— As we noted earlier here on the website, WWE Hall of Famer Pat Patterson was backstage at last week’s SmackDown tapings. The Royal Rumble was an idea of Patterson’s so he was likely checking on plans for tonight’s big event.
— Brodus Clay was back in action on this past Friday’s SmackDown, winning a quick squash match over Alex Riley. This was Riley’s first match on a RAW or SmackDown broadcast in a few months.
— In addition to doing a photoshoot with Men’s Fitness magazine on Friday morning, The Miz also did a photoshoot and interview with FHM magazine this weekend while in the UK.
— WWE acknowledged on Friday’s SmackDown that Ted DiBiase suffered a wrist injury at the Winnipeg live event the previous weekend. On Friday’s show, Hunico and his bodyguard Camacho beat down DiBiase and focused on the injured wrist. WWE’s website posted an update noting that the two aggravated DiBiase’s injury further but didn’t offer anymore details.
