30th January 2011
Boston, MA
TD GardenWWE’s PPV announce team of Jerry Lawler, Matt Striker and Michael Cole welcome us to the first WWE PPV of 2011, The Royal Rumble. The TD Garden is jam packed in Boston, Massachusetts as the attendees are excited for tonight’s event.
Royal Rumble Qualifying Match
Wade Barrett vs. David OtungaThese two have a long history dating back to last year when they were the last two remaining in NXT Season one with Barrett becoming victorious. For the past six months The Nexus had been tearing apart RAW and even SmackDown until recently after John Cena returned to defeat Wade Barrett and TLC, from there it went downhill with Justin Gabriel and David Otunga quitting the Nexus after the tension between Otunga and Barrett had gotten to boiling point. Wade Barrett successfully qualified for the Rumble a few weeks back but after spoiling Otunga’s chances of qualifying by interfering in his match, The RAW General Manager ordered this match to take place at the Royal Rumble. The Match last around ten minutes and was fairly even, both men have drastically improved since NXT, especially Otunga. Otunga looked to be closing in on a victory after hitting a clothesline from the top rope, a rare sight quickly following it up with the Verdict but only for Wade to place his foot on the bottom rope. Otunga attempted a second Verdict but Barrett spun out and nailed a Big Boot, swiftly followed by the Wasteland for the victory.
Winner: Wade BarrettBarrett was joined in the ring by fellow Nexus members, Heath Slater, Husky Harris and Michael McGillicutty. Barrett ordered Husky, Mike and Slater to hit Otunga with their respective finishers and they did though when it got to Slater, he stopped and said, I’ve had enough of this, before walking to the back.
We cut backstage to John Morrison, whose taping up his wrists for his match against The Miz with the WWE Championship on the line later tonight. Then to Santino and Kozlov, who are walking through the halls as their match is up next. Tamina walks out of a door in front of them, grasping Marella’s arm as they continue on.
WWE Tag Team Championships
Santino Marella and Vladamir Kozlov © w/Tamina vs. The UsosThis ‘rivalry’ began a few months ago when Tamina started get the ‘hots’ for Santino. The Usos became jealous of the fact that she was hanging around with Santino and Kozlov more than her relatives. This month The Uso’s defeated Kozlov and Marella in non-title action and became number contenders to the tag team championships. Since then Santino Marella and Vladamir Kozlov both won their respective singles matches against Jimmy and Jey. This small feud is to culminate here for the tag team championships. This wasn’t as long as the first match. Santino and Kozlov controlled the majority of the match with Kozlov using his strength to throw the Uso Brothers around the ring. However, eventually the Usos got the upper-hand and as a team grounded Kozlov. The ending here saw Jimmy miss a Superkick and Marella took him down with an armdrag before setting up for the Cobra. Jey distracted the referee which allowed Tamina to perform an act of Mutiny hoping onto the apron to distract Santino and kiss him. Santino blushed and stumbled backwards into a Superkick from Jimmy to win the Tag Team Championships for the Usos.
Winners and NEW WWE Tag Team Champions: Jimmy and Jey, The Usos.Kozlov comes to Santino’s aid as The Usos celebrate with their newly won WWE Tag Team Championships. Tamina blows a sarcastic kiss to Santino, it seems like she’s been using him all along.
Josh Matthews is backstage with the Big Show. He asks Show’s feelings going into the huge Royal Rumble match later tonight. Show says that he confident, he’s never won the Royal Rumble match but more often than not makes it too the end. He tells us that the odds are on his size. We here ‘size doesn’t always matter, big man’ as the camera pans down to see Rey Mysterio who reminds Big Show of his Royal Rumble win in 2006 and that his agility will keep him in the match. Cody Rhodes then walks up and stands between the two of them and says, that he’s got the full package, he’s not short like Verne Troyer over here (referring to Mysterio) and he doesn’t have the inability to run like Fatso the Clown (referring to Big Show) and to top it all off, he’s Dashing, the abilities will win his the Rumble match. Cody smiles to the camera, revealing his pearly whites. However, his smile is short lived as Big Show and Mysterio push Rhodes back into the set behind him before they leave.
