Wrestlemania XXVI || March 28, 2010
University of Phoenix Stadium || Glendale, Arizona
Every legend has a Wrestlemania moment. Every legend claims as their own a singular frame in the grandeur of time where they reigned supreme on the grand stage of Wrestlemania. Shawn Michaels zip-lined from the rafters of Arrowhead Pond to capture his first WWE Championship in 1996. Stone Cold Steve Austin ushered in the “Austin Era” at Wrestlemania XIV in 1998. Edge captured the first Money in the Bank contract five years ago. Just last year, The Undertaker defeated Shawn Michaels in a classic bout to extend his Wrestlemania undefeated streak to 17-0. Every wrestler stepping into the squared-circle dreams of claiming a Wrestlemania moment as their own. Sheamus captured the WWE Championship in December and battles one of the all-time greats, Triple H. Cody Rhodes, Ted DiBiase, and Randy Orton all look to step away from their ancestors shadows and lay the foundation of their own legacies. Ten superstars vie to unhook a one-way ticket to a World Championship. Every competitor strives to right wrongs and to further their legacies at Wrestlemania. John Cena and Batista decide the face of a generation. Edge seeks glorious retribution nearly a year in the making. Bret Hart looks to end a feud boiling for 13 years as he faces the mastermind behind Wrestlemania, Mr. McMahon. University of Phoenix Stadium is filled to the brim, and surely tonight, legacies will be established and moments will be cherished at Wrestlemania.
After the video package, cameras pan through the sold-out University of Phoenix Stadium, where 72,219 fans are rowdy. Singer Fantasia walked on stage to sing “America the Beautiful” with the American flag plastered on the massive Wrestlemania stage. The crowd roared for her lovely performance as U.S. Air Force aircrafts zoomed over the open roof of the stadium.
Now, Slim Jim and World Wrestling Entertainment present Wrestlemania XXVI!
Pyrotechnics flare up and down the pyramid-shaped stage with Kevin Rudolf’s “I Made It” blaring around the stadium. Michael Cole, Jerry Lawler and Matt Striker welcome the audience to Wrestlemania XXVI. They promise a monumental and exciting event and run down the main event matches: The World Heavyweight and WWE Championships are on the line; Bret Hart finally fights Mr. McMahon; The Undertaker wages his Wrestlemania streak against Shawn Michaels’ career. They acknowledge Wrestlemania’s presence in Romania for the first time before sending over to the Spanish Announce Team and finally, Justin Roberts in the ring.
Unified WWE Tag Team Championships
ShoMiz © vs. John Morrison & R-Truth
Former partners John Morrison and The Miz start off the match with an exchange of words. Miz connects with a kick to the gut; he starts an Irish whip but is reversed; Morrison ducks, then leapfrogs, then lands a leaping calf kick and gets a two-count. Morrison wrings his former partner’s arm before tagging in R-Truth; Truth releases a Wrestlemania-sized “What’s Up!” before coming down with a middle-rope axe handle to Miz’s arm! Miz wisely slides to the outside, but he didn’t expect Truth to fly over the top rope and connect with a corkscrew dive! He belts out another “What’s Up!” before rolling Miz in for a near-fall. Truth locks in a bow-and-arrow hold on the ground, But Miz quickly sneaks out and tags in Big Show. Truth pauses and stares at the behemoth entering the ring. He lands a few strikes on Show’s chest, but to no avail; Big Show shrugs them off and lands a massive clothesline! Lifting the fallen Truth with one hand, Show rams his foe into the corner, quieting the crowd and landing a slap to the chest that echoed throughout University of Phoenix Stadium. Not letting Truth escape, Show nails another slap. The champions begin controlling the match with aggression and cockiness. A couple near falls later, Miz cinches in a headlock. He shouts at the referee before mocking Morrison on the apron. Truth gets to his feet, escaping the hold but falling to a neckbreaker. It wasn’t until Truth landed a flying forearm that he is able to tag in John Morrison, much to the crowd’s delight! Going toe-to-toe with the Big Show, Morrison hits forearm after forearm, ducking a clothesline and hitting a Flying Chuck. This caused the giant to stumble, falling and tangling his arms in the ropes! Morrison seized the opportunity, kneeing Show in the sternum before landing a strong roundhouse kick to the skull! Only Miz breaking up the ensuing pinfall saved a dazed yet untangled Big Show. Miz snuck back outside, where he and Truth brawled before disposing of Truth on the steps. Show gained some offense in the ring and tagged in Miz, but Morrison quickly landed a Moonlight Drive neckbreaker! Miz nearly succumbed to the move but kicked out in the knick of time. Morrison dragged a beaten Miz to the corner, setting up Starship Pain. He, however, didn’t see Big Show charging, with the latter landing a knockout punch! A lifeless Morrison clunked on the mat, allowing Miz to add insult to injury with a Skull Crushing Finale to secure the pinfall. ShoMiz d. John Morrison & R-Truth to retain the Unified WWE Tag Team Championships in 6:37!
Miz clutches his trio of titles as Big Show poses with his duo of championship belts. Both shout toward the camera before three separate shots of Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton and Ted DiBiase appear on-screen. The commentators explain their history: the founding of Legacy, the championships won, and the dissention of the group beginning at the Royal Rumble. “All three have the same goal: prove to the other two whose legacy will be superior,” Michael Cole concluded.
