Post by The Kevstaaa on Jun 15, 2010 22:29:43 GMT -5
[Credit for Poster: Kemp]
[Credit for Match Graphics: Elliot]
January 31st, 2010
Phillips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia
Attendance: 18,545
Tonight’s pay-per-view opens with a video package, first showcasing the storied history between WWE Champion Triple H and his challenger for tonight, Batista. Next, it shows World Heavyweight Champion Shelton Benjamin cash in his Money in the Bank briefcase last month and become Champion, followed by his feud with the man he beat for the belt, CM Punk. Lastly, the video focuses on some of the thirty superstars in tonight’s Royal Rumble match. It ends by showing how Edge won the Rumble last year, lastly eliminating former WWE Champion, MVP.
Our announce team of Jim Ross, Matt Striker and Todd Grisham take over the duties after the fireworks display kicks us off. They promote tonight’s huge matches but take us to the ring, because our opening contest is about to begin.
ECW Championship: Jack Swagger (c) vs. Rey Mysterio
Once the crowd heard Rey Mysterio’s theme music, they went nuts, as he came out in red, white & green attire. The ECW Champion, Jack Swagger, got some major heat from the Atlanta crowd, sporting black & red ring attire. To begin this match, Swagger called for a test of strength, teasing the smaller Mysterio. Rey showed no fear and accepted it. Swagger easily overpowered him, but Rey did not quit and began to force Swagger back. Swagger quickly ended that with a kick to the stomach. He followed that up with a vertical suplex for a quick near fall. Swagger tossed Rey into the corner and met him with a huge knee lift. He then body slammed him and nailed his slingshot splash for another near fall. He lifted Rey and seemed to be going for the Oklahoma Stampede, but Rey wriggled free and nailed him with an enziguri. Rey then used his speed to gain the upper hand as he ran circles around Swagger and hit him with a tornado DDT, dropkick and a head scissors that sent him to the outside. Rey met him with a baseball slide and tried to follow up with a plancha, but Swagger moved. He rolled Rey back inside the ring and lifted him for a belly-to-back suplex, but Rey reversed it into a bulldog for a near fall. He sent Swagger into the corner and followed up with the bronco buster. Rey had the crowd fired up and climbed to the top. Swagger walked towards him and was met with a seated senton for another near fall. Rey now set up Swagger for the 619, but as Rey ran towards him, Swagger clotheslined him down hard. He used this time to slow down the match by locking in an abdominal stretch. Rey would not tap out though and Swagger decided to turn the move into a pump handle slam for a near fall. Swagger now called for the match to be over and he hooked Rey for the Gutwrench Powerbomb. On his way up though, Rey reversed it into a hurricanrana, sending Swagger into 619 position. Rey ran off the ropes and connected with it. He then went for the West Coast Pop, but Swagger caught him and dropped him with a powerbomb. He then lifted him and nailed the Gutwrench Powerbomb for the victory.
Winner and STILL ECW Champion: Jack Swagger (17:11) ***½
The cameras now cut to the back where the General Managers are shown in a room with the Tumbler. The “Ball Girls” are Alicia Fox, Kelly Kelly & Maria. In step Perfectly Awesome to get their numbers and Alicia Fox gladly gets it for them. Miz doesn’t look too happy about his number, while Ziggler seems okay by his. MVP enters the room now as the former Tag Champs leave. Maria hands him his number and when he sees it, he says it’s not too bad. World Champion Shelton Benjamin enters now. He says that he just had to come in once he saw MVP enter. He reminds MVP that last month he was boasting that he had the WWE Title and Shelton had nothing and the tables have turned now. Shelton tells MVP that if he somehow manages to win the Rumble, he hopes he challenges for the World Title because it would be so sweet to defeat him at WrestleMania. Shelton walks off leaving MVP looking pissed.
[Match Seven In Best of Seven Series] United States Championship: John Morrison (c) vs. Tyler Black
The challenger was out first, to a very nice hand from the WWE Universe. John Morrison got booed for the most part, but a few scattered cheers could be heard. These two saved their best match for last as they went all out. It began with a collar and elbow tie up, just like their first match at Armageddon, but this time Morrison got the advantage. He outwrestled Black for a short while and knocked him to the outside with an early super kick. Morrison told the referee to start counting and early on, it looks like Morrison was going to try to retain his belt in any possible way. Black got back inside at the count of seven and Morrison went right to work. He stomped on Black a few times and then hit a Russian leg sweep, followed by an STO neck breaker for a near fall. Morrison went to the apron and hit a springboard elbow drop. He then tossed Black into the corner and kicked him twice in the ribs, followed by a jumping high kick to the face. He walked to the opposite corner and ran back at Black but was met with a big boot. Black quickly nailed a German suplex for a near fall. He then hit a belly-to-back suplex and then an F5 type maneuver for another near fall. Black then quickly went for a standing shooting star press, but Morrison moved out of the way. Once Black got up, Morrison quickly sent him with a super kick. He dragged him to the corner and connected with the Starship Pain. He went for the cover, but right at the two count Black got his foot on the bottom rope. Morrison was in disbelief and he climbed up for a second Starship Pain, but Black got out of the way. Both men were down for a short while, but when they got up Morrison was behind Black. That didn’t matter though as Black was quick to hit the Pele Kick. Morrison stumbled back into the corner. Black ran from the opposite corner after building up steam and hit a stiff forearm to the face. He then nailed the Buckle Bomb, and Morrison fell out of the corner on his knees. Black connected with a huge super kick, followed by God’s Last Gift and his late flurry was too much for Morrison as he was down for the count.