World Heavyweight Championship
Edge © vs. Alberto Del RioAn entertaining match to say the least. We go all the way back to the match for the World Championship between Edge and Kane on the Live edition of SmackDown on the USA Network. After Edge successfully retained his title Alberto Del Rio attacked him with a Steel Chair and subsequently locked in the Cross Armbreaker. Edge’s arm was still hurting the next week when he faced Del Rio one on one in a non-title match and after Ricardo Rodriquez provided the distraction Del Rio used the chair once again to this time defeat the World Champion. Over the next few weeks Edge would try to get back at Del Rio but usually to no avail, most recently when Del Rio pulled Ricardo infront of him for Edge to deliver a Spear through the crowd barricade. The match lasted about fifteen minutes as Del Rio was given a chance to prove himself in a World Championship match one on one. Edge miraculously broke out of the Cross Armbreaker to deliver an Edgeacution for just a two count. The finish here saw Del Rio nail an Enziguri as Edge stumbled back into the corner, just for Del Rio to nail another variation of an Enziguri. Del Rio lifted Edge to the top rope for what was to be a Superplex but Edge fought back, pushing Del Rio to the mat with his foot. Del Rio slowly got back to his feet as Edge ascended to the top rope, connecting with a Diving Spear for the three count!
Winner and STILL World Heavyweight Champion: EdgeAlberto Del Rio lay in the centre of the ring, alongside Edge after that stunning finish to the match. Many replays are shown of the top rope Spear as Edge is handed his World Heavyweight Championship and head to the back.
We now cut backstage to Randy Orton, whose fixing his kneepad for the upcoming Royal Rumble match. Then to Swagger whose punching a punching bag, Dolph Ziggler doing push-ups as Vickie Guerrero watches on and then to Kofi Kingston before finally shown Sheamus. Sheamus removes his crown, placing it on the bench as he walks out of the room.
WWE Championship
The Miz © vs. John MorrisonThis is a match with some history behind it. Miz and Morrison were former best friends, former two time tag team champions together up until the 2009 Draft when the two were split as Miz was drafted to RAW. John Morrison was drafted to SmackDown and saw the light, turning face as The Miz became the cockiest Superstar in the company over on RAW. In November, The Miz cashed in Money in the Bank against Randy Orton to win the WWE Championship and at TLC defeated him once more In a Tables Match despite cheating. John Morrison won a tough Ladder Match against Sheamus at TLC to earn a WWE Championship match and after winning by Disqualification against Miz on RAW but not garnering the WWE Championship the General Manager made this match. Morrison turned up the aggression for arguably the most important match of the year which had Miz backpeddling, forcing the Awesome One to pull out some shifty moves to regain control. John Morrison almost had the match finished when he nailed Miz with Starship Pain but Alex Riley helped Miz out of the ring before Morrison could cover him. Morrison responded to that with a dive to the outside taking out both me. The finish saw Miz reverse a C4 attempt into the Skull Crushing Finale which connected. However, Morrison placed his foot on the bottom rope and the match went on as Miz attempted a second Skull Crushing Finale. However Morrison battled out, hitting a dropsault and then a knee to the skull. Morrison went back up for a second Starship Pain to which Miz avoided. Miz covered Morrison with his feet on the ropes for leverage to steal a victory.
Winner and STILL WWE Champion: The MizAlex Riley helped Miz out of the ring and away as a furious John Morrison was left in the ring to argue with the referee. The crowd applauded Morrison for his efforts.
We cut backstage for the last time to John Cena, to a huge pop from the Boston crowd. Cena slides his shirt on and fixes his hat on his head before pulling a slip of paper out of his pocket and saying ‘wow, that is unlucky’. Cena leaves and we cut to the ring.
Justin Roberts runs through the rules of the match before we get started.
The Royal Rumble MatchEntry #1 – United States Champion Daniel Bryan
Entry #2 – Jack SwaggerA great way to kick off the Royal Rumble as two mat based and technical wrestlers started the show. Some good, quick paced wrestling here but no eliminations, at the end of the 90 second period. Swagger nailed Bryan with a Belly to Belly suplex as the clock hit zero.
Entry #3 – KavalKaval sprang into action, downing Swagger with a springboard clothesline before trying to eliminate the smaller of his two combatants, Daniel Bryan. Bryan fought out of it though and kicked Kaval hard in the head. Bryan attempted a German Suplex on Kaval until Swagger interrupted and German Suplexed both of them at the same time. Swagger repeatedly stomped on his opponents before the clock stopped.
