WWE Royal Rumble: January 29, 2006Heat Main Event: CM Punk def. Paul Burchill with the Anaconda Vise Prior to the pay per view starting, a short video featuring
Vince McMahon is shown. McMahon starts the video by stating some of the names of the past winners of the Royal Rumble. He says that it is an honor and privilege to win the Royal Rumble and move on to advance to main event Wrestlemania. McMahon's attitude soon turns and he says this is a privilege that Shawn Michaels does not deserve.
He tells all competitors in the Royal Rumble that $50,000 goes to the man who is able to eliminate Shawn Michaels from the main event tonight. He thanks for the fans and tells them to enjoy the show.
The Royal Rumble show kicks off with a huge pyro display as Michael Cole, Joey Styles, and Jerry Lawler welcome the fans to the show. They hype that the Royal Rumble is the beginning to the road to Wrestlemania and talk about how we will find out one man who will be main eventing the biggest event of the year tonight. They hype all of the matches on the card before the show starts.
Psychosis def. Kid Kash to win the WWE Cruiserweight Championship.John Cena is being interviewed backstage. Cena is asked about his big match tonight against Edge for the WWE Championship. Cena talks about how Edge will use any underhanded tactics that he possibly can to hold on to the belt, and then states that he won't do that. He says that Edge better be prepared for the fight of his life tonight. As he continues to talk, none other than
Kurt Angle walks in. Angle says that it doesn't matter who walks out WWE Champion tonight, because at Wrestlemania, the championship will belong to Kurt Angle.
Batista def. Mark Henry to retain the World Heavyweight Championship.Women's ChampionshipTrish Stratus (c) vs. Mickie James
Mickie James makes her way out to the ring, jumping up and down like she has already won the match. She is still donning blonde hair, but her attire is now her own. Trish Stratus hits the ring, to a big pop, holding her Women's Championship with a very serious look on her face. Trish really stares Mickie down and the match starts. The two women lock up, before Mickie kicks the knees out from under Trish to get the early advantage. Mickie throws Trish into the turnbuckle and starts to lay into her with punches to the midsection and face. Trish fights back though, hitting a boot to the face, which allows her to get a rest. When Trish charges at Mickie, she is met with a clothesline, which leaves Trish down once again. Mickie starts taking control, hitting two or three body slams before getting a near fall. Mickie locks in a headlock and tells the fans to shutup as they try to help her fight out of it. After a bit of a struggle, Trish is able to elbow her way out of the maneuver and gain some momentum. She hits a couple of dropkicks before running the ropes and hitting a Bulldog on Mickie and follows by attempting to pin Mickie, but only getting a near fall. James seems to be out of it, but when Trish tries to pick her, Mickie rolls Trish up in an attempt to quickly win the match, but only gets a two count. Mickie gets back up and starts fighting, hitting some punches, which were then returned by Trish. However, Mickie is able to get the advantage once again from a kick to the midsection. Mickie goes for the Kiss of Death, only to receive a slap to the face. Before Mickie got the chance to recover, Trish took advantage and hit the Stratusfaction and pinned Mickie to retain her belt.
Winner and STILL WWE Women's Champion: Trish Stratus!Trish celebrates her big victory as Mickie looks on, throwing a temper tantrum.
John Bradshaw Layfield def. The Boogeyman after hitting the Clothesline from Hell.The video that has been shown over the past couple of weeks hyping the Edge and John Cena feud is shown. All of the events from the Elimination Chamber Match at New Year's Revolution and last week's main event on Raw are shown. The focus of the video is John Cena's raw determination to win his championship back, but it also shows Edge's cunning and willingness to do what it takes to get away with his belt.
