossing around ideas for this year’s annual post-WrestleMania WWE Draft. Current plans see both Jack Swagger and Big Show being sent over to SmackDown.

— The final episode of ECW will see Christian defend his ECW Championship against Ezekiel Jackson in an Extreme Rules Match and Yoshi Tatsu & Goldust team up to face Big Show & The Miz for the Unified WWE Tag Team Championship.

Early Plans For This Year’s Draft, Title Matches On ECW Finale

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Credit to the Wrestling Observer for some of the information used in this report:

— Creative has begun tossing around ideas for this year’s annual post-WrestleMania WWE Draft. Current plans see both Jack Swagger and Big Show being sent over to SmackDown.

— The final episode of ECW will see Christian defend his ECW Championship against Ezekiel Jackson in an Extreme Rules Match and Yoshi Tatsu & Goldust team up to face Big Show & The Miz for the Unified WWE Tag Team Championship.

Recently Released Wrestler Critical Of WWE, Lilian Update, More

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— Recently released WWE grappler Eric Escobar, who has since resurfaced in Puerto Rico, recently cut a promo on television knocking his former employer, describing the company as “disorganized” behind-the-scenes. He also said he wasn’t told he would be paired with Vickie Guerrero on television as her new boyfriend until John Cena told him.

The former SmackDown Superstar equated WWE to a home where the mother wanted one thing, the father wanted something else, and the kids wanting another thing.

Apparently saving face, he later said in the following promo that he left the company on good terms with the door open for a return.

— Lilian Garcia will be appearing on The Special Delivery Show on XM 202/Sirius 197 Saturday night at around 9:45 p.m. Visit www.SpecialDeliveryShow.com for more information.

In other Garcia news, the former WWE ring announcer recently took part in a photo shoot for NOH8, an organization in favor of equal rights marriages. Her photo was released this past week at the following link.

— WWE Hall of Famer “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, who was arrested on suspicion of DUI last July in Los Angeles, has since had the charge expunged.

Miz Talks About Getting Kicked Out Of The WWE Locker Room

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Unified Tag champion The Miz was interviewed by Kevin Eck of the Baltimore Sun this week and told a story about getting kicked out of the WWE locker room for 6 months shortly after he joined the company. Miz said:

“I got kicked out for eating a piece of chicken over a guy’s bag in the locker room, and I got kicked out for six months. I had to find a place to shower, to use the restroom, to change. I’ve had it pretty rough in the WWE just because I’m an outsider, and WWE is kind of like a close-knit family or like a fraternity. Once you’re an outsider trying to lurk in, they will haze you and haze you and try to see if you’re up for the task or if you’re just going to quit. I’m not a quitter. I’m more of a person that says bring it on.”

Miz also talks about older guys like Hogan and Flair still wrestling, how the business has evolved in recent years, his goals and more. To read the full interview, visit BaltimoreSun.com.

Follow The Miz & 80 other wrestlers and divas on Twitter at PWTweets.com.

The Future Of The ECW Roster, "WWE The Music" Album Sales

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Credit to the Wrestling Observer for some of the information used in this report:

— Regarding the future of ECW talent stemming from WWE’s decision to pull the entire roster from Tuesday nights in support of the new NXT series, the feeling is that most of the wrestlers will find its way onto other brands rather than be released. As the storyline goes, ECW talent will become “free agents” once NXT debuts and can choose to join either Raw or SmackDown.

While roster changes have not yet been finalized, the plan at last word was to keep key partnerships such as Zack Ryder & Rosa Mendes and William Regal & Ezekiel Jackson together when sending them to Raw or SmackDown.

At least in the short-term, most of the ECW talent will be used on WWE Superstars rather than Raw or Smackdown.

— WWE The Music: A New Day sold 5,988 units in its first week of release, reaching No. 94 on Billboard. However, it should be noted that WWE’s latest compilation album was primarily pushed for downloading on Amazon.com rather than CD purchase.

— Last week’s episode of WWE Superstars drew a 0.97 cable rating with 1.05 million viewers, setting the show’s all-time audience record.

The Future Of The ECW Roster, “WWE The Music” Album Sales

Daniel Pena
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Credit to the Wrestling Observer for some of the information used in this report:

— Regarding the future of ECW talent stemming from WWE’s decision to pull the entire roster from Tuesday nights in support of the new NXT series, the feeling is that most of the wrestlers will find its way onto other brands rather than be released. As the storyline goes, ECW talent will become “free agents” once NXT debuts and can choose to join either Raw or SmackDown.

While roster changes have not yet been finalized, the plan at last word was to keep key partnerships such as Zack Ryder & Rosa Mendes and William Regal & Ezekiel Jackson together when sending them to Raw or SmackDown.

At least in the short-term, most of the ECW talent will be used on WWE Superstars rather than Raw or Smackdown.

— WWE The Music: A New Day sold 5,988 units in its first week of release, reaching No. 94 on Billboard. However, it should be noted that WWE’s latest compilation album was primarily pushed for downloading on Amazon.com rather than CD purchase.

— Last week’s episode of WWE Superstars drew a 0.97 cable rating with 1.05 million viewers, setting the show’s all-time audience record.

Bryan Danielson Gets A New Ring Name, Morrison Wrestles

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– WWE developmental star and former Ring of Honor champion Bryan Danielson has a new name in Florida Championship Wrestling. At last night’s television tapings, he was introduced as “Daniel Bryan.” WWE almost always requires that they own the ring names of their talent, so Danielson likely refused to sign over the rights to the “Bryan Danielson” name – thus, Daniel Bryan.

– John Morrison worked the SmackDown/ECW live event last night in Ecuador, teaming with Matt Hardy in the opening match of the night. Morrison and Hardy defeated The Hart Dynasty. Morrison appeared to be fine and showed no signs of a broken ankle. As we reported yesterday, Morrison’s claims on Twitter that he broke his ankle were not true and he was simply “working the Internet fans.” (Editor’s note: Man, he really got us good!)

– Mickie James will make her live concert debut on February 22nd in Nashville, TN as a part of the Dustin Wells Gift of Music concert. Mickie will share the stage with country music stars Rascal Flatts, Kellie Pickler, Jason Michael Carroll, Keith Anderson and Little Big Town.

WWE Q4 Results Fall Short, Edge & Cena Teaming & More

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— MSN.com reports that WWE’s fourth quarter 2009 earnings results came in below expectations of most financial analysis. Analysts expected $0.18 per share in Net Income, but WWE reported $0.15. Analysts also predicted $123.8 million in Q4 2009 revenue, but WWE reported $117.3 million. The stock price is down approximately 1% today, so the market didn’t punish them too bad for falling short.

Related News: WWE 2009 Financial Results: Net Income Up 11% For The Year

— Former XFL president and long-time WWE employee Basil V. DeVito, Jr. has been promoted to the Board of Directors. He will fill in former CEO Linda McMahon. He has been with WWE since 1985 and ha served as WWE’s Business Strategy adviser since 2003.

— WWE is advertising a huge main event for next week’s 2/19 Supershow at the Allstate Arena in Chicago. World Hwt. Champion The Undertaker will team with John Cena & Edge against WWE Champion Sheamus, Batista & Randy Orton. (Source: Keith Lipinski).

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