WWE-Universe: January 2011

Monday, January 31, 2011

NEW RECORDS SET AT ROYAL RUMBLE 2011

Michael Cole noted last night that the #40 entrant Kane was entering his 13 straight Royal Rumble match in a row, which is the new record.

Last night’s 40-Man Royal Rumble match was one of the longest WWE match in history at 70 minutes.

EVAN BOURNE EXPECTED TO RETURN LATE

While Evan Bourne was one of the many rumored names for last night’s Royal Rumble main event, the RAW Superstar is not quite ready to return to action yet. Bourne noted on Twitter this weekend that he was still doing physical therapy. Bourne is scheduled to return in time for WrestleMania 27.

WRESTLERS WHO WAS REPLACED

Three WWE stars who were advertised for the Royal Rumble but did not appear were Primo Colon, Darren Young and David Hart Smith. This left 9 slots open – the six before the match and the three left open by them not appearing. These 9 slots were filled by Kevin Nash, Booker T, Dolph Ziggler, Randy Orton, Alex Riley, Hornswoggle, Tyler Reks, Chavo Guerrero and The Great Khali, who made his WWE return with Ranjin Singh.

TIME STATS ABOUT ROYAL RUMBLE

Here are the times that WWE Superstars lasted in the Royal Rumble match last night. CM Punk lasted the longest at 35 minutes and 22 seconds. R-Truth only lasted 30 seconds. The returning Kevin Nash lasted 2 minutes and 44 seconds while Booker T lasted 1 minute and 8 seconds. The winner Alberto Del Rio was in the match for 12 minutes and 33 seconds.

* CM Punk – 35:22
* John Cena – 33:18
* Wade Barrett – 22:24
* Kofi Kingston – 21:05
* Daniel Bryan – 20:56
* Rey Mysterio Jr. – 19:08
* Sheamus – 18:18
* Husky Harris – 15:59
* Michael McGillicutty – 15:07
* John Morrison – 13:22
* Santino Marella – 12:55
* Alberto Del Rio – 12:33
* Ted Dibiase Jr. – 12:16
* David Otunga – 11:57
* Hornswoggle – 9:39
* Randy Orton – 8:20
* Ezekiel Jackson – 7:14
* Mark Henry – 7:03
* Yoshi Tatsu – 5:35
* Dolph Ziggler – 5:02
* Jack Swagger – 4:51
* Drew McIntyre – 4:46
* Mason Ryan – 4:30
* William Regal – 4:10
* The Big Show – 3:31
* Alex Riley – 3:16
* Diesel – 2:44
* Chavo Guerrero – 2:01
* Chris Masters – 1:57
* Kane – 1:36
* JTG – 1:48
* The Great Khali – 1:16
* Booker T – 1:08
* Justin Gabriel – 0:58
* Heath Slater – 0:57
* Tyson Kidd – 0:52
* Zack Ryder – 0:43
* Vladimir Kozlov – 0:40
* Tyler Reks – 0:34
* R-Truth – 0:30

REY MYSTERIO INJURED

Rey Mysterio is said to be working through a rotator cuff injury right now. The injury happened on WWE’s recent overseas tour.

Mysterio is hoping to avoid surgery by going through therapy.

Mysterio handpicked Cody Rhodes to work their current feud and current plans calls for them having a match at WrestleMania 27.

ALBERTO DEL RIO WINS ROYAL RUMBLE

Alberto Del Rio earned a shot at a world title in the main event of WrestleMania 27 after winning the WWE Royal Rumble tonight in Boston.

EVE TORRES BECOMES NEW DIVAS CHAMP

Eve Torres became the new WWE Divas Champion tonight after winning a Fatal 4 Way against Natalya, Layla and Michelle McCool. The RAW General Manager changed the match from LayCool vs. Natalya to the 4 Way.

ENTRANCE AND EXITS OF ROYAL RUMBLE 2011

Below is the full list of 2011 WWE Royal Rumble entrants and eliminations from last night’s pay-per-view:

Royal Rumble Entrants:

1. CM Punk
2. Daniel Bryan
3. Justin Gabriel
4. Zack Ryder
5. William Regal
6. Ted DiBiase
7. John Morrison
8. Yoshi Tatsu
9. Husky Harris
10. Chavo Guerrero
11. Mark Henry
12. JTG
13. Michael McGillicutty
14. Chris Masters
15. David Otunga
16. Tyler Reks
17. Kozlov
18. R-Truth
19. Great Khali
20. Mason Ryan
21. Booker T
22. John Cena
23. Hornswoggle
24. Tyson Kidd
25. Heath Slater
26. Kofi Kingston
27. Jack Swagger
28. Sheamus
29. Rey Mysterio
30. Wade Barrett
31. Dolph Ziggler
32. Kevin Nash (Diesel)
33. Drew McIntyre
34. Alex Riley
35. Big Show
36. Ezekiel Jackson
37. Santino
38. Alberto Del Rio
39. Randy Orton
40. Kane

Royal Rumble Eliminations:

1. Gabriel (via Bryan at 2:35)
2. Ryder (via Bryan at 3:45)
3. Regal (via DiBiase at 8:52)
4. Chavo (via Henry at 15:05)
5. Yoshi (via Henry at 15:34)
6. JTG (via McG at 18:00)
7. DiBiase (via Harris & McG at 18:51)
8. Bryan (via Harris at 20:56)
9. Masters (via Punk at 21:11)
10. Morrison (via Nexus at 21:25)
11. Henry (via Nexus at 21:50)
12. Reks (via Nexus at 22:50)
13. Kozlov (via Punk at 24:19)
14. R-Truth (via Punk at 26:10)
15. Husky (via Khali at 27:23)
16. Khali (via Mason at 28:22)
17. Booker (via Mason at 31:00)
18. Ryan (via Cena at 32:35)
19. Otunga (via Cena at 32:40)
20. McGillicutty (via Cena at 32:41)
21. Punk (via Cena at 35:20)
22. Kidd (via Cena at 37:05)
23. Slater (via Cena at 38:42)
24. Hornswoggle (via Sheamus at 43:53)
25. Swagger (via Rey at 45:35)
26. Diesel (via Barrett at 52:22)
27. Ziggler (via Show at 54:52)
28. McIntyre (via Show at 55:18)
29. Show (via Jackson at 55:33)
30. Riley (via ??? at ???)
31. Kingston (via Orton at 60:42)
32. Sheamus (via Orton at 60:48)
33. Jackson (via Kane at 62:35)
34. Kane (via Rey at 63:29)
35. Rey (via Barrett at 63:37)
36. Cena (via Miz at 66:30)
37. Orton (via Barrett at 68:37)
38. Barrett (via Del Rio at 68:39)
39. Santino (via Del Rio at 69:48)

SUPERSTAR WERE TRENDING

Alberto Del Rio, Kevin Nash, Booker T, The Miz, Kelly Kelly, Daniel Bryan, CM Punk and others were all trending worldwide on Twitter last night during the WWE Royal Rumble pay-per-view.

KEVIN NASH TALKS ABOUT HIS RETURN

Kevin Nash wrote the following on Twitter just now regarding his return to WWE last night:

“Absolutely the best night of my wrestling career. It’s so nice to be back in WWE family. Thanks Boston for making me feel so special.”

ROYAL RUMBLE 2011, ALBERTO DEL RIO WINS

- And we're live from the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. The pyro goes off as Michael Cole welcomes us to the 24th annual Royal Rumble. Cole reports that it's sold out.

World Heavyweight Title Match: Dolph Ziggler vs. Edge

Jerry Lawler and Matt Striker join Cole on commentary as the World Heavyweight Champion Edge makes his way out for tonight's opening match. We cut to highlights from SmackDown where Vickie Guerrero banned the spear. Vickie comes out to the entrance way and as acting SmackDown GM, she's here to remind everyone that the spear is illegal and dangerous, and officially banned. Vickie begs Edge to use it tonight. She tries to get the crowd to chant spear but they won't. Vickie says Edge will lose the World Title by DQ if he uses it. She introduces Dolph Ziggler and out comes the challenger.

We get formal ring introductions before the bell. They lock up and Edge hits Dolph with a knee and right hands. Edge starts an offense but Ziggler makes a comeback and takes Edge to the corner. Dolph unloads with right hands. Edge comes back, drops a series of knees for a 1 count on Ziggler. Edge with a gutbuster for a 2 count. Edge continues the offense for a third pin attempt. Edge knocks Dolph around the ring with right hands. Edge pulls Dolph's face down on the apron and throws him into the barricade outside of the ring.

