The 2012 Elimination Chamber Pay-Per-View opens with the usual video package and we're live from the Bradley Center in Milwaukee, WI as Jim Ross, Jerry "The King" Lawler, Joey Styles and Matt Striker discuss the Road to Wrestlemania.
Extreme Elimination Chamber Match for the ECW Championship: Rob Van Dam vs. Sabu vs. The Sandman vs. Tommy Dreamer vs. Rhyno vs. Cactus Jack
The chamber is lowered for what is sure to be the most violent Elimination Chamber Match ever witnessed. The walls are LINED with various assorted weapons, most of which are certain to be used in the course of the contest. Cactus Jack enters first with Barbie and is locked into his pod, guaranteed the final entrant by virtue of his win last Wednesday. Rob Van Dam is out next and is locked into his pod. The Sandman enters next, the Singapore Cane dangling ominously at his side. Tommy Dreamer comes out and he too is locked into the fourth pod. Sabu is out next and sets up his table in the corner as Rhyno makes his way to the ring, brandishing the pool cue.
Rhyno takes a swing, but Sabu ducks and comes back with a Spinning Wheel Kick and a Springboard Back Elbow. Sabu grabs a steel chair from the wall and throws it at Rhyno's face. Rhyno responds with a Gore through Sabu’s table. Rhyno rips a pair of handcuffs from the chamber walls and cuffs Sabu to the ring post. Sabu throws a few futile kicks to fight Rhyno off, but the Man-Beast responds with repeated shots to the face with a lead pipe. Rhyno picks up the chair and begins wailing on ECW’s resident maniac until he falls to the floor in a heap. Finally Rhyno tears an extension cord from the wall and begins choking Sabu out when the buzzer goes off and out steps The Sandman.
Sandman charges and begins laying into Rhyno with the Singapore Cane, Rhyno takes one shot squarely between the eyes, dropping him to the floor. Sandman frees Sabu from the handcuffs and is promptly laid into by a furious Sabu. Sandman grabs a crutch from the wall and begins working over Sabu. Sandman begins choking out Sabu with the crutch then adds his Singapore Cane for extra leverage. Sandman slips into position and drops Sabu with a crutch/cane-aided White Russian Leg Sweep on the Steel grate, but still only gets a two count. Sandman turns his attention to Rhyno, but Rhyno has already returned to his feet and Gores Sandman through the glass of his vacant pod. The timer goes off again and out comes Tommy Dreamer.
The Innovator of Violence enters with his cheese grater and begins grinding it into Rhyno’s skull. Rhyno and Sabu both are a mess of blood at this point. Sabu crawls back to his feet and flies across the chamber to drive a steel chair into Dreamer’s face out of desperation. Blood dripping from his head at an alarming rate, Sabu snags a garbage can and begins working over all three of his opponents. Sabu gets a hold of a two-by-four and sets it ablaze. Now wielding a flaming piece of wood, ECW’s Death Machine plants it directly into the face of Dreamer and Sandman before breaking it over Rhyno’s head, busting him open.
Sabu takes hold of Rhyno’s pool cue and grinds the sawed end into his forehead before grabbing the steel chair again and delivering an Arabian Skullcrusher. Sabu sets up the steel chair and executes a Triple Jump Moonsault from the chair to the wall of the chamber and back to Rhyno. WOW. A bloody Sabu makes the cover and picks up the three count just as the timer goes off again and out comes Rob Van Dam.
RVD has made a few tweaks to the design of his weapon, wrapping his steel chair in BARBED WIRE. Van Dam comes out swinging, nailing Dreamer and Sandman and drawing blood on both before thwacking Sabu in the face with a resounding shot. Sabu’s very quickly working his way up the Muta Scale in this match, pouring blood onto the canvas the longer he stays in. RVD goes for a Van Daminator, but Dreamer responds by smacking Van Dam in the leg during the attempted spin kick. Mr. ECW writhes on the floor as Dreamer drags him to the corner and ties him to the Tree of Woe. Dreamer sets the Barbed Wire chair in front of Van Dam’s face and baseball slides to drive the weapon squarely into RVD’s skull.
Dreamer begins working over RVD with the Cheese Grater when The Sandman returns to his feet and snaps his Singapore Cane in half over the back of Dreamer’s head. Sandman struggles to the top turnbuckle, then climbs to the top of his pod. Sandman stuns the Milwaukee crowd by tumbling from the top with a Rolling Rock Senton, landing on both Van Dam and Dreamer. The buzzer goes off a final time, and out steps Cactus Jack twirling Barbie between his fingers.
Sandman crawls to the cover and collects a three count to eliminate Dreamer. Cactus takes RVD, Sandman and Sabu broadside with swings to the midsection, drawing yet more blood. Sabu takes the crutch and snaps it over Cactus’ face. Van Dam answers by blasting a fire extinguisher into Foley’s face. Sabu finds some lighter fluid and sets another table ablaze. Sandman hits a DDT on Cactus through the flaming table and Cactus rolls away, clutching his face, blood pouring from between his fingers.
Sandman makes the cover, but incredibly, Cactus Jack kicks out at two. Cactus returns to his feet and drives Sandman head first into another pod, drawing yet more blood. Foley grabs a stop sign and imprints Sandman’s face in it before pulling out Mr. Socko, wrapping him in Barbed Wire and applying the Mandible Claw. Sandman refuses to quit, but eventually succumbs when Cactus switches Socko to the upper jaw. Three bloody combatants, Cactus Jack, Rob Van Dam and a still very much crimson Sabu, remain.
