The 2012 Royal Rumble pay-per-view opens with a video package on the Road to Wrestlemania beginning tonight. The video profiles all three of the main events this evening. Dolph Ziggler talks about how he came from practically nothing; from being Chavo Guerrero's caddy, to the Spirit Squad, to fighting just to break into the middle of the pack. Bryan Danielson discusses how this evening is a proving ground to demonstrate that guys who come up through the independents can make it to the big time and excel. Orton says his purpose for getting into the business was to make his rich family legacy even richer and how another World Championship tonight would solidify that legacy. Punk and Jericho both state their case for being the absolute Best that this business has to offer and how their own individual Roads to Wrestlemania includes the WWE Championship. The video package concludes with various superstars featured in the 40-Man Classic insisting that they are "The One" that will punch their ticket for Wrestlemania tonight and finally wraps with the ECW Originals saying that they're on their own mission tonight and that for the purpose of rising from the grave, tonight--THEY ARE ONE.
And we're live from the Scottrade Center in St. Louis, Missouri. The pyro explodes as Jim Ross welcomes us to the 25th Anniversary of the Royal Rumble. J.R. is joined on commentary by Jerry "The King" Lawler and Matt Striker.
World Heavyweight Title Match: Bryan Danielson vs Dolph Ziggler vs Randy Orton
Dolph Ziggler enters first and grabs a mic to announce that “due to an unfortunate accident on Friday night”, Randy Orton has a hairline fracture in his left knee, a hyperextended right knee and a partially crushed larynx, and thus is unable to participate in tonight’s World Championship Match and boos CASCADE from the rafters. Ziggler says if Danielson knows what’s good for him, he’ll concede defeat to avoid further injury and surrender the World Heavyweight Championship right now. Danielson enters and tells Ziggler that he’ll have to do better than a set up for attempted slaughter by the ECW renegades to do him in. Danielson says the World Championship match is still on and demands that the ref ring the bell. The ref obliges and we apparently now have a one-on-one contest for the title.
We get formal ring introductions before the bell, the hometown crowd chanting “We Want Orton” and “RKO” throughout the whole thing. They lock up and Danielson strikes first with a series of knees and a flying lariat. Danielson starts to take control but Ziggler mounts a comeback and takes the champion to the corner. Ziggler throws a flurry of right hands and goes for a corner splash, but Danielson meets him with a dropkick to the face and a Missile Dropkick from the top rope for a two count.
Danielson tries to follow up with a trifecta of German Suplexes, but Ziggler throws elbows after two to counter the hold and responds with a bridging German of his own for a two count. Ziggler keeps the waistlock applied and plants the champion with an Inverted Body Slam for another nearfall. Ziggler attempts a swinging neckbreaker, but Danielson rolls through and hits Ziggler with a steamroller for two. Danielson locks in a surfboard and adds torque with a Dragon Sleeper, but Ziggler won’t quit. The champion releases the hold and applies the LeBell Lock. Ziggler frantically struggles to the bottom rope and breaks the hold. Danielson Irish whips Ziggler to the corner and follows up with a nasty dropkick. Danielson rolls back and rebounds with a flying forearm. Ziggler retreats to the outside but Danielson launches with a Suicide Dive, sending both men into the barricade.
Danielson tosses the challenger back into the ring and slaps on an Ankle Lock, Ziggler counters, sending the champion through the ropes and back to the outside. Danielson comes back in and Ziggler lands a crucifix, but Bryan rolls through and nearly collapses Ziggler’s lungs before practically decapitating the challenger with a swift kick to the temple. Danielson gets a two count before Ziggler gets his foot on the bottom rope. Danielson argues the call with the ref and Ziggler takes advantage with a Leg Drop Bulldog for two. Ziggler hits a Fireman’s Carry Gutbuster for another two count. Ziggler hits a powerslam and locks in a headlock, complete with headstand for added pressure. Ziggler calls the champion back to his feet and connects fully with a Superkick, but still can only get two.
Now Ziggler is starting to get frustrated with the official, and throws a series of elbow drops before connecting with a jumping elbow drop for another nearfall. Ziggler helps a battered Danielson back to his feet and connects with a FLAWLESS dropkick. Ziggler screams at the crowd “THAT’S IT” as he primes for the ZigZag. Ziggler strikes, but Danielson uses the top rope for leverage and responds with a roundhouse kick.
Ziggler rolls to the outside and Danielson runs from the ring apron with a flying knee. The opponents roll back into the ring, where Danielson applies a Heel Hook and transitions into a BEAUTIFUL Indian Deathlock. Again, Ziggler crawls to the bottom rope to break the hold.
Ziggler whips Danielson to the corner again, but the champion runs up the turnbuckle and backflips over Dolph to lock in the Guillotine Choke. The challenger has very little fight left in his struggle, and instead collapses onto the bottom rope to break the hold. The champion scales the top rope and connects with a Diving Headbutt for two and a half. Looking for the finish, Danielson tosses Ziggler to the corner, but Dolph responds with a corner backflip of his own, directly into position to hit the ZigZag.
Before the challenger can make the cover, Orton’s music hits and the St. Louis crowd EXPLODES. Orton limps down the entrance ramp, with a heavily braced left knee, a heavily taped right knee and a look of BLOODTHIRSTY RAGE on his face. The Viper immediately begins exchanging blows with Ziggler.
Ziggler attempts to throw a clothesline, but Orton ducks and comes back with an Olympic Slam for two. Danielson charges, but Orton counters with an Inverted Backbreaker drop, unfortunately landing on the knee. As Orton writhes, Ziggler returns to his feet and begins working over the knee. Danielson catches Ziggler with a shining wizard, sending both men to the arena floor. As both Ziggler and Danielson crawl back on the ring apron, Orton catches both and delivers a devastating Rope Hung DDT, covering Ziggler for two.
Using what energy he has left, Orton comes back and delivers a thunderous RKO to Danielson, but can’t capitalize on the pin. Orton forces himself back to his feet using the ropes and attempts a Punt to Ziggler, but crumbles to the mat in a heap as he tries to charge. Danielson returns to his feet and cinches Ziggler into Cattle Mutilation. Ziggler tries to tap out, but the ref is tending to Orton in the corner. Realizing he has little to no option left, Orton gets back to his feet and takes a page from mentor Ric Flair’s playbook, locking Danielson into the Figure Four.
We now have a Submission Pretzel as Danielson has Ziggler locked into Cattle Mutilation simultaneously with Orton’s Figure Four on the champion. The referee rings the bell, saying that Danielson submitted to the figure four and thus awards the match and the World Title to Orton. The St. Louis crowd ROARS with approval.
Winner and NEW World Heavyweight Champion: Randy Orton
Another referee comes down and explains the situation to the acting ref, saying that Ziggler actually submitted to Danielson’s Cattle Mutilation first, therefore the World Title stays with it’s owner.
Winner and STILL World Heavyweight Champion: Bryan Danielson
Both Orton and Danielson plead their case as WWE Officials review the tape to find the timing of the submissions. THEODORE LONG comes out and explains that the submissions occurred nearly simultaneously and that no clear cut winner could be decided. The Smackdown GM says that he hates to be the bearer of bad news, but that since no decision could be reached, the only logical decision is to rule the match a No Contest and VACATE the World Heavyweight Championship.
Ruling: No Contest--World Heavyweight Championship VACATED
Danielson and the injured hometown hero are DISTRAUGHT at this decision as Long throws the belt over his shoulder and walks out of the arena. Officials help Ziggler back to his feet as Orton and Danielson stare blankly at the crowd and each other. We have NO WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION!
We get a Wrestlemania 28 Promo and highlights detailing how we got to this point with the five qualifying opportunities for the ECW Superstars tonight, including the walkout on GM Michaels last December, the subsequent resignation of Michaels and concession of the opportunity by GM replacement Edge.
Josh Matthews is backstage with Christian, Jack Swagger, JBL and Paul Heyman. Christian says that there’s a reason that he and Swagger were hand picked by Paul Heyman to lead the revolution against WWE, and that’s because they recognized that we were discouraged with the way business was being done and they knew we could get the job done for the people who wish to do business the right way. Christian vows that both he and Swagger will win their qualifying matches tonight and that ultimately one of them, if not both will inevitably headline Wrestlemania. Christian says that the ECW Roster has been set up with the Luxury Box tonight to take all of the action in and he promises to do them proud as we go back to the ring.
