Royal Rumble: EDGE Returns

The Ultimate Rated-R-eturn

Shawn Michaels, John Cena, and Chris Jericho were the last three remaining, but No. 29 came as a shock to everyone. The energy of the Philips Arena exploded to insurmountable heights as the Rated-R Superstar made his triumphant return after a career ending torn Achilles tendon.

None was more surprised than his former tag team partner, Chris Jericho. Weeks before Night of Champions, Chris Jericho confronted Edge and publicized that he would find a new partner who was better than Edge in every way, later revealed to be The Big Show. Chris Jericho mostly aired out Edge's list of injuries and addressed him as the weak link. Edge stated when he comes back, things would be different.

Back then, I knew Edge meant that he would be turning face, and would start a feud with Chris Jericho. Seeing as he eliminated Chris Jericho, the feud has picked up where it last left off.

A fan in the audience held up an acronym sign with the letters WWE forming the statement, "We Want Edge." He's been seven months removed, but he sealed his return with a Royal Rumble victory by last eliminating John Cena.

With pledges of straight-edge lifestyles, rematches with a Deadman, and selfish dreams of headlining the superbowl of the WWE, EDGE fulfilled his promise to the WWE Universe of returning to become a champion once again. EDGE is "The One" to headline WrestleMania, now the question remains, which Championship will be go after?

The Straight-Edge Society Crushed by Triple-H

C.M. Punk, on the verge of greatness, looked to be "The One" to outshine all the other star studded Rumblers. Punk recently trying to convert the masses to the Straight-Edge lifestyle took his vengeance on the likes of Evan Bourne, Dolph Ziggler, and JTG. Yet, luck would have it that the next entry would be The Great Khali.

Khali has always been considered a favorite to win the Royal Rumble, but for the past three-years, and this year makes it four, Khali has always made very little-to no impact at the Rumble.

C.M. Punk gained two more successful eliminations in the form of Beth Phoenix and Zack Ryder, bringing the number to 5. But Punk was eliminated by Triple-H after a failed attempt at the GTS. Which is sad, because I was rooting for a Straight-Edge victory.

A Royal "Glamazon" Entry

The following entry really surprised me, entering at No. 6 was Beth Phoenix; and before she even entered through the ropes she eliminated The Great Khali by locking lips for the distraction.

The Glamazon made her Royal Rumble debut and became the second woman in the history of the WWE to compete. Her predecessor, the Ninth Wonder of the World, Chyna; who was the most dominate women's wrestler of her time. And nothing would be more impressive than for these two dominates to one day clash in the ring. However, ten years to late for a match, Beth Phoenix has been given an opportunity to possibly surpass Chyna as she escalates in the WWE.

Sadly, Phoenix tried to eliminate C.M. Punk, but was struck with the GTS and tossed out of the ring instead.

What's Next for Legacy?

"It's a New Day" by Adelitas Way sounded at No. 10 to reveal star of The Marine 2, Ted DiBiase. Teddy went right to work on Triple-H with the help of Drew McIntyre. Earlier today at the aftermath of the WWE Title Match, it appears that Legacy has officially ended. Rhodes cost Orton the match, and DiBiase ran to the aid of his partner.

But were these second generation superstars looking to take down their leader? Prior to Orton's match, Rhodes confided in his leader on how DiBiase has been talking about winning the Royal Rumble and choosing to face off against Orton for the WWE Title. But what shouldn't be a surprise is when DiBiase found Orton, on his way to the ring, to mention how Rhodes is talking about winning and going on to face Sheamus, as if not giving the chance of Orton winning tonight.

Was DiBiase Jr. right about his claim against Rhodes? Cody ran interference in full view of the referee. Rhodes and DiBiase have been running interference in Orton's matches for the better part of two years, Rhodes knew what he was doing. I believe that Rhodes may have grown tired of Orton's obsession with the WWE Title, and for the incident that took place when he RKO'ed his father, The American Dream.

Rhodes and DiBiase were consecutively tossed out by Shawn Michaels, so their dreams of headlining WrestleMania seems highly doubtful at this point. But no worries, there is a possible backlash which will be inflicted by Randy Orton come this Monday Night on RAW.

Awesome United States Fall-Out

Entering in at No. 14, MVP gets knocked out by The Miz at the entrance ramp. It would not be until Miz made his entry at No. 16, that MVP would rush into the ring to eliminate himself and The Miz in 7 seconds. The two traded vicious fists on the outside in regards to their title match earlier.