As a last-ditch effort, Sabu struggles to his feet, places a bleeding Van Dam in the corner and throws himself, and a chair at RVD in an attempted Air Sabu, but RVD collapses to the mat, sending Sabu careening to the buckle, and out to the steel grate. RVD helps himself back to his feet and rolls Sabu back into the ring. RVD climbs the turnbuckle, then the pod to execute a Ten-Star Frog Splash and picks up the duke. It’s now down to RVD and Cactus Jack. The “E-C-Dub” and “THIS IS AWESOME” chants are REALLY starting to fire up now.
Both men return to their feet and there’s a brief staredown before they lock up again. Cactus grabs a bullhorn and takes RVD upside the temple with it. The Hardcore Legend produces a set of bolt cutters from the wall and breaks the lock on the chamber door. Cactus Jack goes to the entrance ramp and brings back five more tables, setting them up end to end in the center of the ring. Cactus then goes to the far wall and grabs the five sandbags that have hung ominously since the beginning of the contest. From each of the bags, Foley dumps out THOUSANDS upon THOUSANDS of THUMBTACKS onto the tables. Cactus rolls the unconscious RVD onto the tables and climbs the chamber walls to the top of one of the pods. Cactus stands atop the pod and signals “BANG BANG” before leaping from the top of the chamber through the thumbtack-laden tables with a Diving Elbow Drop onto Van Dam. Cactus makes the exhaustive cover as the “HOLY $#@%” chants flood the Bradley Center and picks up the final three count.
Winner and NEW ECW World Champion: CACTUS JACK
After the match, Foley is helped back to his feet and handed his new ECW Championship, Cactus has barely enough time to celebrate before Kurt Angle hits the entrance ramp for a staredown with the new Champion. Foley points to the Wrestlemania 28 sign, but as he turns around to face Kurt again, MARK HENRY’s music hits and The World’s Strongest Man storms to the ring, slamming the Chamber door behind him. Henry clubs Cactus in the temple then drops him with The World’s Strongest Slam. Henry rips off his “Hall of Pain” T-shirt to reveal an “ECW” shirt underneath. Mark Henry has defected to ECW! Henry points to the Wrestlemania sign and locks into a staredown of his own with Kurt Angle.
We go backstage with Jack Korpela and Sheamus. The World Heavyweight Champion vows to be the Last Man Standing tonight, but is interrupted by The Undertaker. The two have another staredown before Taker casts a sinister grin and walks away.
We get a retrospective package of how Cena came to take charge of the Nexus, his militant strategy, and how last week it all fell apart. Cena tells the WWE Universe that IF The Rock makes it to Wrestlemania, he will be given the opportunity at the richest prize in the business, because he’s leaving Elimination Chamber as the new WWE Champion, with or without the Nexus.
WWE United States Championship Match: Alex Riley vs. Jack Swagger
We go to the ring and out first comes challenger Jack Swagger. U.S. Champion Alex Riley is out next. Before the bell can ring, however, the proceedings are interrupted by Bret Hart. Bret acknowledges that in the midst of the Championship Chase leading up to last year’s TLC, someone got lost in the shuffle and never was granted their rematch clause. Out comes ZACK RYDER and we now have a Triple Threat Match. The bell rings and we’re under way.
Riley and Ryder double team Swagger to start, hitting a double lifting DDT. Riley sets up for an A-Bomb, but Ryder hits a Diving Neckbreaker from the top rope and picks up a two count before Riley interrupts the fall. Riley attempts another A-Bomb on Ryder, but Swagger comes out of nowhere with a flying tackle to Riley’s knee, sending the champion writhing to the outside.
Ryder attacks Swagger with a flying forearm and another elbow smash as Swagger backs into a corner. Zack drills Swagger with a Hangman’s Neckbreaker and goes for a cover but only gets 2. Ryder goes for a Dropkick from the top rope, but Swagger catches him in mid-air and locks in an Ankle Lock. Ryder struggles then counters out, sending Swagger crashing to the arena floor. Swagger climbs back in and is met with a Swinging Neckbreaker attempt, but rolls through and counters with a Running Powerslam for two. Swagger locks in an Abdominal Stretch, but Ryder fights out with a Hip Toss and hits a somersault plancha on a fallen Riley on the outside.
Ryder rolls back in and throws a double knee to a charging Swagger. Ryder hits a diving leg drop from the top rope, but Swagger gets his foot on the bottom rope to stop the count. Riley rolls into the ring and Ryder connects with The Broski Boot. Ryder sets up for the Rough Ryder, but Riley moves, sending Ryder into the corner. With both men down, Swagger hits a Corner Slingshot Splash on both. Swagger makes the cover on Riley, but only gets a near fall.
Swagger goes for a Gutwrench Powerbomb on Ryder, but Riley hits a chop block out of desperation, sending Ryder flying and Swagger crumbling to the mat. Riley makes the cover but gets only two. Riley hits a Spinebuster on Swagger, but doesn’t get the desired effect as the knee buckles halfway through. Riley tries to beat some feeling back into his knee then sets Swagger up for the A-Bomb and connects. Riley makes the cover, but Swagger gets the shoulder up. Riley slowly gets back to his feet, but Swagger picks the Ankle and applies the Ankle Lock. Swagger seems destined to take the U.S. Title back to ECW with him when Ryder hits a Springboard Rough Ryder from the outside. Ryder makes the cover of Swagger and picks up the three count.
Winner and NEW United States Champion: ZACK RYDER
After the match, Ryder helps Riley back to his feet, but an injured and frustrated Riley isn’t having it. Riley shoves off, refusing assistance, slaps Ryder across the face, then drops the new United States Champion with a third A-Bomb, before hobbling away from the ring in disgust. This has been a rough night for new champions thus far.