Royal Rumble Qualifying Match: Christian vs. Chris Masters
We go to the ring and out comes WWE representative Chris Masters to a decent pop from the St. Louis crowd. Out next comes ECW Extremist and co-leader Christian. Christian climbs to the top turnbuckle and salutes the ECW roster in the skybox before jumping into the ring.
The bell rings and they go to lock up, but Masters is waiting with a spring-loaded Polish Hammer squarely to Christian’s face. The impact busts Captain Charisma across the nose and draws blood. Masters follows up with a Military Press Slam from the ring to the arena floor and the Masterpiece CLEARLY came to fight.
Masters tries to pull Christian back into the ring, but the wily vet drapes Masters over the top rope and follows up with a slap to the face. Christian hits a Missile Dropkick from the top for a nearfall. Christian whips Masters to the corner and hits an inverted Tornado DDT for another two count. Masters gets back to his feet and follows with an Irish Whip of his own, but Christian counters with a Twisting Sunset Flip, but instead of going for the pin, Christian counters into a cloverleaf. Masters gets to the rope to break the hold. Christian steps on Masters back and chokes him across the bottom rope before the referee steps in and forces a break. The former World Champion scales the ropes and comes off with a Diving Headbutt, but decides he’s not finished with his opponent.
Christian slaps Masters across the back of the head while helping him to his feet, but Masters counters with an Inverted Atomic Drop and a nasty clothesline before going for the Samoan Drop. Christian wriggles free and connects with the Killswitch. Incredibly, Masters kicks out at two. Christian sets up for a Spear, but Masters dodges, sending Captain Charisma crashing into the corner. Masters tries for a corner splash, but Christian counters AGAIN, this time with a Pendulum Kick. Christian climbs to the top again and attempts to connect with the Flashpoint Diving European Uppercut, but Masters has it scouted. The Masterpiece captures Christian in mid-air and locks in the Master Lock. Christian screams and fights for the ropes, but Masters won’t release the hold. Christian forces the break by reaching the ropes. As the ref orders Masters to loosen his grip, Christian slips free and drops into position for a victory roll, securing the three count.
Winner and Royal Rumble Qualifier: Christian
After the match, Christian celebrates on the ramp, taunting the stunned Masters and ECW celebrates the winning effort from upstairs. Christian is now eligible for entry in the Royal Rumble Match later in the evening and ECW has the lead on WWE, 1-0; The first to three wins tonight will determine ECW’s fate.
A promo runs for the upcoming Elimination Chamber pay-per-view.
Jeremy Borash is backstage with Chris Jericho discussing the implications of tonight’s 60-Minute Iron Man Match for the WWE Championship. Jericho explains that the Iron Man Match is so exhaustive that only eight tireless souls have dared participate in one in the last sixteen years and that only three of them are still on the roster. Jericho says he has no doubt that the match will take its toll on both his own career and that of Punk. Jericho says it’s no secret that this match has not been without controversy and that he’s confident that tonight will be no different. Y2J says that he has put all concerns out of his head but Punk, the WWE Championship and headlining Wrestlemania. Punk intervenes and tells him that he has an amusingly misguided view. Punk tells Jericho that they both know that The Undertaker is looming somewhere and that he unquestionably wants the biggest atmosphere possible for Wrestlemania, so he’ll undoubtedly target the WWE Champion coming out of tonight. Punk says in that case, it appears Jericho will have to make other plans for Wrestlemania, because the title is staying with him. Jericho insists to Punk that over the course of their sixty minutes in the ring together, he’ll find out beyond a shadow of a doubt why he is in fact, The Best In The World At What He Does.
We go to a video package of WWE asking fans who they believe will emerge victorious from the Royal Rumble Match tonight. The official themes for the Royal Rumble are revealed to be Volbeat’s “A Warrior’s Call” and Anew Revolution’s “Head Against The Wall”.
Backstage with GM’s Edge and Theodore Long running the Lottery Tumbler as various superstars emerge to select their numbers for the Royal Rumble Match. Christian and R-Truth are there to make a simultaneous draw. Christian draws #37 and appears thrilled by the draw until R-Truth tells him that he drew #40. Truth reminds Christian that while 37 IS a good draw, it wasn’t good enough to help Santino win the Rumble last year against Alberto Del Rio. Truth convinces Christian that if he wants to ensure victory that he better have a number between 38-40. Truth says that he’s in a giving mood tonight and offers to trade numbers with Christian and Christian accepts the trade. Truth grabs Christian by the shoulder and tells Captain Charisma that he just got GOT. As Truth scampers out the door, we discover that R-Truth had not drawn #40 but had in fact drawn #3...Christian slams the ball down in frustration realizing that he just got hoodwinked out of a fantastic spot in the Rumble Match.
Royal Rumble Qualifying Match: Shelton Benjamin vs. Rhyno
We go to the ring and the Man-Beast enters first to decent fanfare. Shelton Benjamin enters next and before Benjamin even has a chance to get his thoughts about him, Rhyno charges for a Gore. Showing amazing catlike reflexes, Benjamin leapfrogs over the charging Rhyno, sending him crashing into the turnbuckle. The ref frantically rings the bell, and we’re underway. Benjamin waits for Rhyno to get back out of the corner, at which time the War Machine staggers directly into a waiting Superkick.
Rhyno falls back into the corner and Benjamin follows up with a Corner Splash. As Rhyno staggers out of the corner, Benjamin hits Paydirt and scores a surprisingly quick three count. Benjamin has qualified for the Royal Rumble Match later in the evening.
Winner and Royal Rumble Qualifier: Shelton Benjamin
After the match, ECW expresses frustration from the booth and Rhyno rages at ringside, throwing steel chairs, ripping apart the announce table and tossing the ring steps into the ring. The Man-Beast is stunned and bitter about how quickly he was dispatched, having never seen it coming. WWE has evened the score at 1-1 apiece.
Back to the tumbler as we find Zack Ryder and The Miz lobbying to draw the #40 spot. Zack Ryder seems especially curious to find out who the five surprise entrants in tonight’s Rumble match are going to be. The Miz says it’s all irrelevant because not Zack Ryder, not the Big Show, not even the cockroach Alberto Del Rio will keep him from winning the Rumble and headlining Wrestlemania.
Another Mysterio promo airs, this one also says “BACK IN ACTION--ELIMINATION CHAMBER”
Royal Rumble Qualifying Match: Evan Bourne vs. Sabu
We go to the ring and out comes Sabu complete with steel chair in tow and whispers to Lilian Garcia inside information. Lilian announces that due to a prior agreement between Paul Heyman and Vince McMahon, the following contest will now be an EXTREME RULES MATCH. Out next comes Evan Bourne to an ENORMOUS POP from the supportive hometown crowd. Chants of "Let's Go Evan" ring throughout the arena. As Evan drops into the ring from the top turnbuckle, Sabu throws the chair at his face and the match is underway.
Sabu follows up with a Diving Leg Drop and a Slingshot Crossbody into the barricade as Bourne rolls to the outside. The Maniac rolls Bourne back into the ring and delivers an Arabian Skullcrusher, but Evan refuses to die, kicking out at two and a half. Perplexed, but determined, Sabu attempts an Arabian Press, but Bourne gets the knees up and starts the offensive.
Bourne rebounds and connects with a Hurricanrana Driver, planting Sabu crown first into the canvas. Sabu bounces back and takes a Spinning Back Kick to the face, rolls to the outside and is sent to the barricade himself by a Corkscrew Plancha. Bourne goes back to the top turnbuckle and delivers a STUNNING Missile Dropkick from the top to the arena floor. Bourne rolls Sabu back into the ring and connects with a Spinning Heel Kick for two. Bourne attempts a Crucifix Driver, but Sabu regains control with a Samoan Drop for two.
Sabu connects with a Handspring Elbow and grabs a chair. The Death Machine hits a Triple Jump Moonsault, but still only gets a two count. Frustrated, Sabu whips Bourne back to the outside and hits a Springboard Asai Moonsault back to the floor. Sabu sets up a table and drags Bourne to the top turnbuckle. Sabu comes off the top with a Super Frankensteiner that sends Bourne crashing through the wooden frame. The “Holy $#@%” chants are rolling at this point. Sabu launches the native son into the ring again and attempts an Arabian Piledriver, but Bourne counters into a beautiful Shiranui through the unfolded steel chair for two.
