31st January 2010ECW Heavyweight Championship Match
Christian [C] Defeated Vance Archer and Shelton BenjaminThe opening match of the 2010 Royal Rumble pay per view featured three of ECW’s top stars fighting it out for the ECW Championship as the road to WrestleMania continued. All three men came into this match with an excellent chance of walking away with the title, although the majority of eyes were on the pure brutal strength of Vance Archer. Archer looked like a sure thing to win the belt tonight but he was met by an onslaught of offence from both Christian and Shelton Benjamin who seemed intent on taking Archer out of the equation early on in the match before exchanging some fast paced action between them. This strategy seemed to work out well as Archer’s offence was kept to a minimum while Christian and Benjamin exchanged some fantastic offence and thrilling near falls. Eventually Archer got involved and started building momentum with his strength advantage and managed to deliver a vicious Blackout to Benjamin. Archer wouldn’t get a chance to capitalise on the maneuver however as Christian came up from behind him and connected with the Killswitch before making the pinfall to get the three count.
Christian is handed the ECW Heavyweight Championship having finally got a pinfall victory over the fearsome Vance Archer. Christian has just pulled off one of the biggest victories of his title reign so far and is sure to have impressed ECW’s new general manager Paul Heyman.
We cut backstage where Courtney Taylor is standing by with tonight’s challenger to the World Heavyweight Championship, Chris Jericho. Courtney asks Jericho about his feelings going into tonight’s massive title match. Jericho states that tonight he goes one on one with one of the biggest stars in the WWE, the Undertaker. Jericho says that the Undertaker has done a lot of things, but that tonight his World Heavyweight Championship will not be leaving around the Undertaker’s waist. Jericho promises to teach all of the hypocrites in this arena exactly how a real superstar earns his keep, by defeating the Deadman and walking away from the Royal Rumble as the new World Heavyweight Champion.
The office of the chairman Vince McMahon is now shown where all three general managers are standing by for the drawing of the Royal Rumble numbers ahead of tonight’s main event. CM Punk is already pulling out his number, flanked by the Straight Edge Society, when John Morrison walks in. Morrison cracks a few jokes as CM Punk’s expense before drawing out his own number. Morrison tells Punk that he’ll be seeing him in the ring tonight before opening his number and looking surprised. Punk looks over his shoulder and laughs, telling Morrison that he’ll be lucky to survive long enough to see the Straight Edge Saviour in that ring tonight. Punk looks at his own number and Morrison laughs and pats Punk sarcastically on the back, telling Punk that he’ll definitely be seeing him out in the ring tonight before walking out. Punk throws his number on the floor in anger before kicking over the number pot and storming out.
Unified Tag Team Championship Match
The Hart Dynasty Defeated Degeneration X [C]One of the biggest tag team matches in recent months was up next as Degeneration X clashed with the Hart Dynasty, who have one upped Degeneration X numerous times over the past few months. Going into this match Triple H and Shawn Michaels had to be considered the favourites based on experience alone but the Hart Dynasty didn’t let that faze them as they came into this match rearing to go and with every intention of walking away with the Tag Team Championships. Both teams started the match out slow, scouting their opponents out and looking for some kind of weak spot to take advantage off, which the Hart Dynasty did very well having clearly scouted Degeneration X over the past few weeks and being shown here as technical and strategic geniuses as they worked away at the knee of Triple H and the back of Shawn Michaels having clearly done their homework on the Champions. This seemed to catch Degeneration X off guard at first as they were taken aback by the Hart Dynasty’s fighting spirit but they soon got back into the match, taking the fight to the Hart Dynasty in typical DX fashion. The match went back and forth with both teams showing excellent teamwork and superb psychology in an attempt to win the match and at times it looked like it could have gone either way. The ending stretch saw Degeneration X poised to take the title when Tyson Kidd was taken out of the ring and David Hart Smith was left to be double teamed by DX. Shawn Michaels set him up for the superkick only for Smith to duck the move, leaving Triple H to take the full force of Michaels boot. Tyson Kidd would then pull Michaels out of the ring while Smith made the cover and got the pinfall.