Winner and NEW United States Champion: Tyler Black (15:39) ***¾
Black celebrated his huge victory along with the crowd, who was going crazy. John Morrison gets up and looks around. He offers his hand to Tyler Black. Black tentatively shakes it and Morrison raises Black’s arm. The Best of Seven Series ends with a great show of respect. We now cut to the back, where Edge entered the Tumbler room for his number. He says that he wants Vickie to get his number, because it brought him the luck to win the Rumble last year. She gets it for him and when they see it, they go crazy and kiss. Mr. Kennedy enters now and is grossed out by what he sees. He tells them to get a room, and Edge gets in his face, telling him that he can’t speak to Vickie like that. He reminds Kennedy that last time they were in the same ring; he took the Money in the Bank briefcase from him. Kennedy smirks and says that they’ll share a ring tonight and he’ll take his WrestleMania hopes from him. Fox gets him his number and Kennedy seems to like it.
Women’s Championship: Mickie James (c) vs. Serena Mancini
Serena made her way out first to a chorus of boos. She seemed extremely focused tonight as she wasn’t her usual cocky self. James followed out to her normal loud pop. Before the bell could even ring, Mancini attacked James from behind. She nailed her with some stiff shots, including her trademark left handed jabs. Serena then sent her off the ropes and hit back to back deep arm drags, locking in the second one for an arm wrench. James fought her way out of that behind the crowd’s cheers and nailed a snapmare, which she followed with a drop kick to Serena’s face. She covered for a near fall. James then sent her off the ropes and connected with a Lou Thez Press, followed by multiple right hands. James placed Serena in the corner and hit her with a monkey flip for a near fall. James went to lift Serena up, but was rolled into a small package for a near fall as well. They got up at the same time, but Serena was the quicker of the two as she kicked James in the gut. She sent James into the corner, and ran in but was met with a hurricanrana from the Champion. James bridged it for a near fall and once Serena got up, she went for the Mick Kick. Serena ducked it and snapped off a DDT. Serena waited for her to get up and connected with a vicious Spear, yet still could only get a near fall. Serena was not happy and she picked up James for the Mancini Code, but it was reversed into a crucifix pin and Serena kicked out at two. James called for the Mick-DT and hooked it, but Serena pushed her off and nailed her with the Mancini Code from out of nowhere to get the victory.
Winner and NEW Women’s Champion: Serena Mancini (8:08) **½
Serena Mancini grabbed her newly won Championship and celebrated with it on her way up the ramp to the crowd’s dismay. Once again, we cut to the Tumbler room where Big Show enters to retrieve his number. His hand is too big to fit into the tumbler, so Kelly reaches in and gets the number for him. Before he can see it, Ted Dibiase Jr. enters to get his number. He gets his and sees it and doesn’t really like it. He takes a peek at Show’s number and offers to buy it off of him. Show laughs it off and says no. Ted says that he knows that Show can be bought because everybody has a price. Show smirks and knocks out Ted with a huge right hand. He leaves and the rest of Legacy enters. They look down at their fallen leader and don’t really attempt to help him. They just get their numbers and are upset with them.
A video package is shown, promoting the World Heavyweight Title match between Shelton Benjamin and CM Punk. It shows Shelton Benjamin cashing in his Money in the Bank briefcase, ruining CM Punk’s World Title victory.
World Heavyweight Championship: Shelton Benjamin (c) vs. CM Punk
The challenger, CM Punk, was first out, to a thunderous ovation. The Champion, Shelton Benjamin came down next and got a whole lot of heat. A collar and elbow tie up began this contest and Benjamin quickly locked in a wrist lock. Punk reversed it into a hammer lock that Benjamin elbowed his way out of. For the next several minutes, these two played a game of one up, as they kept trying to outdo the other. It ended when Benjamin was knocked to the outside by a stiff kick to the head from Punk. Punk followed that up with a suicide dive once Shelton got up. Punk rolled him back in the ring and got on the apron. He went for a slingshot somersault senton, but Shelton moved out of the way. Shelton climbed to the top and when Punk got up, hit him with a somersault neck breaker for a near fall. He then placed Punk in the corner and nailed the Shelton Splash. As Punk stumbled out of the corner, Shelton hit him with a Samoan drop for another near fall. Benjamin lifted him and sent him off the ropes to catch him with a big overhead belly to belly suplex. He then grabbed Punk in a rear chinlock to wear him down even more. Behind the crowd’s roars, Punk began to rally. He managed to elbow his way out of the move and send Shelton off the ropes. He went for a clothesline, but Shelton ducked and connected with a big super kick, stopping Punk’s comeback. He covered and again got a near fall. He now set up Punk for the Shell Bomb, but Punk punched him a few times, causing Shelton to drop him. Punk quickly hit a few open hand strikes and finished it off with a spinning back kick to the gut. Punk then connected with a double underhook back breaker. He picked up Shelton and sent him into the corner, where he hit his knee strike/bulldog combination for a near fall. Punk then went to the apron and waited for Shelton to get up. When he did, Punk went for his springboard clothesline, only to be caught with a huge Paydirt! Shelton was still so rattled from some of Punk’s previous moves that he was down after the Paydirt and couldn’t make the cover. Eventually, he managed to place his arm over Punk, but Punk managed to kick out at two and three quarters! Shelton was in shock and he hooked Punk for the Exploder, but Punk elbowed out of it. He lifted Shelton for the GTS and he seemed to nail it, but Shelton blocked the knee strike with his forearms. He went for the Dragon Whip kick, but Punk ducked it and locked him in for a German suplex. Shelton had the referee facing him, so he used his leg to hit Punk with a low blow, causing the hold to break. He turned and drilled him with Paydirt for the win.