We go backstage with Kane, who says that no one knows The Undertaker any better than he does and promises to end the Streak after knocking off his obstacles in the Fatal Four Way Elimination Match.
Randy Orton is in his dressing room, in a practical trance while focusing on the Chamber Match tonight.
WWE Tag Team Titles: Kings of Wrestling vs. American Wolves vs. MCMG
We go back to ringside and The Kings of Wrestling enter first, determined to win back the tag titles taken from them at TLC. Out next is MCMG followed by Davey Richards, who announces that Eddie Edwards will not be able to compete tonight and therefore Richards will defend the titles solo tonight. The bell rings and we’re underway. Alex Shelley throws a surprise calf kick and drops Richards with a Backpack Stunner before Hero jumps in and attempts Death Is Welcome, but Shelley counters with a Shiranui for two.
Shelley attempts It Came From Japan, but Richards counters back and locks in a Kimura Neckscissor. Hero breaks up the hold and drops Richards with The Rubik’s Cube for two. Claudio tags in and immediately drops Richards with Swiss Death and MCMG charges the ring, taking The Kings to the outside.
After several minutes of brawling, Richards shows up and clotheslines both Kings over the barricade and into the crowd. MCMG runs back to the ring, and EDDIE EDWARDS staggers back to the ring and begins throwing punches with both Sabin and Shelley. The numbers game eventually catches up and Shelley whips Edwards to the corner to a waiting Sabin. Sabin sets up for a Powerbomb and Shelley hits Sliced Bread to complete Made in Detroit. Sabin makes the cover on Edwards and picks up the three count.
Winners and NEW WWE Tag Team Champions: MCMG
After the match, The Kings storm back into the ring and destroy Shelley with a Helicopter Crash before flattening Sabin with KRS-ONE and KRS-TWO. Davey Richards comes back to the ring and begins berating Eddie for jumping into a match he wasn’t prepared to compete in. Richards drops Edwards with Hammer of the Gods and leaves him for dead.
A promo runs for Wrestlemania, which is now “42 DAYS AWAY”
Another teaser for the WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, the next inductee to be announced tomorrow night on RAW.
Chris Jericho is backstage with Jeremy Borash. Jericho tells JB that upon his return, he promised that the old guard would fall, and that his arrival would signal the end of the world as everyone knew it. Jericho says tonight is step one, because the world as everyone knows it is a world where The Undertaker is still undefeated at Wrestlemania. Jericho glares at Borash and says simply, “No More” before walking off.
CM Punk is in the catering area, and crosses paths with The Undertaker. Punk tells Taker to his face that it’s in his best interest to keep his distance from the WWE Championship Match tonight if he hopes to have a shot at it tomorrow on RAW. Punk says it doesn’t matter either way, because the title’s not going anywhere. Punk tells Undertaker to Rest In Peace tonight, since tomorrow night he’ll be Going to Sleep.
Edge vs. Alberto Del Rio
We go to the ring for the next contest and Ricardo Rodriguez is introduced to announce Alberto Del Rio. Del Rio emerges in a yellow Lamborghini Murcielago and makes his way down to the ring. Christian comes down to ringside in support of Edge, clearly still troubles by the numerous errors that sabotaged Edge in previous weeks. Finally, Edge’s music hits and The Rated R Superstar heads down to the ring and pats Christian assuredly on the shoulder before sliding into the ring to a HUMONGOUS pop.
The bell rings and they lock up. They go to the corner and the ref separates them. Del Rio with a cheap shove, Edge responds with a slap to the face and Del Rio charges the corner with a flurry of fists. Edge hits a back drop, and Del Rio takes him back to the corner for a series of kicks to the arm and shoulder. Del Rio charges, but Edge hits another back drop to the arena floor in front of Christian, but Christian begs off and has vowed not to get involved.
Edge drops to the outside in pursuit of Del Rio, but Alberto hits a drop toe hold, throwing Edge face first into the ringpost. Del Rio rolls Edge back into the ring and gets a two count. Del Rio sets up for a Fireman’s Carry and drops to a Double Knee Gutbuster for another two. Del Rio goes for a German Suplex, but Edge rolls through with a Victory Roll for another near fall. Edge breaks the fall and locks in a Camel Clutch. Del Rio fights out and drops to his back to break the hold.
Edge scales the turnbuckle and attempts a Missile Dropkick, but Del Rio answers with a Step-Up Enziguri for another near fall. Del Rio continues working over Edge’s arm and shoulder, choking Edge on the bottom rope by stepping on his injured arm and surgically-repaired neck. Del Rio attempts a Rope Hung Senton, but Edge dodges, sending Del Rio crashing to the floor. Edge charges now and nails Del Rio with a Diving Spear Plancha.
Del Rio climbs back into the ring and is met with a Spinning Heel Kick for two. Del Rio returns to his feet and eats a Big Boot. Edge tries a Half-Nelson Bulldog, but Del Rio blocks and answers with a Backstabber for two-and-a-half. Del Rio hits a Tilt-A-Whirl Backbreaker, but Edge kicks out again. Growing increasingly frustrated, Del Rio lifts Edge into a Military Press and drops into a Bridging German Suplex for another two count. In disbelief, Del Rio begins arguing with the official, which opens the door for Edge to drop Del Rio with a Downward Spiral for two.