The Hart Dynasty are handed the Unified Tag Team Championships having show incredible ring sense to defeat Degeneration X and take the titles from one of the most popular tag teams in this business. The Hart Dynasty exit the ring with the titles as Shawn Michaels checks on Triple H, clearly angry with himself for inadvertently costing them the titles.
We cut backstage where Eve is standing by with the Big Show, who is set to challenge John Cena for the WWE Championship in just a few minutes. Eve asks Big Show for his thoughts on the match and Show smiles to herself. Big Show asks Eve if she has watched RAW over the past few weeks, before telling her that she doesn’t have to answer, because he’s the smart one around here, not her. Big Show talks about how the past few weeks he has left John Cena out cold because he is better than John Cena will ever be. Big Show states that not only is he bigger, stronger and tougher than John Cena, but that he is also smarter than him, and that tonight, he will go into that ring and pick John Cena apart and walk away as the new WWE Champion, because he is simply that damn good.
We cut backstage where Batista is shown drawing his number. He looks at it and shows no emotion, simply telling the three general managers that tonight, he will win the Royal Rumble and finally get the title shot he deserves. Batista leaves and Theodore Long laughs, saying that Batista hasn’t seen his surprise entrant for tonight. Paul Heyman tells Long that it doesn’t matter who he’s got, because ECW has the best surprise entrant into the Royal Rumble bar nobody. Long and Heyman begin arguing over their choice while RAW’s general manager just sits back, shaking his head.
WWE Championship Match
Big Show Defeated John Cena [C]The third of tonight’s four championship matches pitted WWE Champion John Cena against a man who has systematically torn him apart over the past few weeks, the Big Show. Big Show came into this match with a big size, weight and strength advantage and it was clear to everyone in this arena and at home that he intended to use it to become the new WWE Champion. John Cena was obviously weary of the Big Show from the outset of this match, trying to keep his distance from Big Show’s fists which have proven knockout power. Despite this Cena really did go into this match fighting, taking out Show’s knee’s from the get go and then never really letting up in his opening offence until he was taken out by a surprise chokeslam out of nowhere that had everyone thinking this match would end quickly only for Cena to kick out. From there the match went back and forth although Cena was clearly hurt from the prior chokeslam. Both men really went to their limits in this match and towards the end it really looked like John Cena was going to finally vanquish the Big Show when he set managed to hit the shoulder barge followed by the Five Knuckle Shuffle but when Cena went for the Attitude Adjustment he just couldn’t lift Big Show up and collapsed to his knees. Big Show then went for another Chokeslam only for Cena to counter it and connect with a big DDT followed by the Throwback. Cena went to the top rope looking for the diving leg drop on a kneeling Big Show only to be caught by a vicious Knockout Punch from the Big Show. With John Cena completely out cold in the ring Big Show followed this up with another Chokeslam to get the pinfall and to shockingly become the new WWE Champion.
Big Show is handed the WWE Championship as the entire arena remains silent, completely shocked at the result of the match. Big Show raises the WWE Championship above his head and looks down at John Cena, who is still completely laid out in the middle of the ring. Big Show makes his way up the ramp while Michael Cole shouts out about how can anybody possibly take the WWE Championship away from a monster like the Big Show?
We cut backstage where Ted DiBiase and Cody Rhodes have just drawn their Royal Rumble numbers. They’re talking, clearly making plans for the Royal Rumble match, when Randy Orton walks in and they both go silent. There is clear tension between Randy Orton and Ted DiBiase while Orton just walks past them and pulls his number. Cody Rhodes pats Orton on the back and tells him that they’ll see him out there. Randy simply looks at them, and just says “Yeah, you will” before walking off, leaving Cody Rhodes confused and Ted DiBiase grinning to himself.
