Vince McMahon released a statement via WWE.com confirming CM Punk's surgery and calling it a success. He further announced that Punk will not be able to defend the WWE Championship at TLC, but that Ryback will have his opportunity at the title in the "very near future." At the same time, McMahon announced the six-man tag match that was announced at the Smackdown tapings last night, and went on to say that the TLC match would now end via pinfall or submission. You can read the full statement at http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwetlc/2012/mr-mcmahon-issues-statement-regarding-injured-punk-wwe-tlc-26073769. [Thanks to Dot Net readers Michael Southall and Peter Treblas.]

Shore's Slant: Nothing really new here from yesterday, but it is different to see Vince put out a statement like this. I like the switch to the six-man as it puts great exposure on the Shield, and creates an interesting dynamic between Ryback and Hell No. As far as Punk goes, based on Dr. James Andrews statements and my intimate knowledge of knee surgeries, it does sound like Punk should be ready in time for the Royal Rumble.

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