Edge lines up in the corner for a Spear, but Del Rio has it scouted, landing a Jumping Armbreaker. Del Rio locks in a Cross Armbreaker, but Edge fights to the bottom rope and reverses the momentum into position for a sharpshooter that Edge quickly shifts into an Edgecator. Del Rio struggles to the bottom rope. Christian paces nervously at ringside, trying desperately not to get involved in the proceedings.
Del Rio tries to lock in the Cross Armbreaker again, but Edge rolls through and lands an Edge-O-Matic for another two count before Ricardo Rodriguez lays Del Rio’s foot across the bottom rope. Edge continues the momentum with a flapjack and an Electric Chair Drop, but the issues with Edge’s arm prevent him from capitalizing. Del Rio locks in the Cross Armbreaker a third time, and it seems that the match will at last be awarded to Del Rio, but REY MYSTERIO and SIN CARA come down the entrance ramp brawling between each other, working their way to the ring. The distraction forces Del Rio to break the hold and begin trading blows with the other two luchadors. Del Rio takes a double Drop Toe Hold followed by a Double 619. Christian spears Ricardo Rodriguez off the ring apron to draw the referee’s attention away from Del Rio. Del Rio staggers out of the 619 and directly into the path of a waiting Spear. Edge makes the cover and collects the three count as Mysterio and Sin Cara continue to brawl on the outside. Mysterio sends Sin Cara crashing into the ringpost with a Headscissor Arm drag before retreating to the back.
Winner: EDGE
Edge celebrates in the ring, but is quickly met by Christian slamming a steel chair over his head. Christian stares stone-faced at the fallen Edge and shakes his head out of disappointment. Christian lays Edge’s head across the chair and grabs another to deliver a brain-rattling Con-Chair-To. Christian throws the chair down in disgust and walks back toward the entrance ramp without an explanation.
The lightning flashes across the screen again, static, snow and test patterns start blaring again. This time, the phrase of the week is “UNSTOPPABLE”. “03/12/12” rolls across the screen and the feed cuts to black again.
Wade Barrett is backstage with Scott Stanford and says that the Barrett Barrage will not be stopped. Barrett says he will roll into Wrestlemania as the #1 contender and leave as the NEW World Heavyweight Champion, whether that means going through Sheamus or ending “The Streak”. Barrett winks at the camera and heads toward the ring.
A Triple H video package runs and ends with Hunter brandishing a Sledgehammer, saying “If The Streak dies, You Die. And if...NO. WHEN I win tonight, I WILL finish it at Wrestlemania.”
Elimination Chamber Match for #1 Contention of the World Heavyweight Championship: Bryan Danielson vs. Randy Orton vs. Mark Henry vs. Big Show vs. Wade Barrett vs. Cody Rhodes
We go to the ring and out first comes Randy Orton, who is guaranteed the final spot. Out next is Cody Rhodes and he too is locked into a pod. Mark Henry comes out in his ECW shirt, threatening to render the match meaningless by winning #1 contention only to leave for ECW. Out next is Wade Barrett, who takes the final empty pod. Bryan Danielson takes to the ring followed by the Big Show. Show and Danielson will start the match, the bell rings and they lock up.
Show tosses Danielson off twice before Danielson charges back a third time, Show winds up for WMD, but Danielson backpedals out of the ring. Danielson hits a can opener on Big Show's arm before hitting repeated roundhouse kicks to his midsection, arm and shoulder. Danielson throws one last boot aiming for Show's skull, but Show blocks and throws him back again. Show charges for the corner, but Danielson goes low with a Baseball slide to the ankle, sending the giant into the corner. Bryan charges for a Corner Dropkick and connects. Danielson attempts a Flying Forearm Smash, but fails to take Show off his feet.
Show whips Danielson to the buckle and Bryan rolls through with a backflip, Show captures him and attempts a Powerslam but Danielson wriggles free and locks in a Dragon Sleeper. Bryan locks in a bodyscissors, but Show fights back to his feet and backs Danielson into the corner. Danielson climbs to the top of the pod from the turnbuckle and attempts a Suicide Dive, but Show catches him broadside with a WMD. Show covers Danielson and collects the three count before the next entrant can be buzzed in.
With a little less than a minute to spare, Show paces around the ring to Cody Rhodes, Mark Henry and Wade Barrett’s pods, casting a death glare on all of them. The buzzer sounds and the next man in is Wade Barrett. Barrett charges out of the chamber and begins exchanging right hands with Big Show before tossing Show to the outside with an impressive Belly to Belly Suplex. Barrett hits a spinebuster on the steel grate and goes for the cover, but Show kicks out at two. Barrett attempts a Diving Elbow Drop from the top rope to the steel grate, but Show moves out of the way.
Show connects with a Big Boot and whips Barrett face-first into the chained wall of the chamber. Show hits a Sidewalk Slam on the grate and locks in a Colossal Clutch, but Barrett won’t submit. Show keeps the hold locked in and begins throwing headbutts. Show takes Barrett to the top rope and shakes the foundations of the chamber with a Vertical Superplex to the floor. The buzzer sounds and the next man out is Cody Rhodes.
Rhodes storms out and hits a Wheelbarrow Suplex on Barrett and rocks Big Show with a Dropkick, until Show answers back with a STUNNING dropkick of his own. Rhodes is out cold and Show turns his attention back to Barrett. Show cinches in a Bearhug, but Barrett fights out and charges back in to a Reverse Powerbomb that lands Barrett on his face on the outside. Show locks in a Cobra Clutch on Rhodes, but Cody struggles to the corner, launching Show skull-first into the beams of one of the chamber pods. Cody makes the cover but only gets two before Big Show kicks out with authority. Show lands a Final Cut on Rhodes and turns his attention back to Barrett.