World Heavyweight Championship Match
Chris Jericho Defeated The Undertaker [C]With two championships already having changed hands tonight this match had more tension that ever, both for the two superstars involved and for all of those watching who were completely undecided on who was going to win this match and walk away as the World Heavyweight Champion. The match started out with Chris Jericho trying to keep his distance, clearly attempting to think over some strategy to defeat the deadman. His distance plan didn’t seem to work out to well however as the Undertaker soon got hold of him, unloading with strikes that shook Jericho and clearly took him off his game as he seemed rattled for a good period afterwards. That didn’t stop Jericho fighting back however, as he managed to nail Undertaker with a dropkick to the knee that sent him face first into the corner turnbuckle. From there Jericho began working away at the Undertaker’s back, setting him up for the Walls of Jericho which he tried more than one time to implement throughout the first half of the match only for the Undertaker to power out of it. The latter half of the match saw the fight spill out onto the outside more than once as both men attempted to do enough damage to put their opponent down for the count. Undertaker seemed intent on destroying Jericho and he kept shouting that he would send Jericho to the demons. The referee attempted to get both men in the ring but was caught in the crossfire, being temporarily blinded by a stray elbow from Jericho as he fell to the ground near the announce table. Jericho took this moment of opportunity and grabbed the World Heavyweight Championship belt and nailed Undertaker in the head with it without the referee seeing. Jericho rolled the Undertaker into the ring and for good measure connected with the Codebreaker and went for the pinfall, shockingly only getting a two count. Jericho looked shocked but then went for the Walls of Jericho, which the Undertaker once again powered out of. Jericho charged at the Undertaker, who nailed Jericho with a thunderous uppercut and then scooped Jericho up for the Tombstone. Jericho managed to wiggle his way out of the move and connect with a second Codebreaker, this time sending the Undertaker to the mat for the three count, allowing Jericho to make the pinfall.
Chris Jericho grabs the World Heavyweight Championship and swiftly exits the ring, not waiting for the Undertaker to recover. Jericho raises his newly won World Heavyweight Championship as the crowd are once again left shocked at the result of this match. Tonight has so far been a night of surprises and with the Royal Rumble match up next, things are only just getting started!
The 2010 30 Man Royal Rumble MatchEntrant #1 – John Morrison
Entrant #2 – CM Punk
The first two entrants in the Royal Rumble match turned out to be none other than the Shaman of Sexy John Morrison and the Straight Edge Saviour CM Punk. Following their encounter earlier tonight these two went at it from the start, both men making attempts at early eliminations in the process.
Entrant #3 – Chris Masters
The third entrant was RAW superstar Chris Masters and he showed that he meant business from the very start, taking out both men with vicious forearm blows. All three men went at it but it became apparent that Chris Masters strength was too much for them, especially when he nearly eliminated John Morrison.
Entrant #4 – Yoshi Tatsu
The first ECW competitor in this match was none other than the fast and furious Yoshi Tatsu, who really hit the ring running when he hit all three men with a flurry of kicks. All four men then went at it, with Morrison nearly getting eliminated by Masters once again.
Entrant #5 – Tyson Kidd
One half of the new Unified Tag Team Champions was out next and despite having already wrestled in one match tonight he showed that he is still a threat in this match by taking it to all four men in the ring. We also had our first elimination of the 2010 Royal Rumble as CM Punk interrupted an attempted elimination of Yoshi Tatsu by Chris Masters, throwing Chris Masters over the top rope.
Chris Masters Eliminated by CM Punk
Remaining Superstars: John Morrison, CM Punk, Yoshi Tatsu, Tyson Kidd
Entrant #6 – Eric Escobar
SmackDown superstar Eric Escobar hit the ring, immediately attacking the smallest man in the ring Yoshi Tatsu, alongside Tyson Kidd. CM Punk continued brawling with John Morrison around the ring, both men intent on elimination the other.
Entrant #7 – Paul Burchill
Another ECW star was in next and he immediately threw Escobar and Tyson Kidd out of the way and attacked Yoshi Tatsu, a man who he has had problems with recently. This quickly became evident as a mistake as Tatsu nailed Burchill with a roundhouse kick to the head and Tyson Kidd came from behind and threw him over the top rope.
Paul Burchill Eliminated by Tyson Kidd
Remaining Superstars: John Morrison, CM Punk, Yoshi Tatsu, Tyson Kidd, Eric Escobar
Entrant #8 – Triple H
The entire arena exploded as Triple H hit the ring running, immediately taking the fight to Tyson Kidd following the events earlier in the night. Escobar attempted to attack Triple H from behind but was thrown over the top rope for his trouble. John Morrison and CM Punk continued their fight with CM Punk nailing Morrison with the GTS. He looked poised to attempt an elimination but was jumped from behind by Tatsu before he managed it.