Entry #4 – Ted DiBiaseAccompanied my Maryse, DiBiase entered the Rumble match. Swagger and DiBiase decided to not fight but targeted their other opponents as Swagger took Bryan into the corner and Ted tried to throw Kaval over the top rope. Kaval hold on however and attempted a springboard Hurricanrana but Ted caught him and nailed Dream Street just as Bryan took Swagger over the top rope with a ‘rana of his own but both men hang on and slid back into the ring.
Entry #5 – SheamusThe first, more impactful entry into the Royal Rumble. Sheamus attacked anything that moved as he took down DiBiase, Kaval and Bryan with Brogue Kicks. Sheamus then targeted Swagger who fought back but was eventually took down with the Irish Curse backbreaker. Kaval also attempted to fight back; going up top for the Warrior’s Way which was a mistake as Sheamus brought down the ropes and pushed Kaval to the outside.
KAVAL HAS BEEN ELIMINATED.Entry #6 – Chris MastersThe Masterpiece entered the Rumble to immediately face off with Sheamus as the two battled with fists until Daniel Bryan leaped off the top rope to crossbody both of them. Swagger came in to nail Bryan with a Gutwrench Powerbomb before Chris Masters locked in the Masterlock. Sheamus ran up an nailed Masters with a Brogue Kick however which broke the hold. DiBiase, who had been waiting to strike nailed Sheamus with a dropkick as number seven was about to enter.
Entry #7 – R-TruthTruth hopped down to the ring, pumping up the crowd with his singing before meeting Ted in the ring. Bryan teamed up with Truth to ground DiBiase and then Swagger. Daniel Bryan and R-Truth high fived only for Daniel to drag Truth down to the mat and lock in the LeBell Lock. Sheamus ran up and kicked Bryan in the ribs as he had the LeBell lock locked in. Masters then attempted to lock in the Masterlock on Sheamus but Sheamus battled out and a Brogue Kick sent Chris Masters over the top rope.
CHRIS MASTERS HAS BEEN ELIMINATED.Entry #8 – CM PunkYes, this was the in-ring return of CM Punk, even Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler were shocked to hear his music. CM Punk hit the ring, pumped up after three months without in ring action. CM nailed Bryan with a clothesline, then Sheamus followed by a GTS to Jack Swagger who back up into the corner allowing Punk to nail a knee to the jaw followed by a huge bulldog. Ted DiBiase pounded on R-Truth as CM Punk continued his assault on Daniel Bryan
Entry #9 – Tyler ReksTyler Reks ‘The X Factor’ was out next as he climbed into the ring to meet Sheamus who pushed Reks to the mat. Reks responded with a clothesline before lifting Daniel Bryan onto his shoulders for a Deathy Valley Driver. Tyler taunted the crowd which was a huge mistake as Punk capatilized, spinning Reks around to nail the GTS and clothesline Reks out.
TYLER REKS HAS BEEN ELIMINATED. Truth followed this up by clotheslining Punk over however, CM hang on to the ropes and got back into the ring. Daniel Bryan hit Ted DiBiase with a kick to the skull sending him over the top rope but not out.
Entry #10 – Ezekiel JacksonThe fresh man on the block was now Ezekiel Jackson, which is a terrifying though. Jackson got straight into the ring and pushed Bryan to his ass before nailing CM Punk with the Book of Ezekiel. R-Truth flew at Jackson but Zeke caught him and dumped Truth out.
R-TRUTH HAS BEEN ELIMINATED. DiBiase and Swagger tried to double team Zeke but it was to no avail and subsequently Jack Swagger was thrown over the top.
JACK SWAGGER HAS BEEN ELIMINATED. Ted DiBiase hung on, for now as five remained in the ring. Sheamus nailed Zeke with a Brogue Kick to temporarily put him out of the match as Bryan stayed in the corner, out of harms way.
Entry #11 – Curt HawkinsCurt Hawkins could no have been happy with his number now. Ezekiel Jackson, Sheamus, CM Punk, Daniel Bryan and Ted DiBiase remained in the ring with Sheamus poised and ready. But to his surprise, a springboard elbow from Hawkins took down Sheamus followed by a forearm to DiBiase who hit the mat. Hawkins went up top for the Heat Seeking Elbow but Bryan dodged the attack and clotheslined Curt Hawkins to the outside.
