Backstage News: Vince McMahon's Major SD! Plans, Barrett

Partial Source: The Wrestling Observer Newsletter

– Many within WWE's developmental system are raving on the potential and progress of NXT season one winner Wade Barrett. Those affiliated with Florida Championship Wrestling rave about how he continually improves in the ring. They also feel he has the size and promo ability to headline.

– It's worth noting that the official Syfy website lists Edge, as well as The Undertaker, Rey Mysterio, Beth Phoenix and Michelle McCool, as appearing on Friday Night SmackDown when the program debuts on the network this October. Regarding Edge, he was originally supposed to remain on SmackDown! before WWE's mentality during the Draft changed to making the RAW brand the company's top priority. A renewed push for the Smackdown brand is expected this fall given that Vince McMahon has predicted with its move to Syfy that the audience for SmackDown! will eventually be as large as RAW's.

– Speaking of Edge, he was given the weekend off to attend the wedding of former WWE performers Nick Cvjetkovich (a/k/a Kizarny) and Stacy Carter (a/k/a Miss Kitty). Edge, Cvjetkovich and Christian were friends growing up in Orangeville, Ontario. The trio also started their wrestling careers together training at Ron Hutchison's gym in Toronto. Meanwhile, Christian was not given the weekend off due to the SmackDown! brand's tour of Australia.