Winner and Still World Heavyweight Champion: Shelton Benjamin (20:29) ****
The crowd booed heavily as Shelton Benjamin just cheated his way to retaining the World Championship. The cameras go backstage where John Cena is going to get his Rumble number. Once he gets it, Sheamus enters and gets his. Sheamus says it’s a pleasure to meet Cena, as he’s been hoping for a chance to face him. But he only wants to face him, so he can destroy him. Cena looks at his number and sees Sheamus’ and tells him that he may get the chance tonight. But Cena promises that he will not be destroyed on his road to WrestleMania, so Sheamus better come prepared.
WWE Championship: Triple H (c) vs. Batista
“The Animal” Batista came out first to an enormous pop from this sold out crowd. Triple H got the most heat of the night as he slowly made his way to the ring. It was obvious from the start that this was going to be a fight. Once the bell rang, they went right to trading fists with each other. Batista got the best of this exchange and backed HHH into a corner. He delivered some solid shoulder thrusts there and then a huge running clothesline. Batista then sent HHH off the ropes and hit a big shoulder block. He went to lift him up, but HHH nailed him with a thumb to the eye. The referee warned HHH of a disqualification but he ignored it. He whipped Batista off the ropes and hit a high running knee that sent Batista stumbling to the outside. HHH followed him out there and tossed him into the guardrail. He followed that up by choking Batista with some nearby cables at ringside until the referee’s count reached four. HHH smashed Batista’s head onto the announce table twice, but before he could do it a third time, Batista elbowed him in the stomach. He then smashed HHH’s face into it and threw him back in the ring. Batista attempted to go for the Batista Bomb, but HHH swept his legs out from under him and locked in a figure four. Batista refused to tap out and HHH grabbed the ropes for extra leverage. The referee caught him and made him break the hold. HHH began to argue with the official, which gave Batista time to get up. HHH turned to him, only to be met with a huge Spear. Batista covered but HHH managed to get a shoulder up. Once HHH got up Batista drilled him with a spinebuster and then shook the ropes as the crowd went crazy. He lifted HHH for the Batista Bomb, but “The Game” used another well timed thumb to the eye, causing Batista to drop him. HHH quickly hooked in the Pedigree and dropped Batista for an underhanded victory.
Winner and Still WWE Champion: Triple H (16:54) ***
The crowd booed loudly as Triple H retained his WWE Championship, before the cameras cut away. We now see a commercial for the upcoming No Way Out Pay-Per-View next month, which will feature the return of the Elimination Chamber!
[/i]Our announce team of Jim Ross, Matt Striker and Todd Grisham take over the duties after the fireworks display kicks us off. They promote tonight’s huge matches but take us to the ring, because our opening contest is about to begin.
ECW Championship: Jack Swagger (c) vs. Rey Mysterio
Once the crowd heard Rey Mysterio’s theme music, they went nuts, as he came out in red, white & green attire. The ECW Champion, Jack Swagger, got some major heat from the Atlanta crowd, sporting black & red ring attire. To begin this match, Swagger called for a test of strength, teasing the smaller Mysterio. Rey showed no fear and accepted it. Swagger easily overpowered him, but Rey did not quit and began to force Swagger back. Swagger quickly ended that with a kick to the stomach. He followed that up with a vertical suplex for a quick near fall. Swagger tossed Rey into the corner and met him with a huge knee lift. He then body slammed him and nailed his slingshot splash for another near fall. He lifted Rey and seemed to be going for the Oklahoma Stampede, but Rey wriggled free and nailed him with an enziguri. Rey then used his speed to gain the upper hand as he ran circles around Swagger and hit him with a tornado DDT, dropkick and a head scissors that sent him to the outside. Rey met him with a baseball slide and tried to follow up with a plancha, but Swagger moved. He rolled Rey back inside the ring and lifted him for a belly-to-back suplex, but Rey reversed it into a bulldog for a near fall. He sent Swagger into the corner and followed up with the bronco buster. Rey had the crowd fired up and climbed to the top. Swagger walked towards him and was met with a seated senton for another near fall. Rey now set up Swagger for the 619, but as Rey ran towards him, Swagger clotheslined him down hard. He used this time to slow down the match by locking in an abdominal stretch. Rey would not tap out though and Swagger decided to turn the move into a pump handle slam for a near fall. Swagger now called for the match to be over and he hooked Rey for the Gutwrench Powerbomb. On his way up though, Rey reversed it into a hurricanrana, sending Swagger into 619 position. Rey ran off the ropes and connected with it. He then went for the West Coast Pop, but Swagger caught him and dropped him with a powerbomb. He then lifted him and nailed the Gutwrench Powerbomb for the victory.
