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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
NO MORE SURVIVOR SERIES?
WWE officials are once again looking to get rid of the Survivor Series pay-per-view in November. They reportedly want another concept pay-per-view to replace the big November event, which has been a WWE tradition for years.
MORE ON BOOKER T AND KEVIN NASH RETURNING
As reported earlier, Booker T has arrived to Boston, Massachusetts for tonight’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view. He is expected to participate in the 40-Man Royal Rumble Match. His return to WWE after three years will not be a one night affair.
According to some wrestlers, Booker T is permanently returning to WWE to both wrestle and announce. Additional details, however, have not been disclosed.
The six-time world champion has had his sights set on a commentating position for a number of years. He indicated in an interview last year during Royal Rumble season that if he were to return to WWE, it would likely be as an announcer.
He said, “Going back to the WWE, I know I would have to work a full schedule pretty much 180 days a year. I don’t think that’s something I want to do at this point. A lot of people speculate, but if I was to go back to the WWE, it would probably be from a wrestling announcer standpoint, that’s something I always wanted to do. So I look forward if I ever go back to WWE, it would probably be from a wrestling announcer standpoint. TNA is better for me as far as scheduling goes, but I don’t think I’ll working that hectic schedule anymore.”
Also as noted earlier, Kevin Nash is in town and will be returning tonight.
According to some wrestlers, Booker T is permanently returning to WWE to both wrestle and announce. Additional details, however, have not been disclosed.
The six-time world champion has had his sights set on a commentating position for a number of years. He indicated in an interview last year during Royal Rumble season that if he were to return to WWE, it would likely be as an announcer.
He said, “Going back to the WWE, I know I would have to work a full schedule pretty much 180 days a year. I don’t think that’s something I want to do at this point. A lot of people speculate, but if I was to go back to the WWE, it would probably be from a wrestling announcer standpoint, that’s something I always wanted to do. So I look forward if I ever go back to WWE, it would probably be from a wrestling announcer standpoint. TNA is better for me as far as scheduling goes, but I don’t think I’ll working that hectic schedule anymore.”
Also as noted earlier, Kevin Nash is in town and will be returning tonight.
SPOILER UPDATE ON ROYAL RUMBLE MATCH
As noted before, Kevin Nash and Booker T are expected as surprise entrants in tomorrow’s WWE Royal Rumble 40-Man match.
According to a source in Boston, Massachusetts, the sight of tomorrow’s Rumble pay-per-view, Nash’s flight landed a short time ago and the former World Heavyweight Champion was sporting brown hair.
According to a source in Boston, Massachusetts, the sight of tomorrow’s Rumble pay-per-view, Nash’s flight landed a short time ago and the former World Heavyweight Champion was sporting brown hair.
BOOKER T AND KEVIN NASH ON 40 MAN ROYAL RUMBLE MATCH????
Booker T and Kevin Nash are scheduled to appear as surprise entrants for tomorrow night’s 40-Man Royal Rumble Match, reports PWInsider.com.
Booker T was expected earlier based on recent talks with organization officials and his scheduled appearance at the New Orleans Comic Con this weekend being canceled. Company sources confirmed this morning he is set for the 40-Man Royal Rumble Match.
WWE sources have also confirmed that Nash is booked for the match and is scheduled to fly into Boston later today. He was in discussions with TNA Wrestling officials as late as yesterday to finalize a contract with the organization, but instead opted to return to World Wrestling Entertainment.
Booker T was expected earlier based on recent talks with organization officials and his scheduled appearance at the New Orleans Comic Con this weekend being canceled. Company sources confirmed this morning he is set for the 40-Man Royal Rumble Match.
WWE sources have also confirmed that Nash is booked for the match and is scheduled to fly into Boston later today. He was in discussions with TNA Wrestling officials as late as yesterday to finalize a contract with the organization, but instead opted to return to World Wrestling Entertainment.
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