WWE ChampionshipEdge (c) vs. John Cena
The music of John Cena hits as the crowd erupts. When Cena actually comes out and makes his way towards the ring, the crowd becomes as loud as its been all night. The cheers soon turned into boos just as loud as WWE Champion, Edge makes his way out to the ring with Lita. Before Edge made it half way up the ramp, Cena begins talking to the referee, who then proceeds to throw Lita from ringside! Edge becomes incensed, but cannot do anything about it. As Edge enters the ring alone, Cena really stares into him, but Edge appears to be afraid to make eye contact. The match kicks off as the two men lock up, with Cena getting a clear advantage due to his strength. Cena begins pounding on Edge in the corner of the ring, until the ref breaks it up with a five count. Cena does not give Edge a chance to recover and hits a suplex that sends Edge flying to the center of the ring. Cena goes for the quick win, but only gets a two count. Edge seems dazed as Cena throws Edge into the turnbuckle, but as Cena goes for the shoulder block, Edge moves out of the way sending Cena crashing shoulder first into the steel ring post. Edge takes advantage, rolling Cena up, only to get the two count. Edge starts taking it to the hurt Cena, stomping away at the newly injured shoulder. He goes for another pin, but Cena kicks out even before two. Edge locks in the headlock, until Cena fights out of it. Cena tries to get momentum again, only for Edge to stop him with a clothesline. Edge picks Cena up, and plants him with a Spike DDT, only to get a two count to his dismay. Cena tries to get up, but is stopped by a kick to the face from Edge. Edge sets Cena up for a Spear, trying to end the match. However, Cena dodges the attempt and begins to take over once again. After missing the Spear, Edge walks into two shoulder tackles from Cena. Edge takes a swing at Cena, only for Cena to duck and hit the Protoplex. He waits for Edge to get up, before hitting the running one handed bulldog as Michael Cole yells "Vintage Cena!" Cena taunts to the crowd, putting his hand up in the air as they really start to cheer. Cena does his patented "You can't see me" taunt before hitting the ropes and hitting the Five Knuckle Shuffle. Cena once again sets up for the F-U. Just when it looks like he is going to hit it, Edge elbows Cena in the head until he drops him. Edge, taking advantage, bounces off the ropes and hits a devastating Spear. Edge covers Cena to get the huge upset victory.
Winner and STILL WWE Champion: EdgeEdge celebrates in shock as Lita runs down to the ring, the two make out in the ring before the screen cuts away from them and to a video showing the history of the Royal Rumble Match.
It is now time for the Royal Rumble Match. The world famous Michael Buffer is in the ring. He explains the rules of the Royal Rumble match, while anticipation builds in the arena. He finally shouts "LET'S GET READY TO RUMBLE!" as the music of entry number 1 hits.
Entry Number 1
Shawn Michaels
To the shock of no one, the Heartbreak Kid Shawn Michaels is entry number one. After Mr. McMahon's announcement that there would be a $50,000 bounty on Michaels in this match, it really has to come to worry the two time Rumble winner. Michaels makes his way to the ring, doing his usually taunts, seemingly unaffected by the recent news. He awaits entry number 2.
Entry Number 2
Kane
A huge explosion goes off as one half of the World Tag Team Champions makes his way out to the ring. Michaels looks on in horror, fully knowing the situation he is in. Kane just smirks and rubs his fingers, hinting that he wants the money.
The bell rings as the match starts off. Kane really starts taking it to Michaels, hitting a number of power moves to quickly start off the match. Kane was looking to quickly eliminate Michaels, but the resilient Michaels was able to hold on to the ropes a number of times and avoid being eliminated so quickly. Michaels almost had Kane once, but Kane was able to power out. The two men were at a stale mate as the countdown clock hit zero.
Entry Number 3
Lashley
Still in Ring:Lashley runs to the ring with a head full of steam, he hits Kane with a huge spear and starts to pound on Shawn Michaels, probably clearly aware of the bounty that has been placed on him. Michaels was able to fight out of it and keep Lashley away. Kane recovers and starts to try and get revenge for the earlier spear from Lashley. The entry clock winds down to zero and entry number four makes his way to the ring.
Entry Number 4
Joey Mercury
Still in Ring:Mercury charges the ring and joins Kane in his attack on Bobby Lashley. Lashley however, is able to fight away Kane and hit a huge powerslam on Mercury. Michaels seems to be just trying to stay out of everyone's focus, surviving as long as he can without getting hit. Mercury, Kane, and Lashley all fight it out as Michaels gets in the occasional punch or two before the entry clock winds down once again.
Entry Number 5
Chavo Guerrero
Still in Ring:Chavo runs down to the ring, and the Eddie chants start up. The first thing that Chavo does is hit a huge Frog Splash on the downed Mercury. Chavo then starts to try and take it to Kane, only to be fought off. Lashley and Kane continue to brawl as Michaels tries to take advantage of a downed Mercury. However, Mercury still has some fight in him and now seems more focused to be the man to take out Michaels. Chavo comes over to help Michaels as the entry clock winds down once again.
Entry Number 6
Sylvan
Still in Ring:Sylvan runs into the ring, and begins laying into Michaels. However, Michaels is able to dodge a blow and hit Sweet Chin Music, sending Sylvan crashing to the mat (
Elimination #1). The action continues as Mercury once again goes after Michaels, but Michaels is once again able to overcome and hit Sweet Chin Music
(Elimination #2). The four remaining men in the ring all brawl it out as the entry clock winds down.