CURT HAWKINS HAS BEEN ELIMINATED. The fighting continued as CM Punk was dangerously positioned on the top rope courtesy of Jackson.
Entry #12 – Tyson KiddKidd came down to the ring with Jackson Andrews, who stood at ringside, alongside Maryse. Kidd went straight after the United States Champion Daniel Bryan with stiff punches as everyone else concentrated on whom they were fighting, DiBiase with Sheamus and Jackson with CM Punk. Kidd connected with Code Blue but nothing much else happened here.
Entry #13 – John CenaUnlucky number thirteen was of course, John Cena. Cena hit the ring fast to take down Tyson Kidd with a shoulder block then Ezekiel Jackson and Sheamus. Ted DiBiase ran at Cena to meet a Protobomb followed by a Five Knuckle Shuffle which was interrupted by Daniel Bryan, nailing a strong dropkick. Bryan lifted Cena up for a kick but was instead met with a ferocious Attitude Adjustment. John Cena was finally haulted though by CM Punk who lifted him up for a Go To Sleep.
Entry #14 – Zack RyderRyder walked down to the ring, looking determined as Punk begged him to get there faster. Sheamus quickly took this opportunity though to throw Punk out of the ring but once again CM Punk held onto the ropes as Sheamus awaited Zack Ryder’s arrival only to be taken down by John Cena. Cena locked in the STF and Ryder took full advantage, stomping on Cena before lifting him up to throw him out of the ring, however, Cena countered and threw Ryder out of the match.
ZACK RYDER HAS BEEN ELIMINATED. John Cena continued his rampage, reversing Ted DiBiase’s Dream Street to end his stay in the match and then shockingly, with the help from Daniel Bryan and CM Punk force Zeke out of the match.
TED DIBIASE AND EZEKIEL JACKSON HAVE BEEN ELIMINATED.Entry #15 – Cody Rhodes.Rhodes took a while, making sure he was looking nice before coming to the ring. Daniel Bryan quickly slapped the dashingness off of Cody’s face though which caused anger inside of Rhodes as Cody speared Bryan into the corner, pummelling him with shots. Sheamus and John Cena fought by the ropes, both men trying to oust the other as CM Punk and Tyson Kidd went at it. Cody Rhodes eventually delivered a Cross Rhodes to Bryan.
Entry #16 – Rey Mysterio Mysterio was ready to go as he got quickly down to the ring, taking out Cody Rhodes with a Wheel Barrow Bulldog. Rey Mysterio took down CM Punk with a dropkick before nailing Sheamus with a 619. Mysterio attempted a Springboard Splash but Bryan yanked down of the rope and Mysterio feel balls first on the rope. Cena nailed CM Punk with the Five-Knuckle Shuffle and Cody Rhodes fought with Mysterio in the corner as Daniel Bryan laid into Sheamus with some kicks.
Entry #17 – Yoshi TatsuTatsu came down to the ring, only to be immediately clotheslined by Sheamus to the mat. Rhodes attempted Cross Rhodes on Mysterio only to have in countered into a Hurricanrana in an attempt to eliminate Rhodes. The two landed on the apron and Rhodes fell off, landing on one leg as he cleverly hopped back up into the ring, safe from elimination. John Cena attempted to lay out CM Punk with the Attitude Adjustment. Punk landed on his feet though and nailed Cena with a boot to the skull. Daniel Bryan attempted to take down Sheamus but was met with the Celtic Cross as Number 18 arrived.
Entry #18 – Trent BarettaOne half of the former tag team, The Dudebusters entered next with a point to prove, now a singles competitor. Sheamus was once again the man waiting although Trent ducked the clothesline and went straight after Rhodes in the corner. Sheamus attacked Trent however, throwing him over the top rope. Baretta hung on and managed to get back into the ring but was met with a Brogue Kick. Rey Mysterio was held up in the corner by CM Punk as John Cena placed Rhodes on the top rope and Sheamus took down Tatsu with yet another clothesline.