Bourne scales to the top rope and connects with a Diving Double Knee Drop, but Sabu traps him with an inside cradle for another nearfall. As Bourne rolls to the apron, Sabu drops a Guillotine Leg Drop, sending Bourne to the floor before pulling himself back onto another waiting table. Sabu launches over the top rope with another triple jump before drilling Bourne with a Tornado DDT through the table.
Rolling Bourne back into the ring again, Sabu attempts to finish the contest with an Arabian Facebuster, but Bourne rolls out of the way. As Sabu agonizes on the mat, Bourne lands a Standing Moonsault for another nearfall. Bourne gets back to his feet, but Sabu picks the ankle and trips him up to lock in the Arabian Clutch. Evan struggles to the bottom rope and breaks the hold, but clearly has exhausted whatever he may have had left.
Bourne pulls himself up in the corner and the ECW psychopath launches himself in an attempt for Air Sabu. Bourne collapses and Sabu crashes into the corner. With Sabu down on the mat, Bourne valiantly scales the ropes one last time and delivers a jaw-dropping Air Bourne for the three count.
Winner and Royal Rumble Qualifier: Evan Bourne
After the match, Bourne celebrates by surfing the hometown crowd. The ECW roster is growing increasingly nervous as one more loss will exterminate any hope that the walkouts had of preserving their contracts. WWE now leads 2-1. Sabu looks on, clearly disappointed with letting down Heyman.
A mysterious promo airs that speaks not a word but provides a chilling visual. The atmosphere has the look of a post-apocalyptic wasteland, nuclear winds sweeping through the scene and rocking the foundation of what remains of a street sign that reads “NOW LEAVING ATLANTA”. A thick fog rolls in as a silhouette fades away in the distance. Before he disappears, we see what appears to be the tails of a trench coat and a chainsaw dangling loosely from his right hand. Nothing is said, but the word “TONIGHT” appears on the screen before it fades to black.
Backstage with the GM’s and the Lottery Tumbler. Now drawing from the grinder are Cody Rhodes and Santino Marella. Santino promises to improve on last year’s performance by winning the Rumble and headlining “Wrestle-MONNIA”. Rhodes threatens Santino, telling him that he’d better hope that he gets eliminated before Cody gets to the ring, otherwise he’ll make an example out of Santino or anyone else that gets in his way. Cody says he’ll become the first man in 22 years to go into Wrestlemania as the reigning IC Champion and emerge as the reigning World Champion as well.
The video package for the Iron Man Match between Punk and Jericho for Punk’s WWE Championship is aired.
Iron Man Match for the WWE Championship: CM Punk vs. Chris Jericho
We go back to the ring and WWE Champion CM Punk enters first to a HUGE POP. Out next is Jericho following the classic countdown from 10 to ANOTHER HUGE POP. This match seems to be torn directly down the middle in terms of fan support. We get formal ring introductions before the bell and again, the fans are not showing any clear cut favorite in this match. The bell rings and the 60-minute marathon is underway.
Punk and Jericho meet in the middle of the ring and engage in an intense staredown before Punk takes it old school and offers a Greco-Roman test of strength and Jericho accepts. Y2J starts to win the battle and puts Punk into position for a Backbreaker submission hold. Punk struggles back to a standing position and starts throwing roundhouse kicks to Jericho's ribs. Punk breaks the hold and connects with a Double Underhook Backbreaker. Punk rolls to the apron and launches at Jericho with a Springboard Crossbody for two.
Punk signals for an early finish and sets Jericho up for the GTS. Jericho wriggles free and slips behind Punk, tossing him across the ring with a German Suplex. Punk regains his senses and pulls himself up on the ring apron, only to have Jericho rebound with a Springboard Corner Dropkick, sending Punk crashing to the arena floor. Jericho follows up with a Corner Springboard Plancha from inside the ring to the arena floor, sending both back first into the barricade.
Jericho rolls Punk back into the ring and hits a Breakdown for two and a half. Jericho starts throwing backhand chops to the champion and they have effect briefly, but eventually each repeated strike seems to be infuriating Punk. Punk responds with a series of alternating backhand slaps and chops to the face and torso before dropping the challenger with a nasty Roundhouse kick to the temple. Punk makes the cover, but still only gets two. Punk throws another Roundhouse, but Jericho ducks and comes back with a Hurricanrana that plants Punk's skull into the canvas. Jericho goes for a Lionsault, but Punk gets the knees up. Punk helps Jericho to his feet and Irish whips the challenger to the corner, following up with the Shining Wizard in the corner and a running Bulldog. The champion transitions flawlessly into an airtight Koji Clutch, hoping for a submission to give him an early lead. Jericho crawls desperately to the bottom rope and forces the break.
Punk whips Jericho off the ropes and comes back with a Scoop Powerslam for two. Punk helps Jericho back to his feet and takes a thumb to the eye. Jericho mounts the top rope and attempts a Missile Dropkick, but Punk captures him mid-leap and traps the legs. To the amazement of the St. Louis crowd, Punk then rolls Jericho over into The Walls of Jericho. WOW. Punk continues to add torque to the hold, even going as far as to scream Jericho's signature "ASK HIM" at the referee. Punk moves from The Walls into the Liontamer, placing a knee on the back of Jericho's head. Jericho again is struggling to escape the submission hold and saves himself the embarrassment of tapping out to his own hold by reaching the bottom rope again.
Punk sets Jericho up for a Swinging Neckbreaker, but Jericho rolls through and comes out on the other end connecting from out of NOWHERE with a Codebreaker. Jericho makes the cover and gets the three count.
Winner of the Fall: Chris Jericho at 12:51--Jericho leads 1-0.
Jericho takes full advantage of a prone Punk and connects with a Double Underhook Backbreaker of his own. Jericho plants Punk with a series of about six powerbombs before Punk rolls through with a Sunset flip for two. Punk attempts a Springboard Clothesline, but Jericho rolls out of the way, sending the champion crashing to the mat. Jericho launches himself over the ropes in an attempted springboard shoulder block, but Punk counters back and catches Jericho before he can launch, dropping the challenger with a Falcon Arrow for another two count. Punk whips the challenger to the buckle and catches Jericho off guard with a Rope Hung Can Opener from the outside, doing damage to the arm.
Jericho collapses out of the corner as Punk tumbles back into the ring. The champion charges and connects beautifully with a Step-Up enziguri, but still Punk can only muster two. Punk locks in an arm wrench, then drops the challenger with a Mule Kick to the face. Punk tries for a Short-Arm clothesline, but Jericho again dodges the blow, runs up the turnbuckle and answers with a Diving European Uppercut.
Jericho hits a Northern Lights Suplex and gets two before Punk muscles back to his feet and connects with a Gutwrench backbreaker for two. Punk rolls to the apron and connects with a Springboard Somersault Senton. Jericho rolls to the floor and Punk scales the top turnbuckle, flying through the air with a Suicide Dive that sends both crashing THROUGH the barricade. The “Holy $#@%” chants start up again as Punk fights back to his feet.
Both men crawl back to the ring and Punk goes to the top again. Punk attempts a diving Crossbody, but Jericho rolls through and comes off the ropes with his own step-up enziguri for a nearfall. Back to his feet, Punk charges into a Flashback Sleeper Slam. Jericho follows up with a Lionsault, and this time it connects. Jericho attempts a second Lionsault, Punk gets the knees up again, but this time Jericho has it scouted. Y2J grabs Punk’s legs and flips into the Walls of Jericho on the champion. Punk struggles and fights, but can’t get to the ropes. Jericho slips into the Liontamer and Punk reluctantly taps out.
Winner of the Fall: Chris Jericho at 25:15--Jericho leads 2-0.
Jericho whips Punk to the corner and follows in with a Shining Wizard before dropping Punk with a one-handed bulldog. An evil grin spreads across Jericho’s face, who at this point is in firm control. Y2J signals “Naptime” and sets Punk up for the GTS and Jericho connects. Unbelievable. Jericho makes the cover, but somehow, Punk kicks out. Jericho grandstands by placing his foot on Punk’s sternum for the cover but the champion kicks out again. Jericho argues the count with the ref and attempts a flying forearm smash, but Punk shoves him out of the way as a desperation counter. As Jericho gets back to his feet, the challenger staggers into the GTS. Punk makes the quick cover and the ref logs a three count.
Winner of the Fall: CM Punk at 29:21--Jericho leads 2-1.