Edge beats Ziggler up on the outside of the ring. Dolph comes back and brings it back in the ring for a 2 count, working on Edge's neck. Ziggler stomps away on Edge's back. Ziggler elbows Edge's neck on the apron as the referee counts. Ziggler comes back in the ring and chokes Edge on the ropes. Ziggler with a 2 count. Ziggler goes back to working on Edge's neck with a headlock. Edge fights out of it and whips Ziggler into the corner but runs into his boot. Ziggler with a sunset flip off the top but Edge rolls out of it. Edge slingshots Ziggler head first into the corner for a 2 count. Ziggler goes after Edge's knee and drops him with a neckbreaker. 2 count.

Back and forth action. Ziggler goes back to work on Edge on the mat. A big elbow drop and a 2 count from Ziggler. Edge ends up on the apron. Ziggler runs and knocks him off, sending him into the fan barrier. Ziggler brings it back in the ring for a 2 count. Ziggler continues the attack on Edge and focuses on the neck. Edge fights to his feet again. Both men go for a crossbody and collide in mid-air. Ziggler charges Edge in the corner with a flying elbow but misses. Ziggler charges again but Edge drops him on his face. They run the ropes and Edge makes a comeback with a series of moves and a 2 count.

More back and forth. Ziggler goes for his leg drop finisher but Edge counters with a powerbomb and he only gets a 2. Edge climbs up to the top but Ziggler meets him. Ziggler climbs up and hits Edge with headbutts. Ziggler goes for a superplex but Edge fights back and knocks him to the mat. Edge hits a flying crossbody but Ziggler turns it into a close 2 count. They get to their feet and Ziggler dropkicks Edge for a 2 count. Edge eventually locks on a sharpshooter but Ziggler makes it to the ropes. Edge runs the ropes and gets hung up on the ropes. Ziggler hits the leg drop on Edge for a very close 2 count. Edge takes back control. He looks as if he's going for a spear while Vickie screams. Ziggler takes advantage and goes for the sleeper hold. Edge counters and hits the big DDT for a 2 count as Vickie pulled the referee.

Vickie gets on the apron and slaps Edge. Dolph tries to come from behind but Edge moves and he almost hits Vickie. Edge rolls up Ziggler for a close 2 count. Vickie gets back on the apron and slaps Edge again. Kelly Kelly comes down and beats up Vickie Guerrero. Edge looks on. Ziggler hits his finisher on Edge from behind but still can only get a 2 count. They go for their feet. Ziggler applies the sleeper hold. Eventually Vickie and the referee go down. Edge hits the spear without anyone seeing it and lays Ziggler out. Edge drops Ziggler on his face for the pin and the win.

Winner: Edge

- We get a WrestleMania 27 promo and highlights from the feud between Randy Orton and The Miz.

- Josh Matthews is backstage with The Miz and Alex Riley. Miz requested this time to address the WWE fans. He talks about his championship reign and says there's a reason why he's champion and Randy Orton isn't. Riley says Miz will go on to WrestleMania as the WWE Champion. Miz says he's awesome and that's it.

WWE Title Match: Randy Orton vs. The Miz

We go to the ring and out comes the challenger Randy Orton to a nice pop from the Boston crowd. Out next comes the WWE Champion with Alex Riley. The Miz makes his way into the ring and taunts Orton with the WWE Title belt. We get formal ring introductions from Justin Roberts before the bell.

Riley gets on the apron and drops Orton as the referee isn't looking. Miz takes control for a minute but Orton makes a comeback and clotheslines him out of the corner. Orton charges in the corner but Miz moves out of the way. Miz turns it around and starts kicking on Orton in the corner. Miz makes a comeback for a 2 count. Miz uses the ropes on Orton and distracts the ref. Riley comes over and decks Orton. 2 count for Miz. Miz applies a headlock on Orton now. Orton fights out of it with a headbutt but Miz takes it back with a knee to the gut. 2 count for Miz. Miz with a running boot to the face and another 2 count.

Miz continues the offense and hits an elbow to the face for another 2 count. Miz goes outside and beats on Orton while he's on the apron. Miz with a big knee to the face and another 2 count. Miz with another headlock, wearing Orton down. Orton fights out and applies a sleeper hold on Miz. Miz breaks free and goes for a back suplex but Orton fights him off. Orton responds with a big back drop. Miz drops Orton with a huge right hand for a 2 count. Miz goes to the top rope but Orton knocks him down. Orton with right hands while Miz is on the top. Orton goes up for a superplex and nails it, laying Miz out. Orton with a 2 count.

More offense from Orton. Miz ends up on the apron and Orton goes for the second rope DDT. Miz counters and backdrops Orton over the ropes and to the floor. Miz distracts the ref while Riley stomps on Orton on the floor. Miz comes outside and rams Orton into the barrier and the apron. Miz brings it back in for a 2 count. Miz with another 2 count after more offense. Miz mounts Orton with right hands now. Yet another 2 count. Miz with a chinlock on Orton now. Miz sends Orton back out to the floor and comes after him. Orton fights him off and goes for a move on the floor. Miz counters and slingshots Orton head first into the ring post. Orton charges back in the ring and unload son Miz with right hands. Miz turns it around in the corner with rights of his own. Miz charges again but Orton drops him with two clotheslines and a powerslam. Orton starts stomping on Miz now.

Orton with a big knee drop and a 2 count. Riley gets on the apron to provide distraction. This allows Miz to hit a neckbreaker for another 2 count. Miz charges but Orton dodges him and goes for an RKO. Miz counters with a Skull Crushing Finale attempt but Orton counters that with a big slam for a 2 count. Miz rolls out to the floor to regroup. He picks up his WWE Title belt and starts to leave. Orton clotheslines him on the floor and brings him back in the ring. Riley distracts again, allowing Miz to take over. Miz brings it in and DDT's Orton for a 2 count. Miz misses a kick to the face and Orton rolls him up for 2. Orton brings Miz in from the apron with the second rope DDT. Orton hits the mat and gets hype. Nexus appears on the ramp and walks to the ring, without CM Punk. It's David Otunga, Michael McGillicutty, Husky Harris and Mason Ryan. They stare down with Randy Orton while the ref is in between them. Riley comes in with the briefcase but Orton stops him. Orton throws Riley over the ropes and onto Nexus. Miz tries to attack but Orton drops him with an RKO. CM Punk runs in from outside the ring and lays Orton out with the GTS. Miz covers for the pin and the win as Michael Cole jumps up and down at ringside.

Winner: The Miz

- After the match, Punk orders Nexus to their feet and leads them to the back. Miz recovers in the ring and looks shocked that he's just won. Punk and Nexus look back at the ring from the ramp as Orton tries to recover in the ring.

- We get a promo for the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view.

- Cole talks about Cody Rhodes not being able to be int he Rumble tonight. We go backstage with Todd Grisham who reads a statement from Cody, who isn't there. Cody is upset Rey hasn't apologized and says he would have won the Rumble and went on to WrestleMania. Cody says he has a shattered face now and wants everyone to respect his wishes for privacy.

- We go to a video of WWE asking fans in the arena earlier who will win the Royal Rumble match tonight.

Handicap Match for the WWE Divas Title Match: LayCool vs. Natalya

We go to the ring and out comes the team of Layla and Michelle McCool. Out next is their opponent, the WWE Divas Champion Natalya for this handicap match..

The e-mail alert goes off and Cole has an e-mail from the RAW General Manager. He's making this match a Fatal 4 Way with Natalya vs. Layla vs. Michelle McCool vs... Eve Torres. Out comes Eve. The bell rings and they go at it. LayCool double teams Natalya and then Eve. Natalya comes back and unloads on LayCool. Natalya slingshots Layla into McCool and covers her for a 2. McCool pulls them both out of the ring. McCool runs and takes out Eve. It's only LayCool in the ring and they stare at each other, looking confused.

Natalya and Eve come int o take out LayCool. Eve and Natalya go at it with each other. Natalya goes for a sharpshooter but Layla breaks it up. Natalya hits a double sharpshooter on Layla and Eve at the same time. McCool comes in and it's broken up. Eve gets knocked out of the ring. Natalya takes on both Layla and McCool, going back and forth. Natalya rams Layla into the corner and works her over. Natalya with a spinning clothesline and Layla goes down.

