The word going around backstage is that this new alliance between former World Heavyweight Champion Mark Henry and current Intercontinental Champion Big E. Langston won't last very long. As of right now the two are expected to have a match against each other at the Royal Rumble.

It's also being reported that Mark Henry's return to action, which saw him answer an open challenge from Ryback, was actually inspired by TNA Impact Wrestling. As seen on TNA, Gail Kim has been issuing open challenges lately, and WWE officials reportedly got the idea after seeing Kim issue open challenges.