As Punk waits for Jericho to get back to his feet, the champion attacks with a Jumping Calf Kick and a Snap Suplex before catching Jericho with a Tilt-A-Whirl backbreaker for two. Punk sets Jericho up on the top rope and hits a top-rope hurricanrana, but can’t capitalize on a cover, as the move landed the champion on his right shoulder.
Finding his opening, Jericho lands a Corkscrew Back Elbow and plants the WWE Champion with a Superplex from the top rope. Jericho crawls to the cover, but Punk kicks out on instinct. Jericho locks in an armbar, but Punk fights out with several body blows and another Roundhouse kick to the head. With Jericho unconscious, Punk scales to the top as chants of “Randy Savage” echo throughout the arena. Punk soars from the top and lands a Diving Elbow Drop. Before fans can properly react to the move’s impact, Punk has locked in the Anaconda Vice in one fluid motion. Jericho tries to dig at Punk’s face, gasping for air and frantically grasping for the ropes before surrendering to the hold.
Winner of the Fall: CM Punk at 37:33--Score Evened at 2-2.
As Punk returns to his feet, Jericho plays possum and picks the ankle, locking in the Walls of Jericho again. A determined Punk crawls on his elbows back to the bottom rope, but Jericho drags him back. Punk pushes up on the palms of his hands and contorts himself so as to escape the hold, then draws Y2J into a leg trap inside cradle for a surprise three count.
Winner of the Fall: CM Punk at 40:13--CM Punk leads 3-2.
Jericho argues the call with the ref as Punk takes another swipe with a Springboard Clothesline, but again Jericho counters, this time with a Codebreaker. As both men lay on the canvas, Jericho finally comes to and makes the cover. Incredibly, Punk has enough left to kick out at two and a half and Jericho is dumbfounded. Baffled as to what it will take to put Punk away, Jericho takes Punk to the corner and attempts a top rope Tiger Suplex, but Punk fights back with a series of rights and lefts to the ribs. Punk regains control and comes off the top rope, dropping Jericho face first to the mat with a Pepsi Plunge. Oh My God, Punk just used a move we haven’t seen since his Independent days.
As both men lay prone on the mat, JBL and PAUL HEYMAN storm down to the ring. Heyman slides a steel chair to Punk and Jericho is LIVID. Jericho starts accusing Punk of defecting to ECW again then turns to hit JBL, who has climbed up on the ring apron, with a Codebreaker. Punk throws the chair down and catapults Heyman over the ropes and into the ring. Punk sets Heyman up and clocks him with the GTS. Punk then turns around and walks into another Codebreaker. With both men unconscious, the LIGHTS GO OUT IN THE ARENA and a procession of druids roll a casket to the ring.
The lights come back up and THE UNDERTAKER is standing in the middle of the ring!!! The Deadman casts a death glare at both champion and challenger, just waiting for the first one to rise to his feet. Both men rise almost simultaneously and the Undertaker dramatically makes his choice to challenge the streak at Wrestlemania. Taker turns his attention to and chokeslams....CHRIS JERICHO. The attack triggers a disqualification.
Winner of the Fall: Chris Jericho via DQ at 50:08--Score Evened at 3-3.
Punk attempts to retaliate against Taker for the interference, but before Punk can land a blow, the lights go down again and The Deadman has disappeared into a cloud of smoke as the lights come back up. More importantly, however is that CHRIS JERICHO HAS DISAPPEARED. The clock ticks down as officials search for Jericho’s whereabouts and Punk angrily demands that Jericho be found. After a moment or two of frenzied searching, the casket left at ringside by the druids begins rattling and rocking back and forth. Somehow, The Undertaker has locked Jericho inside the casket. Officials, EMTs and other WWE personnel come down with power drills, crowbars, tire irons, practically anything that can break the airtight seal and free Jericho.
Punk is hovering at every turn, trying to do whatever he can to open the seal as well. Punk circles the ring, yelling at officials to get the casket open. Punk grabs a mic and tells officials to hurry up and get the casket open, this is NOT how he wanted to retain the WWE Championship. The clock is still ticking and after several minutes of trying to free Jericho, the lid opens and Y2J comes out swinging blindly. Jericho now has a little more than two minutes to create another victory and come away with the WWE Championship.
Punk whips Jericho to the corner and attempts another Shining Wizard. Jericho dodges and shoves Punk over the top rope as Punk’s knee collides with the buckle. Jericho rolls to the arena floor and tosses Punk back into the ring before attempting a Springboard Shoulder Block, but Punk catches him with a Fireman’s Carry and sets up for the GTS. Jericho somehow shifts his weight in mid-toss and connects with a vicious Codebreaker. Racing against the clock, Y2J crawls to the cover and the ref gets into position for the count. The official logs the count-- “1....2.....” Unfortunately, the final second ticks off the clock JUST before the ref’s hand comes down for three. The official informs Lilian Garcia that the match has ended in a 3-3 draw. As a result, the WWE Championship will NOT change hands.
Winner: DRAW; STILL WWE CHAMPION--CM PUNK.
The referee drapes the WWE Championship belt over the unconscious Punk’s chest as Jericho stares helplessly at the 00:00 readout displayed on the titantron. Like it or not, in spite of both men’s incredible efforts, despite Jericho’s determination and in spite of Jericho’s unexpected predicament presented by The Undertaker, ONE SECOND separated Jericho from the WWE Championship, BUT IT WAS JUST ENOUGH. What an INCREDIBLE contest. After the match, Punk gets back to his feet and shakes hands with his adversary. Punk looks Jericho directly in the eyes and tells him “YOU’RE A DAMN FIGHTER AND YOU DESERVE A REMATCH.” Punk and Jericho roll from the ring and go their separate ways, both men frustrated with the outcome, but only Punk can celebrate the title defense with the fans.
Backstage with Drew McIntyre, who is prepping to draw his number from the tumbler, and pulls out #23, but before he can put the number away for safe storage, a green blur swoops in and swipes the number from him. Teddy Long encourages McIntyre to draw again, but can only produce a #14. An angered McIntyre is left only to ask--WHASSUPWITDAT?! Mark Henry lumbers in and grabs a number from the grinder and doesn't even bother to look at it. Henry glowers at Teddy Long and tells him that it doesn't matter if he draws #40 or #4, there is NO WAY that this Royal Rumble is going to anyone other than The World's Strongest Man.
20-Diva Battle Royal for the WWE Women's Championship
We go back to the ring and twelve of the twenty divas are already getting primed in the ring. Out next is Victoria, followed by Melina and Mickie James, who all get decent pops then Michelle McCool, who is still drawing consistent heat from her LayCool days. Rounding out the fray is Natalya, Trish Stratus, Lita and finally the defending Women's Champion Beth Phoenix.
The bell rings and we're underway. Beth Phoenix goes right to work, dumping out Torrie Wilson and Sable in very short order. Seeing this, Chyna decides to engage the champion in a game of one-upsmanship, tossing Stacy Keibler, Candice Michelle and Maria before Phoenix cuts Tamina off at the pass and dumps Jimmy Snuka's daughter to the arena floor.
Maryse attempts a powerbomb on Melina, but Melina counters with an over-the-top rope Sunset Flip that sends Maryse to the floor. Mickie James throws a Mick Kick to the back of Layla’s head and tosses her over the top. With room cleared in the ring, Beth and Chyna’s paths finally cross. The Ninth Wonder of the World and the Glamazon begin exchanging blows before Lita and Trish Stratus break up the brawl and take the combatants to opposite corners. Sara Del Ray sneaks up behind Lita and dumps Chyna from the Royal. Jazz storms across the ring and clotheslines Ashley Massaro and Sara Del Ray simultaneously out of the match. Lita and Trish collaborate to eliminate Jazz, then Trish lowbridges a charging Victoria to send her flying. Beth Phoenix form a cooperative unit with Michelle McCool to toss Melina and Mickie James, then turns on McCool and sends her crashing to the concrete. We’re down to the final four participants; Trish, Lita, Natalya and the defending champion. Phoenix tosses Lita with a Military Press over the top rope then shifts the momentum from Trish’s Stratusfaction Bulldog to toss her from the ring.
We’re down to Beth Phoenix and her former associate, Natalya. Beth starts the beatdown, pounding Natalya with double axes, fists and boots to the ribs. Phoenix works Natalya to the point where she is able to get her into position for the Glam Slam and begins maneuvering for the ropes. As Beth goes for the release into the slam, however, Natalya wraps her legs in an attempted victory roll that sends both divas over the top rope. Natalya manages to reach out and snatch the bottom rope before hitting the floor as the defending champion falls to the ringside area.