McCool tries to kick Natalya but accidentally kicks Layla and drops her. Natalya pins McCool for a 2. Natalya shoves McCool out of the ring and she falls on her head. Eve comes in and takes out Natalya. Eve hits a moonsault on Layla and pins her. The referee counts it but at the same time McCool is pinning Natalya. Eve is declared the winner as he didn't see McCool pinning.

Winner and New WWE Divas Champion: Eve Torres

- After the match, McCool is furious that her pin wasn't counted. We go to replays as Eve celebrates winning the Divas Title.

40-Man Royal Rumble Match

We go to the ring for tonight's main event. Justin Roberts explains the rules and that Superstars will enter at 90 second intervals. The winner will go on to receive a title shot at WrestleMania. The first man out is CM Punk. Out next comes The Corre. They surround the ring and attack Punk. Nexus runs down next and both groups brawl in the ring. The match hasn't started yet. The e-mail alert goes off and Cole has a message. The GM wants them to stop this chaos right now. He says the only star who has the right to be in the ring is CM Punk right now. He orders the rest of Nexus and all of The Corre backstage or they will be disqualified from the match. Officials lead both groups back to the locker room.

Out next comes the #2 entrant, WWE US Champion Daniel Bryan. The bell finally rings and they lock up. They go back and forth, running the ropes. Bryan dropkicks Punk in mid-air. More back and forth on the ropes. Bryan with a clothesline. Bryan goes to eliminate Punk but can't. Punk tosses Bryan to the apron but Bryan comes back in via the top rope and a dropkick. Bryan goes for a big dropkick in the corner but Punk moves. The next man out is Justin Gabriel. Gabriel attacks Punk.

Gabriel goes at it with Punk and Bryan until Bryan eventually eliminates him. The next man out is Zack Ryder. Ryder runs down and beats Bryan down in the corner and then goes to work on Punk. Ryder with a big boot to Punk's face in the corner. Bryan comes over and hits uppercuts on Ryder. Ryder fights back and lands on Punk coming out of a Bryan move. Ryder charges Bryan but Bryan eliminates him. Bryan with kicks to Punk's back now.

The next man out is William Regal. Regal goes to work on Punk. Regal with a nice suplex and a running knee to the head. Regal and Bryan go at it now, exchanging uppercuts. Punk drops Regal with a kick to the head. Bryan drops him and kicks Regal in the side of the head. The next man out is Ted DiBiase with Maryse. Ted runs down and puts a knee in Bryan's back, then dropkicks him. Ted dropkicks Regal but gets kicked by Punk. Ted with a huge running clothesline on Punk. Ted tries to eliminate Punk and just beats him down while Bryan hits a series of kicks to Regal's chest.

Bryan tries to eliminate Ted now and he falls to the apron. The next man out is John Morrison. Morrison charges the ring and almost falls jumping on the apron. Morrison takes Regal out with a kick and then DiBiase. Morrison with a second rope kick on Punk and a C4 on Bryan. Ted comes over and tries to eliminate Morrison. He hangs on and fights Ted off. Regal pushes Morrison off the apron but Morrison leaps onto the fan barrier and never touches the floor. Wow. Ted eliminates Regal. Morrison leaps from the barrier to the steel steps, never have touched the floor. Morrison comes back in the ring and goes to work on Ted.

The next man out is Yoshi Tatsu. Tatsu comes in and joins the mix, going at it with DiBiase. We get more replays of Morrison's amazing Spiderman sequence. The next man out is Husky Harris. Husky comes in and lays people out with rights and clotheslines. Husky guards Punk in the corner. Everyone attacks him and his rear gets pushed back into Punk's face. Husky and Punk double team Morrison now. Punk goes at it with Bryan now while Tatsu and Ted are in a corner. The #10 man out is Chavo Guerrero. Chavo goes at it with Ted and hits the rolling suplexes but Punk breaks it up. Punk then goes for a Three Amigos of his own and he and Chavo go back and forth with it. Chavo hits it on Morrison next. Chavo then hits it on Bryan. Chavo stands up and pays tribute to Eddie. Husky comes over and takes him down. Chavo goes at it with Husky. The next man out is Mark Henry.

Henry comes in dropping people with headbutts. He catches Chavo in mid-air and Chavo gets eliminated. Henry drops Punk next. Tatsu hits Henry from behind but gets headbutted. Henry eliminates Tatsu. Punk takes out Henry's legs. Husky and Punk double team Henry. The next man out is JTG. JTG charges the ring and passes out right hands and kicks to everyone. Husky and JTG go at it, trading shots. Husky goes over to Bryan and drops him. Husky tries t eliminate Bryan. The next man out is Michael McGillicutty.

McGillicutty comes in and eventually eliminates JTG. McGillicutty goes to work on Morrison next. Husky and McGillicutty double team DiBiase now. Ted DiBiase is eliminated. The next man out is Chris Masters. Masters fights with Nexus and hits a big spinebuster on McGillicutty. Masters goes for the Masterlock on Punk and almost eliminates him. McGillicutty comes over and beats down Masters. The next man out is David Otunga. Bryan gets eliminated by Nexus as does Masters. They try to eliminate Morrison but he hangs on hard. Morrison is eliminated. Nexus had cleared the ring except for Mark Henry. They take turns beating him up now.

The next man out is Tyler Reks. Reks charges the ring and starts brawling with Nexus. Nexus just beats up Reks and throws him out. Nexus just stand and wait now. #17 is Vladimir Kozlov. Kozlov charges the ring and starts going at it with Nexus. They just beat him down also. Kozlov is eliminated. The next man out is R-Truth. The same thing happens, he brawls with Nexus and they swarm him. Punk hits a big running knee on Truth in the corner and a bulldog. Truth is eliminated. The next man out is The Great Khali, making his WWE return. Khali has Ranjin Singh with him. Khali knocks down Nexus members as he enters the ring, going from one to the other. Khali eliminates Husky Harris. Punk begs Khali for Mercy. The next man out is Mason Ryan, the final member of Nexus. Khali drops Ryan but misses a clothesline. Ryan eliminates Khali and Nexus own the ring once again.

The next man out is Booker T! Booker makes his WWE return to a major pop from the crowd. Booker rushes the ring but Ryan beats him down. Booker gets up and the crowd is going nuts. Booker takes out Ryan with a big kick and hits the scissors kick on Otunga. McGillicutty attacks from behind. Booker takes him out with the Book End. Booker does the spinaroonie. Punk tries to attack but Booker stops him. Ryan runs over and eliminates Booker. Nexus is still in control. The next man out is John Cena to a huge pop.

Cena rushes the ring and runs through Nexus. Cena takes out every single member, going on a rampage. Mason Ryan is eliminated. Cena eliminates Otunga and McGillicutty as well. It's down to Cena and Punk. The crowd is going nuts as they face off from opposite sides of the ring. Punk charges but Cena ducks. Cena goes at it with Punk. The next man out is Hornswoggle. Hornswoggle runs in and looks back and forth from Cena to Punk. Punk gets up and Hornswoggle mocks him. Punk kicks him to the mat and goes back to stomping on Cena. Punk goes to eliminate Cena but Cena counters and eliminates Punk. It's down to Cena and Hornswoggle.

Swagger comes in and takes out Kofi and Cena, hitting the big Vader splash on Cena out of the corner. Kofi comes leaping off the top and takes Swagger out with a crossbody. Kofi leaps off Hornswoggle's back for a big Boom Drop onto Swagger. The next man out is Sheamus. Sheamus comes in and takes out everyone with kicks. He drops Cena with a big backbreaker. Sheamus faces off with Hornswoggle. Sheamus just shoves him to the mat on his face. Hornswoggle cranks up for Sweet Chin Music and kicks Sheamus in the shin. Sheamus puts Hornswoggle on the top rope but Cena comes over and makes the save. Swagger takes out Cena. Sheamus goes back and kicks Hornswoggle off the top, eliminating him.

Diesel puts his glove on and raises his fist as everyone looks on shocked. Diesel enters the ring and Wade Barrett goes right for him. Nash drops Barrett, Rey, Sheamus. He drops Kofi into the corner head first. Diesel goes to work on Ziggler in the corner now and then goes to Cena, dropping him with a big clothesline. Nash with big knees on Sheamus in the corner. The next man out is Drew McIntyre. Drew and Sheamus team up on Diesel. A huge Diesel chant breaks out. Rey hits 619 on Nash. Diesel goes at it with Barrett now. The next man out is Alex Riley, to The Miz's music. Miz joins commentary.