Winner and STILL ECW Champion: Jack Swagger (17:11) ***½
The cameras now cut to the back where the General Managers are shown in a room with the Tumbler. The “Ball Girls” are Alicia Fox, Kelly Kelly & Maria. In step Perfectly Awesome to get their numbers and Alicia Fox gladly gets it for them. Miz doesn’t look too happy about his number, while Ziggler seems okay by his. MVP enters the room now as the former Tag Champs leave. Maria hands him his number and when he sees it, he says it’s not too bad. World Champion Shelton Benjamin enters now. He says that he just had to come in once he saw MVP enter. He reminds MVP that last month he was boasting that he had the WWE Title and Shelton had nothing and the tables have turned now. Shelton tells MVP that if he somehow manages to win the Rumble, he hopes he challenges for the World Title because it would be so sweet to defeat him at WrestleMania. Shelton walks off leaving MVP looking pissed.
[Match Seven In Best of Seven Series] United States Championship: John Morrison (c) vs. Tyler Black
The challenger was out first, to a very nice hand from the WWE Universe. John Morrison got booed for the most part, but a few scattered cheers could be heard. These two saved their best match for last as they went all out. It began with a collar and elbow tie up, just like their first match at Armageddon, but this time Morrison got the advantage. He outwrestled Black for a short while and knocked him to the outside with an early super kick. Morrison told the referee to start counting and early on, it looks like Morrison was going to try to retain his belt in any possible way. Black got back inside at the count of seven and Morrison went right to work. He stomped on Black a few times and then hit a Russian leg sweep, followed by an STO neck breaker for a near fall. Morrison went to the apron and hit a springboard elbow drop. He then tossed Black into the corner and kicked him twice in the ribs, followed by a jumping high kick to the face. He walked to the opposite corner and ran back at Black but was met with a big boot. Black quickly nailed a German suplex for a near fall. He then hit a belly-to-back suplex and then an F5 type maneuver for another near fall. Black then quickly went for a standing shooting star press, but Morrison moved out of the way. Once Black got up, Morrison quickly sent him with a super kick. He dragged him to the corner and connected with the Starship Pain. He went for the cover, but right at the two count Black got his foot on the bottom rope. Morrison was in disbelief and he climbed up for a second Starship Pain, but Black got out of the way. Both men were down for a short while, but when they got up Morrison was behind Black. That didn’t matter though as Black was quick to hit the Pele Kick. Morrison stumbled back into the corner. Black ran from the opposite corner after building up steam and hit a stiff forearm to the face. He then nailed the Buckle Bomb, and Morrison fell out of the corner on his knees. Black connected with a huge super kick, followed by God’s Last Gift and his late flurry was too much for Morrison as he was down for the count.
Winner and NEW United States Champion: Tyler Black (15:39) ***¾
Black celebrated his huge victory along with the crowd, who was going crazy. John Morrison gets up and looks around. He offers his hand to Tyler Black. Black tentatively shakes it and Morrison raises Black’s arm. The Best of Seven Series ends with a great show of respect. We now cut to the back, where Edge entered the Tumbler room for his number. He says that he wants Vickie to get his number, because it brought him the luck to win the Rumble last year. She gets it for him and when they see it, they go crazy and kiss. Mr. Kennedy enters now and is grossed out by what he sees. He tells them to get a room, and Edge gets in his face, telling him that he can’t speak to Vickie like that. He reminds Kennedy that last time they were in the same ring; he took the Money in the Bank briefcase from him. Kennedy smirks and says that they’ll share a ring tonight and he’ll take his WrestleMania hopes from him. Fox gets him his number and Kennedy seems to like it.
Women’s Championship: Mickie James (c) vs. Serena Mancini
Serena made her way out first to a chorus of boos. She seemed extremely focused tonight as she wasn’t her usual cocky self. James followed out to her normal loud pop. Before the bell could even ring, Mancini attacked James from behind. She nailed her with some stiff shots, including her trademark left handed jabs. Serena then sent her off the ropes and hit back to back deep arm drags, locking in the second one for an arm wrench. James fought her way out of that behind the crowd’s cheers and nailed a snapmare, which she followed with a drop kick to Serena’s face. She covered for a near fall. James then sent her off the ropes and connected with a Lou Thez Press, followed by multiple right hands. James placed Serena in the corner and hit her with a monkey flip for a near fall. James went to lift Serena up, but was rolled into a small package for a near fall as well. They got up at the same time, but Serena was the quicker of the two as she kicked James in the gut. She sent James into the corner, and ran in but was met with a hurricanrana from the Champion. James bridged it for a near fall and once Serena got up, she went for the Mick Kick. Serena ducked it and snapped off a DDT. Serena waited for her to get up and connected with a vicious Spear, yet still could only get a near fall. Serena was not happy and she picked up James for the Mancini Code, but it was reversed into a crucifix pin and Serena kicked out at two. James called for the Mick-DT and hooked it, but Serena pushed her off and nailed her with the Mancini Code from out of nowhere to get the victory.
Winner and NEW Women’s Champion: Serena Mancini (8:08) **½
Serena Mancini grabbed her newly won Championship and celebrated with it on her way up the ramp to the crowd’s dismay. Once again, we cut to the Tumbler room where Big Show enters to retrieve his number. His hand is too big to fit into the tumbler, so Kelly reaches in and gets the number for him. Before he can see it, Ted Dibiase Jr. enters to get his number. He gets his and sees it and doesn’t really like it. He takes a peek at Show’s number and offers to buy it off of him. Show laughs it off and says no. Ted says that he knows that Show can be bought because everybody has a price. Show smirks and knocks out Ted with a huge right hand. He leaves and the rest of Legacy enters. They look down at their fallen leader and don’t really attempt to help him. They just get their numbers and are upset with them.