Show attempts a Superkick, but Barrett blocks and counters back and demonstrates incredible strength, dropping Show with Wasteland. Barrett makes the cover but only gets two-and-a-half. Barrett launches Show off the ropes and drops him with Winds of Change, but Show kicks out again. Barrett traps Show in the ropes and throws a series of knee lifts capped off by a Big Boot that sends Show to the outside.
Show gets back to his feet and Barrett goes for an overhand shot, but Show blocks it, drags Barrett over the ropes and locks in an Abdominal Stretch. Show sets Barrett up with a Military Press before dropping him straight down to the steel grate. Show grabs Cody Rhodes by the throat and chokeslams him, but instead of going for the cover, Show decides to bide his time.
Show whips Barrett and Rhodes to the buckle and proceeds to smack the life out of both with lung-collapsing chest slaps. The buzzer sounds and the next man in is Mark Henry, but The World’s Strongest Man has blockaded his pod shut. The Big Show goes to another level of rage, punches a hole through the glass chamber, grabs Henry by the shoulder straps and, in an incredible show of force, pulls Mark Henry through the pod, sending shattered glass flying everywhere and leaving Henry in a puddle of blood. Adrenaline flowing, Show catches a convening Rhodes and Barrett simultaneously and spears them clear through another one of the pods, filling the chamber with more broken glass. Show crawls back to his feet, a mess of blood himself, and admires the carnage as Randy Orton looks on stoically but with an air of concern now creeping across his face.
Big Show picks Barrett and Rhodes out of the wreckage and sets up for a Double Chokeslam in front of Orton’s pod, but his victims kick his knees out from under him. Rhodes rebounds and clocks Show with a Beautiful Disaster and a bloodstained Mark Henry returns to his feet in time to deliver the World’s Strongest Slam. Barrett makes the cover and collects the three count to eliminate the Big Show.
Barrett, Rhodes and Henry all convene around Orton’s pod, just waiting for it to open. The buzzer sounds and Orton charges out of the chamber swinging for everything in sight. Orton lays out Rhodes, then Barrett, and finally Henry with stiff clotheslines. The Viper stomps a circle around Henry and connects with a Diving Knee Drop. Orton drills Cody Rhodes with an Overdrive and takes Barrett to the floor with a flurry of lefts and rights. Barrett shoves a thumb into Orton’s eye and Rhodes connects with a Diving Bulldog for two. Rhodes attempts a Moonsault from the top of the pod, but Barrett cuts him off the pass with a Back Suplex to the canvas.
Orton drags Henry across the top rope and drills him with a Viper DDT on the steel grate. Orton makes the cover and Henry is eliminated. Rhodes jumps Orton from behind and gets into position for Cross Rhodes, but the Viper counters out and drops Rhodes face-first on the steel with an RKO. Orton covers Rhodes, gets the three and we’re down to Orton and Barrett. Barrett tries crawling back to his feet and Orton lines up in the corner to attempt a Punt. Barrett catches Randy mid-charge and drops him with Winds of Change. Barrett decides that this isn’t enough and drags Orton to the top rope to attempt Wasteland. Barrett attempts to follow through, but Orton counters mid-toss into an incredible top-rope RKO on the way down. Both men motionless, the referee rules all four shoulders down and logs a simultaneous three count as both men are in pinning position.
Winner: No Contest
After the match, officials argue over who pinned whom. Orton and Barrett both eventually get to their feet and claim victory. Theodore Long enters with Sheamus at his side and tells them that since no one can reach an agreement on a clear-cut winner, Sheamus has graciously decided to defend his World Heavyweight Championship against both Randy Orton and Wade Barrett in a Triple Threat Match at Wrestlemania.
Del Rio storms into Bret Hart’s office and demands his triple threat match with Mysterio and Sin Cara at Wrestlemania. Bret tells him he’s in luck because he just got off the phone with Theodore Long and the request checks out on all sides. At Wrestlemania 28, it will be Alberto Del Rio versus Sin Cara versus Rey Mysterio.
KHARMA enters the office and tells Bret that she is officially issuing an open challenge to any diva who chooses to step up to the plate and challenge her for the Women’s Championship at Wrestlemania. Bret accepts the invitation and introduces the Diva’s Open set to take place at Wrestlemania.
Stretcher Match: Jeff Hardy vs. Drew McIntyre
We go back to ringside and Drew McIntyre is making his way to the ring for the Stretcher Match when Hardy jumps him from behind with a steel chair. Hardy throws the steel chair at McIntyre’s face and rolls him into the ring. Hardy hits a Double Leg Drop. Hardy runs to the corner and connects with Whisper In The Wind. McIntyre rolls back to the outside and Hardy jumps up on the barricade for a diving clothesline to the arena floor. Hardy hits a sitout jawbreaker, rolls back into the ring and attempts a Baseball Slide. McIntyre captures Hardy’s legs and whips him into the retaining wall head-first.
Drew plants Hardy with a Spike Piledriver on the arena floor. McIntyre attempts a Tombstone Piledriver, but Hardy counters with a deep arm drag. Hardy nails a Sitout Suplex Slam and follows up with a Twist of Fate. Hardy rolls back into the ring and attempts a Springboard Leg Drop to the floor, but McIntyre rolls out of the way. McIntyre rolls Hardy back into the ring and hits a Hangman’s Neckbreaker before dropping Hardy’s face on the ring apron with Future Shock. McIntyre rolls Hardy onto the stretcher and starts pushing for the entrance ramp, but Hardy fights back and forces McIntyre into the corner. Hardy connects with Hardyac Arrest and rolls McIntyre onto the stretcher. Hardy rolls McIntyre across the finish line on the entrance ramp to pick up the victory.
