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Royal Rumble
January 30, 2011
TD Garden in Boston, MassachusettsA video package opens tonight's show recapping the feud between The Miz and Randy Orton dating back to the November 22 episode of Raw where Miz cashed in his Money In The Bank contract to become the new WWE Champion. Edge and Dolph Ziggler's feud is also highlighted, showing the events between the two that have transpired over the course of the last few weeks. Finally, highlights from the previous Royal Rumble's were shown as well as quick clips of some of tonight's participants. After the video package is finished, pyro blasts from the stage as we get a view of the live audience in the TD Garden. As
"Living In A Dream" plays over the PA system, the commentary team of Michael Cole, Jerry "The King" Lawler, and Matt Striker welcome us to the 2011 Royal Rumble, which will feature the biggest Royal Rumble match in history as 40 men will all fight for a chance to headline Wrestlemania XXVII. They also hype the two championship matches before sending things over to Tony Chimel to get the first contest underway.
Intercontinental ChampionshipKofi Kingston (c) vs. Jack Swagger
A great way to kick off the Royal Rumble as two of Smackdown's premiere superstars went at it for the Intercontinental Championship. Despite the crowd being hot for the defending champion, Swagger was able to get a ton of offense in this match. It should also be noted that Swagger was looking to end the match quickly as both men will also compete in tonight's Royal Rumble match. After Kingston grabbed a hold of the ropes in time before being forced to submit to the Ankle Lock, Swagger placed Kingston down on the mat and went for his running corner splash. Kingston moved out of harm's way as Swagger crashed chest first onto the mat. Kingston was looking to hit Trouble In Paradise on the All American American, but was unsucsessfull as Swagger caught his leg and applied the Ankle Lock. Kingston was able to reach the ropes once again, showing the desire and passion that he has for the Intercontinental Championship. Swagger threw Kingston to the outside and attempted to lock Kofi in the Ankle Lock for a third time. Kingston was able to kick Swagger into the steel steps, buying him some time to get back into the ring. Kingston was able to get in the ring and Swagger soon followed. Kofi was quick on the attack though as he kicked Swagger in the gut and positioned him for the SOS. Kingston successfully hit the maneuver, but was unable to get the victory as Swagger kicked out at two. Kingston ascended to the top rope and came down with a crossbody. However, Kingston was caught by Swagger. The All American American rammed Kingston's back into the turnbuckle and threw Kofi with an overhead suplex. Swagger mocked Kingston as he repeatedly slapped his hands together, which is Kingston's call for Trouble In Paradise. After Kingston was back on his feet, Swagger grabbed him and lifted him up for the Gutwrench Powerbomb. Kingston was able to escape and rolled Swagger up, but only managed to get a two count. Both men quickly got back to their feet, but Kingston nailed Swagger with Trouble In Paradise to pick up the victory.
Kofi Kingston defeats Jack Swagger at 14:36 to retain the Intercontinental Championship Kingston hops to his feet and celebrates his victory along with the WWE Universe. We will see both Kingston and Swagger again later tonight as they will compete in the first ever 40 men Royal Rumble match.
Backstage, the New Nexus are shown in their locker room. Punk tells Otunga, Harris, and McGillicuty that they will all be in the Rumble match tonight and this is their opportunity to show the entire world that the New Nexus is hear to stay. Punk then turns his attention to Mason Ryan and tells him that even though he won't be in the Rumble match, he can still make the New Nexus proud by being at ringside with them. Soon, the four members of The Corre walk in to the room. Barrett tells Punk that even though he is impressed with the direction he's taken Nexus in, they are no longer the most dominant faction in WWE history. That honor now goes to The Corre. Punk tells Barrett that he was impressed with what they did to Big Show, but if he and the rest of The Corre want to be impressed, then they should watch as one of the members of the New Nexus wins the Royal Rumble.
