So how did they manage to get "Ten" no a major label debut anyhow?

Stone and Jeff had previously released Apple with Mother Love Bone on a major label, so it had to do with that. I'm sure the companies also listened to it and saw it had potential. I dunno for sure though.

Temple of the Dog was also released prior to Ten, however, only ~4 months prior, so I dunno if that affected it at all...

Neither albums got significant airplay though at the time of release, although TotD eventually got big airplay.

because record companies were making deals to make sure they signed the next big thing

I think the record company contact Jeff and Stone in MLB had gone over to Epic and they gave the band a try.

Seems like I remember the two of them having to be released from their MLB contract before they could sign with Epic, too.

But I am surprised the escaped the whole SubPop thing... Though i know they got a lot of shit from other bands on that label.

It has been said by Bruce Pavitt that he passed on the band for being "too corporate sounding."

Everybody WANTED TO GET INTO THE SEATTLE/GRUNGE!