Winner: JEFF HARDY
After the match, Hardy decides he’s not finished. Hardy positions McIntyre’s stretcher and scales the architecture to the top of the titantron. Hardy hesitates for a split second then delivers a mind-bending Swanton Bomb from the top of the tron through the stretcher holding McIntyre, splitting it in half. The impact causes the floor panel to give way, sending both men underneath the stage. UNBELIEVABLE. Officials and EMTs rush the scene to examine the carnage. Two more fresh stretchers are loaded up with both men being loaded into respective ambulances and carried from the arena.
Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler reiterate that the WWE Championship Chase continues tomorrow night and whether it ends up being for the WWE Championship or not CM Punk will go one-on-one with The Undertaker.
Shawn Michaels is standing in the gorilla position and vows to prove to the world that he still has what it takes and will finally dethrone The Undertaker at the Show of Shows. HBK heads to the ring in pursuit of challenging Wrestlemania’s most vaunted prize.
Fatal Four-Way Elimination Match for “The Streak”-Triple H vs. Kane vs. Chris Jericho vs. Shawn Michaels
We go to the ring and out first is Kane. The Big Red Monster is on the warpath, determined to get back to Wrestlemania and end The Undertaker’s streak once and for all. Out next is HBK to a HUGE pop. Michaels looks absolutely thrilled to be back in the game with an opportunity of a lifetime hanging in the balance. Out next comes Chris Jericho to a decent pop, followed by the Game, Triple H.
We get formal ring introductions before the bell rings. They go at it. Kane takes everyone out and squeezes the life out of Triple H with a single-arm chokehold. Michaels jumps Kane from behind and begins throwing knife-edge chops. Kane and Jericho begin brawling on the outside as Michaels and Triple H work over each other inside the ring. Hunter tosses Michaels to the arena floor. Kane chokeslams Jericho over the barricade. Jericho fights back over and into the ring. Triple H hits a chop block on Jericho and goes right to work.
The Game locks in a Figure Four Leglock on Jericho, but Y2J struggles to the bottom rope to break the hold. Triple H cinches in a sleeper, but Jericho counters into a German Suplex. Jericho hits a Spinning Wheel Kick, but HBK comes in with a Diving Elbow Drop for two.
Michaels throws Triple H to the floor and goes to work on Jericho in the corner with more knife-edge chops. Michaels connects with a Corner Splash and a Belly to Back Suplex, taking Jericho to the mat. Michaels makes the cover and gets two. Triple H climbs back on the apron and Michaels hits a flying forearm, knocking him back to the floor. Michaels kips back up and shifts his focus to both. Michaels nails both Jericho and Triple H with Sweet Chin Music. Michaels covers Triple H and collects the three count, stunning The Game. Hunter regains his senses and drills HBK with a Pedigree before leaving the ring.
Jericho and Michaels both crawl back to their feet, and Jericho attempts a Codebreaker, but HBK grabs the rope for leverage. Jericho returns to his feet and connects on the second attempt. Kane drags Jericho from the ring and throws him over the barricade again. Kane powerslams HBK and follows up with a DDT for two. Kane hits a thunderous powerbomb on Michaels. The Big Red Machine scales to the top rope for a Diving Clothesline, but Jericho rolls back into the ring and stuns Kane with a Top Rope Codebreaker. Jericho makes the cover and picks up the three. Kane is eliminated.
Kane goes on a rampage of his own, chokeslamming both Jericho and Michaels before Tombstoning HBK for good measure. Both men get back to their feet and stare up at the Wrestlemania sign. Jericho Irish whips Michaels to the corner, and HBK rebounds with a flying forearm smash. Michaels primes up for Sweet Chin Music, but Jericho captures his leg and delivers a sitout kneebreaker. Michaels writhes on the mat as Y2J applies the Walls of Jericho. Michaels crawls to the bottom rope to break the hold, but Jericho pulls him back to the center of the ring. For a solid five minutes, Michaels resists submission, until finally Jericho places more torque on the hold, with Michaels damaged knee acting as the fulcrum.
Jericho transitions into a Liontamer, placing the pressure of a knee on the back of Michaels’ head. After another minute of agony, HBK brokenheartedly taps out, unable to withstand the pain any longer.
Winner and Challenger to the Streak: CHRIS JERICHO
After the match, Jericho helps Michaels back to his feet and congratulates him on one hell of a match. Michaels offers a handshake and Jericho accepts. HBK receives a standing ovation as Y2J helps him to the back for medical attention. It will now be Chris Jericho versus The Undertaker for the opportunity to end “The Streak” at Wrestlemania.
Styles, Striker, J.R. and The King revisit what has been a wild ride thus far and look ahead to how the Road to Wrestlemania is heating up.
Already, we know that Jericho and The Undertaker will go head to head for The Streak, a Diva’s Open Challenge has been initiated, Alberto Del Rio will square off with Sin Cara and Rey Mysterio and Sheamus has agreed to defend the World Heavyweight Championship against Randy Orton and Wade Barrett. It also appears that Kurt Angle and Mark Henry have staked their claim to Mick Foley’s newly won ECW Championship. All that remains is to find out if in fact Sheamus will defend the title or if The Undertaker will be pulling double duty at Wrestlemania. Plus, who will be headed to The Grandest Stage of them all as the defending WWE Champion? Both questions will be answered in the next several minutes.