Entry #19 - David Hart SmithFormer WWE Tag Team Champion, David Hart Smith was ready to enter the rumble and take on Tyson Kidd whom had been in the match a while now. Smith went straight after Kidd with numberous punches to the skull before a whip into the ropes and a Spinebuster. Smith threw Bryan over the top only for Daniel to hang on. Barreta, Rhodes and Mysterio were all resting in corners as John Cena and CM Punk continued their personal battle. Smith attempted to eliminate Kidd but both of them went over the top rope, the former tag partners hung on though.
Entry #20 - KaneThings began to heat up now as former World Heavyweight Champion, Kane stomped down to the ring. Daniel Bryan was the first to meet Kane but quickly found himself grounded with a Chokeslam. Yoshi Tatsu ran at Kane, Kene stepped over to one side however and helped Yoshi over the top rope.
YOSHI TATSU HAS BEEN ELIMINATED. Tyson Kidd and David Hart Smith were trading punches on the apron giving Mysterio and easy elimination with some help from Trent Baretta as the two of them eliminated the duo with a double dropkick.
TYSON KIDD AND DAVID HART SMITH HAVE BEEN ELIMINATED. Barretta and Mysterio turned around straight into Kane who grasped them both by the throats and powered them over the top rope. Rey managed to hang on though Trent did not.
TRENT BARETTA HAS BEEN ELIMINATED.Entry #21 – Randy OrtonThe crowd erupted at the sound of ‘voices’ as Orton entered the Royal Rumble Match. Orton immediately began to trade blows with Kane who attempted a Chokeslam which was subsequently countered into an RKO! John Cena then met an RKO. Daniel Bryan ran at Orton who dumped him over the top rope. Daniel hung on but not for long as he was met with an RKO.
DANIEL BRYAN HAS BEEN ELIMINATED. Rey Mysterio’s 619 was ducked by Sheamus would grounded Mysterio before targeting Orton. Orton, however, ducked the Brogue Kick and Sheamus followed through, his leg getting caught over the top rope so Randy would just help him over.
SHEAMUS HAS BEEN ELIMINATED. Entry #22 – Drew McIntyreRandy Orton was on fire as McIntyre made his way out. Orton was distracted by McIntyre allowing Punk to capitalize, spinning Orton around for the GTS. McIntyre got into the ring, quickly nailing Mysterio with a Future Shock DDT before staying in the corner out of the way. Cody Rhodes attempted to eliminate Cena but a back body drop reversed that result.
CODY RHODES HAS BEEN ELIMINATED. Kane attacked Cena then and there, lifting him up for a sick Tombstone. CM Punk continued to pound on Orton as the clock ran out.
Entry #23 – Wade BarrettWade Barrett won his qualifier early to get into this match. Barrett went straight to work on Cena, whom had just fallen victim to a Tombstone. Barrett threw Cena over the top rope though Cena held on, and pulled Barrett over too. Cena started to get an advantage in the fist fight and it looked as if Barrett’s stay was to be short lived. Both of them made it safely back into the ring though. CM Punk clocked Orton over the head with his boot in the corner and attempted to eliminate him as Kane tried to fight off McIntyre and Mysterio.
Entry #24 – Evan BourneToday marked the return on Evan Bourne, he’s been out for four months thanks to CM Punk so it was no surprise he went straight after the straight edged superstar. Bourne nailed Punk with a standing moonsault and then Wade Barrett with a snap hurricanrana. Kane stopped Bourne in his tracks and attempted a Tombstone but Evan countered, reversing the move into a headscissors takedown right out of the ring.
KANE HAS BEEN ELIMINATED. Evan Bourne turned around into an RKO. Cena, Mysterio and Orton began to fight against each other in a group as the clock once again ran out.
Entry #25 – Big ShowThe World Largest Athlete was next to arrive, late in the match with people like CM Punk still in the match from number eight. Big Show took down anything placed in front of him, battering Wade Barrett with the knockout punch and hitting Mysterio and Bourne onto the apron. McIntyre attempted the Future Shock DDT only for Show to lift him up and out of the ring.
DREW MCINTYRE HAS BEEN ELIMINATED. Cena and Orton continued to try and eliminate one another.