Entry Number 7
Brian Kendrick
Still in Ring:Brian Kendrick hits the ring like a spitfire, hitting high flying moves all over the place. The first two eliminations gave these men all a greater sense of urgency as they realize what is truly on the line. Lashley continued to look impressive, using his power to become a dominant force in the ring, even the ring with Kane in it. However, no men were thrown out of the ring during this time and the entry clock soon struck zero once again.
Entry Number 8
Triple H
Still in Ring:As the crowd booed, Triple H came charging to the ring. He hit the Pedigree on Lashley and Chavo before turning his attention to Kendrick. Kendrick really tried to fight as hard as he could, but The Game was too much for him as Kendrick was tossed over the top
(Elimination #3). After cleaning house a bit, Triple H attempted to go after his former friend Michaels in an attempt to get him out. As HHH had Michaels dangling on the ropes, the entry clock winded down.
Entry Number 9
Chris Masters
Still in Ring:As Masters entered the ring, it became more and more apparent that power was a big theme in the ring. Triple H and Michaels continued to fight it out, closely eliminating each other almost every second. Masters, Lashley, and Kane all really seemed to want to duke it out to see who was the strongest of the bunch. Chavo got involved a little bit, and was closely eliminated a number of times by the much larger superstars. The entry clock wound down and the next entry came running out.
Entry Number 10
Gregory Helms
Still in Ring:The cocky Gregory Helms entered the ring next, and it appeared as if he was planning on staying for a while. Lashley was able add a notch to his belt after Chavo got a little overzealous and went for a high flying move. Lashley got Chavo and threw him from the ring
(Elimination #4). Triple H and Michaels continued to fight it out, but neither man could seem to get the better of the other. Kane and Masters had an impressive battle of strength as the clock wound down once again.
Entry Number 11
Barry Windham
Still in Ring:To the shock of the crowd, the legendary Barry Windham made his way to the ring. Windham, being a former member of the Four Horsemen, really tried to bring it to Helms. However, the younger and more agile Helms was able to oust Windham while yelling "get out you washed up has been!"
(Elimination #5). After Windham was gone, the match continued as it was previously, with no other eliminations coming.
Entry Number 12
Johnny Nitro
Still in Ring:The other half of the WWE Tag Team Champions came running to the ring, but was unable to make much of an impact upon entering the match. However, Masters was able to lock on the Master Lock on Kane, leaving him down on the mat. That was when Lashley and Masters started to test each others strength. Helms and Nitro attempted to double team the downed Kane, but he was too heavy for them. Triple H is still trying to oust Michaels in an attempt to collect the bounty money.
Entry Number 13
Chris Benoit
Still in Ring:Chris Benoit runs into the Royal Rumble, hitting knife edge chops on everyone in sight. In a shocker, Michaels is able to get away from Triple H for a second in time to hit a recovering Kane over the top rope and eliminate him from the match
(Elimination #6). Benoit is also able to draw blood, throwing Nitro out of the match.
(Elimination #7). It seems like the carnage is picking up as more and more men are thrown out of the match.
Entry Number 14
Carlito
Still in Ring:Carlito comes out with a head of steam, hitting Back Stabbers left and right, until he comes face to face with his rival Masters. Masters and Carlito brawl it out, and try to eliminate each other, but to no avail. A similar story can be said for Triple H and Michaels. The four men brawl it out as the others try to recover as the ever ticking entry clock counts down once again.
Entry Number 15
Ric Flair
Still in Ring:Ric Flair runs out and immediately goes after the cocky Helms. However, in a shocking turn of events, Helms is able to outsmart Flair after ducking a knife edge chop attempt and throw him from the ring relatively quickly
(Elimination #8). Helms looked on, even shocked with himself. The remaining men continue to brawl as a number of close eliminations came, most notably Shawn Michaels twice.
Entry Number 16
Matt Hardy
Still in Ring:Hardy charges to the ring with a head full of steam. He starts hitting all of his signature moves, like the Side Effect and the Twist of Fate. In the carnage, Carlito is able to blindside his rival Masters and eliminate him from the Royal Rumble and dash his dreams of main eventing Wrestlemania
(Elimination #9). Not only was Masters eliminated, but the impressive Lashley was also after being thrown from the ring by Triple H after an impressive performance before the entry clock winds down
(Elimination #10).