Triple Threat Match
Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton vs. Ted DiBiase
All three competitors stare each other down, the shattered memories of their time together replaying in their minds. Orton attacks Rhodes first, covering him only for DiBiase to break up the pin. The son of the Million Dollar Man then Orton with a hip toss, covering him only for Rhodes to break up his pin. Not to be outdone, Rhodes lands a dropkick on DiBiase, going for the cover, but just as the two previous, Orton breaks up that pinfall. The three rise to their feet, Rhodes and DiBiase glance at each other before charging Orton. The latter catches Rhodes with a kick but is hit by a DiBiase elbow. Clutching his chest and hunched over, Orton took a drop-down throat thrust from Rhodes. “We made you! We martyred for you!” Rhodes continually yelled as he and DiBiase played one-upmanship, taking turns inflicting pain on their former mentor. DiBiase dragged Orton to the outside, nailing Dream Street on the outside! An audible “Oooh!” Came about from the crowd, and DiBiase stared down Rhodes, as if to say, “Do you think you can do better?” They met, head-to-head, in the middle of the ring before trading blows. Each countered the other’s finisher, only ceasing their struggle to double-team any Orton comeback. At one point, Rhodes went for a diving moonsault on Orton, only for the Viper to push DiBiase into it! Orton then began an onslaught on Rhodes, until Rhodes countered a powerslam. He hit one punch that stunned Orton, and then another, then akin to his father landed a Bionic Elbow! He could not attempt a pin, however, as DiBiase planted Rhodes with Dream Street! DiBiase covered Orton, but the Viper kicked out at two. He swiftly scrambled to Rhodes, but he kicked out as well! Still in shock, DiBiase rushed toward Orton, grabbing his head and planting him with his own signature backbreaker for another near-fall. Rhodes looked for Cross Rhodes on DiBiase, but was countered into a northern lights suplex. By then, Orton was up and he struck DiBiase with a flurry of clotheslines and a powerslam. He set up a spike DDT; Rhodes went to combat Orton but found himself right next to DiBiase. With both former Legacy mates prone on the apron, Orton planted a double spike DDT! The crowd roared as Orton slammed the mat, urging DiBiase to stand. An RKO connected with DiBiase, then another was given to a groggy Cody Rhodes, whom Orton pinned for the victory! Randy Orton d. Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase in 8:29!
The crowd erupted as Randy Orton raised his hands in victory. He looks back at the carcasses of his former running mates before ascending the top rope, posing for the crowd.
A backstage segment aired with Josh Mathews interviewing CM Punk in anticipation of Punk’s bout with Rey Mysterio later tonight. Luke Gallows handed Punk a mask, akin to Rey Mysterio’s but all black, with the Straight Edge Society roundel emblazoned on the front. Punk says he will defeat Mysterio and replace his mask with this one. The commentators discuss Punk’s words before cameras cut to the last of the ladders being placed around the ring.
Money in the Bank Ladder Match
Christian vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Drew McIntyre vs. Evan Bourne vs. Jack Swagger vs. Kane vs. Kofi Kingston vs. Matt Hardy vs. MVP vs. Shelton Benjamin
All ten superstars glanced up at the briefcase, but nine sets of eyes directed their sights toward one man: Drew McIntyre. Vince McMahon’s hand-chosen future, the man who needed three matches to qualify and two losses expunged from the record books, was on the receiving end of a 9-on-1 beatdown. When he rolled out of the ring, Kofi took the initiative to leap over the top onto McIntyre! The rest used the time to grab ladders, highlighted by Bourne and Hardy ramming a ladder into Kane’s body. Shelton Benjamin was the first back in the ring with a ladder, quickly climbing but stopped by Jack Swagger. The “All-American American” followed Benjamin up the ladder, somehow connecting with a Gutwrench Powerbomb that shook the ring! Both men lay hurt as Christian hits the ring with a goliath ladder. He sets it up, towering over the other ladder in the ring. He starts the long climb up, only to have Matt Hardy climb the opposite side. MVP began climbing the smaller ladder and Dolph Ziggler springboarded onto the other side. All four trade blows and reach for the briefcase until Kane, still favoring his midsection, grabs Ziggler by the leg. Whipping his leg out, Ziggler falls into Kane’s clutches, but as Kane lifts him for a Chokeslam, Ziggler reverses it into a hard DDT. Dolph regroups and lands a Zig-Zag on Christian, crashing fifteen feet down! Both men writhing in pain, Hardy locks MVP in and plants him with a Side Effect! The crowd grows louder as Kofi Kingston and Evan Bourne, each wielding ladders, reenter the ring. They both throw their ladders at each other, crashing halfway between them, and Kofi catches Bourne with a crossbody. Taking Bourne’s prone body and placing it in between two ladders, Kofi ran the ropes and connected with a sandwiching Boom Drop! Visibly in pain, Kofi struggles to his feet and saunters up a ladder, only to get blasted in the shoulder by a ladder courtesy of Jack Swagger. Cameras cut to the outside where Drew McIntyre and Matt Hardy are brawling; McIntyre grabs the upper hand with an eye poke before chop-blocking him. The “Chosen One” wedges Hardy’s knee within a ladder, repeatedly slamming the side into the knee of Matt Hardy! After nearly a dozen blows to the knee, McIntyre ceases and Hardy writhes in pain, holding his knee as referees attend to him. On the other side of the ring, Christian wedges a ladder between the ring and the announcer’s table. From beyond the camera’s