Santino comes out and tries to fight Ezekiel but turns around to a big boot from Sheamus. It looks like Santino goes under the bottom rope and out to the floor. Zeke tries to toss Cena but he hangs on. Barrett comes over to help. The next man out is Alberto Del Rio at #38. Del Rio comes out driving a 2008 Bentley as Ricardo Rodriguez introduces him.

Alex Riley was also eliminated somewhere in the mix, so was Drew McIntyre. Del Rio takes his time getting down to the ring. The next man out is Randy Orton. Orton runs down and attacks Del Rio on the floor. Orton throws him into the steel steps. Orton comes in with an RKO and one for Kofi. Orton tosses Kofi and eliminates him. Orton eliminates Sheamus. Orton and Cena face off. Cena points at the WrestleMania sign. The #40 man is Kane and out he comes.

Kane comes in and goes at it with Orton. Kane with a big sideslam on Orton. Zeke clotheslines Kane and goes to scoop slam him. Kane counters and pulls the ropes, eliminating Zeke. Mysterio eliminates Kane but Barrett eliminates Rey. It's down to Del Rio, Orton, Cena and Barrett. Barrett tries to dump Cena but he hangs on while Orton works on Del Rio. Orton and Cena face off again. They go at it, trading right hands. Orton goes for an RKO but Cena goes for an AA. Barrett breaks it up and focuses on Cena. Barrett suplexes Cena. Del Rio and Cena go at it now. Cena hits him with an AA. Riley comes on the apron and gets knocked off. Miz runs in the ring while everyone is distracted and eliminates John Cena.

It's down to Wade Barrett, Del Rio and Orton. Cena goes over and tells Cole, "it's over." Cena is pissed as he heads back to the locker room. Del Rio and Barrett team up on Orton and beat him down in the corner. Orton clotheslines them both and powerslams Barrett. Backbreaker for Del Rio. Orton eliminates Barrett. Del Rio comes from behind to eliminate Orton and win the 2011 WWE Royal Rumble, earning a title shot at WrestleMania 27.

Or so it appears. Santino Marella comes in frmo behind. He went under the bottom rope earlier and never was eliminated. Santino drops Del Rio with a Cobra. Del Rio gets back up, eliminates Santino and resumes his celebration with Rodriguez.

Winner: Alberto Del Rio

- After the match, Del Rio celebrates in the ring as Rodriguez goes crazy on the microphone. The Royal Rumble goes off the air with Del Rio pointing up at the WrestleMania 27 sign as the pyro goes off. Rodriguez repeatedly yells Del Rio's name as Cole welcomes us to the Road to WrestleMania.

LIVE ROYAL RUMBLE COVERAGE

The next man out is Big Show. Diesel has been eliminated. As Show is coming out, he meets Diesel at the entrance way and they speak. Show comes in with headbutts. Sheamus and Drew team up on him but he drops them. Show chokeslams Barrett. Show eliminates Ziggler. The next man out is Ezekiel Jackson. Drew McIntyre is eliminated. Ezekiel eliminates Big Show and clotheslines Sheamus & Mysterio. Ezekiel and Barrett stand tall and raise their hands. The next man out is Santino Marella.

Santino comes out and tries to fight Ezekiel but turns around to a big boot from Sheamus. It looks like Santino goes under the bottom rope and out to the floor. Zeke tries to toss Cena but he hangs on. Barrett comes over to help. The next man out is Alberto Del Rio at #38. Del Rio comes out driving a 2008 Bentley as Ricardo Rodriguez introduces him.

Alex Riley was also eliminated somewhere in the mix, so was Drew McIntyre. Del Rio takes his time getting down to the ring. The next man out is Randy Orton. Orton runs down and attacks Del Rio on the floor. Orton throws him into the steel steps. Orton comes in with an RKO and one for Kofi. Orton tosses Kofi and eliminates him. Orton eliminates Sheamus. Orton and Cena face off. Cena points at the WrestleMania sign. The #40 man is Kane and out he comes.

Kane comes in and goes at it with Orton. Kane with a big sideslam on Orton. Zeke clotheslines Kane and goes to scoop slam him. Kane counters and pulls the ropes, eliminating Zeke. Mysterio eliminates Kane but Barrett eliminates Rey. It's down to Del Rio, Orton, Cena and Barrett. Barrett tries to dump Cena but he hangs on while Orton works on Del Rio. Orton and Cena face off again. They go at it, trading right hands. Orton goes for an RKO but Cena goes for an AA. Barrett breaks it up and focuses on Cena. Barrett suplexes Cena. Del Rio and Cena go at it now. Cena hits him with an AA. Riley comes on the apron and gets knocked off. Miz runs in the ring while everyone is distracted and eliminates John Cena.

LIVE ROYAL RUMBLE COVERAGE

Out next is Rey Mysterio. Rey comes in and goes at it with everyone. Rey goes for 619 on Swagger but Sheamus clotheslines him. Kofi hits Trouble in Paradise and goes for Swagger. Rey eliminates Swagger with 619. #30 is out next and it's Wade Barrett. Barrett comes in and cleans house at first. The next man out is Dolph Ziggler, still looking hurt from his match earlier. Dolph comes in and goes after Kofi. The faces try to eliminate Barrett. Now Dolph and Barrett go for Cena. The next man out is Kevin Nash as Diesel!

Diesel puts his glove on and raises his fist as everyone looks on shocked. Diesel enters the ring and Wade Barrett goes right for him. Nash drops Barrett, Rey, Sheamus. He drops Kofi into the corner head first. Diesel goes to work on Ziggler in the corner now and then goes to Cena, dropping him with a big clothesline. Nash with big knees on Sheamus in the corner. The next man out is Drew McIntyre. Drew and Sheamus team up on Diesel. A huge Diesel chant breaks out. Rey hits 619 on Nash. Diesel goes at it with Barrett now. The next man out is Alex Riley, to The Miz's music. Miz joins commentary.

LIVE ROYAL RUMBLE COVERAGE

Cena and Hornswoggle wait on the next man to come out and it's Tyson Kidd. Horny and Cena take turns on Kidd. Cena picks him up and hits the Attitude Adjustment. He then puts Kidd on Hornswoggle's shoulders and he hits the Attitude Adjustment as well. Cena eliminates Kidd. The next man out is Heath Slater. Slater and Cena go at it. Cena gets the upperhand and takes turns with Hornswoggle again. Cena eliminates Slater. Still down to Cena and Hornswoggle. The next man out is Kofi Kingston. Kofi takes his time getting into the ring. Cena and Kofi face off in the middle of the ring and look up at the WrestleMania 27 sign. They lock up and run the ropes. Kofi takes Cena off his feet. Kofi mounts Cena in the corner with right hands. The next man out is Jack Swagger.

Swagger comes in and takes out Kofi and Cena, hitting the big Vader splash on Cena out of the corner. Kofi comes leaping off the top and takes Swagger out with a crossbody. Kofi leaps off Hornswoggle's back for a big Boom Drop onto Swagger. The next man out is Sheamus. Sheamus comes in and takes out everyone with kicks. He drops Cena with a big backbreaker. Sheamus faces off with Hornswoggle. Sheamus just shoves him to the mat on his face. Hornswoggle cranks up for Sweet Chin Music and kicks Sheamus in the shin. Sheamus puts Hornswoggle on the top rope but Cena comes over and makes the save. Swagger takes out Cena. Sheamus goes back and kicks Hornswoggle off the top, eliminating him.

LIVE ROYAL RUMBLE COVERAGE

LIVE ROYAL RUMBLE COVERAGE, BOOKER T IS BACK

LIVE ROYAL RUMBLE COVERAGE

LIVE ROYAL RUMBLE COVERAGE, ROYAL RUMBLE MATCH

- We go backstage with WWE United States Champion Daniel Bryan and Gail Kim. Josh Matthews asks him about winning the Royal Rumble. Bryan says anything can happen. He says going to main event WrestleMania would be cool. The Bella Twins walk up with flowers and ask Matthews to leave. They talk about walking in on him and Kim last week and apologize. Bellas say they're a great couple and congratulate them. Bellas then insult them, saying they're the same. Gail argues with the Bellas. Brie slaps Bryan and Gail slaps Nikki with flowers. The Bellas go at it with Gail while Bryan and officials try to separate them.