Entry Number 17
Shelton Benjamin
Still in Ring:Yet another rising star rushes to the ring as Benjamin does everything in his power to eliminate someone, hitting athletic moves all over the place. Full out chaos has erupted as brawls between superstars begin to get very heated. Once again, Michaels is close to being eliminated by Triple H, but manages to keep himself in the ring as yet another entry makes his way out.
Entry Number 18
Rey Mysterio
Still in Ring:The ultimate underdog receives one of the biggest pops of the night as he runs down to the ring. Hitting some highflying maneuvers, Mysterio is able to knock a number of superstars in the ring off balance. Helms is the one felt it the worst, after being eliminated following a Hurricanrana to end yet another impressive run from a young superstar
(Elimination #11). Mysterio loses a bit of momentum after running into a Pedigree from Triple H, but no other man is eliminated during this time.
Entry Number 19
William Regal
Still in Ring:Regal comes to the ring fire on all cylinders, but becomes mixed with all of the other men in the ring before being able to make too much of an impact. For the fourth or fifth time, Michaels is teetering on the edge of elimination. Another notable battle going on is that between Hardy and Carlito, who both come very close to eliminating each other. The entry clock winds down once again as a new man runs to the ring.
Entry Number 20
Kurt Angle
Still in Ring:Angle runs to ring, making it clear that he means business. He almost easily tosses Hardy from the ring, leaving him down on the mat
(Elimination #12). Angle also tries to make quick work of Mysterio, but Mysterio is able to thwart him. Michaels appears to be out of it as Triple H has really begun to lay into him. Benoit and Regal begin trading knife edge chops back and forth in a brutal contest as the entry clock winds down once again.
Entry Number 21
Paul London
Still in Ring:This was perhaps the biggest 90 seconds of the match so far, but not because of London, who after hitting a couple of high flying moves fell into the fray. In a shocker, after the number of times Triple H had Michaels on the ropes, Michaels was able to turn the tables and shockingly eliminate The Game after Sweet Chin Music out of nowhere
(Elimination #13). However, just as Michaels is distracted from this huge elimination, Angle comes from behind and throws HBK from the ring, claiming Mr. McMahon's $50,000 bounty
(Elimination #14). Angle celebrates as the clock winds down once again.
Entry Number 22
The Big Show
Still in Ring:Angle's jubilation soon turned into despair as The World's Largest Athlete entered the ring. Show was not messing around at all. As soon as Regal attempted to hit him, Show just grabbed him and tossed him over the top
(Elimination #15). London soon met a similar fate, after trying to hit a high flying move on the big man, but being caught and cast to the outside of the ring
(Elimination #16). Show cast all aside until coming face to face with Benoit, the man who eliminated him two years to win this same match. Before the two could go at it, the entry clock wound down.
Entry Number 23
Viscera
Still in Ring:Show simply head butt Benoit as he awaited the ever large Viscera to enter the fray. The two big men duked it out, with Viscera surprisingly getting the upper hand. That was until Benjamin got involved, hitting a Super Kick on Viscera, knocking him down for the count. The other men in the ring tried to eliminate the big man, but to no avail and the countdown clock hit zero once again.
Entry Number 24
Booker T
Still in Ring:Booker enters the ring and the giant crowd trying to eliminate Viscera disperses. Booker hits the Book End on a couple of guys before really starting to brawl with Benoit. Angle looks to be trying to self preserve, especially avoiding the big men Show and Viscera. Viscera recovers, and then goes after his recent rival, Benjamin and the two go at it. No eliminations happen once again as the clock strikes zero.
Entry Number 25
Val Venis
Still in Ring:Venis comes to the ring, and Viscera gets a big smile on his face as his tag team partner runs to the ring. In another big surprise, the duo double team the gargantuan Show, and somehow are able to eliminate him together
(Elimination #17). It appears that Venis and Viscera are going to work together, but when Venis turns his back, Viscera turns on his own partner and throws him from the ring
(Elimination #18). The big man continues his impressive rampage by eliminating his biggest rival in the match, Benjamin, before taunting him about what he has done to his Momma
(Elimination #19). The entry clocks strikes zero before Viscera is allowed to do anymore damage.
Entry Number 26
Orlando Jordan
Still in Ring:Jordan decided to enter the ring at the wrong time. Viscera was able to toss Jordan from the ring after all Jordan did was hit a few punches
(Elimination #20). However, Viscera's run would soon end as the remaining men in the ring all teamed on him. They were unable to eliminate him, but they killed all momentum he had. Carlito continues to impress in this match, nearly eliminating both Mysterio and Benoit.