A video package is shown, promoting the World Heavyweight Title match between Shelton Benjamin and CM Punk. It shows Shelton Benjamin cashing in his Money in the Bank briefcase, ruining CM Punk’s World Title victory.
World Heavyweight Championship: Shelton Benjamin (c) vs. CM Punk
The challenger, CM Punk, was first out, to a thunderous ovation. The Champion, Shelton Benjamin came down next and got a whole lot of heat. A collar and elbow tie up began this contest and Benjamin quickly locked in a wrist lock. Punk reversed it into a hammer lock that Benjamin elbowed his way out of. For the next several minutes, these two played a game of one up, as they kept trying to outdo the other. It ended when Benjamin was knocked to the outside by a stiff kick to the head from Punk. Punk followed that up with a suicide dive once Shelton got up. Punk rolled him back in the ring and got on the apron. He went for a slingshot somersault senton, but Shelton moved out of the way. Shelton climbed to the top and when Punk got up, hit him with a somersault neck breaker for a near fall. He then placed Punk in the corner and nailed the Shelton Splash. As Punk stumbled out of the corner, Shelton hit him with a Samoan drop for another near fall. Benjamin lifted him and sent him off the ropes to catch him with a big overhead belly to belly suplex. He then grabbed Punk in a rear chinlock to wear him down even more. Behind the crowd’s roars, Punk began to rally. He managed to elbow his way out of the move and send Shelton off the ropes. He went for a clothesline, but Shelton ducked and connected with a big super kick, stopping Punk’s comeback. He covered and again got a near fall. He now set up Punk for the Shell Bomb, but Punk punched him a few times, causing Shelton to drop him. Punk quickly hit a few open hand strikes and finished it off with a spinning back kick to the gut. Punk then connected with a double underhook back breaker. He picked up Shelton and sent him into the corner, where he hit his knee strike/bulldog combination for a near fall. Punk then went to the apron and waited for Shelton to get up. When he did, Punk went for his springboard clothesline, only to be caught with a huge Paydirt! Shelton was still so rattled from some of Punk’s previous moves that he was down after the Paydirt and couldn’t make the cover. Eventually, he managed to place his arm over Punk, but Punk managed to kick out at two and three quarters! Shelton was in shock and he hooked Punk for the Exploder, but Punk elbowed out of it. He lifted Shelton for the GTS and he seemed to nail it, but Shelton blocked the knee strike with his forearms. He went for the Dragon Whip kick, but Punk ducked it and locked him in for a German suplex. Shelton had the referee facing him, so he used his leg to hit Punk with a low blow, causing the hold to break. He turned and drilled him with Paydirt for the win.
Winner and Still World Heavyweight Champion: Shelton Benjamin (20:29) ****
The crowd booed heavily as Shelton Benjamin just cheated his way to retaining the World Championship. The cameras go backstage where John Cena is going to get his Rumble number. Once he gets it, Sheamus enters and gets his. Sheamus says it’s a pleasure to meet Cena, as he’s been hoping for a chance to face him. But he only wants to face him, so he can destroy him. Cena looks at his number and sees Sheamus’ and tells him that he may get the chance tonight. But Cena promises that he will not be destroyed on his road to WrestleMania, so Sheamus better come prepared.
WWE Championship: Triple H (c) vs. Batista
“The Animal” Batista came out first to an enormous pop from this sold out crowd. Triple H got the most heat of the night as he slowly made his way to the ring. It was obvious from the start that this was going to be a fight. Once the bell rang, they went right to trading fists with each other. Batista got the best of this exchange and backed HHH into a corner. He delivered some solid shoulder thrusts there and then a huge running clothesline. Batista then sent HHH off the ropes and hit a big shoulder block. He went to lift him up, but HHH nailed him with a thumb to the eye. The referee warned HHH of a disqualification but he ignored it. He whipped Batista off the ropes and hit a high running knee that sent Batista stumbling to the outside. HHH followed him out there and tossed him into the guardrail. He followed that up by choking Batista with some nearby cables at ringside until the referee’s count reached four. HHH smashed Batista’s head onto the announce table twice, but before he could do it a third time, Batista elbowed him in the stomach. He then smashed HHH’s face into it and threw him back in the ring. Batista attempted to go for the Batista Bomb, but HHH swept his legs out from under him and locked in a figure four. Batista refused to tap out and HHH grabbed the ropes for extra leverage. The referee caught him and made him break the hold. HHH began to argue with the official, which gave Batista time to get up. HHH turned to him, only to be met with a huge Spear. Batista covered but HHH managed to get a shoulder up. Once HHH got up Batista drilled him with a spinebuster and then shook the ropes as the crowd went crazy. He lifted HHH for the Batista Bomb, but “The Game” used another well timed thumb to the eye, causing Batista to drop him. HHH quickly hooked in the Pedigree and dropped Batista for an underhanded victory.
Winner and Still WWE Champion: Triple H (16:54) ***
The crowd booed loudly as Triple H retained his WWE Championship, before the cameras cut away. We now see a commercial for the upcoming No Way Out Pay-Per-View next month, which will feature the return of the Elimination Chamber!
Royal Rumble Match
The crowd was buzzing in anticipation for the Royal Rumble match. A video is shown, highlighting Edge’s victory in last year’s 2009 Rumble.
Entrant #1: TJ Wilson
Entrant #2: Bryan Danielson
Both Wilson and Danielson got some nice hands from the crowd, as they seem to have accepted The New Hart Foundation as faces. These two technicians put on a mat wrestling clinic during their time alone in the ring. Danielson got the better of the exchange and nailed a beautiful Tiger suplex just as the buzzer went off.