blind side, MVP rushes Captain Charisma and floors him with a shot from a mini ladder. In the ring, Shelton Benjamin runs the ropes and leaps toward MVP, but ends up on the receiving end of the mini ladder, thrown like a projectile at Benjamin’s head! The crowd collectively gasps as Benjamin lies on the floor. Michael Cole documents the carnage around the ring as cameras see Matt Hardy being carted up the ramp on a stretcher, still favoring the knee Drew McIntyre targeted. Back in the ring, Evan Bourne and Jack Swagger are duking it out on top of a ladder; Bourne kicks Swagger down. Too far away to viably reach for the briefcase, Evan Bourne ascends to the ladder’s top and crashes down on Swagger with a Shooting Star Press! Both men clutch their bodies in pain as Kane slides into the ring with a sickening smile, surveying the carnage in and around the ring. He climbs the ladder, only to be grabbed from behind by Dolph Ziggler, who locks in a sleeper hold. Each rung Kane descends, the hold becomes tighter. Ziggler releases the hold as Kane, weakened, stays on his knees on the mat. Ziggler connects with a kick to the head, knocking Kane out of the ring. On the outside, Christian and MVP are brawling near the ladder Christian set up earlier. Christian ducks a kick and tosses MVP onto the ladder. Joining his foe on the prone ladder, Christian slowly locks his arms, turns around, and plants MVP face-first on the ladder! The steel shakes and both men fall off, each favoring a different part of their hurt bodies. Back in the ring, Dolph and Kofi engage in a sequence that culminates with the latter nailing a Trouble in Paradise kick. “This is Kofi’s chance! This is Kofi’s moment!” Matt Striker shouts as Kingston senses the opportunity. Suddenly, Drew McIntyre hits the ring and lands a fierce low blow to the climbing Kofi, knocking him to the mat. With no one in sight, McIntyre ascends the ladder and unhooks the briefcase, winning the match in dirty fashion. Drew McIntyre wins Money in the Bank in 16:07!
The crowd blares a loud mix of cheers and boos, upset Drew McIntyre won but in awe of the destruction of the match. McIntyre poses with his newly acquired briefcase as replays show the carnage that partook in the match. Cameras pan around eight injured men, as Drew McIntyre stands tall in the middle of the ring, Intercontinental Championship in one hand, Money in the Bank briefcase in another.
A video package airs, hyping the next match: Sheamus vs. Triple H. It features Sheamus talking about his impressive rookie year; annihilating ECW, winning the WWE Championship from John Cena, and competing in the Elimination Chamber. He blames Triple H for halting his ascension to the top of WWE.
Grudge Match
Sheamus vs. Triple H
A collar-and-elbow tie-up starts this match, culminating in Triple H taking down the brash Irishman with a headlock. They both reach their feet again, and Sheamus instigates an Irish whip, but Triple H stops himself at the ropes. Sheamus charges but is sent over the top rope. He swings at “The Game,” but is blocked and meets a strong right hand, sending him toward the barricade. “You want a fight? You got a fight big guy!” Triple H shouts as Sheamus takes his time coming back into the ring. They lock up again, this time ending up with Sheamus back-first in the corner. Triple H reels back and lands a Ric Flair-esque chop to the heart of Sheamus! He goes for another one but the Irishman reverses, laying a flurry of knees to the sternum. With Trips reeling, he walks to the opposite corner before charging vigorously, attempting a Brogue Kick. Triple H ducks and rolls out of the ring, but Sheamus follows and clubs his back on the outside. Sheamus whips his opponent over the corner barricade, and then pulls off an impressive suplex on the outside! Sheamus slides back in, taunting the crowd after each count the referee makes. Finally, by the count of nine, Triple H was back in, and Sheamus goes for a cover, only broken up by “The Game” wisely placing his foot on the bottom rope. Sheamus controls the offense until Helmsley lands a spinebuster out of nowhere! Staggering to his feet, he hit the ropes gingerly and came down with a knee drop onto the scarlet dome of the Irishman. After another knee, Triple H connects with a Pedigree! “One, two, thr-NO!” both the crowd and Michael Cole exclaim. Sheamus kicked out at two and Trips begins pleading with the referee. He goes for a suplex but Sheamus wriggles free and connects with a massive Brogue kick, leaving Triple H’s body to flop to the outside once again. Sheamus beats the mat, angry his surefire pinfall escaped the ring. He goes outside but shouts in agony and falls to the ground. As Trips gets to his feet, the head of sledgehammer is seen poking out of the apron, a deceptive yet clever tactic from the “Cerebral Assassin.” They both reenter the ring, Sheamus favoring his ankle, as Triple H cinches in a Figure Four! Sheamus cries out in pain and flails toward the rope. Realizing he’s too far away for a rope break, the crafty rookie shifts his weight, applying pressure on Triple H’s leg and forcing the break of the hold. Hobbling for a few steps, Sheamus connects with a double axe handle, then another, then lifts Trips up and hits an Irish Curse backbreaker for a two-count. He angrily grabs his foe by the hair and tosses him to the apron, placing his head and chest between the top and middle ropes. Ascending the middle rope in the corner, Sheamus leaps and connects with an elbow to the back! He covers the fallen Triple H but again only musters a two count. Irate, Sheamus sets up for a Celtic Cross, but cannot deliver. Triple H frees himself from the maneuver and hits a second Pedigree, stalling for a second before covering Sheamus for a hard-fought win. Triple H d. Sheamus in 10:04!