Winner and NEW WWE Women’s Champion: Natalya
After the match, Natalya emotionally celebrates her HUGE title win, but the celebration is cut short by that all too ominous and familiar cackling that signals the Diva Devastation Machine; KHARMA! Kharma’s music continues to play, but the monstrous diva doesn’t show. Only a message on the titantron appears: Kharma’s gonna catch up with you....SHORTLY. The distraction proves to be enough to allow the former champion to get back into the ring and drop Natalya with a Glam Slam. Phoenix stares at the damage done before climbing from the ring and storming back up the ramp.
We go backstage and Edge is on the phone with Vince McMahon discussing the fallout from the Iron Man Match. CM Punk bursts through the door with the WWE Championship in hand and demands that Edge book a rematch for the WWE Championship with Chris Jericho as soon as possible and ensure that The Undertaker can’t get anywhere near the match. Edge tells Punk that there is absolutely nothing he can do about the Undertaker and as far as the title match is concerned, he’ll get it tomorrow night on RAW, as all superstars hoping to qualify for the ELIMINATION CHAMBER in February, including the champion, will have to qualify. Punk tells Edge that he’d better make DAMN sure that nothing happens to screw this up.
Royal Rumble Qualifying Match: Jack Swagger vs. Ultimo Dragon
We go back to the ring and Ultimo Dragon enters first to a decent pop. Out next is Jack Swagger and The All-American American looks to be on a mission to salvage ECW, which is one loss away from having one third of the roster terminated. The bell rings and we get underway.
Swagger sweeps the Dragon to the mat with a double leg takedown and floats from a headlock to a reverse chinlock. Dragon throws Swagger to the ropes and Swagger responds with a flying shoulder tackle to Ultimo’s knees. Swagger moves into a waist lock and hits a solid gutwrench suplex for a two count.
Dragon locks in an arm wrench and moves into an inside cradle for a La Magistral pinning attempt for a nearfall. Dragon throws a series of kicks, but Swagger captures the leg and executes a jumping shoulder leg breaker. Swagger follows up with a Shoulderbreaker and an Oklahoma Slam. The All-American American slaps on an Abdominal Stretch, but Dragon escapes and Swagger hits a Running Knee Lift. Swagger attempts a German Suplex, but Dragon counters with an Asai DDT and picks up a two and a half count. Swagger throws a Big Boot to the face and drops Dragon with a Corner Slingshot Splash. Swagger attempts a Gutwrench Bomb, but Dragon counters out with a Dragonsteiner that drapes Swagger across the middle rope. Dragon hits a Tiger Feint Kick and sets up for an Asai Moonsault. As Dragon makes impact, however, Swagger captures the leg and cinches in the Ankle Lock. Swagger mercilessly wrenches and forces Ultimo to tap out.
Winner and Royal Rumble Qualifier: Jack Swagger
After the match, Swagger keeps the Ankle Lock locked in and refuses to release the hold. The referee steps in to try and force Swagger to step off. Swagger will not relent and Alex Riley’s music hits. Riley bolts down to the ring and starts throwing fists with Swagger before getting the upper hand and setting up for the A-Bomb. Swagger squirms free and escapes to the entrance ramp. Riley taunts Swagger from the turnbuckle with the U.S. Title and helps Dragon to his feet and out of the ring. These two are well on their way to getting on a collision course with each other.
We go backstage and Rob Van Dam is meditating while balancing on two unfolded steel chairs. Heyman and JBL come in and tell RVD that all hope for ECW rests with him. Van Dam comes out of his trance and tells the duo that they have nothing to be concerned with. After the next match is over, ECW will air as its own show later this week and that’s all there is to it.
The mysterious promo seen earlier airs again. This time the silhouetted figure walks through the fog and the nuclear winds to approach another street sign that reads “NOW ENTERING ST. LOUIS”. The figure raises his chainsaw and begins hacking away at the street sign as sparks continue to fly. Eventually, the chainsaw falls to the ground and the screen slowly fades to black as the words “ROYAL RUMBLE MATCH” fade in and out as we go to black again.
Royal Rumble Qualifying Match: Rob Van Dam vs. Paul London
We go back to ringside and Lilian Garcia introduces JOEY STYLES to call the action in the match that will ultimately determine ECW's fate. Vince McMahon enters alongside Stephanie to serve as corner support for Team WWE in this final showdown. Paul Heyman and JBL emerge in the Longhorn Limo to serve as Van Dam's corner support. Paul London is out first to a respectable pop, but the ECW loyalists are in full throat and drown out the supporters. After a delay, the opening chords of PANTERA'S "WALK" flood throughout the arena. The St. Louis crowd ERUPTS as Rob Van Dam walks from the ECW luxury box and down through the crowd. Van Dam jumps the barricade and rolls into the ring. We get formal ring introductions before the bell and the match is officially underway.
London and Van Dam circle each other a few times before London charges and gets tossed with a Monkey Flip. Van Dam leaps to the top and lands a Diving Leg Drop for two. RVD rebounds off the ropes and hits a Standing Moonsault for another nearfall. Van Dam helps London back to his feet and Paul counters into a Dragon Suplex for two.
Van Dam rolls from the ring and London follows up with a Somersault Plancha over the top rope that sends both the retaining wall. Back into the ring, Van Dam falls victim to a Waffle Face Buster. London begs RVD to return to his feet then promptly strikes with a Jumping Enziguri. London scales the top rope prepared to deliver a 450 Splash, but Heyman jumps up on the ring apron to distract the ref while JBL runs to the other side of the apron and knocks London off the top rope to the arena floor.
After an extensive argument with Heyman, the ref decides he's not going to put up with the unnecessary distraction at ringside and ejects JBL, Heyman and BOTH McMahons. As all four parties express their outrage, JBL sneaks in a cheap shot, striking the ref with a Big Boot before leaving the ring. JBL and Stephanie leave the arena but McMahon and Heyman begin exchanging words over the fallen referee.
Vince clubs Heyman in the temple with a right hook and removes his jacket to reveal a WWE referee’s shirt and continues about officiating the contest. London launches himself from the top rope with a Suicide Dive at RVD, but the former ECW Champion ducks and London collides with Vince instead.
London attempts a Bridging Fallaway Slam and RVD rolls through with an Inside Cradle, but there’s no referee. Heyman steps in and logs a two count before McMahon breaks up the attempt. London throws a kick, but RVD counters back with a step-over spinning wheel kick. Van Dam hits Rolling Thunder and goes for the cover, but McMahon and Heyman are still brawling in the ring. RVD goes to break up the fray but London throws Van Dam to the corner and lands a Mushroom Stomp. London follows up with a Leg Sweep DDT and a Dropsault, but still no count as Heyman and McMahon continue to brawl. Now London tries to play mediator, but Van Dam recovers in time to throw a Leaping Crescent Kick.
Van Dam whips London to the buckle and follows in with a series of shoulder thrusts and a Monkey Flip to the center of the ring. Van Dam springboards for a Diving Superkick, but London dodges and comes back with an Inverted Atomic Drop and a Frankensteiner. London scales to the top and hits a Shooting Star Press. London goes for the cover, but the brawl continues. McMahon finally gets in a sucker punch that takes Heyman to the mat. McMahon goes to make the count, but RVD kicks out at two. RVD and McMahon get into a shoving match, which allows London to come from behind with an Inverted Frankensteiner, landing Van Dam on the back of his neck.
London goes to the top for London Calling, but RVD gets the knees up. Mr. Pay-Per-View goes for the cover and McMahon refuses to make the count. Another shouting match between Van Dam and McMahon ensues when without warning, cameras cut to the parking lot area. A black limo rolls up, the passenger door opens and out steps....SHANE McMAHON! OH MY GOD! SHANE O’MAC HAS COME BACK HOME! As Shane storms from the parking lot to the backstage area, Vince glares at the titantron incredulously until Shane’s music pours through the arena and The Boy Wonder makes a beeline for the ring with steel chair in hand. Flying across the ring, Shane O’ CRUSHES his father’s face with a steel chair and then proceeds to go coast to coast with the same chair. Van Dam clocks London with a Roundhouse Kick and goes Coast to Coast on his opponent. As Van Dam hops to the top rope again, he connects with The Five-Star Frog Splash and goes for the cover. At this time, Shane removes his coat and shirt to reveal his own set of pinstripes. Shane logs the three count, Joey Styles goes BALLISTIC on commentary and ECW LIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIVVVVVVVVVVEEEEEES!!!!!