Backstage with The Miz, who reminisces on how he headlined Wrestlemania just last year and successfully defended his WWE Championship not once, but twice in the same night. He vows not to be denied a repeat at the top.
Last Man Standing Match for the World Title: Sheamus vs. The Undertaker
Out first comes the World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus to a huge pop. After a pause, the lights go down and The Undertaker emerges to another respectable pop from the crowd.
We get formal ring introductions and an explanation of the rules before the bell. Sheamus takes Taker broadside with a nasty right hook. The Undertaker casts a death glare at The Celtic Warrior and beings throwing soup bones left and right, but Sheamus fires right back with another salvo that pushes The Undertaker into the corner. Sheamus works over The Deadman in the corner, driving him to the mat until the ref forces a split. Taker fights back out with more fists until Sheamus answers with a low blow. Taker stays down for a count of six before returning to his feet.
The Undertaker brawls back with a Heart Punch and a Dropkick before rocketing himself at Sheamus with a Flying Clothesline. Sheamus retreats to the corner and Taker throws more fists at Sheamus’ temple. Sheamus fights back out and drapes The Undertaker between the ropes for a series of Irish Hammer Blows. Sheamus drills Taker with a Celtic Cross and Taker gets back to his feet at eight.
Undertaker battles back with a flurry of ballistic punches to the temple, dropping Sheamus like an Irish redwood. Taker locks in Hell’s Gate and Sheamus taps furiously, but this is a Last Man Standing Match and the fall doesn’t register. Taker chokes the life out of Sheamus and waits for the official’s count. Sheamus lies motionless through a count of seven, then forces himself back to his feet using the ropes for leverage. Taker shakes his head out of sheer disbelief.
Sheamus fights back to his feet and captures a charging Undertaker with a Fallaway Slam from the ring to the floor. Taker gets back to his feet on time, but the damage appears to be done. Sheamus goes for a Rolling Fireman’s Carry Slam, but Taker escapes and throws Sheamus to the outside. Sheamus comes back into the ring and Taker charges, but The Great White has him scouted with an Irish Curse Backbreaker. Sheamus repeats the impact three more times before dropping the Deadman to the mat. Taker gets back to his feet at the count of seven, but how much more he can take remains in question.
Sheamus attempts a Front Powerslam, but Taker counters out and shoves The Celtic Warrior shoulder first to the buckle. Taker applies a kneebar to keep Sheamus off his feet, and follows with a Sidewalk Slam. Taker then proceeds to throw the kitchen sink at Sheamus, starting with Snake Eyes and a rebound Big Boot. Taker awaits the count but Sheamus recovers by five. Taker connects with Old School then drills Sheamus with a Last Ride, but Sheamus gets back up at the count of nine.
Sheamus answers back with a Battering Ram from the top rope that keeps Taker down for a count of seven before he sits back up. Sheamus goes into a Frenzy of slaps and spinning backfists, punctuating with a War Sword Irish Axe Handle. Taker returns to his feet at six. Undertaker sets up for a Chokeslam, but Sheamus dodges and comes back with a Brogue Kick. The blow keeps Taker off his feet for seven, maybe eight.
Growing increasingly frustrated, Sheamus sets up for the Fiery Red Hand, but Taker counters with a Dragon Sleeper. Sheamus counters back and drills Taker with a High Cross. The impact is nearly enough, but Taker is ruled back on his feet at nine and a half. Wondering what it will take, Sheamus approaches the wounded Undertaker and walks directly into a desperation Tombstone Piledriver. The ref begins the count as Taker remains exasperated on his knees. Taker pulls himself back to his feet and the lights go out.
As the lights come back up, smoke is filling the entranceway as a lone druid heads toward the ring with a casket marked “19-1” on the lid and an urn placed atop the casket. As the casket reaches ringside, the druid takes up the urn and heads into the ring. The druid signals for a perplexed Undertaker to open the casket. The Deadman complies and inside lies...THE UNDERTAKER?!! Taken aback, The Undertaker looks to the druid for answers and is met with an urn squarely across the temple. The druid then helps Sheamus back to his feet as the ref has no choice but to log the ten count and declare Sheamus the winner.
Winner and STILL World Heavyweight Champion: SHEAMUS
After the match, The druid tosses down the urn and removes the hood of his cloak to reveal--none other than CHRIS JERICHO. Jericho removes the robes down to his suit and grabs a mic. Jericho leans down and whispers to The Undertaker that “...At Wrestlemania, it will be the end of the world as you, these fans, the WWE, and everyone else has come to know it.” Jericho drops the mic and storms off.
Bret Hart announces that in the weeks to come, talent on all three brands will be scouted and eventually qualifying matches will be established to determine who will compete in the triumphant Wrestlemania return of the MONEY IN THE BANK LADDER MATCH.
Elimination Chamber Match for the WWE Championship: CM Punk vs. John Cena vs. John Morrison vs. The Miz vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. R-Truth
The chamber is brought down for the final time this evening. All glass panels in the pods have been replaced and we’re ready to go. John Morrison enters first and is locked in his pod, guaranteed the final spot in the Chamber match. The Miz enters next and he’s locked into his pod. John Cena enters next and he’s locked in. R-Truth enters fourth and is locked into his pod. The crowd derides Truth, chanting “MILWAUKEE” as officials lock him in. Dolph Ziggler is out next followed by WWE Champion CM Punk. It will be Punk and Ziggler starting things out.