Diva's ChampionshipNatalya (c) vs. Melina
Probably one of the better Diva matches in recent memory as both women gave this their all for the right to be called the Diva's Champion. The action quickly spilled to the outside, where Natalya took Melina down with a clothesline. Natalya then climbed onto the ring apron and came down on Melina with a Thesz Press. Natalya rolled Melina back into the ring and covered her, but only got a two count. As Natalya was picking Melina up, she was hit with a few jabs to her body. Melina kicked Natalya in the back of he left leg before delivering a dropkick. Melina got right in Natalya's face, telling her that she is not better than her. Melina picked Natalya up and placed her in the corner. Melina rammed her shoulder into Natalya's mid section repeatedly before irish whipping her into the opposite corner. As Melina charged at the champion, Natalya got her foot up and connected it with Melina's jaw. Natalya ascended to the top rope, but was stopped by Melina. Melina then went for a hurricarana off of the top rope, but Natalya held on and Melina crashed to the mat. Natalya regained her momentum and came down onto Melina with Bret Hart's signature diving elbow drop. Before Melina could get back to her feet, Natalya locked her in the Sharpshooter. As Melina reached closer to the ropes, Natalya pulled her back into the middle ring, forcing Melina to submit.
Natalya defeats Melina at 8:18 to retain the Diva's ChampionshipWhile Natalya is celebrating her victory, we are shown footage of an interview conducted earlier today by Matt Striker with The Viper, Randy Orton. Striker asked Orton what he has to do differently tonight if he wants to regain the WWE Championship. Orton said that the only thing stopping him from retaining is Alex Riley. If it wasn't for him, he would be the WWE Champion, not the challenger. Orton says that if the Raw General Manager has any brains, he will do something about Riley. If not, he's going to take matters into his own hands. Either way, he will walk out of Boston as the new WWE Champion.
Returning back to ringside, Michael Cole says that Orton is in denial. Cole goes on to say that Orton should stop blaming others because he's the only reason why he's not the WWE Champion yet. Lawler tells Cole to shut up and do his job. Cole tells King that he's probably bitter too because he couldn't win the WWE Championship. King yells at Cole now, telling him that he's not champion because he pulled him off of the ladder. Cole tells King that he's just like Orton and needs to stop blaming others for his failure. Matt Striker moves on and discusses the next match between Edge and Dolph Ziggler for the World Heavyweight Championship. A quick promo is shown recapping the feud between the two.
World Heavyweight ChampionshipEdge (c) vs. Dolph Ziggler
A great bout here between Edge and Dolph. Vickie stayed at ringside and cheered on Dolph and oftentimes yelled at Edge whenever he was in control. A turning point in the match came when Edge ascended to the top rope and looked to come down on Dolph with a clothesline. as Edge as coming down, Dolph hit him with a dropkick, stopping the Rated R Superstar's momentum. Dolph covered Edge, but wasn't able to get the victory. Dolph hit Edge with a few quick elbows drops before missing one big one. Edge planted Dolph with an Edgecution. Edge looked to hit Dolph with a spear, but missed and rammed his shoulder into the steel ring post. Dolph rolled Edge up with his feet on the bottom rope, but the referee caught him and stopped the count. Dolph repeatedly stomped on Edge for a bit before going for another cover. Edge managed to kick out. After a few more back and forth pin attempts, Edge connected with a Spear onto Dolph. Before the referee could make the three count, Vickie pulled the referee out of the ring. Edge gave Vickie a cold stare as he stalked her on the outside. Dolph soon came up behind Edge and dropped him with a Zig Zag onto the floor. He tossed Edge back into the ring and covered him and Vickie rolled the ref back in. The referee slowly counted, but Edge kicked out just before three. Ziggler waited for Edge to get up before going for another Zig Zag. Edge held onto the ropes, causing Dolph to fall onto his back. Edge turned around and hit Dolph with a Spear. Edge covered him to pick up the win.
Edge defeats Dolph Ziggler at 17:04 to retain the World Heavyweight ChampionshipEdge held the World Heavyweight Championship high above his head as Vickie and Dolph slowly made their way back up the entrance ramp. Vickie repeatedly yelled "This isn't over Edge".
A promo was shown for Elimination Chamber, which is live Sunday February 20th.