Clutching his back, Triple H stands tall in the outset of the match, although having been taken to the zenith by the impressive showing of Sheamus. A quick recap of the match and Triple H is posing on the top rope, as cameras cut to a disappointed Sheamus sitting on the outside.
A video package airs, hyping the feud between CM Punk and Rey Mysterio. Punk enters first, flagged by Luke Gallows and Serena. Next out is Rey Mysterio, clad in blue reminiscent of the creatures in the blockbuster movie Avatar.
S.E.S. Pledge Match
CM Punk vs. Rey Mysterio
Both men trade kicks early; the match starts off hot with Mysterio gaining the upper hand, ultimately flooring Punk with a hurracarana. Mysterio looked for a plancha but stopped himself at the sight of Serena running in front of her savior. Punk goes over strategy with his cohorts before reentering the ring. Mysterio attempts a low kick; Punk jumps over it, but is hit by another attempt. He places Punk in the corner and charges at him. Punk tosses the luchador to top rope and laces him in the tree of woe. With his foe helpless, Punk takes his time and lands a dropkick to the head. After only managing a two count, the “Straight Edge Savior” calculatingly strolls to the apron and slingshots himself onto Mysterio, á la Eddie Guerrero. He locks his legs around Mysterio’s throat, mockingly wagging his finger at the camera as he clamped tighter. He broke the hold only to release a flurry of elbow drops that mustered a two count. Angered, Punk whips Rey into the corner and lands a high knee, taunting the crowd before dropping Mysterio with a bulldog. He signals that the match will be over soon and picks Mysterio up. En route to connecting with the GTS, Mysterio counters with a hurracarana, sending Punk into the ropes! Rey sprints for the 619 but notices Luke Gallows’ presence near CM Punk; Rey adjusts his game plan and dives over the ropes onto Gallows! Punk slips outside; Mysterio charges and sets up a bulldog but Punk was able to reverse his momentum and send him gut-first onto the steel steps! Rey lays writing in pain as Punk slides back into the ring. As the masked superstar slides back in the ring, Punk lifts him up and drops him down with a massive gutbuster! Somehow, Mysterio kicks out, prompting Punk to berate the referee. Angry, Punk places Rey in another tree of woe, setting up the same devastating dropkick he connected with earlier. This time, however, Mysterio lifted himself up, and Punk split his legs on the ring post! The “Straight Edge Savior” yells in Soprano as Serena looks on, visibly grimacing. Mysterio dropped down and planted a dropkick to Punk’s backside. Mysterio went for another 619 and connected! He delivers a swift kick to the head of a charging Gallows before landing a top rope splash and securing a pinfall. Rey Mysterio d. CM Punk in 9:04!
Rey Mysterio celebrates momentarily before dodging Luke Gallows’ attempt at an attack. The masked superstar celebrated with the fans on the ramp, squeaking out a victory as the Straight Edge Society shouted. By the sounds of their anger, this feud is far from over.
The announcers turned it over to Hall of Famer Howard Finkel, who announces the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2010. Each inductee received a warm ovation from the Arizona crowd: Stu Hart, represented by the Hart family; Antonio Inoki; Wendi Richter; “Mad Dog” Maurice Vachon; Gorgeous George, represented by his ex-wife Betty Wagner, and "The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase.
World Heavyweight Championship
Chris Jericho © vs. Edge
The match begins with a standard collar-and-elbow tie-up, halted by Jericho taking down Edge by the legs. “How’s that Achilles holdin’ up?” the arrogant champion questions as he hits the ropes. Edge stays down, then leapfrogs, then takes Jericho down with a hip toss. They reach their feet, and Jericho regains control with an arm wring. He whips Edge off the ropes, attempting a clothesline but Edge ducks underneath. Fearing a Spear off the rebound, Jericho slips out of the ring. Edge slides out in pursuit, grabbing Jericho by the hair and ramming his head into the barricade! He throws the champion into the ring and stomps away at him. Jericho stumbles to the corner where he sits and regroups until Edge rushes him with a running face wash! After a near-fall he picks up Jericho, who breaks free and lands a low dropkick to Edge’s leg, the same leg that harbors a fresh surgically repaired Achilles tendon. He slides out of the ring, hobbling, before Jericho bounces off the ropes in the corner and dives onto Edge on the outside! The World Heavyweight Champion arrogantly throws Edge back into the ring, only stopping to grab the injured leg and slam it against the apron. He whips Edge, but the latter stumbles and falls before he could hit the ropes, holding his attacked leg. The referee attends to Edge but is interrupted by a barrage of stomps to the leg, courtesy of Chris Jericho. He taunts as Edge forces himself to stand, still hobbling. Jericho kicks the back of Edge’s leg, dropping the challenger once again. He brings Edge