Next week's Raw theme, The Authority misses Raw, Heyman returns, IC Title match, Arm Wrestling, more

-- WWE announced that next week's show from Nashville, Tenn. will carry a "Country Raw" theme. This will be the final Raw leading into Survivor Series.

-- The Authority (Stephanie McMahon and Triple H) did not appear on the pre-taped Raw from the U.K., setting up DOO Kane, Raw GM Brad Maddox, and Smackdown GM Vickie Guerrero to bicker about booking matches throughout the show. WWE announced that The Authority will return to Raw next week.

-- Paul Heyman returned to WWE TV selling "injuries" suffered at the hands of C.M. Punk at Hell in a Cell. Heyman disassociated from Ryback, continued to associate with IC champion Curtis Axel, and then took another beating from C.M. Punk.

-- Axel successfully defended the Intercontinental Title against Dolph Ziggler.

-- Announced for Friday's Smackdown: John Cena and Alberto Del Rio in an Arm Wrestling Challenge to continue hyping their World Title match at Survivor Series.

-- Announced for Wednesday's Main Event: A.J. Lee vs. Natalya for the Divas Title.

WWE News: WWE statement on Darren Young

WWE issued the following statement onWWE.com regarding Darren Young announcing he is gay. 

On TMZ this morning, WWE Superstar Darren Young revealed to the WWE Universe that he is gay. WWE is proud of Darren Young for being open about his sexuality, and we will continue to support him as a WWE Superstar. Today, in fact, Darren will be participating in one of our Be A STAR anti-bullying rallies in Los Angeles to teach children how to create positive environments for everyone regardless of age, race, religion or sexual orientation.

WWE News: Darren Young's tag partner Titus O'Neil comments on Young's big announcement

Titus O'Neil addressed Darren Young announcing that he is gay. "I'm VERY PROUD of (Darren Young)," O'Neil wrote on Twitter. "He's been like family (to me and my) kids and that won't change." 

Stephanie McMahon and John Cena react on Darren young coming out...

Stephanie McMahon posted the following on Twitter in response to Darren Young telling TMZ that he is gay: 

"Congratulations to @DarrenYoungWWE for being the first openly gay WWE Superstar!" 

John Cena also gave his thoughts to TMZ: 

"I know Darren personally. Darren's a great guy. That's a very bold move for him. And congratulations for him for actually finally doing it." 

"For us, it's entertainment ... and if you're entertaining you shouldn't be judged by race, creed, color or sexuality ... as long as you're entertaining."

John Cena injured on European tour

WWE.com has learned that WWE Champion John Cena sustained an injury during WWE’s European tour. The WWE Champion injured his right Achilles tendon while battling Ryback.

The injury raises questions about the scheduled match between Cena and Ryback at Extreme Rules on May 19.

BACKSTAGE: What Are the Plans for the Tag Team Titles?

While Triple H and The Undertaker appeared in segments with Kane and Daniel Bryan against The Shield at this week's WWE TV tapings, word is that neither man will be working the feud right now.

The current plan is for Kane and Daniel Bryan to defend the WWE Tag Team Titles against two members of The Shield, likely at the Extreme Rules pay-per-view. It's expected this is where Kane and Bryan will drop the titles.

WWE Injury Updates: Lesnar, Triple H, 'Taker, The Rock, and CM Punk

- Triple H's arm was in bad condition and he was unable to lift it up on Monday.

- Brock Lesnar was knocked loopy in their match as well while there was concern that Shawn Michaels may have a broken cheekbone or nose from his spot on the show, but he is fine.

- The Undertaker was fine all things considered, but is not expected to compete any time soon. It's possible he may appear in a six-man tag-team match at Extreme Rules but that is not confirmed.

- The Rock is said to be avoiding surgery for the injury he suffered at WrestleMania, as it would delay the shoot for Hercules: The Thracian Wars.

- CM Punk was said to be having difficulty walking on Monday but as reported, he was still at RAW. WWE decided to hold him off of TV for the week as they believed he would get a big babyface reaction. Punk will reportedly get his knees looked at after the table spot banged them up pretty badly.