Winner and Royal Rumble Qualifier: Rob Van Dam (ECW wins 3-2)
After the match, Shane McMahon shakes hands with Van Dam and gets on the mic to introduce himself as the leading shareholder of the ECW entity, officially naming Heyman as the EVP of Talent Relations and JBL as ECW’s new General Manager. ECW will continue to exist as its own brand in WWE. The ECW roster in the luxury box is ROLLING with the celebration as Joey Styles joins Van Dam and McMahon in the ring.
The Royal Rumble “By The Numbers” video package is run in preparation for the Main Event of the Evening.
Backstage with John Cena and the Nexus discussing how they plan to approach the Rumble. CM Punk crosses paths with them and tells Cena not to plan on pulling double duty at Wrestlemania. Punk chimes in and tells Cena that no, it’s not because The Rock is too injured to compete. Punk promises that “Dwayne” will in all likelihood make it back for The Biggest Show of the Year, because “Injured or not, Dwayne won’t pass up an opportunity to collect THAT payday.” Punk tells Cena that he’ll only have the one match at Mania because there is no way in HELL that he or the Wiz Khalifa crew will make a difference in the outcome of the Royal Rumble match. Punk passes by McGillicutty, Ryan and Harris, simply saying “Hey guys. Long time no see.” before wandering off, chuckling under his breath.
25th Anniversary of the Royal Rumble Match:
We go back to ringside and Lilian Garcia introduces us to Howard Finkel to will do the announcing for the 25th Annual Royal Rumble Match. Howard explains that entrants will join the match at 90 second intervals and the last man standing after all other participants have been thrown over the top rope to the floor will be declared the Royal Rumble Winner. Just as The Fink goes to make the introductions, he is interrupted by Smackdown! General Manager Theodore Long, who paces to the ring carrying a black, velvet bag.
Teddy gets on the mic and explains the fallout from tonight’s opening contest and announces that with permission of the WWE Board of Directors and of course the Chairman and CEO Vincent Kennedy McMahon, a historic alteration has been made to this match. All four participants in the Championship matches tonight but came up empty have been declared eligible for what has now been made a 45-MAN ROYAL RUMBLE MATCH. Long continues, saying that he will not have a rudderless ship on Smackdown any longer than he has to. Long says that the winner of tonight’s Royal Rumble Match will NOT main event Wrestlemania for a chance at the title. Long pulls the contents of the black bag out and it’s the World Heavyweight Championship Belt that was vacated at the top of the evening. For the first time in TWENTY YEARS, the WINNER of the largest ROYAL RUMBLE MATCH in HISTORY will be rewarded as the NEW WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION!!!!!
The first man out is none other than the COO of WWE, The Game, TRIPLE H. Fans erupt into cheers at the unexpected opening entrant. After a considerable pause with Hunter getting prepared for his first opponent, the #2 entrant makes his way out and...HOLY $#@%, it's KURT ANGLE! Angle makes his triumphant return to WWE and the rafters are BOOMING with both the pop and deafening chants of "You Suck" as Angle makes his way down to the ring.
The bell finally rings and both men begin pacing before locking up. Angle and Triple H begin exchanging blows before Angle cinches in a waistlock and attempts a German Suplex, but Triple H fights out with elbows to the head and runs the ropes, connecting with a High Knee and a Jumping Knee Drop. Hunter applies a sleeper, but Angle counters back into the waistlock and drops The Game with a trio of Germans. Angle attempts to eliminate Triple H, but Hunter sneaks back in after jamming a thumb in Angle's eye. The Game tosses Angle over the top to the apron, but Angle fights back in with a series of headbutts and a European Uppercut. Angle attempts to lock in the Angle Lock but Hunter counters, sending Angle crashing head first into the turnbuckle. The next man out is CHRISTIAN. Christian hangs back in the corner as Angle and Triple H brawl.
Finding his opening, Christian drops Triple H with an Implant DDT and begins throwing punches with Angle. Eventually, Christian sneaks in a Killswitch on Angle but walks into a Double-A Spinebuster by Triple H. The fourth entrant is HUNICO. Hunico hits the ring with a springboard clothesline to Christian, rolls through and throws a Spinning Wheel Kick to Triple H. Hunico tries to keep the momentum going with a Handspring Back Elbow, but Angle captures him in a waist lock and dumps him over the top rope with an Angle Slam. Entrant number five is TED DIBIASE. DiBiase hits the ring in a fury, taking down Hunter and Angle with clotheslines before crushing Christian's face with a Running High Knee. DiBiase and Christian go at it as Angle and Triple H continue trying to eliminate each other in the opposite corner. The sixth entrant is CHAVO GUERRERO. Chavo stuns Christian with a frankensteiner and goes to work on DiBiase, hitting three amigos first on Ted then on Christian. The Game sneaks up from behind and dumps Chavo to the outside.
Out next is MUHAMMAD HASSAN at #7. Hassan is greeted by a cascade of boos as Daivari and Khali escort him to ringside. Hassan throws a series of punches and kicks to a downed DiBiase and locks Christian in the Camel Clutch as Daivari hurls Farsi epithets at the crowd. Angle breaks up the hold and begins exchanging blows with Hassan as the crowd bursts into chants of “Let’s Go Angle” and “U.S.A.” Entrant number eight is KAVAL. Kaval flies to the ring and starts throwing flying headbutts, taking down Hassan, then Christian, then DiBiase. Kaval surprises everyone in attendance, taking down Triple H with a Black Magic Roundhouse Kick. Angle stuns Kaval with an Angle Slam and begins working over Triple H again. The #9 spot belongs to BOOKER T. Booker storms the ring and throws a Superkick to Christian, drops Angle and Triple H with the Book End and flattens Hassan with a Scissor Kick. Booker backs DiBiase into the corner and begins throwing a combination of punches, kicks, and knife-edge chops before attempting to eliminate the Fortunate Son.
Entrant #10 is BRIAN KENDRICK. Kendrick drops Hassan with a Hurricanrana before hitting a Backflip Dropkick on DiBiase and connecting with a Superkick on Booker T. Kendrick turns his attention to Christian and drops Captain Charisma with Sliced Bread #2. Kendrick tries to hit DiBiase with Sliced Bread, but DiBiase uses Kendrick’s momentum against him, turning and dropping Kendrick over the top as he climbs the turnbuckle. Out next at #11 is JACK SWAGGER. Swagger comes in and takes out DiBiase and Triple H, hitting the Vader Splash on Hunter out of the corner. DiBiase comes up behind Swagger and hits Dream Street and punctuates with a Million $ Fist Drop. Kaval dives from the top rope and hits the Ghetto Stomp on Swagger. The 12th Entrant is the another to qualify this evening, SHELTON BENJAMIN. Benjamin whips Christian, Hassan, Swagger and DiBiase to individual corners, hitting the Stinger Splash on all of them and dropping them with a series of Superkicks, T-Bone Suplexes, Paydirt and a Samoan Drop. Swagger returns to his feet and quickly dodges a Scissor Kick and shoves an off-balance Booker T over the top rope.
The countdown begins again and when the clock reaches :00, we are introduced to the #13 entrant--THE GODFATHER! Another surprise entrant, The Godfather boogies down to ringside to a HUGE POP, trailed from behind by a CAVALCADE of women. The Godfather cleans house, taking out everyone within arms reach with running big boots, and a flurry of rights and lefts. Hassan walks into an Arm Wrench and a Hook Kick and whips Christian to the buckle. After working the crowd into a nostalgic frenzy, The Godfather crushes Christian with The Ho Train and plants him with the Pimp Drop. As he gets back to his feet to celebrate, Jack Swagger tosses The Godfather to the floor, eliminating him. Out next is DREW McINTYRE at #14. McIntyre teams up with Swagger and both men immediately go to work on Triple H. The Game fights both men off and dodges a charging Kaval just in time to send him crashing over the top rope to the floor. Hassan jumps Triple H and begins pummeling his back, but Hassan is quickly surrounded by Angle, DiBiase, McIntyre, Swagger, Benjamin, Christian and eventually Triple H himself. The throng of superstars collectively lift Hassan off the ground, carry him to the ropes and toss him to the floor. Triple H and Kurt Angle clothesline Benjamin over the top rope. The 15th entrant is UNITED STATES CHAMPION ALEX RILEY. Swagger stands his ground and digs in for a brawl. Riley BOLTS to the ring and begins throwing nasty rights with Swagger, backing him against the ropes. Riley runs from the opposite side of the ring, clotheslining Swagger over the top rope and taking both Swagger and himself out of the match. Riley and Swagger continue to brawl into the crowd as the match continues.