Eric Escobar Eliminated by Triple H
Remaining Superstars: John Morrison, CM Punk, Yoshi Tatsu, Tyson Kidd, Triple H
Entrant #9 – Dolph Ziggler
The Intercontinental Champion hit the ring and immediately attempted to eliminate John Morrison following their recent feud. Morrison fought back and the two brawled around the ring. Yoshi Tatsu was eliminated during this time as CM Punk nailed him with a GTS and tossed him over the top rope, returning to attack John Morrison alongside Ziggler.
Yoshi Tatsu Eliminated by CM Punk
Remaining Superstars: John Morrison, CM Punk, Tyson Kidd, Triple H, Dolph Ziggler
Entrant #10 – David Hart Smith
The other half of the new Unified Tag Team Champions hit the ring next and immediately rescued Tyson Kidd from Triple H, nailing him with a big backdrop suplex to give Kidd time to recover. John Morrison continued to try and survive against both CM Punk and Dolph Ziggler, although it was clear that he was slowly running out of steam as we hit the first third of the match.
Entrant #11 – Zack Ryder
Mr. Cool himself was entrant 11 as ECW’s Zack Ryder hit the ring, surprisingly going after Dolph Ziggler and helping out John Morrison. Triple H was under fire from both members of the Hart Dynasty and while he fought back he just couldn’t find an opportunity to eliminate either man or grab a breather from the continuous onslaught of the Hart Dynasty.
Entrant #12 – Kofi Kingston
The controlled frenzy of Kofi Kingston was the next entrant and he made a big impression from the get go as Zack Ryder charged at him as he entered, getting thrown over the top rope for his trouble. Kingston went for CM Punk, giving John Morrison a much needed respite while the Hart Dynasty continued their attempts at elimination Triple H. Tyson Kidd charged at Triple H near the ropes, surprisingly getting thrown over himself. Smith was furious at this, and attacked an already hurt Triple H.
Zack Ryder Eliminated by Kofi Kingston
Tyson Kidd Eliminated by Triple H
Remaining Superstars: John Morrison, CM Punk, Triple H, Dolph Ziggler, David Hart Smith, Kofi Kingston
Entrant #13 – Montel Vontavious Porter
There was more good news for John Morrison as MVP hit the ring, immediately going after Dolph Ziggler and giving Morrison more time to breath in the corner. Triple H continued his brawl with David Hart Smith while Kofi Kingston spent this time attempting to eliminate CM Punk.
Entrant #14 – Shawn Michaels
The crowd once again erupted as the other half of Degeneration X hit the ring, obviously drawing the attention of everybody. David Hart Smith was the first to go for Michaels, hit momentum just helping Michaels to throw him over the top rope. Michaels would then begin brawling with Kofi Kingston while CM Punk grabbed a breather.
David Hart Smith Eliminated by Shawn Michaels
Remaining Superstars: John Morrison, CM Punk, Triple H, Dolph Ziggler, Kofi Kingston, Montel Vontavious Porter, Shawn Michaels
Entrant #15 – Cody Rhodes
The first of three Legacy members in this match as we hit the halfway point of the 2010 Royal Rumble match. Rhodes was strategic, not getting involved until he attacked Shawn Michaels from behind. Also, Dolph Ziggler nailed MVP with the ZigZag before eliminating him. Ziggler took too long gloating however as John Morrison came from behind and threw the Intercontinental Champion over the top rope.
Montel Vontavious Porter Eliminated by Dolph Ziggler
Dolph Ziggler Eliminated by John Morrison
Remaining Superstars: John Morrison, CM Punk, Triple H, Kofi Kingston, Shawn Michaels, Cody Rhodes
Entrant #16 – Ezekial Jackson
The physically imposing Ezekial Jackson was a fearsome sight to behold as he hit the ring, completely tearing apart everyone in the ring, leaving them out cold. Despite this Jackson chose the wrong man to attempt to eliminate as he went after John Morrison, who simply refused to let go of the ropes.