Entrant #3: Cody Rhodes
Rhodes ran down to a lot of boos and he went right after Danielson, knocking him into the corner. While there, Rhodes attempted to toss him over, but Danielson broke free. Rhodes turned towards Wilson and was met with a sick brain buster. This allowed some more battling between Wilson and Danielson, which has been exciting thus far.
Entrant #4: Jeff Hardy
The WWE Universe went absolutely insane as Jeff Hardy rushed down to the ring, marking his return from being punted a few weeks back. He hit some of his signature moves on all three guys in the ring, ending the flurry by nailing Rhodes with the Twist of Fate.
Entrant #5: Matt Hardy
With Jeff being the only man in the ring left standing tall, Matt slowly walked to the ring to meet face to face with his brother. They haven’t shared a ring since Matt’s heel turn. They had a short stare down, which ended when Matt slapped Jeff across the face. This led to the two of them brawling for a short while, with Jeff again getting the better of the exchange.
Entrant #6: Yoshi Tatsu
Tatsu received a nice pop as he ran down to the ring. He connected with a spinning heel kick on Wilson, and ended up doing battle with him in the corner. Matt attempted to toss out Danielson on one side of the ring, while Jeff did battle with Rhodes on the other.
Entrant #7: Kaval
The Intercontinental Champion ran down to the ring to a chorus of boos. Danielson charged at him once he entered, but was met with a rolling kick to the head. Wilson ran into the same thing, but Tatsu tried to deliver his finishing kick to Kaval’s skull. Kaval ducked it and hit him with a stiff kick of his own, knocking him to the outside.
Kaval ELIMINATES Yoshi Tatsu [2:58] at the 10:58 mark
Remaining Superstars: TJ Wilson, Bryan Danielson, Cody Rhodes, Jeff Hardy, Matt Hardy, Kaval
Entrant #8: Tommy Dreamer
As usual, Tommy gets a nice hand from the audience as he comes into the Rumble. He was quick to hit Kaval and Rhodes with his trademark DDTs, but was stopped in his tracks by Matt. On the opposite side of the ring, Jeff Hardy ducked a clothesline attempt from Wilson, and back body dropped him over the top rope.
Jeff Hardy ELIMINATES TJ Wilson [13:49] at the 13:49 mark
Remaining Superstars: Bryan Danielson, Cody Rhodes, Jeff Hardy, Matt Hardy, Kaval, Tommy Dreamer
Entrant #9: Joe Hennig
Joe’s timing could not have been better as he got inside, just as Danielson was close to tossing Rhodes out. He nailed Danielson in the back and connected with the Hennig-Plex. Dreamer tried to get involved but got hit with the Cross Rhodes. Legacy was on fire, while on the other side of the ring, Kaval and Matt worked over Jeff.
Entrant #10: Kofi Kingston
The crowd erupted as Kofi ran down and unloaded on everybody in the ring. He finished off his flurry by nailing Trouble in Paradise on Matt Hardy, forcing him over the top and to the outside. Kaval stopped his hot streak and did battle with him in the corner. Legacy worked over Danielson, only to have Dreamer try to interfere, but get tossed over.
Kofi Kingston ELIMINATES Matt Hardy [11:04] at the 17:04 mark
Cody Rhodes & Joe Henning ELIMATE Tommy Dreamer [5:51] at the 17:51 mark
Remaining Superstars: Bryan Danielson, Cody Rhodes, Jeff Hardy, Kaval, Joe Hennig, Kofi Kingston
Entrant #11: Dolph Ziggler
Dolph Ziggler ran down to a whole lot of heat and headed straight for Danielson. Previously, on ECW, Perfectly Awesome promised that they would eliminate Danielson tonight. He didn’t get to eliminate him, but they did battle for the two minutes. Kofi and Jeff dealt with Legacy, while Kaval took a breather in a corner.
Entrant #12: Randy Orton
Jeff Hardy managed to free himself from Legacy’s clutches and was ready for Orton. Once “The Viper” got in the ring, the two began to trade rights and lefts. The crowd went nuts as these two finally get their hands on each other. Meanwhile, Kaval charged at Kofi, only for Kofi to drop down and pull down the top rope, sending Kaval to the outside. Legacy went right to work on Kingston at this point.
Kofi Kingston ELIMINATES Kaval [11:43] at the 21:43 mark
Remaining Superstars: Bryan Danielson, Cody Rhodes, Jeff Hardy, Joe Hennig, Kofi Kingston, Dolph Ziggler, Randy Orton
Entrant #13: Drew McIntyre
Raw’s newest heel made his way out to some solid heat. He immediately helped out Ziggler in his attempts to eliminate Bryan Danielson. The tables finally turned on Legacy, as Kingston took control against them after a miscue that caused Rhodes to nail Hennig. Kofi then hit Rhodes with Trouble in Paradise. Hardy continued his war with Orton, until Orton caught him with an RKO out of nowhere. Kofi charged at Orton only to be hit with one as well. McIntyre walked by Orton and was hit with one as well. The Viper was obviously on a mission here.
Entrant #14: MVP
The former WWE Champion ran down to a loud pop, and he went right after Orton, stopping his rage. At this point, Joe Hennig ran at Jeff, who was just getting up from the RKO, and Jeff used Hennig’s momentum to send him over the top. Rhodes was furious at this and began to brawl with Jeff. Danielson finally turned the tables on Ziggler, and that allowed him to toss over McIntyre, once he got up from the RKO and went back to try and hit Danielson.
