Breaking News on WWE's PPV Plans for the Next 5 Months

According to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE has begun mapping out long-term plans for the foreseeable future.

The report begins by discussing the plans for Survivor Series, which in addition to the planned traditional five-on-five elimination match featuring The Rock, is slated to feature a scramble match between Sheamus, Mark Henry, Christian, Kane, Randy Orton and the Big Show.

As many members of the "WWE Universe" are aware of, there hasn't been a scramble match in over two years—since the 2009 Bash—which hosted the last one for the ECW championship won by Tommy Dreamer.

And unlike other gimmick matches which have been diluted in importance, the proposed scramble match at Survivor Series has a chance to make an impression due to its relative scarcity on WWE programming in addition to its fast-paced and refreshingly unpredictable format.

Moreover, the main event of the Tables, Ladders and Chairs pay-per-view in December is currently scheduled to pit Mark Henry vs. The Big Show in a tables match. This would suggest Henry will hold onto the world heavyweight title until then, but it's just as possible the match could be a grudge affair.

Nonetheless, this news is assuring because it suggests the WWE is adamant about continuing Henry's ascendancy to the top of the card at a time when formidable heels, as opposed to the usual spineless characterizations, are able to stand out from the homogeneity.

Lastly, the company has decided next year's Royal Rumble winner will be from the SmackDown brand.

Instead of vying for the world heavyweight title at WrestleMania 28, the plans call for the Rumble winner to attain the championship at Elimination Chamber and defend it against Daniel Bryan—the holder of the SmackDown Money in the Bank briefcase—at the "showcase of the immortals."

Unless the WWE is going to take a leap of faith on a rising star like Cody Rhodes, this seems to indicate the SmackDown superstar who will defend the title against Bryan at 'Mania will be a safe bet like Randy Orton.

Coincidentally, a Daniel Bryan-Randy Orton matchup at WrestleMania 28 is already being advertised—directly or in a roundabout way—in e-mails sent from Sun Life Stadium (the site of the grand event) to early ticket holders.

If Daniel Bryan does get the title shot, it gives credence to the notion that CM Punk's words of change spoken on TV were also grounded in reality.

Building for the future has not necessarily been WWE's modus operandi, often relying on established stars, but this information, and the assumption it carries, signifies a welcomed shift in business strategy.

As always, the WWE is a company with several competing visions, so it's probable that plans can be tweaked or scrapped altogether.