Entrant #17 – Kane
It was the battle of the monsters as Ezekial Jackson and Kane fought it out in the ring in a stiff striking game. Meanwhile CM Punk returned to targeting John Morrison as the two fought it out while Shawn Michaels nailed Rhodes with a superkick that left him laid out before turning around straight into a Trouble in Paradise courtesy of Kofi Kingston.
Entrant #18 – Matt Hardy
Matt Hardy goes after CM Punk, nailing him with right hands and nearly eliminating him from the match. Also Jackson and Kane fought it out too close to the ropes, leading to a shocking double elimination at the hands of Triple H, who pushed both men over the top rope. Kofi Kingston meanwhile worked on Shawn Michaels but was jumped from behind by Cody Rhodes, clearly showing waves from Kingston’s recent feud with Legacy.
Ezekial Jackson Eliminated by Triple H
Kane Eliminated by Triple H
Remaining Superstars: John Morrison, CM Punk, Triple H, Kofi Kingston, Shawn Michaels, Cody Rhodes, Matt Hardy
Entrant #19 – Tommy Dreamer
The new extreme Tommy Dreamer hit the ring with a steel chair, nailing Cody Rhodes, Kofi Kingston and Matt Hardy with the chair before John Morrison hit him with a dropkick to the knee before kicking the chair out of the ring. Morrison exchanged strikes with Tommy Dreamer, but couldn’t manage an elimination.
Entrant #20 – Ted DiBiase
DiBiase hit the ring as we entered the final third of the match and despite expectations he didn’t immediately check on Rhodes, instead scouting out the ring first and attacking the weakest superstar he could find, Matt Hardy, nailing him with Dream Street before eliminating him. Meanwhile Triple H and Shawn Michaels came face to face and after exchanging grins the two began exchanging strikes, clearly showing the friendly rivalry that has made them such a great team in the past.
Matt Hardy Eliminated by Ted DiBiase
Remaining Superstars: John Morrison, CM Punk, Triple H, Kofi Kingston, Shawn Michaels, Cody Rhodes, Tommy Dreamer, Ted DiBiase
Entrant #21 – Drew McIntyre
Drew McIntyre didn’t last long in the 2010 Royal Rumble, going after the warring DX teammates and receiving a Sweet Chin Music for his attempt, sending him straight over the top rope and to the floor. Michaels would then turn and deliver a Sweet Chin Music to Triple H as well only for CM Punk to charge him and throw him over the top rope.
Drew McIntyre Eliminated by Shawn Michaels
Shawn Michaels Eliminated by CM Punk
Remaining Superstars: John Morrison, CM Punk, Triple H, Kofi Kingston, Cody Rhodes, Tommy Dreamer, Ted DiBiase
Entrant #22 – Jack Swagger
Jack Swagger hit the ring his usual cocky self. He made an attempt at eliminating Triple H but received a right hand that sent him straight into a Trouble in Paradise. Kingston didn’t get time to capitalise as he was jumped by both members of Legacy while CM Punk attacked Morrison once again. Punk looked poised to eliminate Morrison after he attempted the GTS, however Morrison turned things around escaping the move and pushing Punk right over the top rope, eliminating him and leaving Punk furious.
CM Punk Eliminated by John Morrison
Remaining Superstars: John Morrison, Triple H, Kofi Kingston, Cody Rhodes, Tommy Dreamer, Ted DiBiase, Jack Swagger
Entrant #23 – Mark Henry
This was not good news for anybody, especially those who had been in match for an extended period of time. Henry hit the ring and immediately ran into Legacy, who put their strength together in an attempt at taking out Henry. Everybody saw this and began taking it to Henry as well. Henry overpowered everyone, even almost eliminating Kofi Kingston but in the end it was Jack Swagger who charged at an already rocked Henry, managing to push him over the ropes and crashing to the floor.