Jeff Hardy ELIMINATES Joe Hennig [10:09] at the 24:09 mark
Bryan Danielson ELIMINATES Drew McIntyre [3:26] at the 25:26 mark
Remaining Superstars: Bryan Danielson, Cody Rhodes, Jeff Hardy, Kofi Kingston, Dolph Ziggler, Randy Orton, MVP
Entrant #15: Chris Jericho
Jericho slowly walked to the ring to a lot of boos from the crowd. He didn’t seem to intent on getting involved in the action, as he sat back and watched it unfold. Orton was now warring with Kingston, while Jeff and Rhodes went at it. MVP was down in the corner after getting hit with an RKO, and Danielson was still brawling with Ziggler.
Entrant #16: The Miz
Danielson was in real trouble now as both members of Perfectly Awesome were on him now. They both sent him over the top, but he held on and laid on the apron. Perfectly Awesome celebrated as if they threw him out, and Dolph used that opportunity to launch Miz over the top. Miz was upset with his partner, but Ziggler was saying that it’s every man for himself. Danielson used this time to sneak back in and toss Ziggler over, infuriating both members of Perfectly Awesome.
Dolph Ziggler ELIMINATES The Miz [1:17] at the 29:17 mark
Bryan Danielson ELIMINATES Dolph Ziggler [11:31] at the 29:31 mark
Remaining Superstars: Bryan Danielson, Cody Rhodes, Jeff Hardy, Kofi Kingston, Randy Orton, MVP, Chris Jericho
Entrant #17: Ted Dibiase Jr.
Ted ran down, still holding his jaw from Big Show’s vicious knockout punch earlier. He ran right to help Rhodes, who was on the losing end of a battle with MVP. Jericho finally got involved when Kingston took it to him. And Orton was having issues with Danielson in a corner. Ted hit MVP with Dream Street and gave Rhodes a high five. Once Rhodes turned his back on him though, Ted tossed him out. Rhodes was steaming, and Ted looked on laughing.
Ted Dibiase Jr. ELIMINATES Cody Rhodes [29:20] at the 31:20 mark
Remaining Superstars: Bryan Danielson, Jeff Hardy, Kofi Kingston, Randy Orton, MVP, Chris Jericho, Ted Dibiase Jr.
Entrant #18: Harry Smith
The other half of the New Hart Foundation came down to some solid cheers, and went right to work on Dibiase Jr. Things continued on without much action, except for Jeff Hardy nearly being eliminated, only to hang on at the last second.
Entrant #19: Sheamus
Sheamus came in and completely cleaned house. Every superstar in the ring, got hit with one of his signature moves or his trademark Bicycle Kick. Within two minutes, he took out eight Superstars and eliminated two, Harry Smith and Bryan Danielson.
Sheamus ELIMINATES Harry Smith [3:31] at the 35:31 mark
Sheamus ELIMINATES Bryan Danielson [35:49] at the 35:49 mark
Remaining Superstars: Jeff Hardy, Kofi Kingston, Randy Orton, MVP, Chris Jericho, Ted Dibiase Jr, Sheamus
Entrant #20: The Undertaker
Sheamus stood tall over the fallen bodies, but once the gong was heard, the crowd went absolutely insane. The Undertaker made his grand return and stood face to face with the “Celtic Warrior”. Sheamus didn’t back down as he threw the first punch, but it was ‘Taker who got the better of their exchange. He ended up nailing Sheamus with a chokeslam and standing tall in the center of the ring.
Entrant #21: Zack Ryder
The Television Champion drew a good number, but it came with bad timing. He didn’t want to get into the ring, but decided to and was met with a big boot from The Undertaker. He hit him with a chokeslam and tossed him over.
The Undertaker ELIMINATES Zack Ryder [1:24] at the 39:24 mark
Remaining Superstars: Jeff Hardy, Kofi Kingston, Randy Orton, MVP, Chris Jericho, Ted Dibiase Jr, Sheamus, The Undertaker
Entrant #22: John Cena
The roof nearly blew off the building as Cena rushed right into the ring and stared off with The Undertaker. WWE’s two biggest stars staged an epic battle in the middle of the ring. Even though the other Superstars were up and fighting each other around the ring, the focus was on these two.
Entrant #23: Kane
Kane came down now, and even though most people expected him to get involved in his brother’s altercation, he didn’t. He stayed to the side and went after MVP. Chris Jericho tossed over Kofi Kingston after hitting him with a Codebreaker sometime during this two minute interval.
Chris Jericho ELIMINATES Kofi Kingston [26:59] at the 42:59 mark
Remaining Superstars: Jeff Hardy, Randy Orton, MVP, Chris Jericho, Ted Dibiase Jr, Sheamus, The Undertaker, John Cena, Kane
Entrant #24: Mr. Kennedy
The former two time ECW Champion made his way to the ring to a good ovation from the crowd. He went right to work, coming from behind Kane, who was trying to toss MVP out, and tossed both of them over. On the other side of the ring, ‘Taker grabbed Cena for a chokeslam. Cena broke free though and clotheslined ‘Taker, who stumbled back. Cena charged and hit him with a second and then a third clothesline, with the final one sending ‘Taker over and out. The crowd was stunned and Cena got extremely hype as he eliminated one of the matches’ top favorites. Undertaker was upset and left up the ramp, with his eyes rolled in the back of his head.
