Rob Van Dam was a surprise entrant in Sunday’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view and drew a tremendous pop from the crowd in Detroit. RVD was number 25 of 30 to enter the ring during this special appearance. He was eliminated by Chris Jericho, but not before delivering a Five-Star Frog Splash to Randy Orton.

After the show RVD appeared briefly as a guest on the WWE Universe live blog of the pay-per-view. He confirmed that the Royal Rumble was a one time gig and said, “I’m not here full time by my own choice.” He got a call on Friday and was able to work in the last minute appearance, but he appreciates having the time to be at home in California with his wife Sonya, who is battling cancer.

RVD is still working on RVD TV and RVD Radio, and will be filming an action movie in February called Wrong Side of Town. You can keep up with all the latest on Rob Van Dam on his official site.

Has the New Alhambra Arena, formerly known as the ECW Arena, seen its last wrestling match? Is the building returning to its bingo hall roots?

In a word, no.

Despite way-off-base rumors spread by Philly.com, the New Alhambra Arena won’t be shutting out that part of its history any time soon. The historic wrestling venue is getting a name change (to The Arena) and the facility will expand and return to the wrestling roots that put it on the map.

Rumors to the contrary were put to rest by owner Roger Artigiani in a correction submitted to PWBTS:

Yesterday, a story began circulating that there would no longer be professional boxing, wrestling, or other events at the New Alhambra Arena (former ECW Arena). There is NO truth whatsoever to this story.

A new boxing promotion is working at the building and had a successful debut show this past Friday night. Professional wrestling and other events (martial arts, concerts, private parties, etc.) WILL CONTINUE to be held in the building. The only thing that will probably be changing at some point is the name of the Arena & the fact that the facility will be going back more to its wrestling roots.

An announcement about the grand opening of the renovated facility will be made in the coming weeks, according to the New Alhambra web site.

photo credit: Mike Brochu

Since her WWE release in November 2008, Lena Yada has had the opportunity to do a lot of traveling in the United States and abroad. According to a MySpace update today, she just left Paris and is currently in Singapore. After visiting a few more countries, she’ll be heading back to Los Angeles to be there for her dad’s medical checkups, and then she’ll accompany him to Hawaii where they’ll spend time with family.

Somehow Lena is managing to fit in a public appearance at the 2009 Benchwarmer Valentine’s Ball. If you plan to be in Hollywood on February 12th, tickets are only $20. Here are the complete details from Lena:

BENCHWARMER VALENTINE’S DAY BALL

Thursday, Feb.12th at VANGUARD in Hollywood, CA
Tickets are $20
Open Bar from 8pm-10pm

*Over 300 models and a special performance by the Purrfect Angels!*

www.wanttickets.com?e_id=52170

Sorry kids, 21 and up for this event.

Happy new year to our readers!

We’ll be back later this week with plenty of new content and updates on your favorite ECW superstars, divas, and alumni. We’d like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your email feedback, tips, and comments. Please keep ‘em coming in 2009.

So, where do you think ECW and the other WWE brands are headed in 2009? Leave your predictions in the comments section below.