Backstage, Drew McIntyre was shown walking towards Kelly Kelly. As Drew tried to speak to her, Kelly walked away. Drew stopped her and said that he can change if she just gives him a chance. Kelly told Drew that he can't change. He's just naturally vicious and she doesn't want to be with somebody like that. Kelly Kelly left the scene as Drew looked on. Soon, United States Champion Daniel Bryan walked by with Nikkie and Brie Bella. Bryan told Drew that rejection isn't that hard to get through. Bryan and The Bellas left as Drew picked up a chair and threw it on the ground.
A video package is shown recapping the feud between The Miz and Randy Orton, dating back to night where The Miz cashed in his Money In The Bank contract on a vulnerable Orton to become the new WWE Champion.
WWE ChampionshipThe Miz (c) vs. Randy Orton
After both men were in the ring, the e-mail sound went off. The crowd expressed their disapproval as Michael Cole approached his podium.
"And I quote. Miz, in all of your title defenses thus far, Alex Riley has been a factor in all of them. Therefore, Alex Riley is barred from ringside for this match. If Riley does not leave immediately, you will forfeit the match and Randy Orton will become the new WWE Champion." Riley left to the back, but not without throwing a tantrum. Surprisingly, Miz was able to hold his own against Orton with out Riley being a factor. Miz worked on Orton's right shoulder throughout the course of the entire match. Towards the end of the match, Miz attempted to hit Orton with a Reality Check. Orton moved before Miz' knee could connect with his face. When Miz turned around, Orton planted him with an RKO. Orton landed on his shoulder though, which gave Miz time to regain his consciousness. By the time Orton was back on his feet, Miz was already slowly getting to his. Orton saw this as a perfect opportunity to put the awesome one away with a punt kick. Before Orton could, Michael Cole jumped onto the ring apron and tried to distract Orton. Jerry Lawler pulled Cole off of the apron and nailed him with repeated lefts and rights. Orton made the mistake of keeping his attention there as Miz low blowed him and dropped him with a Skull Crushing Finale to pick up the win.
The Miz defeats Randy Orton at 18:49 to retain the WWE Championship Miz was handed the WWE Championship as he stood tall with it. After Miz left to the back, Michael Cole was shown getting to his feet on the outside. Randy Orton then proceeded to plant Cole with a vicious RKO onto the floor. Orton may have hurt his shoulder more by doing that, but he didn't care as he made his way to the back in anger while help came out for Cole.
Backstage, we got a look at some of the Royal Rumble participants getting ready for the big match. Of those participants included John Morrison, Sheamus, Alberto Del Rio, Rey Mysterio, and Massachusetts' own John Cena.
The stats were shown before Justin Roberts announced that it is time for the 2011 Royal Rumble match. He quickly ran down the rules before introducing the first entrant.
2011 Royal Rumble Match Entrant #1 - John Morrison
Entrant #2 - 'Dashing' Cody RhodesAfter the bell rang, both Morrison and Rhodes went at each other. Morrison was able to quickly hit Rhodes with a Flash Kick, which caused Rhodes to roll out of the ring in panic. He asked everybody at ringside for a mirror. Morrison rolled under the bottom rope and tossed Rhodes back in. Rhodes threw Morrison over, but he held on and delivered another kick to Rhodes' face. As the clock appeared, Morrison hit Starship Pain onto Rhodes.
Entrant #3 - Husky HarrisThe first man from the New Nexus in the Royal Rumble quickly went to work on both Morrison and Rhodes, his former mentor. Rhodes and Morrison ended up double teaming on Harris as Morrison hit Harris with a Flash Kick and Rhodes hit him with the Beautiful Disaster. Morrison attempted to eliminate Rhodes, but the dashing one held on.
Entrant #4 - R TruthTruth quickly ran down to the ring and went after Husky Harris. Both Morrison and Truth stared at each other before shaking hands and battle it out. Rhodes snuck up behind Truth and attempted to hit Cross Rhodes, but truth reversed it and hit Rhodes with an Axe Kick.