Mr. Kennedy ELIMINATES Kane [2:14] at the 44:14 mark
Mr. Kennedy ELIMINATES MVP [20:14] at the 44:14 mark
John Cena ELIMINATES The Undertaker [9:52] at the 45:52 mark
Remaining Superstars: Jeff Hardy, Randy Orton, Chris Jericho, Ted Dibiase Jr, Sheamus, John Cena, Mr. Kennedy
Entrant #25: Goldust
ECW’s golden superstar comes out to a solid pop from the crowd, who were still stunned by the Cena/’Taker altercation. Nothing special happened during this two minute interval though.
Entrant #26: Elijah Burke
Burke came out to some good heat from this sold out crowd. Everybody continued to battle, highlighted by an FU from Cena onto Orton. A big Bicycle Kick from Sheamus knocked Jeff Hardy silly and Ted Dibiase hit the Dream Street on Mr. Kennedy.
Entrant #27: Big Show
Show received a big pop from the crowd, and he cleaned house once he entered. He delivered headbutts and chops to everybody and launched Goldust and Kennedy out of the ring. He went to taunt after, but was caught by a huge Bicycle Kick from out of nowhere, causing him to lean on the ropes. Pretty much everybody left in the match got involved as they flipped him out surprisingly quick.
Big Show ELIMINATES Goldust [4:47] at the 50:47 mark
Big Show ELIMINATES Mr. Kennedy [7:01] at the 51:01 mark
Everybody ELIMINATES Big Show [1:56] at the 51:56 mark
Remaining Superstars: Jeff Hardy, Randy Orton, Chris Jericho, Ted Dibiase Jr, Sheamus, John Cena, Elijah Burke
Entrant #28: Kevin Thorn
ECW’s resident fanged freak ran down to the ring to some okay heat. He went right after Cena, which turned out to be a bad idea as he was caught with a quick FU. Cena picked him up and tossed him out, but was then attacked by Elijah Burke. The superstars continued to battle as the buzzer went off.
John Cena ELIMINATES Kevin Thorn [0:29] at the 52:29 mark
Remaining Superstars: Jeff Hardy, Randy Orton, Chris Jericho, Ted Dibiase Jr, Sheamus, John Cena, Elijah Burke
Entrant #29: Edge
“The Rated R Superstar” came down to a mixed reaction and was just on fire. He nailed Hardy and Cena with Spears once he entered. Then he just went after everyone as he hit Spears on all of them. Edge taunted in the middle of the ring as he was not only in control, but on the road to a second straight Royal Rumble victory.
Entrant #30: Christian
The crowd absolutely went insane when they saw the return of “Captain Charisma”. Edge was in complete and utter shock and looked like he’d seen a ghost. Christian went face to face with his brother in the middle of the ring. Edge seemed to break out of his shock and swung at his brother, but Christian blocked it and hit him with right hands of his own. The punches backed Edge to the ropes and Christian backed up, ran forward and clotheslined his brother out, taking himself along with Edge.
Christian ELIMINATES Edge [3:07] at the 57:07 mark
Christian ELIMINATES himself [1:07] at the 57:07 mark
Remaining Superstars: Jeff Hardy, Randy Orton, Chris Jericho, Ted Dibiase Jr, Sheamus, John Cena, Elijah Burke
The final seven guys just went right at it, not trying to help each other at all. Jeff Hardy managed to get rid of Elijah Burke [10:00], cutting it to six stars. Sheamus was trying his hardest to get rid of John Cena, but Cena wasn’t having any of it. He fought his way out of it and hoisted Sheamus up for the FU. Sheamus tried to fight out of it, but Cena tossed him out [25:16] and hard. Ted Dibiase Jr. surprised everyone though, when he snuck up and flipped Cena out [19:20]. Jericho crept up to Ted and tried to do the same thing, but Dibiase was ready. He turned and caught Jericho in the Million Dollar Dream. Jericho began to fade and Ted dragged him to the ropes. Jericho must’ve been playing possum as he quickly dropped down into a jawbreaker. He got up and clotheslined Ted over and out [32:34]. Hardy nailed Orton with the Twist of Fate and climbed to the top for the Swanton Bomb. Jericho ran and shook the ropes, causing Jeff to fall onto the apron. Jericho celebrated like he threw Hardy out, but when he saw he was still on the apron, he charged at him. Jeff pulled the top rope down, eliminating Jericho [39:09]. Jeff went to get back inside, but Orton kicked him in the chest. He then hit his rope hung DDT and began to stalk Jeff for the RKO. Orton seemed to realize something though and he changed his stance, stalking for the Punt now. He went for it, but Jeff dodged it. Orton’s momentum kept him going towards the ropes, and Jeff rushed at him with a clothesline, sending him over [47:29].
Winner of the 2010 Royal Rumble: Jeff Hardy [63:29]
Time of Full Match: [67:29]
Longest Lasting Superstar: Jeff Hardy [63:29; New All-Time Record]
Most Eliminations: Jeff Hardy [5]
Longest Lasting Raw Superstar: Ted Dibiase Jr. [32:34]
Longest Lasting ECW Superstar: Bryan Danielson [35:49]
The crowd celebrated along with Jeff Hardy as he not only won the 2010 Royal Rumble, but gained a measure of revenge on Randy Orton. The announcers and crowd were still buzzing at the return of Christian, but the focus right now was on Jeff Hardy pointing at the WrestleMania XXVI sign, where he’ll be in the main event!
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