40-Man Royal Rumble Match

We go to the ring for tonight's main event. Justin Roberts explains the rules and that Superstars will enter at 90 second intervals. The winner will go on to receive a title shot at WrestleMania. The first man out is CM Punk. Out next comes The Corre. They surround the ring and attack Punk. Nexus runs down next and both groups brawl in the ring. The match hasn't started yet. The e-mail alert goes off and Cole has a message. The GM wants them to stop this chaos right now. He says the only star who has the right to be in the ring is CM Punk right now. He orders the rest of Nexus and all of The Corre backstage or they will be disqualified from the match. Officials lead both groups back to the locker room.

Out next comes the #2 entrant, WWE US Champion Daniel Bryan. The bell finally rings and they lock up. They go back and forth, running the ropes. Bryan dropkicks Punk in mid-air. More back and forth on the ropes. Bryan with a clothesline. Bryan goes to eliminate Punk but can't. Punk tosses Bryan to the apron but Bryan comes back in via the top rope and a dropkick. Bryan goes for a big dropkick in the corner but Punk moves. The next man out is Justin Gabriel. Gabriel attacks Punk.

Gabriel goes at it with Punk and Bryan until Bryan eventually eliminates him. The next man out is Zack Ryder. Ryder runs down and beats Bryan down in the corner and then goes to work on Punk. Ryder with a big boot to Punk's face in the corner. Bryan comes over and hits uppercuts on Ryder. Ryder fights back and lands on Punk coming out of a Bryan move. Ryder charges Bryan but Bryan eliminates him. Bryan with kicks to Punk's back now.

The next man out is William Regal. Regal goes to work on Punk. Regal with a nice suplex and a running knee to the head. Regal and Bryan go at it now, exchanging uppercuts. Punk drops Regal with a kick to the head. Bryan drops him and kicks Regal in the side of the head. The next man out is Ted DiBiase with Maryse. Ted runs down and puts a knee in Bryan's back, then dropkicks him. Ted dropkicks Regal but gets kicked by Punk. Ted with a huge running clothesline on Punk. Ted tries to eliminate Punk and just beats him down while Bryan hits a series of kicks to Regal's chest.

Bryan tries to eliminate Ted now and he falls to the apron. The next man out is John Morrison. Morrison charges the ring and almost falls jumping on the apron. Morrison takes Regal out with a kick and then DiBiase. Morrison with a second rope kick on Punk and a C4 on Bryan. Ted comes over and tries to eliminate Morrison. He hangs on and fights Ted off. Regal pushes Morrison off the apron but Morrison leaps onto the fan barrier and never touches the floor. Wow. Ted eliminates Regal. Morrison leaps from the barrier to the steel steps, never have touched the floor. Morrison comes back in the ring and goes to work on Ted.

The next man out is Yoshi Tatsu. Tatsu comes in and joins the mix, going at it with DiBiase. We get more replays of Morrison's amazing Spiderman sequence. The next man out is Husky Harris. Husky comes in and lays people out with rights and clotheslines. Husky guards Punk in the corner. Everyone attacks him and his rear gets pushed back into Punk's face. Husky and Punk double team Morrison now. Punk goes at it with Bryan now while Tatsu and Ted are in a corner. The #10 man out is Chavo Guerrero. Chavo goes at it with Ted and hits the rolling suplexes but Punk breaks it up. Punk then goes for a Three Amigos of his own and he and Chavo go back and forth with it. Chavo hits it on Morrison next. Chavo then hits it on Bryan. Chavo stands up and pays tribute to Eddie. Husky comes over and takes him down. Chavo goes at it with Husky. The next man out is Mark Henry.

LIVE ROYAL RUMBLE COVERAGE

- We get a promo for the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view.

- Cole talks about Cody Rhodes not being able to be int he Rumble tonight. We go backstage with Todd Grisham who reads a statement from Cody, who isn't there. Cody is upset Rey hasn't apologized and says he would have won the Rumble and went on to WrestleMania. Cody says he has a shattered face now and wants everyone to respect his wishes for privacy.

- We go to a video of WWE asking fans in the arena earlier who will win the Royal Rumble match tonight.

Handicap Match for the WWE Divas Title Match: LayCool vs. Natalya

We go to the ring and out comes the team of Layla and Michelle McCool. Out next is their opponent, the WWE Divas Champion Natalya for this handicap match..

The e-mail alert goes off and Cole has an e-mail from the RAW General Manager. He's making this match a Fatal 4 Way with Natalya vs. Layla vs. Michelle McCool vs... Eve Torres. Out comes Eve. The bell rings and they go at it. LayCool double teams Natalya and then Eve. Natalya comes back and unloads on LayCool. Natalya slingshots Layla into McCool and covers her for a 2. McCool pulls them both out of the ring. McCool runs and takes out Eve. It's only LayCool in the ring and they stare at each other, looking confused.

Natalya and Eve come int o take out LayCool. Eve and Natalya go at it with each other. Natalya goes for a sharpshooter but Layla breaks it up. Natalya hits a double sharpshooter on Layla and Eve at the same time. McCool comes in and it's broken up. Eve gets knocked out of the ring. Natalya takes on both Layla and McCool, going back and forth. Natalya rams Layla into the corner and works her over. Natalya with a spinning clothesline and Layla goes down.

McCool tries to kick Natalya but accidentally kicks Layla and drops her. Natalya pins McCool for a 2. Natalya shoves McCool out of the ring and she falls on her head. Eve comes in and takes out Natalya. Eve hits a moonsault on Layla and pins her. The referee counts it but at the same time McCool is pinning Natalya. Eve is declared the winner as he didn't see McCool pinning.

Winner and New WWE Divas Champion: Eve Torres

- After the match, McCool is furious that her pin wasn't counted. We go to replays as Eve celebrates winning the Divas Title.

LIVE ROYAL RUMBLE COVERAGE, MIZ WINS NEXUS INTERRUPTS

LIVE ROYAL RUMBLE COVERAGE, MIZ VS RANDY ORTON ON PROGRESS

The bell rings and they go to lock up but Orton drops Miz with a right hand. Orton takes it to the corner and beats Miz down with a series of rights and a kick. Orton tosses Miz through the ropes and out to the floor. Orton goes out after him and throws him into the fan barrier twice. Orton with a big clothesline on the floor. Orton brings it back into the ring for a 2 count. Orton stomps away on Miz. Orton slingshots Miz's neck under the bottom rope and covers him for another 2 count. Orton charges in the corner but Miz elbows him in the face. Orton beats Miz down in the corner. Orton chokes Miz on the ropes now. Orton stomps on Miz's gut, keeping in control.

Riley gets on the apron and drops Orton as the referee isn't looking. Miz takes control for a minute but Orton makes a comeback and clotheslines him out of the corner. Orton charges in the corner but Miz moves out of the way. Miz turns it around and starts kicking on Orton in the corner. Miz makes a comeback for a 2 count. Miz uses the ropes on Orton and distracts the ref. Riley comes over and decks Orton. 2 count for Miz. Miz applies a headlock on Orton now. Orton fights out of it with a headbutt but Miz takes it back with a knee to the gut. 2 count for Miz. Miz with a running boot to the face and another 2 count.

LIVE ROYAL RUMBLE COVERAGE, MIZ VS RANDY ORTON

- We get a WrestleMania 27 promo and highlights from the feud between Randy Orton and The Miz.

WWE Title Match: Randy Orton vs. The Miz

We go to the ring and out comes the challenger Randy Orton to a nice pop from the Boston crowd.

Out next comes the WWE Champion with Alex Riley. The Miz makes his way into the ring and taunts Orton with the WWE Title belt. We get formal ring introductions from Justin Roberts before the bell.

LIVE ROYAL RUMBLE COVERAGE, EDGE WINS

More back and forth. Ziggler goes for his leg drop finisher but Edge counters with a powerbomb and he only gets a 2. Edge climbs up to the top but Ziggler meets him. Ziggler climbs up and hits Edge with headbutts. Ziggler goes for a superplex but Edge fights back and knocks him to the mat. Edge hits a flying crossbody but Ziggler turns it into a close 2 count. They get to their feet and Ziggler dropkicks Edge for a 2 count. Edge eventually locks on a sharpshooter but Ziggler makes it to the ropes. Edge runs the ropes and gets hung up on the ropes. Ziggler hits the leg drop on Edge for a very close 2 count. Edge takes back control. He looks as if he’s going for a spear while Vickie screams. Ziggler takes advantage and goes for the sleeper hold. Edge counters and hits the big DDT for a 2 count as Vickie pulled the referee.

Winner: Edge
KEEP REFRESHING THE PAGE FOR UPDATES

LIVE ROYAL RUMBLE COVERAGE

The 2011 WWE Royal Rumble pay-per-view kicks off with a video package on The Road to WrestleMania beginning. The theme is one man will make history and go to WrestleMania. For the first time ever, 40 Superstars will compete in the Rumble.