Mark Henry Eliminated by Jack Swagger
Remaining Superstars: John Morrison, Triple H, Kofi Kingston, Cody Rhodes, Tommy Dreamer, Ted DiBiase, Jack Swagger
Entrant #24 – Rob Van Dam
The roof of the arena was practically taken off by the noise the crowd made when Rob Van Dam made his shocking return to WWE, clearly ECW’s surprise entrant. Tommy Dreamer was most surprised, and immediately attacked RVD as he hit the ring. Van Dam was ready for him thought, ducking a clothesline and round house kicking Dreamer straight out of the match. RVD continued his assault, taking out Rhodes and nailing Swagger with a Roundhouse kick followed by the Five Star Frogsplash, sending the crowd into hysterics.
Tommy Dreamer Eliminated by Rob Van Dam
Remaining Superstars: John Morrison, Triple H, Kofi Kingston, Cody Rhodes, Ted DiBiase, Jack Swagger, Rob Van Dam
Entrant #25 – The Miz
The United States Champion was cocky as he made his way to the ring, but when he actually entered the ring he attempted to avoid all kind of conflict. He did it well, managing to keep out of the way of everyone until he was dropkicked by his old tag partner John Morrison who unloaded with a barrage of left and right hands on Miz in the ring as everyone else brawled in the ring.
Entrant #26 – Rey Mysterio
Rey Mysterio made an immediate impression as he hit the ring, springboarding off the top rope and hitting the hurricarana on Swagger, sending him straight over the top rope. Kofi Kingston, who had been in the ring since entrant 12, was eliminated as well at the hands of Legacy who had been working away at Kingston for the past few minutes. Triple H came from behind Legacy though, unloading with punches and nailing Rhodes with a Pedigree.
Jack Swagger Eliminated by Rey Mysterio
Kofi Kingston Eliminated by Ted DiBiase & Cody Rhodes
Remaining Superstars: John Morrison, Triple H, Cody Rhodes, Ted DiBiase, Rob Van Dam, The Miz, Rey Mysterio
Entrant #27 – Randy Orton
Triple H’s assault on Legacy came to a quick stop at the hands of the next entrant, Randy Orton. Despite the dissent between Legacy in the past month it was clear here that they were a team as all three men worked away at Triple H, who was only saved by a helping hand from Rob Van Dam and Rey Mysterio, launching a big six man tag brawl while Morrison and Miz brawled around the ring.
Entrant #28 - Batista
Everything changed with this entrant, as Batista hit the ring and began dismantling everybody, not caring who he was fighting. Batista nailed both DiBiase & Rhodes with Spinebusters and connecting with the Batista Bomb on Rob Van Dam. That’s when he came face to face with his old friend turned foe Rey Mysterio. Both men brawled around the ring but once again Mysterio’s speed was not enough to overcome Batista’s strength, as he nailed Mysterio with the Spinebuster and threw him over the top rope, eliminating him.
Rey Mysterio Eliminated by Batista
Remaining Superstars: John Morrison, Triple H, Cody Rhodes, Ted DiBiase, Rob Van Dam, The Miz, Randy Orton, Batista
Entrant #29 – Sheamus
Sheamus hit the ring without much style but with a whole lot of strength, nailing Morrison with the Pump Kick from the start before going after the Miz following their recent feud. Miz attempted to escape the ring but it was no use as Sheamus tore him apart with a vicious Ura-Nage. Sheamus went to Pump Kick Miz over the top rope only for Miz to dodge to move and pull down the top rope, eliminating Sheamus! Miz had no time to breath however as Morrison came from behind, eliminating his former tag partner and landing him straight into a Pump Kick courtesy of Sheamus on the outside.
Sheamus Eliminated by The Miz
The Miz Eliminated by John Morrison
Remaining Superstars: John Morrison, Triple H, Cody Rhodes, Ted DiBiase, Rob Van Dam, Randy Orton, Batista
Entrant #30 - Edge
If you thought it was loud before then you’ve heard nothing yet as everyone was blown away by tonight’s second shocking return – Edge! With eight men left in the 2010 Royal Rumble Edge was the fresh face that all the fans wanted to see but none of the superstars did as Edge hit the ring nailing Triple H, Morrison and Batista with consecutive Spears. RVD charged at Edge but was sent flying over the top rope to the outside.