Entry Number 27
Rob Van Dam
Still in Ring:RVD enters the ring at the most opportune of times. The men in the ring were able to get the huge Viscera on the ropes. All it took was a bicycle kick from RVD, and Viscera was eliminated from the match
(Elimination #21). RVD noticed Angle hiding in the corner and started to beat on him. Booker and Carlito teamed against Mysterio and Benoit in a good brawl. No other man was eliminated as the clock struck zero once again.
Entry Number 28
Eugene
Still in Ring:Eugene ran to the ring, really excited about being in the match. However, he made the big mistake of trying to impersonate Angle's taunts in front of him. Let's just say that it didn't work out to well for him
(Elimination #22). After Eugene exited from the match, everything went back to the way it was the previous 90 seconds and everyone remained in a stalemate. The entry clock wound down and entry 29 made his way to the ring.
Entry Number 29
Randy Orton
Still in Ring:Orton ran out to the ring with a confident look on his face, having such a late entry number. Orton hit RKOs left and right, nailing everyone within sight. Orton set his sights on Mysterio, who really seems to be tired after all of the brawling. Mysterio fights back after some Eddie chants, and this showdown quickly becomes the focus of the Rumble match. However, the new focus of the Royal Rumble is when the countdown clock dramatically changes once it hits 7.......
The crowd pops as the wrestlers in the ring all look on, stunned at whats about to happen.
Entry Number 30
Chris Jericho
Still in Ring:The crowd explodes as Y2J stands on the ramp in his classic pose, before running to the ring. The final entrant has entered the ring and there are 8 men remaining. The arrival of Jericho was definitely a shock to the system of the remaining stars. They all stare at each, before Jericho quickly starts going on offensive. Booker T is the first man to be eliminated from this group, as Jericho makes a quick statement to the other men
(Elimination #23). A bit more brawling erupts before any other elimination goes down as the anticipation builds. Eddie chants can still be loudly heard by those behind Mysterio, but they were silenced after Orton threw the ultimate underdog from the ring
(Elimination #24). Orton turns around and sees Benoit charging at him, but ducks under the clothesline attempt and takes him out as well
(Elimination #25). The remaining five men become more and more careful of the moves they make. Angle tries to eliminate both RVD and Jericho, but somehow both manage to stay alive in the match. Carlito works on Jericho for a while, but is taken out by an Angle Slam from behind. Angle tries to take it to Jericho, but Jericho fights back and counters an Angle Lock attempt and throws the Olympic Gold Medalist from the ring
(Elimination #26).
Final FourOnce again, there was a short break from the action so the remaining men could size each other up. Carlito, being entry 14 was clearly the most tired of the with the other guys all entering in 20 range or higher. The announcers hyped Carlito's time as just hitting above a half an hour. Rob Van Dam seemed to be well aware of this, so he took it to the up and comer. Jericho and Orton, the freshest two superstars in the ring started battling it out, with neither man getting too much of an advantage. RVD threw Carlito out of the ring, but he somehow managed to keep a hold on the ropes. RVD got cocky and turned his back, thinking Carlito was out of the match, only to turn around and get hit with a huge springboard dropkick that sent him flying out of the top rope and out of the ring
(Elimination #27). However, after this happened, Carlito made the big mistake of charging at the fresh Jericho. Jericho dodged Carlito and helped Carlito use his own momentum against him and send him flying out of the ring (
Elimination #28).
Final TwoDespite being entries number 29 and 30, it was clear that the remaining two men had been physically spent in their efforts to eliminate the other 6 men that had encountered in their time in the ring. It had become clear that both men fully intended on main eventing Wrestlemania, and would do whatever it took to do so. Orton and Jericho started off by trading blows back and forth, with the crowd yaying when Jericho hit and booing when Orton hit. Jericho was able to get the advantage, and attempted to toss Orton out, only for Orton to quickly save himself and roll back under the bottom rope. Jericho was ready for this, and hit a clothesline on Orton. Orton quickly got up and ducked another clothesline attempt. He then tried to throw Jericho out of the ring, only for Jericho to grab the ropes and stay in the match. When Jericho went back in the ring, Orton went for the RKO, only for Jericho to counter. He grabbed Orton by the arms and sent him crashing face first onto the floor on the outside of the ring.
WinnerChris Jericho
Jericho dropped to his knees and celebrated his big win he said thank you to the fans as he posed on every turnbuckle and the big Royal Rumble broadcast went off the air.
End Show. 