Entrant #5 - Tyson KiddTyson Kidd quickly hit the ring and delivered a springboard dropkick into Morrison. Kidd went after Harris and attempted to eliminate him, but to not avail. Harris lifted Kidd into the air and watched as he fell onto the canvas.
Entrant #6 -Trent BarretaOne of Smackdown's rising stars hit the ring and took down Harris with a flying crossbody. Barreta seemed to be on fire for the moment, but that all ended when Rhodes kicked him in the mid section and planted him with a DDT.
Entrant #7 - Tyler ReksThe menacing Tyler Reks hit the ring and made his mark on the Royal Rumble as he eliminated Trent Barreta.
Trent Barreta (7:37). Reks momentum was shot when Truth hit him with the Lie Detector. Tyson Kidd hit Truth with some quick jabs and went for a running clothesline, but Truth ducked the attempt and tossed him over.
Tyson Kidd (8:28).
Entrant #8 - Drew McIntyreThe Sinister Scottsman was the next entrant. Rather than entering the ring first, he attacked Trent Barreta on the outside. Officials came down to restrain Drew and get him in the ring. Drew went after Morrison and looked to eliminate him, but Morrison was able to hang on.
Entrant #9 - Mark HenryThe World's Strongest Man hit the ring and took out anybody who got in his way. Henry eventually planted Tyler Reks with the World's Strongest Slam and eliminated him.
Tyler Reks (10:22). Husky Harris was able to take down Henry with a clothesline and hit his Running Senton onto Henry.
Entrant # 10 - Jack Swagger Swagger makes his way to the ring furious as he came up short earlier tonight in becoming the Intercontinental Champion. He gets into a fist fight with R Truth, which eventually leads to Truth's elimination.
R Truth (12:01). Swagger noticed Mark Henry attempting to get up from the mat, so he proceeded to lock Henry in the Ankle Lock. Morrison surprised Swagger by hitting him with a Flash Kick out of nowhere.
Entrant #11 - JTGJTG hits the ring and hit Cody Rhodes with a few jabs and eventually a dropkick. Rhodes backs into the ropes. JTG charges at him, but is tossed onto the apron. Drew McIntyre pushes Rhodes into JTG, causing the elimination.
JTG (13:40). Drew attempts to eliminate Rhodes, but Mark Henry snuck up behind him and tossed him out.
Drew McIntyre (13:55). Rhodes was able to hang on through all of this.
Entrant #12 - Ezekiel JacksonRepresenting The Corre, Jackson hit the ring and went after Mark Henry. Jackson shocked the entire WWE Universe by single handedly eliminating the World's Strongest Man.
Mark Henry (14:44). Jackson and Harris both quickly went at each other, trying to prove themselves to their stable.
Entrant #13 - Zack RyderThe Long Island Loudmouth hit the ring and went right after John Morrison. Ryder went for the Ruff Ryder Leg Lariat, but Morrison moved out of the way and tossed Ryder out.
Zack Ryder (16:20).
Entrant #14 - Rey MysterioThe WWE Universe became unglued when Rey's music hit as the Master Of The 619 hit the ring. After a long back and forth battle between Cody Rhodes, Rey managed to eliminate him.
Cody Rhodes (18:47).
Entrant #15 - Vladimir Kozlov1/2 of the WWE Tag Team Champions Vladimir Kozlov made his way down to the ring. He quickly got into it with Husky Harris before turning his attention to his former tag team partner, Ezekiel Jackson.
Entrant # 16 - Darren YoungDarren Young made his way down to the ring and quickly went after Swagger. During this time, Kozlov was thrown over the top rope by Ezekiel Jackson.
Vladimir Kozlov (21:08).
Entrant #17 - David OtungaOtunga ran down to the ring and went after Darren Young, who was currently going after Husky Harris. Both Harris and Otunga eliminated Young.
Darren Young (22:14).