into the corner, wrapping his injured leg around the middle rope and pulling until the referee forces the break. At this point Jericho directs all his attention on Edge’s targeted lower leg. He floors Edge with a dragon whip, then using the ropes for leverage lands knee-first on the calf. He clamps the leg and comes down with a DDT on it! All the while Edge continues to kick out, tending to his leg as much as he can before Jericho deals out more damage on it. Jericho begins to berate the downed Edge, who responds with a swift punch to the head. He rises, limping, as Jericho attempts a clothesline out of retaliation. Edge ducks and plants him with a classic Edge-O-Matic! Still favoring his leg, however, he was unable to go for a cover quick enough, and Jericho kicked out. They both get up and Edge begins a furious rally, with a couple clotheslines followed by a half-nelson facebuster. He ascends the middle rope and comes down with a singular elbow to the black heart of the World Champion. Now chants of “Spear! Spear!” evolve from the crowd, and Edge looks around before taking a place in the corner and motioning for Jericho to get up. Edge charges but does not connect with the Spear, instead eating a surprise Codebreaker from Jericho! The champ pauses before going for the cover, but miraculously Edge kicks out at two! Jericho is in disbelief, and he argues with the ref before sadistically turning back toward the rising Edge. He kicks Edge’s head a couple times before he gets up, putting him down immediately with a bodyslam. Jericho connects with the Lionsault for a two-count. Out of anger, he attempts one again, only for Edge to put his legs up. Jericho wisely sense that and grabs Edge’s legs, trying to turn him for the Walls of Jericho. Realizing Edge is unwilling to turn over, Jericho busts out a different submission hold. Dropping down, he wraps his legs around Edge’s, pressing on the knee, locking in an Indian Deathlock! The challenger screams in agony as Jericho continues to put pressure on the knee. It took nearly 45 seconds for Edge to finally clasp the ropes, but Jericho savored the extra five seconds before breaking the hold. Both men return to their feet, Jericho first, and the champion runs at the challenger. Edge, either by instinct or desperation, grabs Jericho by the head and plants him with a Downward Spiral! The referee begins a count as both men struggle to stand. As both rise to their knees, they trade blows to the head, which saw Jericho gain the upper hand. Edge makes his way to the corner where Jericho charges, but Edge dodges allowing the champion to ram his shoulder into the ring post! He reenters the match where a rejuvenated Edge wrings his arm, gives him a shoulder tackle while not letting go, pulls him in and drives him down with an Edgecution DDT! The fans rise to their feet, awaiting a Spear from Edge. Once again, the “Rated R Superstar” perches himself in the corner, stalking Jericho, waiting for him to get up. This time, Jericho pulls out a drop toehold, still holding the legs and locking in the Walls of Jericho! “Tap Edge! Tap!” Jericho yells as the ref asks Edge. After a few seconds of writhing, Edge reaches the ropes. Jericho snaps, not knowing how Edge could have possibly broken the Walls. Angry, he goes to the outside, ripping the covering off two announce tables in anger. Edge finds him out there and connects with a big boot. Edge picks him up, ready to throw the champ back into the ring for the win. Jericho, pleading with his adversary, yells, “Edge, Edge! If you put me back in that ring, I’ll put you in a wheelchair. I guarantee it!” He then spits the face of Edge, who after a pause clobbers Jericho onto one announce table. He rises atop the other exposed table and beckons Jericho to stand. The crowd goes frantic as Edge charges Jericho, spearing him from the announce table into the timekeeper’s area below! The barricade shatters and both men crash and burn on the floor of University of Phoenix Stadium. The referee stops his count to attend to the fallen superstars, neither of whom has gotten up since the spear. The ref then calls for medical attention and ends the match. Chris Jericho vs. Edge ends in a No Contest in 18:42!
The crowd is still in awe of the destruction around the barricade. The commentators are stunned, with Matt Striker peering over the rubble to check on Edge and Jericho. Both are moving but unable to get up. Referees and medical personnel attend to both.
A video package airs, highlighting the 13-year feud between Bret Hart and Mr. McMahon. It featured the infamous “Bret screwed Bret” line uttered after Hart left for WCW in 1997. Vince McMahon came to the ring rather aggressively in anticipation of this boiling point in their rivalry. Bret Hart entered to a massive ovation; after a pause he motioned for someone to come out with him. Out come brothers Bruce, Smith, and Keith, sisters Ellie and Georgia, as well as the Hart Dynasty and Natalya, all of whom are staring a hole through the maniacal McMahon! McMahon is flabbergasted, yelling at Hart and the referee as the former enters the ring.