Out next is SIN CARA at #16. Cara confounds every last superstar in the ring with his deceptive speed and agility, even stunning Triple H with a Handspring Back Elbow, taking down Angle with a Springboard Moonsault and taking out McIntyre with a series of arm drags before nailing Christian with a Corkscrew Cross Body block. The next entrant is BATISTA at #17. Batista spears the hell out of Sin Cara before capturing DiBiase, Triple H and Kurt Angle with a series of Spinebusters. The Animal drills McIntyre with a Batista Bomb. Out next is #18--JOHN MORRISON. Morrison hits Batista with a Flying Chuck kick and drills Christian with Moonlight Drive before surprising a downed Triple H with Starship Pain. McIntyre tries to eliminate Morrison, but Morrison counters with a Pele’ Kick on the apron, rolling back under the bottom rope. Batista Spears Morrison from the apron, but The Prince of Parkour lands on the barricade...AGAIN (Here we go again). Draped across the retaining wall, Morrison reaches behind the barricade and pulls out a table. Still balancing on the wall, Morrison positions the table between the barricade and the ring apron and walks the drawbridge across. McIntyre pushes the table off the apron just before Morrison can reach the apron, but JoMo launches himself at the ropes before the table can fall and performs a rolling senton back into the ring. UNBELIEVABLE.
The #19 entrant is The Celtic Warrior, SHEAMUS. Sheamus takes out Christian, McIntyre and Triple H with polish hammers before dropping Angle with a Brogue Kick and Morrison with the Irish Curse Backbreaker. Sheamus and Batista have a stand-off and Batista gears up for a Batista Bomb, but Sheamus counters out and hits another Brogue Kick. Out next is MVP, who immediately goes to work on McIntyre. MVP drops McIntyre with The Play of the Day before clocking Triple H with a Drive-By Kick and following up with a Ballin’ Elbow. The 21st Entrant is another surprise entrant--RICK “THE MODEL” MARTEL! Martel comes to the ring for his first Rumble in nearly twenty years. Martel gets into the ring and immediately sprays Arrogance into the face of McIntyre, Christian and John Morrison. As the trio writhes on the floor, trying to dig the burning sensation out of their eyes, Martel locks up with Sin Cara and hits a flurry of hip tosses before slapping on the Boston Crab to a HUGE pop.
Out next is BIG SHOW at #22. Show begins tossing superstars around the ring with ease, throwing chops and headbutts before dropping Christian with a Spear and clobbering Triple H with WMD. Show whips Sheamus to the corner and proceeds to throw three chest slaps in succession before chokeslamming Sheamus to the mat. Show throws a vile shoulderblock, knocking McIntyre into next Tuesday and leaving the giant as the only man on his feet in the ring. Out next is THE HURRICANE. Big Show just sits back and observes as The Hurricane waits for someone to get back to their feet. Triple H and Kurt Angle return to their feet simultaneously and The Hurricane puts a Double Chokeslam grip on both of them. Hunter and Angle incredulously stare at each other then back to Hurricane as they collectively shove him back to the ropes and toss him over the top. MVP sets up for a Playmaker on Batista, but the Animal powers out and dumps Porter backward over the top rope, eliminating him. JEFF HARDY enters at #24 with a steel chair and throws it at Big Show’s face, dazing him. Hardy rebounds with a Whisper in the Wind that takes Show off his feet. Hardy leaps to the top rope and hits Morrison with a Swanton Bomb.
The ring is filling up quickly as the #25 entrant hits the ring and it’s JOHN CENA. Cena enters accompanied by the Nexus, but a LINE of referees cut them off at the pass and explain that the Nexus is banned from ringside. Cena argues the ruling, but it does no good. Cena storms to the ring and immediately starts trading blows with Angle, Triple H and Batista. DiBiase goes for Dream Street on Sheamus but Sheamus counters and clotheslines DiBiase to the floor. The #26 spot goes to ROB VAN DAM, who hits the ring and levels Cena with a Step-Over Wheel Kick and Rolling Thunder. Cena rolls from the ring and Batista pursues him under the bottom rope. The Nexus resurfaces and begins the beatdown on Batista as referees, officials and security all try to break up the brawl and escort Nexus from the building. Cena rolls Batista back into the ring, sets him up for the F-U and tosses The Animal over the top rope and out of the match. The 27th entrant is St. Louis own EVAN BOURNE, who once again gets the EXPLOSIVE hometown welcome. Chants of “Lets Go Evan” as Bourne begins throwing High Knees, Heel Kicks and Hurricanranas, Even connecting with Air Bourne on Christian. Van Dam hits a Five-Star Frog Splash on Hardy and Angle comes up from behind to set up for the Angle Slam. Van Dam counters into a high-velocity arm drag that sends Angle over the top rope. Angle gets an applause for his efforts and a “Welcome Back” chant as he heads to the back.
Out at #28 is DOLPH ZIGGLER. The man who came within seconds of becoming the new World Heavyweight Champion earlier in the evening goes after Morrison and McIntyre before flattening Van Dam with the ZigZag. The #29 Entrant is THE MIZ. Miz, Ziggler and McIntyre form an alliance of sorts and begin brawling with Hardy, Morrison and Van Dam as all six attempt to eliminate each other. Miz drops Sin Cara with The Skull Crushing Finale as the #30 entrant comes in and its ALBERTO DEL RIO. Del Rio makes a beeline for the ring and immediately begins brawling with the man who has made life a living hell for the last few weeks as he and The Miz go back and forth before Del Rio hits a Step Up Enziguri. Morrison goes for a Flying Chuck on Del Rio, but Del Rio ducks and McIntyre takes the blow instead. Morrison tosses a dazed McIntyre over the top to thin the herd.
Morrison throws another Flying Chuck and this one connects with the intended target, Sin Cara. Del Rio tosses Sin Cara over the top rope, but Cara grabs the top rope and attempts to skin the cat. From out of the crowd comes a fan wearing a SIN CARA NEGRO mask and wielding a crutch. The fan breaks the crutch over Sin Cara’s head, watching him fall to the arena floor. The fan removes the Sin Cara mask to reveal--REY MYSTERIO! Dressed in streets, Mysterio walks back to the dressing room shaking his head. The ring is now filled with 13 superstars as the participants await the #31 entrant.
The lights go out and the gong sounds. The gong sounds a second time and the lights come back up with THE UNDERTAKER standing in the ring! The Deadman starts throwing those famed soup bones at any superstar who dares cross paths with him. Taker grabs a hold of Cena and Tombstones him to another huge pop. Taker drills Triple H with the Last Ride and chokeslams Christian before locking into a staredown with The Big Show. The clock reaches :00 again and the #32 entrant--Oh My God, it’s SID JUSTICE. The roof just about comes off the arena as the Scottrade Center EXPLODES into cheers for the returning psychopath. Sid hits the ring and begins chokeslamming everyone before getting a hold of Triple H and Powerbombing him practically through the mat. The #33 entrant is ZACK RYDER as everyone’s favorite Twitter nerd strolls down to ringside on his digital flip camera and goes to work on the competition, going primarily after Dolph Ziggler and The Miz.
Out next is WADE BARRETT at #34 and drops Ryder with Wasteland before taking a double chokeslam from Taker and Sid. Sid and Taker begin trading blows as the number of superstars in the ring begins to swell. Former World Champion BRYAN DANIELSON is next at #35 and the champion targets both Barrett and Ziggler, locking in the Guillotine Choke on the Show Off. Cena tosses Rick Martel from the match with another F-U. Mark Henry enters at #36 and begins clubbing everyone with clotheslines and headbutts before plowing Ryder with The World’s Strongest Slam and attempting to dump Sid from the match, but with no success.
R-TRUTH rolls in at #37 and begins planting superstars with Lil’ Jimmy before taking Cena off his feet with the Lie Detector. CHRIS JERICHO is in next at #38 and drops R-Truth with an Enziguri before staggering Taker with the Codebreaker. Jericho pounces on the Undertaker and exacts a little revenge for The Deadman’s actions in the WWE Championship Match. RANDY ORTON limps out at #39, clearly still wounded from last Friday’s attack by Ziggler and goes right back to brawling with both Ziggler and Danielson before drilling Triple H, Cena, Christian, Del Rio AND Wade Barrett with RKOs.