Entrant #18 - Chris MastersThe Masterpiece made his way down to the ring and locked Swagger in the Masterlock. Swagger rammed Masters' back into a corner, forcing Masters to let go. During this time, Mysterio was on the verge of being eliminated by Husky Harris and David Otunga, but managed to hang on. Morrison and Jackson both battled it out in the ring with neither man being able to eliminate the other.
Entrant #19 - Daniel BryanHalfway through the Rumble match, the United States Champion ran down to the ring and delivered a running clothesline onto Swagger. Bryan and Morrison quickly traded a few blows before they were both taken down by David Otunga and Husky Harris. Harris and Otunga threw the two of them over the top rope, but they both held onto the ropes and re entered the ring.
Entrant #20 - Curt HawkinsCurt Hawkins made his way down to the ring and went right after Daniel Bryan. Hawkins seemed to have judged Bryan by his size and underestimated his ability. As Bryan was backed into the ropes, Hawkins charged at him. Bryan pulled down the ropes and Hawkins crashed to the floor.
Curt Hawkins (27:09).
Entrant #21 - Justin GabrielJustin Gabriel hits the ring and stands side by side with fellow Corre member Ezekiel Jackson. The two of them manage to toss Chris Masters over.
Chris Masters (28:17).
Entrant #22 - Michael McGillicutyMichael McGillicuty hits the ring and joins Otunga and Harris in a beat down on Daniel Bryan and Mysterio, while Gabriel and Jackson beat down on Morrison and Swagger. After a while, the two factions stare face to face with each other as the clock appears.
Entrant #23 - Heath SlaterSlater hits the ring and evens the odds for The Corre. All members of Corre and Nexus attack each other and a huge brawl ensues. However, nobody is eliminated.
Entrant #24 - Santino MarellaSantino quickly hits the ring and stares face to face with all of the members of The Nexus and The Corre. Santino does his Cobra pose and tells all 6 men to bring it on. Santino is eventually pummeled by all of them and eliminated.
Santino Marella (32:49). After Santino is eliminated, Mysterio, Bryan, Morrison, and Swagger all team up against The Nexus and The Corre.
Entrant #25 - Jey UsoJey Uso hits the ring and joins the fight against Nexus and Corre, but is eliminated by Ezekiel Jackson.
Jey Uso (34:24).
Entrant #26 - CM PunkThe leader of the New Nexus hits the ring with Mason Ryan at his side and aids Nexus in their fight against Bryan, Morrison, Mysterio, and Swagger, but also leads Nexus against The Corre.
Entrant #27 - Yoshi TatsuJust like Jey Uso, Yoshi joins the fight against Nexus and Corre, but is eliminated early on.
Yoshi Tatsu (37:19). Nexus eventually takes full control of the match, but before any eliminations can occur....
Entrant #28 - John CenaThe TD Garden explodes as John Cena rushes to the ring and goes right after all four members of Nexus. He successfully eliminates all members of Nexus aside from Punk.
Michael McGillicuty (38:41), Husky Harris (38:46), and David Otunga (38:50). Cena lifts Punk into position for an Attitude Adjustment, but Mason Ryan enters the ring and attacks Cena. After a quick back and forth exchange, Cena clotheslines Mason over the top rope before sliding under the bottom rope. Cena takes the ring bell and levels Mason in the head with it. He then hoists Mason up to his shoulders and delivers an Attitude Adjustment through the announce table. The WWE Universe screams with excitement as Punk looks on in shock. Before Cena could get back into the ring, he was attacked by the other three members of Nexus. Otunga took the steel steps and nailed Cena with them as McGillicuty and Harris held him up. All three of them took Mason Ryan to the back, leaving Punk as the only member of Nexus remaining in the Royal Rumble.
Entrant #29 - Kofi KingstonThe Intercontinental Champion hits the ring as Jack Swagger goes right after him. Swagger lifts Kingston into position for the Gutwrench Powerbomb, but Kingston is able to outsmart Swagger and eliminate him.
Jack Swagger (40:42). With Cena out for the time being, Punk was able to turn his attention to others such as Daniel Bryan, whom he attempted to eliminate but was unsuccessful.