No Holds Barred Match
Bret Hart vs. Mr. McMahon
“Now hold on just a minute,” Vince McMahon disgruntledly said on the microphone. “You think you can come out here with the cavalry? You think that you’re gonna screw me—me, Vincent Kennedy McMahon—at my Wrestlemania? I’m smarter than that you coward, and I have tricks up my sleeve too.” He threw the mic at Bruce Hart, and a familiar theme song hit. The Unified WWE Tag Team Champions, The Miz and Big Show, headed down the aisle as Mr. McMahon’s personal cavalry. The Hart Dynasty charge at them, but Show tosses a knockout punch at Tyson Kidd and Miz plants David Hart Smith with a nasty Skull Crushing Finale. With part of Bret Hart’s backup downed, ShoMiz smirk and walk toward the ring. Meanwhile, Smith Hart hands a chair to Bret, who slams it into McMahon’s back, which was turned looking at his cavalry! Hart unleashed a barrage of chair shots to McMahon’s downed body, a baker’s dozen for every year of animosity between the two. Big Show stands on the apron, trying to intimidate the veteran Hart. The crafty Vince capitalized on Hart’s distraction and used the chair to low-blow Hart! McMahon spits on the downed Hart, prompting the crowd to drown the air with jeers. The Hart family begins to act atwitter as McMahon lands clubbing body blows on Hart as The Miz holds him upright. Miz assists in the assault, the Hart family unable to intervene due to Big Show’s close presence. Miz bodyslams Hart, allowing Vince to connect with a legdrop. He covers—Bret kicks out. Frustrated, McMahon immediately attempts another cover, only resulting in another Hart kickout! Suddenly, David Hart Smith rushes and shoves Big Show into the barricade! Miz goes to tend on his partner but is met with a running elbow from Tyson Kidd! The Hart brothers gang up on Miz, stomping them as Bret finally gains the offensive on Mr. McMahon. It starts with a couple of kicks, ultimately turning McMahon around and planting him with an atomic drop; still reeling from the move, McMahon eats a discus clothesline courtesy of Natalya! The Hart Dynasty enters the ring, leveling the prone McMahon with a Hart Attack! By now, Big Show reenters the fray but Miz is still out on the outside; he grabs David Hart Smith by the throat, but Bret hits him in the knee with a chair! The crowd senses the end is near for Vince McMahon, as Bret grabs his legs and twists him around for a Sharpshooter! Hart clenches the hold tight and a battered McMahon has no choice but to tap. Bret Hart d. Mr. McMahon in 8:18!
Hart squeezes one last time on the Sharpshooter before releasing the hold. The crowd in Glendale cheered vigorously as the Hart family enters the ring. Each embraces Bret as the referee tends to McMahon. A replay of the match’s final moments plays as the cameras cut to the Hart family extending a collective bow to the fans.
An ad plays, zooming around the city of Atlanta, Georgia before settling on the Georgia Dome. Wrestlemania XXVII is live from Atlanta on April 3, 2011! After, the commentators talk about the battle royal that occurred before Wrestlemania XXVI went on the air—a 26-man over-the-top-rope contest won by Yoshi Tatsu!
Ten-Diva Tag Team Match
Alicia Fox, Layla, Maryse, Michelle McCool, and Vickie Guerrero vs. Beth Phoenix, Eve, Gail Kim, Kelly Kelly & Mickie James
Layla and Gail Kim kick off this match. They lock up with Kim getting the upper hand and controlling the arm of Layla. She tags in Eve, who retains the arm wring and uses it to floor Layla. She paces back a few steps before cartwheeling and landing with a splash on Layla for a two count. Eve tags in Mickie James, and eager to exit the match Layla tags in Alicia Fox. James nails a couple forearms on Fox, sending her to the ropes. She tries to Irish whip Fox, but is instead taken down by a short-arm clothesline. Fox tosses her opponent into the corner, driving her foot into James’ throat until the referee forces the break. Fox controls some offense until attempting an Axe Kick, which Mickie dodges and lands a running crossbody! Both women scramble gingerly to their corners, with Mickie tagging in Kelly Kelly and Fox entering Maryse. The two fresh ladies meet in mid-ring with Kelly downing the Divas Champion with one clothesline, then another, then a long-winded hurracarana! Kelly charges toward Maryse but is met with a poke to the eyes, followed by a quick roll up. The Divas Champion then tagged in the Women’s Champion, Michelle McCool. McCool goes toward the downed Kelly but is sent into the ropes. Kelly tries to make her way to her corner but McCool grabs her by the foot, pulling her back and clubbing her down. Meanwhile, Maryse is shouting to tag her back in, extending her arm to McCool. Unfortunately for the Divas Champion, the Women’s Champion tags in Vickie Guerrero for the first time in the match! Maryse is visibly disgusted and begins yelling in a mix of French and English as McCool left the ring, leaving Kelly prone near the turnbuckle. Vickie came in sheepishly and kicked Kelly before glancing at the turnbuckle. Uncharacteristically, Vickie climbs the turnbuckle and the crowd begins to stir up. She points to the heavens, diving off the top rope like her husband Eddie! Kelly recognized this, however, and moved away, leaving Vickie to crash and burn on the mat. Kelly gets out of dodge and tags in Beth Phoenix, who knocks the four members of the opposing team off the apron. She then stalks her prey, a fallen Vickie Guerrero, before dropping her with a Glam Slam for the win. Beth Phoenix, Eve, Gail Kim, Kelly Kelly & Mickie James win in 6:33!
The victorious team of Divas celebrates in the ring. McCool stares in disbelief at her fallen teammate, with Maryse in the background shouting at her. She grabs her Divas Title and throws the Women’s Championship at McCool, who still stood in disbelief.
A video package airs, chronicling the careers of both John Cena and Batista. It culminates with Batista’s WWE Championship victory a month prior at Elimination Chamber, as well as the war of words since. John Cena entered first, following a strong performance by U.S. Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team. The WWE Champion enters next, with seemingly all the lights in University of Phoenix Stadium dimming, save for the one sole spotlight fixed in on Batista’s movements.