The #40 entry belongs to REY MYSTERIO, who already made his presence known earlier on. Mysterio trips up Christian, Del Rio and Cena and connects with perhaps the first ever TRIPLE 619 before landing West Coast Pop on The Miz. KOFI KINGSTON enters at #41 and drills Orton with Trouble In Paradise before trapping Ziggler with S.O.S. and landing the Boom Drop on Cena. CODY RHODES enters at #42 and begins working over the wounded Orton and quickly receives an RKO for his troubles after setting up for Cross Rhodes.
SANTINO MARELLA owns the #43 spot and primes the Cobra on the entrance ramp as he power walks to the ring. As Santino prepares to strike, Sid captures Santino by the throat and chokeslams him over the top rope. The Big Show follows suit, dumping Sid over the top. Kofi tries for Trouble In Paradise on Christian, but Christian ducks and Del Rio responds with a Step-Up Enziguri. Del Rio and Christian form an alliance to collaborate on Kingston’s elimination. The lights go down again and the stage bursts into flames as KANE is revealed as the #44 entrant. As the participants all await the Big Red Monster’s arrival, all of them are oblivious to the fact that a seam has just ripped in the canvas of the ring and Kane rises from the rift in his iron Predator mask. Kane removes the first mask and rises from underneath the ring to destroy everyone in his path. Kane tosses Van Dam from a chokeslam position to the floor. Kane teams up on an effort with Wade Barrett, Mark Henry, The Miz and John Cena to oust The Big Show.
The Miz then turns his attention to the Del Rio/Christian alliance and helps them to eliminate Danielson. John Morrison low bridges a charging Ziggler on an attempted ZigZag to eliminate Dolph from the Rumble. The 18 men left standing in the ring turn their attention to the stage as the final ten second countdown begins to reveal the #45 entrant.
The lights go out in the arena, and the same mysterious promos seen earlier in the evening begin to air again; the nuclear winds, the thick fog, the weathered sign reading "NOW LEAVING ATLANTA". The helmeted figure approaches the sign reading "NOW ENTERING ST. LOUIS", his trench coat whipping in the strengthening winds. Armed with his chainsaw, he begins hacking at the greeting sign as the sparks fly. The chainsaw hits the ground and a fragment of the sign is seen falling into a gloved hand. The hand flips the fragment over, revealing the one letter...."R"---The crowd EXPLODES in shocked applause. The fog begins to billow in the arena, pouring out onto the stage. The helmeted figure rises through the floor and is accompanied by a deafening chain of pyro. He slowly moves to remove his helmet and in unison with his identity being revealed....
YOU THINK YOU KNOW ME......
The fans ROAR their approval as the final entrant is The Rated "R" Superstar EDGE!!!!!!!! Entering to his old Zombie theme "Never Gonna Stop", Edge removes the trench coat and storms to the ring before sliding under the bottom rope. Stunned participants can only watch as Edge barrels through Cena, The Miz, Del Rio, Christian, Wade Barrett and Cody Rhodes with a succession of spears. Edge primes up in the corner and hits Mark Henry with such force that he actually takes the World's Strongest Man off his feet with a devastating spear. Edge gets back to his feet and is unbelievably fired up. The Rated "R" Superstar goes on a rampage tossing both Del Rio then Christian from the match before exchanging blows with Kane, slowing the pace of the Rumble back to normal levels.
Cena tries to eliminate Orton with an F-U, but THE ROCK's music hits and Cena prepares to confront The Great One. The Rock doesn't show, but the distraction proves enough for Ryder to regain his bearings and surprise Cena from behind, tossing the Nexus leader from the match. Cena glares at Ryder, stunned and enraged at what has just transpired. After arguing the ruling with the ref, John strikes Charles Robinson and raging back up the ramp. Ryder turns around and walks into a choke hold by Kane. Kane eliminates Ryder, chokeslamming him through the table set up by Morrison earlier in the contest. Ryder lies in splinters as officials help Long Island Iced Z back to his feet.
Truth and The Miz begin trading blows again before Truth drops Miz with Lil’ Jimmy. Truth gets the crowd fired up an attempts the Lie Detector, but Miz dodges, sending Truth crashing into the ropes. Miz takes advantage of the predicament, rolling Truth over the top rope and to the floor. Triple H hits a Double A Spinebuster on The Undertaker and sets him up for the Pedigree, but Taker counters with a back body drop that sends The Game out of the match. Like Angle earlier, Triple H gets a standing ovation for going the distance but coming up short. Mark Henry attacks Undertaker from behind and attempts to eliminate him, but Kane jumps Henry from behind. The Brothers of Destruction form a brief alliance, collaborating on a Double Chokeslam before clotheslining the World’s Strongest Man over the top.
Rey Mysterio hits a drop toe hold on Cody Rhodes and connects with the 619. Mysterio attempts West Coast Pop, but Rhodes has it scouted, reversing the momentum and powerbombing Mysterio to the arena floor. Before Rhodes can refocus, Orton grabs him from behind and sends him packing. Orton trades blows with The Miz before Wade Barrett helps Miz with a double team effort. The numbers game catches up and Barrett hits Wasteland on the Viper. Barrett helps Orton back to his feet and with an assist from The Miz, they toss Orton from the Rumble and we’re down to the final ten participants.
Morrison and Hardy work together to try to get Kane out of the match. They get him over the top rope and onto the ring apron, but Kane refuses to quit, getting back to his feet on the ring apron and grabbing both for an attempted Double Chokeslam. It’s about this time that Edge comes from across the ring and crushes Kane with a vicious Spear, sending The Big Red Monster to the floor. The Celtic Warrior is still hanging in, throwing lefts and rights with The Undertaker. Sheamus momentarily gets the best of the Deadman and connects with a Brogue Kick that sends Taker over the top to the apron. Taker tries to return to his feet, but Jericho comes out of NOWHERE with a Codebreaker, eliminating The Undertaker from the match.
Undertaker gets back on the apron and takes a hold of Jericho’s throat long enough to have The Miz come up from behind and toss Jericho from the match. Edge charges for another spear, but Miz lowbridges the top rope to cut Edge’s triumphant return short. Morrison sets up for Moonlight Drive on Hardy, but Hardy counters into a Twist of Fate attempt. Morrison counters back into an Inverted Suplex that sends Hardy over the top rope, but Hardy takes Morrison to the floor with him and we’re down to the final four: WADE BARRETT, SHEAMUS, THE MIZ and St. Louis’ own EVAN BOURNE.
Bourne goes to the top and hits Barrett with a Diving Double Knee Drop and sets up for Air Bourne. Evan connects, but The Miz sneaks up from behind and drives him to the mat with a Skull-Crushing Finale. Miz drags Bourne to his feet and violently throws him to the arena floor to a chorus of boos. Bourne gets another standing O from the supportive hometown crowd. Sheamus blindsides Miz with a Brogue Kick and the impact sends Miz careening across the ring falling into the hole in the canvas left by Kane’s entrance.
Barrett and Sheamus go at it until Barrett sets up for Wasteland. Sheamus throws elbows to counter out and drill Barrett with another Brogue Kick. Sheamus helps Wade back to his feet and sets up for the High Cross, powerbombing Barrett to the floor. Sheamus celebrates as the only man left in the ring. But wait---THE MIZ is crawling out of the rift in the canvas...The Miz was NEVER ELIMINATED! Miz comes from behind and drops Sheamus with another Skull-Crushing Finale. The Awesome One returns to his feet and prepares for another one. Miz sets Sheamus up, but The Celtic Warrior counters, sending Miz rolling into a somersault. Sheamus gets back to his feet and responds with one last Brogue Kick that sends The Miz over the top rope and down to the floor.
Winner of the 2012 Royal Rumble Match and NEW World Heavyweight Champion: SHEAMUS
Sheamus falls to his knees as the referee hands him the World Heavyweight Championship Belt. Sheamus places the title around his waist and jumps up on the turnbuckle to celebrate the victory. The pyro goes off and Jim Ross says that the Road to Wrestlemania has officially begun. King and Striker begin to speculate about who will step up to the plate as the number one contender on the Grandest Stage of them All. Sheamus has punched his ticket for Wrestlemania and in the biggest of ways as the show goes dark with The Celtic Warrior as the NEW World Heavyweight Champion.