Entry #26 – Kofi KingstonA little energy was injected into the match as Kofi Kingston made his way down to the ring to compete. Kofi nailed the boom drop on a fallen Wade Barrett before connecting with Trouble in Paradise on the Big Show. CM Punk attempted another GTS but Kofi fought out and connected with a huge chop to the chest. Randy Orton was all but out of the match now as Cena almost had Orton falling to the outside head first. Evan Bourne jumped Cena though, breaking it up. Rey Mysterio nailed a 619 on Orton as he pulled himself back into the ring which helped him on his way
Entry #27 – Mark HenryMark Henry, much like Big Show, took down all in site until he got to Big Show. The two began trading blows until Big Show was on the ropes, teetering. It was then that CM Punk, Rey Mysterio, Evan Bourne, John Cena, and Kofi Kingston ran up to help Mark Henry eliminate Big Show before turning on Henry and eliminating him too!
BIG SHOW AND MARK HENRY HAVE BEEN ELIMINATED. CM Punk quickly took advantage of his distracted opponents, clocking Bourne with an elbow to the face. Wade Barrett was still out from The Big Show’s knockout punch as Orton got to his feet.
Entry #28 – Dolph ZigglerWith only two more entries to go it was clear that Ziggler knew what had to be done. Dolph got down to the ring in a flash, hitting ZigZag’s on both Rey Mysterio and John Cena before agressivley eliminating Evan Bourne with a sick clothesline over the top rope.
EVAN BOURNE HAS BEEN ELIMINATED. Dolph then ducked a Trouble in Paradise from Kofi to connect with another ZIgZag before finally being taken out by an RKO. The pace of the match haulted as Orton delivered stomps to everyone left in the match.
Entry #29 – The Great KhaliKhali slowly walked down to the ring, Orton the only one standing at this point. Orton consistently struck Khali’s stomach until eventually Khali took down Randy with a huge chop. Khali lifted CM Punk over the top rope, in an attempt to eliminate him. However, CM pulled down on Khali’s arm and with help from John Cena, Khali was ousted.
THE GREAT KHALI HAS BEEN ELIMINATED.Orton tackled CM Punk whom was on the apron, locking Punk’s head in his right arm and dragging him out for the Hangman’s DDT as the thirtieth entrant was released.
Entry #30 – William RegalThe final entrant, William Regal took his time getting to the ring as there was no hurry. Wade Barrett finally got to his feet, met with an awaiting RKO but Barrett caught Randy and tossed him over the top rope!
RANDY ORTON HAS BEEN ELIMINATED. Regal slid into the ring, looking for an advantage somewhere as he nailed Kofi Kingston with the Knee Trembler. Regal tried the same with John Cena but Cena had caught on and lifted Regal onto his shoulders to eliminate the Englishman with an Attitude Adjustment.
WILLIAM REGAL HAS BEEN ELIMINATED.Remaining Superstars: CM Punk (8), John Cena (13), Rey Mysterio (16), Wade Barrett (23), Kofi Kingston (26) and Dolph Ziggler (28).
The six remaining superstars walked slowly around the ring, sizing each other up before going at it. Kofi battled Barrett as Ziggler took on Mysterio and CM Punk fought John Cena. Kofi Kingston though he saw an opening when Barrett’s back was against the ropes but Barrett countered into the Wasteland postion which he used to eliminate Kofi.
KOFI KINGSTON HAS BEEN ELIMINATED. Ziggler looked as if he was about to take out Mysterio with a powerbomb though it was countered and Dolph was eliminated. Shortly after Barrett ran up with a big boot to eliminate Rey Mysterio.
DOLPH ZIGGLER AND REY MYSTERIO HAVE BEEN ELIMINATED. Wade hung back as CM Punk and John Cena fought it out on the other side of the ring. CM Punk’s kick was countered and John Cena planted him with an Attitude Adjustment into the corner. Cena proceeded to go after Barrett who kept backing off. John Cena took a shot in the dark, running at Barrett to which Barrett responded by dodging out of the way and pulling the rope down. Cena went over but hung on as Wade ran at him. Cena ducked down though and hoisted Barrett onto his back to Attitude Adjustment him to the floor below.
WADE BARRETT HAS BEEN ELIMINATED. The Boston crowd went wild but not for long as Punk was on his feet and dropkicked Cena down to the floor.
Winner of the Royal Rumble 2011: CM Punk (8)
Punk repeatedly yelled WHAT'S MY NAME as the corwd let out as much heat as possible. CM Punk is heading to the MaiN Event of WrestleMania.