WWE Championship
Batista © vs. John Cena
Batista and Cena stare down each other as the bell rings. They pace around before locking in a collar-and-elbow tie-up. The WWE Champion lands a stiff forearm close up, sending Cena to the ground. An all-out brawl ensues, with both men landing strong rights and lefts, culminating with “The Animal” sliding out of the ring. Cena chases and tosses Batista back into the ring. Cena senses Batista charging and reverses into a sit-out hip toss. Cena steadily controlled the offense until Batista hit a monster spear out of nowhere! He stands, kicking Cena’s head mockingly before berating the audience. The champ locks in an abdominal stretch; Cena breaks free with a hip toss but Batista stands back up and spears Cena once again! He covers but Cena kicks out at two. He throws Cena into the corner, pummeling him with body blows before tossing him with authority across the ring. Cena tries to throw a punch from the ground, but misses. Batista smirks before lifting Cena for a gorilla press slam. Batista covered but only got a two count; he shrugged and stared down the ref before plotting his next move. This became a reoccurring theme, as Batista grew furious with each pin attempt not putting away John Cena. Lariat—kickout. Backbreaker—kickout. Stalling suplex—kickout! Batista, enraged begins clobbering the turnbuckle in frustration as Cena clings to the ropes to get back up. The WWE Champion grabs his challenger and delivers a mat-shaking spinebuster right in the middle of the ring. He cinches in a pin, and John Cena kicks out at one! Batista is in utter shock as Cena rises to his feet. He runs for a clothesline but Cena ducks and lands a clothesline of his own! He buckles a tad, still feeling the effects of Batista’s beatdown, but gets back up in time to land a shoulder tackle, and then another, ducking a clothesline and hitting a spinning slam. The crowd flares in a chorus of cheers and boos as Cena mouths “You can’t see me” to Batista and comes down with a Five Knuckle Shuffle! He stalked his opponent to his feet, picking him up for an Attitude Adjustment. Batista squirms free and runs toward Cena, who performs a drop toehold and locks in an STF in the middle of the ring! Batista squirms around; just as the fans thought he was ready to tap out, Batista manages to reach the ropes, breaking the hold. Both men stagger to their feet. They trade punches slowly, before Cena whips Batista into the ropes. The latter attempts a spear but Cena dodges it and picks him up for an Attitude Adjustment. Again, Batista counters, kicking Cena in the gut and dropping him with a Batista Bomb! Instead of covering the challenger, Batista picks him up again and delivers a second Batista Bomb in succession, dragging Cena’s body into the center of the ring for the decisive pinfall. Batista d. John Cena in 13:22!
A mixed reaction from the crowd flooded the stadium. Batista was handed his WWE Championship and raised it high, all the while staring down at the broken John Cena. Michael Cole, in a somber tone, runs down the brutal highlights of this highly physical match. A lone spotlight brightens the arena, as Batista stops to pose with fans wearing “Cena Sucks” t-shirts. He walks back up the ramp, WWE Championship draped over his left shoulder, only looking back momentarily. John Cena struggles to return to his feet as the cameras fade to black.
One final video package airs. Here, Shawn Michaels’ career highlights play, with a bell toll and footage cut at certain areas to one of Undertaker’s previous Wrestlemania victories. Highlights of the Wrestlemania 25 encounter between the two air, with Undertaker emerging victorious. The year-long inner struggle Michaels had to cope with the loss last year plays a factor into this match. Jim Ross joins the announce team to call this match. Undertaker uncharacteristically enters first, draped in black and with fire and smoke shrouding his slow, methodical walk to the ring. Michaels enters next to a raucous ovation. His signature pyro extends from the stage to the roof of the stadium. Both legends lock eyes and the bell sounds.
Streak vs. Career
Shawn Michaels vs. The Undertaker
The fans are rowdy as both men feel each other out in the contest’s opening moments. A dueling “Let’s go ‘Taker/H-B-K” chorus erupts as they trade blows. Michaels tries to surprise Undertaker with an early superkick, but ‘Taker grabs the leg, lifting Michaels up and tossing him over the top rope. He gives chase and both men brawl on the outside; Michael Cole plays up the “no disqualification” clause in this match, a quip that differentiates this year’s encounter from last year’s. ‘Taker gets the upper hand, slamming HBK’s head off one of the exposed announce tables. They reenter the ring, where Undertaker tries a chokeslam. Before he can connect, Michaels escapes his clasp, but runs the ropes and eats a big boot that sends him to the outside to regroup. Undertaker takes this time to run the ropes and dive at Michaels! With no cameramen in sight, Michaels has no choice but to take the full force of the Deadman’s dive. The crowd pops as ‘Taker returns to his feet, pulling Michaels by the hair and throwing him over the barricade. He follows Michaels, landing boots and strikes through the rows of fans on the University of Phoenix floor. While downed, Michaels steals a chair from a standing fan and rams it into Undertaker’s midsection. He bends over, exposing his back for another chair shot. The Undertaker is now down on his knees, prompting Michaels to land more chair shot, this time to the sternum. Michaels realizes he has Undertaker prone, but also realizes he has a long way back to the ring. He tries dragging the carcass of the Deadman a few feet before losing grip. He falls to the ground, but jumps back up at the sight of Undertaker sitting up. He attempts to knock ‘Taker back down but to no avail; Undertaker powers through Michaels’ assault