- And we're live from the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. The pyro goes off as Michael Cole welcomes us to the 24th annual Royal Rumble. Cole reports that it's sold out.

World Heavyweight Title Match: Dolph Ziggler vs. Edge

Jerry Lawler and Matt Striker join Cole on commentary as the World Heavyweight Champion Edge makes his way out for tonight's opening match. We cut to highlights from SmackDown where Vickie Guerrero banned the spear. Vickie comes out to the entrance way and as acting SmackDown GM, she's here to remind everyone that the spear is illegal and dangerous, and officially banned. Vickie begs Edge to use it tonight. She tries to get the crowd to chant spear but they won't. Vickie says Edge will lose the World Title by DQ if he uses it. She introduces Dolph Ziggler and out comes the challenger.

We get formal ring introductions before the bell. They lock up and Edge hits Dolph with a knee and right hands. Edge starts an offense but Ziggler makes a comeback and takes Edge to the corner. Dolph unloads with right hands. Edge comes back, drops a series of knees for a 1 count on Ziggler. Edge with a gutbuster for a 2 count. Edge continues the offense for a third pin attempt. Edge knocks Dolph around the ring with right hands. Edge pulls Dolph's face down on the apron and throws him into the barricade outside of the ring.

Edge beats Ziggler up on the outside of the ring. Dolph comes back and brings it back in the ring for a 2 count, working on Edge's neck. Ziggler stomps away on Edge's back. Ziggler elbows Edge's neck on the apron as the referee counts. Ziggler comes back in the ring and chokes Edge on the ropes. Ziggler with a 2 count. Ziggler goes back to working on Edge's neck with a headlock. Edge fights out of it and whips Ziggler into the corner but runs into his boot. Ziggler with a sunset flip off the top but Edge rolls out of it. Edge slingshots Ziggler head first into the corner for a 2 count. Ziggler goes after Edge's knee and drops him with a neckbreaker. 2 count.

Sunday, January 30, 2011

LIVE ROYAL RUMBLE COVERAGE

We will be providing live textual coverage of Royal Rumble 2011! Stay Tuned

NEWS ON TRIPLE H'S RETURN

The latest issue of Power Slam reports that Triple H’s return to WWE programming has been postponed on multiple occasions dating back to October.

According to WWE creative team sources, his return was originally scheduled for the Bragging Rights pay-per-view on Oct. 24. It was postponed to shortly before the Survivor Series, and again to the pay-per-view itself. He was then scheduled to return at the King of the Ring edition of Monday Night Raw on Nov. 29, then the week after that. He was also tentatively scheduled for the first Raw of 2011.

The magazine adds that there has been talk of him returning at tonight’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view.

MARYSE TALKS ABOUT NO TED DIBIASE AT ROYAL RUMBLE

Maryse revealed at the WWE Supershow last night that Ted DiBiase wasn’t there because he was sick. It’s possible that Ted won’t be ready for the Royal Rumble tonight. He wrote on Twitter yesterday: “Should have gotten a flu shot dangit! Achy, chills, coughing, congestion… About to really upset some fellow passengers with my coughing!

As of this writing, Ted is still being listed for the 40-Man main event.

GAIL KIM TURNING HEEL

Gail Kim worked as a heel at the WWE Supershow last night in Springfield, Massachusetts. Kim teamed with Maryse to defeat The Bella Twins. Gail made the save before the match when the Bellas attacked Maryse, which led to the tag match.

Gail apparently began a feud with the Bella Twins over Daniel Bryan on this past Monday’s RAW. WWE experimented with Gail as a heel at a RAW live event a few weeks back where she teamed with Maryse and Alicia Fox in a six-person match.

UPDATED CARD FOR ROYAL RUMBLE, SPOILER ON EXPECTED WRESTLERS

Below is the final card for tonight’s WWE Royal Rumble pay-per-view with confirmed and rumored names for the 40-Man main event. It’s still possible that WWE may add a match to the card as a WWE Tag Team Title match with Vladimir Kozlov & Santino Marella vs. Nexus is expected.

WWE Title Match
Randy Orton vs. The Miz

World Heavyweight Title Match
Dolph Ziggler vs. Edge

WWE Divas Title Match
Michelle McCool & Layla vs. Natalya

40-Man Royal Rumble Match

Confirmed: Alberto Del Rio, Big Show, Chris Masters, CM Punk, Daniel Bryan, Darren Young, David Hart Smith, David Otunga, Drew McIntyre, Ezekiel Jackson, Heath Slater, Husky Harris, Jack Swagger, John Cena, John Morrison, JTG, Justin Gabriel, Kane, Kofi Kingston, Mark Henry, Mason Ryan, Michael McGillicutty, Primo, R-Truth, Rey Mysterio, Santino Marella, Sheamus, Ted DiBiase, Tyson Kidd, Vladimir Kozlov, Wade Barrett, William Regal, Yoshi Tatsu and Zack Ryder.

Rumored or Expected: Christian, Evan Bourne, Kevin Nash, Booker T, Hacksaw Jim Duggan, Triple H

Currently there are 6 spots open for the Rumble match.

SMACKDOWN REPORT 1/28

We begin this week’s show with a time line from last week’s show showing the Corre’s introduction, Teddy Long’s ‘accident’, and Corre’s attack on Edge.

We are live on tape from Cincinnati, Ohio and your announcers are Michael ‘I’m Going to Win the Royal Rumble’ Cole, Matt ‘I’m Going to win the Royal Rumble’ Striker, and Josh ‘Les Thatcher is going to win the Royal Rumble’ Mathews.

Vickie Guerrero is in the ring and she tells everyone ‘Excuse Me’ a few times to get them to make even more noise. Vickie says that due to the severe injuries suffered last week, she regrets to say that Teddy Long will not be here tonight and she will be acting General Manager of Smackdown. Vickie wishes Teddy Long her best and hopes for a speedy recovery.

Vickie is interrupted by Smackdown superstar Randy Orton.

Vickie wants to know what Randy is doing out here because he does not have a match until later tonight.

Randy tells Vickie to relax. He says that he is here to show his appreciation for being invited to Smackdown. He says that he doesn’t know Vickie that well and did not get the privilege to get to know her so he tells her that she will have to excuse him. Randy tells Vickie to excuse him for what he is going to do to her boyfriend tonight. Just like the Miz is going to have to excuse him on Sunday night when he takes the WWE Championship away from him. Randy tells Vickie that she has nice hair while the crowd chants ‘RKO’. He tells Vickie that there is no excuse when it comes to her.

Vickie moves away from Randy and Dolph Ziggler’s music plays and he comes to the ring.

Dolph asks Randy who he thinks he is because nobody talks to the acting General Manager like that. Dolph asks Randy if he knows who Vickie is or who he is.

Randy says that he is pretty sure that Dolph is the same man he beat two weeks ago on Raw.

Dolph says that he is going to be World Champion on Sunday. He wants Randy to show him respect, just like he will show Vickie Guerrero respect. Never again will Randy disrespect him, his girlfriend, or anyone who stands behind them. Dolph tells Randy to remember that the next time he comes on Dolph’s show and runs his mouth. After Sunday and after tonight, Randy will have no other option but to show him respect.

Randy tells Dolph that you have to earn your respect around here. Randy hits an RKO on Dolph and then he leaves the ring.

We go to commercial.

Match Number One: Michelle McCool and Layla versus Kaitlyn and Kelly Kelly

While LayCool walk to the ring, they are attacked from behind by Kaitlyn. They both attack Layla and Michelle on the floor. Michelle pulls them away from Layla but Kaitlyn sends Michelle into the ringside barrier. Kelly sends Layla into Michelle. They get into the ring and Kelly and Kaitlyn hit clotheslines on Michelle and Layla before the referee tries to gain some control of the situation. Kaitlyn with a double clothesline.

The referee finally takes control and Michelle and Kaitlyn are going to start things off. Kaitlyn charges into the corner but she is met with an elbow from Michelle. Michelle misses a kick but Kaitlyn with shoulder tackles. Kaitlyn with a slam and gets a near fall. Layla trips Kaitlyn and the distraction allows Michelle to recover and hit a big boot and get the three count.

Winners: Michelle McCool and Layla

We go to commercial.