Rob Van Dam Eliminated by Edge
Remaining Superstars: John Morrison, Triple H, Cody Rhodes, Ted DiBiase, Randy Orton, Batista, Edge
Suddenly Edge was jumped by all three members of Legacy, who went to town on Edge, beating him down. It looked like Edge was done in this match as he received an RKO from Randy Orton but then out of nowhere a big shock happened. While Rhodes was taunting the fans Orton came from behind and eliminated him, shouting that it was “Every man for himself.” That is when DiBiase came up from behind Orton, throwing him over the top rope and shouting the same thing.
Cody Rhodes Eliminated by Randy Orton
Randy Orton Eliminated by Ted DiBiase
Final Five: John Morrison, Triple H, Ted DiBiase, Batista, Edge
With just five men left, and one of them the number one entrant John Morrison, things were certainly heating up. Being the only man standing DiBiase targeted John Morrison aiming to eliminate him while he had the chance. It didn’t go to plan however as Morrison nailed DiBiase with the Flying Chuck and proceeded to clothesline him over the top rope before collapsing to the floor.
Ted DiBiase Eliminated by John Morrison
Final Four: John Morrison, Triple H, Batista, Edge
There were now just four men left in this match and they were four of the best the WWE has to offer. All four men got to their feet at the same time and it was clear that Morrison was out of steam having been in since the very beginning but that didn’t stop him fighting off Triple H while Edge fought Batista. There were times when all four men could have been eliminated and this match, and the WrestleMania title shot, could have gone to any of them. The crowd were split on who to cheer for with everyone other than Batista getting a lot of cheers. Morrison’s match looked to be done as Triple H nailed him with the Spinebuster and prepared to eliminate him only for Morrison to skin the cat. Triple H clotheslined him over once again but once again Morrison skinned the cat. Triple H grinned, clearly seeing shades of Shawn Michaels in Morrison, before charging at Morrison again. Shockingly Morrison collapsed to the ground and pulled down the top rope sending Triple H to the outside. Triple H looked pissed off at himself but clapped Morrison, who was out of steam on the floor.
Triple H Eliminated by John Morrison
Final Three: John Morrison, Batista, Edge
As all this was going on Edge and Batista were going at it on the other side of the ring. Despite Batista’s pure strength Edge looked better than ever and it was clear that he hasn’t lost any of his strategic skill as he outwitted Batista at every opportunity. However Batista soon took control, nailing Edge with a brutal spinebuster. Batista attempted to eliminate Edge but Edge fought back, nailing Batista with a dropkick followed up by a Spear out of nowhere. Edge picked Batista up to eliminate him but Batista overpowered him, throwing him over the top rope. Edge however hung on and stood on the ring apron. Batista tried to nail Edge with a right hand to send him off but Edge countered it and managed to pull Batista over the top rope, eliminating him! Edge rolled back into the ring but Batista followed him in despite being eliminated and nailed Edge with a Batista Bomb before being escorted to the back!
Batista Eliminated by Edge
Final Two: John Morrison & Edge
There were now just two men left fighting it out for the shot at a world title at WrestleMania 26 and it was none other than the number one entrant John Morrison and the number thirty entrant Edge. Morrison was still wiped after going so long in this match while Edge was hurt following Batista’s attack. Both slowly got to their feet at the same time and exchanged some groggy punches before Morrison connected with the Flying Chuck out of nowhere! Morrison looked primed to win but Edge fought back, nailed Edge with the Edgecution! Edge followed this up with a massive Spear that allowed him to eliminate John Morrison and win the 2010 Royal Rumble Match!
John Morrison Eliminated by Edge
Winner of the 2010 Royal Rumble Match: EdgeEdge collapses to his knees as the crowd go crazy having seen a returning Edge defeat 29 other men tonight at the Royal Rumble. The pyrotechnics go off as confetti falls and Edge looks up at the hanging logo off WrestleMania 26, which Edge will now headline! Edge is announced as the 2010 Royal Rumble winner while a gutted John Morrison slowly walks up the ramp, having nearly gone the distance tonight. We fade out on the image of Edge pointing up at the WrestleMania 26 sign. Edge is going to WrestleMania!