and throws him back over the barricade. He separates a pair of steel steps and chucks them into the ring, with a toss of Michaels following. He sets Michaels up for a Last Ride, but HBK reverses and sends ‘Taker back-first onto the steel steps! Both men stir around, regrouping before Michaels plants ‘Taker with a flying forearm. He kips up, bodyslams the Deadman, and ascends the top rope, connecting with a Wrestlemania-sized elbow drop! The crowd cheers as Michaels begins tuning up the band, but he cannot connect with the kick. Once again, Undertaker grabs the leg, spinning Michaels around and clenching his throat. He plants HBK with a mile-high chokeslam for a two count. While Michaels is reeling, ‘Taker pulls a table out from under the apron, setting it up on the outside as the front row cheers wildly. Michaels meets him outside, clobbering ‘Taker as he retreats near the announce table. Michaels grabs a monitor and throws it, connecting with Undertaker’s gut. He fixes the Deadman on an announce table, rushes to the apron, and springboards, landing on ‘Taker with a moonsault that shattered the announce table! It takes a minute or so of stirring around for both men to get back up—Michaels first—and HBK whips Undertaker back into the ring. He covers—the Deadman kicks out at two. Michaels looks in disbelief before climbing the top rope. He waits for Undertaker to sit up, then rise to his feet before diving at him with a moonsault. Just like last year, however, Undertaker catches him mid-air and delivers a Tombstone Piledriver! He wraps Michaels’ arms onto his chest for the cover, but unlike last year, Michaels kicks out! The fans erupt in applause, knowing Shawn Michaels’ career will still continue, at least momentarily. “That kickout is the product of a year of replaying the mistakes of the match over and over again in the head of Shawn Michaels,” Matt Striker notes. As Michaels begins to rise, Undertaker locks him in a Dragon Sleeper. He clenches tighter as Michaels begins to fade. The referee raises HBK’s arm, and it drops without resistance. He does this a second time—same result. “One more drop of the arm and Shawn Michaels’ career is over!” Jim Ross frantically exclaims on commentary. The referee raises Michaels’ arm a third time and drops it. It falls nearly the whole distance down, but Michaels clings to life, raising it up to the intense support of the crowd. He rises to his feet, shifts his weight and frees himself with an atomic drop! “Yes! Yes! The career of Shawn Michaels continues!” JR and Lawler shout. Michaels and Undertaker end up in opposite corners. Michaels, still catching his breath, raises his arms and salutes Undertaker with a D-Generation X crotch chop! Cameras zoom in on Undertaker, his face turning from stoic to furious. He charges the opposite corner but Michaels dodges the big boot, sending ‘Taker over the top rope. A bit dazed, Undertaker has no chance of countering Michaels’ superkick, which sends ‘Taker off the apron, crashing through the table he set up earlier! The crowd applauds feverishly as HBK finally musters up control in this match. He tosses a half of the broken table back on top of Undertaker before throwing him back in the ring. He covers—one, two, kickout! Michaels is not fazed by the kickout; instead, he ascends the top rope and lands another elbow drop to the heart of The Undertaker! He tunes up the band again, with Undertaker stoically sitting up, only to play some Sweet Chin Music! The crowd pops as Michaels covers. “One, two, NO!” Lawler yells. Michaels holds his head in his hands, in disbelief. He pleads with the referee, not seeing Undertaker sit up once again. He kicks Michaels in the gut, picking him up for the Last Ride. Michaels wiggles free, catching Undertaker with another Sweet Chin Music! HBK wastes no time covering, but once again Undertaker powers out. Both competitors lie on the mat, the 70,000 fans around them rowdy. Michaels kips up; Undertaker immediately sits up. They trade blows before Undertaker wrings Michaels’ arm. He brings HBK over to the corner, walking the ropes before coming down with Old School. The Deadman grabs the downed HBK by the throat and whips him into the corner. Michaels flips to the top and flips back down, dazed and easy pickings for ‘Taker. Undertaker picks Michaels up and delivers a second Tombstone! He covers, but HBK kicks out at two again! Irate, ‘Taker stands, motioning the end is near with a cutthroat signal. He watches as the downed Michaels grabs his boots, then his tights, trying to make his way to his feet using The Undertaker’s attire. With tears in his eyes, Michaels rises to his knees, giving the cutthroat sign to his formidable opponent. After a pause, Undertaker nods and lifts Michaels up, jumping and landing a third Tombstone, this time getting the victory. The Undertaker d. Shawn Michaels in 26:56!
The commentators grew solemn. The crowd shushed. A graphic reading “18-0” shrouded in lightning emblazoned the stage. Undertaker rose to his knees and posed, with thunder crackling throughout University of Phoenix Stadium. He paced around the ring until Michaels began to move. The WWE Universe began to cheer, many with tears streaming from their faces, as the Heartbreak Kid stumbles to his feet. His eyes meet Undertaker’s. Meeting face to face, they say a few words under their breaths before exchanging a handshake and an embrace. Undertaker left, and Michaels is left in front of 70,000 plus, all of who are on their feet in tears. Michaels wipes tears from his eyes, mouthing “Thank you,” to the audience. He saunters to the rope, sitting on the apron. A resounding “Thank you Shawn” emanates from the crowd as a teary-eyed Shawn Michaels takes one more walk up the ramp. One last time, he turns back to the fans, waves, and turns back around, kneeling and looking up to the heavens as Wrestlemania XXVI comes to a close.
© World Wrestling Entertainment 2010 |
in' Johnny