We are back and since Kelly was so involved in the Divas Tag Match, she stays at ringside to watch the next match. Cole wonders if there is any hypocrisy with Kelly being involved in the pre match attack on LayCool when she has condemned Drew’s previous aggressive actions.

Match Number Two: Drew McIntyre versus JTG

JTG with punches to Drew while JTG avoids Drew’s punches. JTG with a drop kick that sends Drew to the floor and he is only a few feet away from Kelly. Drew pulls JTG to the floor and hits a short arm clothesline on the floor. Drew sends JTG into the ring steps before returning to the ring. Drew with a swinging neck breaker or two as he works on the neck. Drew with another neck breaker and he gets a near fall. Drew kicks JTG in the corner and he tries for a clothesline in the corner but JTG blocks it and connects with forearms. Drew sends JTG back into the corner and the referee stops his attack. Drew returns to the dominant position and he hits a few clotheslines in the corner and then he hits a short arm clothesline. Drew with a standing drop kick and he gets a near fall.

Drew with an arm bar on JTG and JTG tries to get to his feet. JG with punches to Drew and then he hits a crucifix for a near fall. Drew with a running forearm and then he stomps on JTG’s chest. Drew with kicks to JTG but JTG with a punch to fight back. Drew takes JTG down by the hair and gets a near fall. Drew returns to the arm bar and he adds extra pressure with his elbow to the chin. Drew tries for a neck breaker but JTG counters with a back slide and gets a near fall.

Drew runs into boots from JTG and then JTG hits a clothesline. JTG tries for another back slide but Drew rolls through and hits the Future Shock DDT and gets the three count.

Winner: Drew McIntyre

After the match, Drew walks to the back as Kelly leaves her seat at the announce table and stands in the ring with a confused look on her face since Drew ignored her.

We go to commercial.

We are back and we take a look back at footage from last week when Cody Rhodes injured his nose due to his actions against Rey Mysterio.

We see the back of Cody’s head and Todd Grisham asks him a few questions. He wants Cody to turn around but Cody refuses to turn around. After what Rey Mysterio did to his face, he may never be able to show his face in public. He says that Rey did not even want to win the match. Why did he keep his knee brace exposed? He wanted to bash in his face. Cody says that he has a deviated septum and a broken nose. Cody will require extensive reconstructive surgery. Cody says that he has been ordered by doctors not to participate in the Royal Rumble. Not only has Rey shattered his face, he has shattered his dreams of headlining Wrestlemania. Cody wants to know why someone would do that. Cody says that he was the most handsome in the world. He made his living based on his looks and now he cannot even look at himself in the mirror. Cody says that he read something that said it is not who we are on the inside, but it is what we do that defines us. Cody asks himself if he is going to keep swinging and keep fighting because Rey Mysterio does not control his life. Coming to the arena today, a little kid told him that he was not dashing any more because of his face. Cody says that the kid was right.

Jack Korpela is in the interview area with the World Heavyweight Champion Edge. He asks Edge about the tag match tonight. Edge wants to talk about what the Corre did to him last week. Edge says that he has a memory like an elephant and he says that he remembers their names. He mentions Ezekiel Jackson, Wade Barrett, DJ Gabriel. Jack stops Edge to tell him that it is Justin Gabriel. Edge says whatever and then he talks about the guy with the really bad red hair, the rock band guy. Jack reminds him that is Heath Slater.

Edge points out that he is not known as the Master Manipulator or the Ultimate Opportunist for no reason. He says that he is going to let them think about it and sleep with one eye open. Edge says that he has bigger fish to fry. It is the reunion of Rated RKO and they will be facing The Miz and Dolph Ziggler. The last few weeks have been frustrating for him and he is going to take out that frustration and he is going to tear Dolph Ziggler in half with a spear.

Alberto Del Rio is walking in the back and he stops to shake hands with Michael Tarver and introduce himself, but we already know who he is. We drive to commercial with Alberto.

Alberto Del Rio introduces himself but we already know that. He is not going to tell us that it is his destiny to win the Royal Rumble. He is going to prove it. He says that he has thirty nine fighters from around the world ready to fight him. He says it is going to be like a mini Royal Rumble. One fighter is going to come out and then every thirty seconds thereafter until he has eliminated all thirty nine men. Alberto calls for the first amigito to come out.

Match Number Three: The Mini Royal Rumble Del Rio Style: Alberto Del Rio versus Seth Allen versus Mike Stevens versus Kane versus Kofi Kingston versus Rey Mysterio

Del Rio kicks Allen and then hits a back elbow followed by a snap mare and kick to the back. Del Rio throws Allen over the top rope. The next man to enter is Mike Stevens. Del Rio with a drop kick as Stevens enters the ring. Del Rio with an Irish whip and then he hits a running clothesline into the corner followed by a snap mare and drop kick to the back of the head. The next amigito is Kane and Del Rio looks shocked.

Del Rio eliminates Stevens while Kane comes to the ring. Del Rio looks around and he puts his finger in Kane’s face. Kane with an uppercut followed by punches. Kane with an Irish whip but he misses a charge into the corner. Del Rio with an enzuigiri and then he punches Kane. Del Rio runs at Kane but Kane grabs him by the throat and tries to send Del Rio over the top rope.

Out next is Kofi Kingston and he sends Kane and Del Rio over the top rope to the floor. Kane and Del Rio return to the ring and Rey Mysterio’s music plays. We have a stand off and Vickie Guerrero comes out to stop things.

Vickie says that she will not have her show get out of control. Since they are all in the ring, we will have a tag match with Kofi Kingston and Rey Mysterio facing Kane and Alberto Del Rio.

We go to commercial.

Match Number Four: Alberto Del Rio and Kane versus Kofi Kingston and Rey Mysterio

Kane and Kofi start things off and Kofi with a kick but it does not affect Kane. Kane with forearms to Kofi. Kane follows that with a vintage uppercut. Kane misses a big boot and Kofi with a drop kick to the knee and a kick to the head for a near fall. Del Rio tags in and he kicks Kofi. Del Rio with a snap mare followed by a drop kick to the back of the head for a near fall. Alberto with a front face lock followed by a slam. Kofi with a back elbow for a near fall.

Rey tags in and he kicks Del Rio. Rey with a drop toe hold and Kofi with an elbow drop. Rey with a drop kick to Del Rio for a near fall. Rey with a kick to the chest followed by shoulders in the corner. Rey misses a charge into the corner and he hits the turnbuckles. Kane tags back in and he punches Rey in the midsection. Kane with a knee to the ribs. Rey with kicks to the leg and then Rey with a drop kick to the knee and Kane falls into the ropes. Kane is able to get to the floor before Rey can hit the 619.

Rey with a drop kick to knock Kane off the apron. Kofi tags in and Del Rio is arguing with Kane on the floor. Kofi with a baseball slide into Del Rio’s back and he collides with Kane. Kofi with a suicide dive onto Del Rio and Del Rio goes into the announce table followed by Rey hitting a seated splash off the apron on Kane. Rodriguez fans Del Rio while Kofi and Kane continue to battle in the ring.

Kofi goes up top but Del Rio pushes Kofi off the turnbuckles and into the ring. Kane with kicks to Kofi while the referee returns to the ring to officiate. Kane with an Irish whip and clothesline in the corner. Del Rio tags in and he Irish whips Kofi into the corner and follows that with a clothesline and bulldog for a near fall. Del Rio with boots to the head and then he tags Kane back in. Kane with punches followed by a slam and leg drop for a near fall. Kane with a reverse chin lock on Kofi but Kofi gets to his feet and he punches his way out of the hold. Kane with a side slam for a near fall.

Del Rio tags back in and he kicks Kofi in the ribs. Del Rio works on the lower back with forearms and Kane does the same when the referee is distracted by Del Rio and Rey. Del Rio with a belly-to-back suplex for a near fall. Kane tags back in and he kicks Kofi. Kane with forearms and he chokes Kofi. Del Rio hits Kofi while the ref was out of position. Kofi tries to make the tag but Kane is able to keep him away from his corner for a moment, but Rey is able to make the tag.

Rey with a seated splash from the turnbuckles followed by an inverted DDT. Rey sends Del Rio to the floor and then he hits a drop kick on Kane and gets a near fall. Kane with a knee to Rey but Rey with a kick and then he tries for a slingshot move but Kane kicks Rey and Rey goes to the floor.

We go to commercial.