Entrant #30 - PrimoThe entrance music of Primo plays, but he is nowhere to be seen. Instead, Vickie Guerrero came out onto the stage. She informed everybody that since Primo could not be here tonight, the 30th entrant in the Royal Rumble match - Dolph Ziggler. Dolph hits the ring and goes to work on everybody in the match. He drops Mysterio, Kingston, and Bryan with Zig Zags before eliminating Bryan.
Daniel Bryan (42:06).
Entrant #31 - Wade BarrettThe leader of The Corre hits the ring and joins Jackson, Gabriel, and Slater. All of the other competitors retaliate against Corre, but only Kingston was eliminated.
Kofi Kingston (43:51).
Entrant #32 - Big ShowThings got very interesting now as Big Show made his first appearance since being taken out by The Corre a few weeks back on Smackdown. Show unloaded on all Corre members. He grabbed both Gabriel and Slater by their throats and tossed them over.
Justin Gabriel and Heath Slater (44:50). Barrett and Jackson double team Show, but the World's Largest Athlete is able to overcome the obstacle and throws out Jackson.
Ezekiel Jackson (45:33). Before Show can eliminate Barrett, Jackson grabs Show's foot. Show turns his attention to Jackson. Barrett then snuck up behind Show and threw him over as Jackson assisted.
Big Show (45:58).
Entrant #33 - Jimmy UsoJimmy Uso made his way down to the ring and went after John Morrison, who was the first entrant. Jimmy soon went after Mysterio and attempted to powerbomb him over the top rope but Rey was able to counter Jimmy's attempt and eliminate him.
Jimmy Uso (46:39). Around this time, John Cena slowly began regaining his consciousness. Punk rolled under the bottom rope and went after Cena. The two of them continued to battle on the outside, but both men were still in the match.
Entrant #34 - SheamusThe 2010 King Of The Ring winner made his way down to the ring and went straight to work on his rival John Morrison. Sheamus clearly had the advantage since Morrison had been in the match since the beginning, but that didn't stop Morrison from fighting back. As Sheamus was taunting the crowd, Mysterio hit a 619 onto Sheamus' mid section. Rey followed up with a seated senton onto the Celtic Warrior. Wade Barrett took Rey down with a huge clothesline and threw him over the top rope, but Rey once again managed to hang on. John Morrison and Dolph Ziggler had an encounter that saw Ziggler drop Morrison with a Zig Zag. During this time, John Cena and CM Punk's brawl spilled into the audience.
Entrant #35 - DH SmithThe son of 'The British Bulldog" Davey Boy Smith was out next and went straight to work on Sheamus. Smith and Sheamus had a solid back and forth battle. Rey attempted to take Barrett down with a Crossbody, but Barrett caught him and dropped him with The Wasteland. Morrison and Ziggler continued to do battle with both men not being able to eliminate the other.
Entrant #36 - Alberto Del RioOne of the favorites to win this match. Del Rio took his time coming down to the ring as Ricardo Rodriguez gave him a proper introduction. Del Rio went after Mysterio as the two bitter rivals went at it. DH Smith hit Ziggler with an atomic drop, causing Dolph to back up against the ropes. Smith charged at him, but Dolph pulled down the ropes, causing the elimination.
DH Smith ( 51:49). During this time, John Cena and CM Punk re-entered the ring. Cena was quickly hit with a Brogue Kick from Sheamus as Punk battled with Morrison.
Entrant #37 - William RegalWilliam Regal hit the ring now and went right after John Morrison. The two of them battled for a bit before Regal was eliminated via a Flash Kick from the Shaman Of Sexy.
William Regal (53:01). John Cena was able to regain his consciousness and went right after CM Punk once again. Wade Barrett attacked Cena, rehashing their feud from 2010.
Entrant #38 - Chavo GuerreroChavo Guerrero was out next and went right after anybody that he could. Before he could make an impact of any sort, he was eliminated by Wade Barrett.
Chavo Guerrero (54:04).