Ziggler charges in and is met with a Roundhouse Kick. Before collapsing to the mat, Punk manages to grab Ziggler and put him into position for the GTS. The GTS connects and Punk makes the quick cover and gets the three count. Stunned, Ziggler yells furiously at the referee before being escorted through the chamber door. Punk leaps up on the top turnbuckle and lounges on the top rope nonchalantly as he waits for the next entrant in the Chamber. A “CM PUNK” chant swells through the Bradley Center as the minutes tick down. Finally, the buzzer reaches zero and the next man into the contest is The Miz.
Miz and Punk begin trading blows and Punk executes a Double Underhook Backbreaker for two. Punk follows up with a series of back elbows to the Miz before attempting a Springboard Crossbody that lands him on the steel grate when the Miz dodges.
Miz whips Punk to the buckle and hits a Turnbuckle Clothesline. Miz attempts a Diving Double Axe Handle, but Punk responds with a backfist to the midsection. Punk attempts a GTS, but Miz counters. The Awesome One attempts a Skull Crushing Finale, but Punk rolls through. Punk responds with a Hurricanrana that spikes Miz’ head into the mat for two. Punk tries to throw another Roundhouse Kick, but Miz counters with a sitout kneebreaker. Miz follows up with a discus punch to Punk’s head and a Snapmare Neckbreaker into the steel floor. Miz makes the cover but only gets two. Miz hits a Big Boot and plants Punk’s head into the steel with a Snap DDT. The timer goes off and out comes R-Truth.
Truth enters and scales to the top of the pod to stun Miz with a Hurricanrana. Truth continues with a Cradle Suplex on the steel and covers Miz for another nearfall. Truth continues the onslaught, catching Punk with a Heel Kick Enziguri and a Scissor Kick for two and a half. Truth tries to continue his momentum with a Reverse STO, but Miz uses the ropes for leverage, sending Truth crashing to the steel. Miz capitalizes on the opening by dropping Truth face first on the steel with a Skull-Crushing Finale. Miz covers Truth and picks up the three count. The timer goes off and out comes John Cena. Cena throws shoulder blocks left and right before planting Miz and setting up for the Five-Knuckle Shuffle. Before Cena can execute, however, Punk answers back with a Step-Up Enziguri. Punk whips Miz to the buckle and connects with a Shining Wizard and a Running Bulldog. Punk cinches in a Koji Clutch on Miz, but Cena breaks up the hold and plants Punk with a Throwback. Cena makes the cover, but only gets two.
Cena hits a brutal fisherman suplex on the steel to The Miz and drills Punk with a Spinebuster. The timer goes off for the final time and out comes John Morrison. Morrison glides across the ring taking out opponents left and right with Shining Wizards, Enziguris and Moonsault Side Slams. Morrison gets the drop on Punk with a Corkscrew Moonsault and nearly upends the WWE Champion, but Punk gets his foot on the bottom rope. Morrison hits a top rope dropkick on Cena and drops Miz with a Russian Leg Sweep.
Morrison attempts a Wheelbarrow Facebuster, but Punk rolls through into an Inside Cradle for another near fall. Punk meets Miz with a Snap Scoop Powerslam and stuns Cena with a Swinging Neckbreaker. Punk attempts a Randy Savage Elbow Drop, but Morrison takes him to the floor with a Pele’ Kick. Morrison meets Cena out on the steel and connects with JCM. Morrison climbs to the top of the pod and shocks the crowd with arguably the high spot of the night, an inconceivable 900 Splash to a prone Miz on the mat below. Morrison lies helplessly across the Miz and picks up the impressive three count.
Before Morrison can regain his bearings, Cena locks in the STFU and an unresponsive Morrison is rendered unable to continue. We’re down to Punk and Cena for the WWE Championship on the Road to Wrestlemania. Punk throws a series of Mongolian Chops and connects with a Springboard Clothesline on the outside before cinching in The Anaconda Vice. After several moments of struggle, Cena powers out and answers back with a vile hip toss and a dropkick for two. Cena hits a one-hand bulldog and connects with a top-rope leg bulldog for another near fall. Cena throws a flurry of shoulder blocks and locks in the STFU again.
Punk valiantly struggles to the bottom rope and breaks the hold. Perplexed, Cena hits a Spinning Protobomb and caps off with an F-U. Before Cena can make the cover, THE ROCK’S MUSIC HITS and Milwaukee flies into a FRENZY. Cena shrugs it off as another false alarm as we saw at The Rumble, but moments later turns around to find THERE WAS NO FALSE ALARM. The Chamber door was left open during Morrison’s elimination and The Rock swiftly made his entrance. Cena is met with a thunderous Rock Bottom and the Milwaukee crowd is electrified with The People’s Elbow to John Cena.
Punk returns to his feet, exits the Chamber Door and finds another table. Punk sets the table up and rolls an unconscious Cena onto the table. The WWE Champion then scales the ropes, up onto the pod and signals skyward “This One’s for you, Randy”. Punk wows the crowd with a glorious Macho Man Elbow Drop from the top of the chamber through the table, leaving it in splinters and both combatants in shambles. Punk desperately crawls to the cover and the referee exhaustively logs the final three count.
Winner and STILL WWE Champion: CM Punk
After the match, confetti flies in celebration of Punk’s victory, but the reigning champion is in no condition to celebrate. Officials drape the WWE Championship over Punk’s chest and help him to his feet. With the last of his energy, Punk pulls himself to the middle rope and hoists the WWE Championship high. Pyro explodes around the chamber as confetti continues to shower the Bradley Center. Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler welcome the WWE Universe to the Road to Wrestlemania as CM Punk gets his second wind, screaming “BEST IN THE WORLD” into the camera as Elimination Chamber fades to black.