We are back and Del Rio with a back elbow and he gets a near fall. Del Rio with a reverse chin lock on Rey. Rey with elbows and punches to get out of the hold. Del Rio with a knee and then he tries for a sunset flip on Rey (but you never give Rey a sunset flip) and Rey rolls through and kicks Del Rio in the head. Both men are down and the referee starts his count. Del Rio gets up first and he kicks Rey. Del Rio gets Rey on his shoulders and then hits a gutbuster before tagging Kane back in. Kane kicks Rey and then stands on his chest. Kane with a forearm to the back followed by an Irish whip. Rey tries to float over but Kane catches him. Rey is able to hit a DDT and both men are down again.

Kofi and Del Rio tag in and Kofi with a cross body and chops to Del Rio followed by a drop kick to Del Rio and then he hits one to Kane. That loss of focus allows Del Rio to recover and Del Rio with a tilt-a-whirl back breaker and Del Rio gets a near fall. Del Rio looks to make the tag but Kane is on the ground. Del Rio yells at Kane and then he runs into the corner and gets hit with the pendulum kick followed by a cross body. Kofi gets a near fall but Kane breaks it up. Del Rio argues with Kane and Kane with a big boot to Del Rio.

Kane walks away and Del Rio wants to know what is going on. Kofi propels Rey into Del Rio for a kick to the back that sends Del Rio into the ropes. Rey with the 619 and then Kofi hits Trouble in Paradise for the three count.

Winners: Kofi Kingston and Rey Mysterio

It is time to take a look back at the Champion versus Champion match on Raw between Miz and Edge only to see Dolph Ziggler and Randy Orton get involved in the action.

We go to commercial.

We are back and Big Show makes his way to the ring. Show says hello to the people of Cincinnati. He says that when you are seven foot tall and weigh four hundred forty pounds, you aren’t just the world’s largest athlete. You are also the guy who can’t fit into airplane bathrooms and you break furniture. He mentions that he is a former World Champion. He says that you are admired by your peers, but you are also a target. When you are a target, people try to make an impact at your expense.

We go to footage from two weeks ago when Big Show was attacked by the people who would form the Corre including a slam by Ezekiel Jackson.

Show says that The Corre accomplished two things. One, they made him angry. Show says that you don’t want any part of him when he is angry. Two, the Corre reminded him what it is going to be like in the Royal Rumble match. He is going to have four or five people trying to throw him over the top rope from all angles. Show says that he never won the Royal Rumble, but . . .

The Corre comes out in their new t-shirts and they make their way to the ring. They surround the ring on all four sides.

Show wants to know if all four of them are going to attack him. He wonders if they are afraid to deal with him one on one. He asks them individually if they are going to do it. Show tells Zeke to face him one on one and the outcome might be different than two weeks ago.

Heath Slater hits Show from behind and it looks like we have an impromptu match.

Match Number Five: Big Show versus Heath Slater with Justin Gabriel, Ezekiel Jackson, and Wade Barrett

Show with a kick to Slater as he sends him off the ropes. Show with a head butt followed by a chop across the chest. Show tries to slam Slater but Slater escapes the hold and he clips Show and then hits a drop kick to the knee. Slater with a punch but Show with a chop from his knee followed by a clothesline. Show with a back body drop followed by a running butt splash and running shoulder tackle. Show gets Slater up for the choke slam and hits it and gets the three count.

Winner: Big Show

After the match, Show looks at Barrett but he sees Gabriel get on the apron so he biels Justin into the ring. Show gives Barrett a head butt. Jackson with a clothesline that sends Show to the mat. Gabriel, Jackson, and Barrett attack Show in the corner while Slater continues to recover from the beating that he received in his match.

R Truth and Chris Masters come to the ring and Jackson takes acare of them. Santino Marella, Vladimir Kozlov, and Daniel Bryan are in the next attack group of they aren’t really Smackdown superstars. Kozlov kicks Jackson and then pandemonium reigns. The Corre leaves the ring while Chris Masters and his Raw buddies help Big Show.

We go to commercial.

We are back and it is time for the Royal Rumble By The Numbers video package.

It is time to run through the lengthy card for the Royal Rumble.

The WWE Champion comes out and Michael Cole wishes that he could be Alex Riley because he is walking with the Miz to the ring. Miz has something to say before the main event. Miz says that in 1947 in an effort to stop the spread of Communism, President Truman implemented the Truman Doctrine. Four Hundred Million Dollars in military and economic aid was given to Turkey and Greece. Miz asks rhetorically what it has to do with the Royal Rumble and Miz says that it has absolutely nothing to do with the Rumble. Just like Randy Orton strutting to the ring and bullying Vickie Guerrero and hitting an RKO on Dolph Ziggler. Randy Orton can come out here and RKO everyone and then declare himself the Undisputed King of RKO, but it means absolutely nothing. Miz says that he is the WWE Champion now and he will be the Champion after Sunday. Miz says that Orton’s song says that he hears voices in his head. The only voice that he will hear after their match will be Miz’s voice and it will say that He is the Miz, he is still the WWE Champion, and that he is AWESOME. Cole has a tingle down his leg.

Match Number Six: Miz and Dolph Ziggler with Vickie Guerrero and Alex Riley versus Edge and Randy Orton

Ziggler and Orton start things off but Orton wants Miz to start the match. They lock up and Ziggler backs Orton into the corner and the referee pulls Ziggler out of the corner. Ziggler with punches and kicks to Orton and the referee pulls Ziggler out of the corner. Orton with a few punches but Ziggler with an Irish whip. Orton comes out of the corner and connects with a clothesline. Orton looks at Miz and then he returns to Ziggler and punches him. Orton with a European uppercut to Ziggler and Orton chases after Miz. They go into the ring and Ziggler kicks Orton as Miz runs past him as they go into the ring.

Orton with a Thesz Press and he punches Ziggler while Vickie tells Ziggler to get up. Edge tags in and he hits a clothesline from the turnbuckles and gets a near fall. Edge sends Ziggler into the turnbuckles and punches him. Ziggler with an X Factor for a near fall. Miz tags in and he kicks Edge in the ribs. Miz chokes Edge in the ropes and then Riley with a forearm across the chest while the referee did not see it. Miz with a reverse chin lock on Edge. Edge with punches but Miz with a knee. Edge with a big boot. Miz tries to stop Edge from making the tag but Edge kicks Miz away and Orton is tagged in.

Orton with clotheslines to Miz followed by a power slam and he twists into the RKO push ups as we go to commercial.

We are back and Ziggler and Orton are in the ring with Ziggler in control. Miz is tagged back in and he connects with a few elbows while we see what happened during the commercial break with Ziggler preventing Orton from hitting the RKO and sending him into the ringside barrier. Miz with a reverse chin lock but Orton with punches and a head butt. Miz with a knee to the midsection and then he gets a near fall. Miz punches Orton and kicks him while the referee pulls Miz off Orton. Miz returns to the reverse chin lock. Miz rakes the eyes to keep Orton from tagging in Edge. Orton tries to get to his feet but Miz adds more pressure and Orton returns to a knee.

Miz with a neck breaker combination and he gets a near fall. Orton retreats to the corner and he sets for the Awesome Clothesline but Orton recovers and hits a clothesline of his own as Miz charges into the corner. Orton tries to get to his corner and he succeeds while Ziggler is tagged in. Edge with a clothesline to Ziggler followed by a flapjack. Edge punches Miz to knock him off the apron. Edge pulls his hair which means that a spear is imminent. Alex Riley tries to interfere but Edge sees him coming and he knocks Riley off the apron. Ziggler cannot capitalize and Edge hits an Edge-o-matic on Ziggler for a near fall. Miz breaks up the cover and then Orton clotheslines Miz over the top rope to the floor. Riley tries to attack Orton on the floor but Randy with a clothesline. Ziggler tries for the Zig Zag but Edge holds on to the ropes. Edge with a spear for the three count.

Winners: Edge and Randy Orton

After the match, Vickie gets on the mic and excuse mes a few times to get everyone’s attention. Vickie says that as General Manager of Smackdown, until further notice, the spear is illegal. Vickie tells Edge that the spear is banned. She tells Edge that if he hits Ziggler with a spear at the Royal Rumble, not only will he be disqualified, he will lose the World Title.

Ziggler gets up on the apron and Edge decides to get in one last spear before the Royal Rumble. Ziggler is knocked to the floor. Edge figures that one is not enough so he gives Ziggler a spear on the floor. Edge looks at Vickie and he pulls at his hair. Edge wants to spear Vickie, but Vickie uses her cougar-like agility to move out of the way. Ziggler is not so lucky and he eats a third spear after the match.

We go to credits.

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