Entrant #39 - Ted DiBiaseThe Fortunate Son made his way down to the ring and set his sights on Rey Mysterio. The two of them battled for the rest of the time as Ziggler and Morrison did the same. Alberto Del Rio and Sheamus went at each other, but neither man could eliminate the other. John Cena fought back against both CM Punk and Wade Barrett as he managed to escape elimination.
Entrant #40 - KanePyro blasted from the stage as the entrance music of Kane played. However, Kane was nowhere to be seen. Soon, the lights shut and a gong was heard. The crowd went insane as this could only mean one thing. When the lights came back on,
The Undertaker was standing behind Wade Barrett. The leader of the Corre turned around and found himself staring at the man that he helped bury alive. Taker began unloading on Barrett with lefts and rights and soon clotheslined him over the top rope.
Wade Barrett (56:44). Undertake stared at Barrett with his cold eyes before the lights shut off again. When they came back on again, Taker was out of sight.
Remaining Superstars - Alberto Del Rio, John Morrison, Sheamus, Rey Mysterio, John Cena, CM Punk, Dolph Ziggler, and Ted DiBiase
There were now eight superstars remaining in the match. John Morrison was able to toss DiBiase over his head and out onto the floor.
Ted DiBiase (57:07). Sheamus kicked Morrison in the mid section and put him into position for the High Cross. While Sheamus was running, Morrison slid off of his hands and wrapped his legs around Sheamus' head. This allowed Morrison to eliminate him.
Sheamus (57:41). Now at this time, John Cena hit Punk with a Five Knuckle Shuffle. Cena was preparing to lift Punk up for the Attitude Adjustment, but Dolph Ziggler applied a Sleeper Hold onto Cena. Cena was able to throw Dolph off of him. When Cena was free from the Sleeper, Punk grabbed him and threw him over the top rope.
John Cena (58:34). The crowd in Boston showered Punk with boos as he eliminated John Cena. Five men remained in the match now. Del Rio had Rey on his shoulder and planned to throw him out, but Rey held onto the ropes and used his legs to throw Del Rio out.
Alberto Del Rio (58:36). It was now down to four. John Morrison, CM Punk, Rey Mysterio, and Dolph Ziggler. Punk went after Rey while Morrison and Ziggler battle. Ziggler grabbed Morrison by his hair and threw him over the top rope. Morrison was able to hang on though, much like Shawn Michaels in '95. Morrison remained on the ring apron. When Ziggler saw that Morrison had not been eliminated, he charged at him. Morrison kicked Ziggler in the face as he was charging and stepped back into the ring. As Ziggler was backed up against the ropes, Morrison clotheslined him over.
Dolph Ziggler (59:57). Rey hit Punk with a 619 at this time. Rey attempted to hit Punk with a seated senton, but Punk pushed him off the ropes as he was springboarding.
Rey Mysterio (60:22). It now came down to two. CM Punk and John Morrison. The crowd was absolutely hot for Morrison. There were several close calls for both men but they managed to hang on. Punk hit Morrison with a GTS and Morrison backed up against the ropes. Punk charged at him, but Morrison pulled the ropes down. Punk managed to hang onto the ropes and stood on the ring apron. Morrison delivered a swift kick to Punk's head, but the New Nexus leader still hung on. Morrison stepped out onto the ring apron and began kicking Punk in his side. Punk fought back and kicked Morrison in his left leg. Morrison decided to risk it all and charge at Punk. As Morrison was charging, Punk connected him with a headbutt, causing Morrison to lose his balance and fall to the floor.
John Morrison (62:03).
CM Punk last eliminates John Morrison at 62:03 to win the 2011 Royal Rumble MatchPunk got back in the ring and celebrated what very well may be the biggest win of his career. Morrison held his head as he sat on the outside. Not just because he was headbutted, but because he had the chance to make history and become the first person to win a 40 men Royal Rumble Match as the first entrant and came up short one person. The other members of the New Nexus came down and hoisted Punk to their shoulders. After they let him down, all members of the New Nexus pointed their fists at the Wrestlemania XXVII sign. CM Punk is going to Wrestlemania.
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