Business between these two have not slowed down one bit, with Miz defeating MVP in three title matches, it looks to be that we will witness a fourth encounter. This time, MVP won't be playing nice.

A WrestleMania Dream... Dead?

Shawn Michaels entered in the Royal Rumble at No. 18, the same entry he won with in 1996 to headline WrestleMania and realize his dream of becoming the WWE Champion. Yet, Michaels also won the previous Rumble, in 1995, showing that it took Michaels two times to become champion. Michaels told Triple-H prior to this year's Rumble that a rematch between him and Undertaker was meant to be. But after being eliminated by Batista, the No. 18, and a second shot at ending The Undertaker's Streak may not indeed occur.

Batista has warned Michaels to stay out of his way come Royal Rumble, because Taker's Title belonged to him. And without Triple-H to have his back against Batista, Michaels was helpless.

Michaels tried recreating Royal Rumble Magic, but the moves he tried belong in the past for a reason. Michaels tried to take out Big Show with the headlock that Chris Benoit used to win in 2004; and when tossed over the rope, shades of a '95 HBK touched one foot on the ground, and then the other, never both at the same time. Both moves attempted, and both moves ineffective.

HBK was dead serious about winning the Rumble, when he surprised Triple-H with Sweet Chin Music. The crowd was awed and inspired by Michaels' attitude that the Rumble is every man for himself. Michaels' other eliminations included Carlito, Cody Rhodes, Ted DiBiase Jr., John Morrison, and, with the help of Triple-H, Drew McIntyre.

Michaels made it to the last four competitors in the match, along with Batista, John Cena, and Edge. Michaels focused on attacking both Batista and John Cena in succession. Striking with the Inverted leg drop, the diving elbow drop, and Sweet Chin Music a piece, Michaels was closing in on his rematch with UT.

But Batista killed that dream, and Michaels had a meltdown as he attacked two referees before heading back to the locker room.

Triple-H mentioned earlier that if this rematch was meant to be, "That's why I know you'll find another way." McMahon will not grant Michaels a rematch, but after losing the Royal Rumble, he will indeed have to find another way.

Royal Rumble: The Road to WrestleMania XXVI

The Royal Rumble kicks off the road to WrestleMania, where the winner gets an express ticket to headline the main event. But who will be the World Heavyweight Champion and the WWE Champion come WrestleMania? Both Taker and Sheamus if successful means nothing, because they can easily lose them in three weeks time at the next pay-per-view: Elimination Chamber. But tonight we witness the pieces coming together, the first piece, Who will headline WrestleMania?

ECW Championship Match: Christian vs. Ezekiel - After all, he is Christian

The end has finally come, it has awakened; but against who? Last week, Ezekiel Jackson pinned Christian in a tag team match, so has the end awakened against Christian?

Since returning to the WWE, Christian has overcome adversity, and became a two-time ECW Champion. He currently holds the record for the longest reign as ECW Champion in the WWE.

Ezekiel Jackson, a few weeks ago, overwhelmed three former ECW Champions to become the #1 contender, and humbled the current ECW Champion just five days before their title match.

Many had doubts if Christian could pull the upset, because he was unable to hook the Killswitch last time. But don't be ready to just declare Ezekiel the new champ. It's easy to win a fight, but can you win the war?

The match exhibited all of Christian's qualities mentioned in a previous post. Christian used his quickness and agility to out pace Ezekiel; and with each evasion, Christian struck with an upper cut.

Ezekiel's strategy was going for big power moves and quick covers. Hence, he struck with a backbreaker and immediately went for the cover, which shows humility and respect to your opponent.

Christian failed to secure the Killswitch four-times, but attempted other moves. He executed a DDT and connected with the Flashpoint; then cinched a sleeper, and missed with the Frog Splash. Lastly, Christian surprised Ezekiel with a 5th Killswitch, after being rammed back first into the ring post, to retain the ECW Title.

United States Championship Match: The Miz vs. MVP - MVP Stuck in the Past

This impromptu title match meant only one thing, either the 30-Man Rumble would be shortened, or one of the three remaining scheduled title matches would be cut short.

The match had a big-time feel to it, because out of nowhere, beyond the knowledge of the fans, we lucked into a bonus title match. Both men, focused on winning the Royal Rumble, provided an excellent match.

The Miz, no doubt on a serge since recreating his look about five months ago, has defended the U.S. Title against every opponent.

Yet, many times throughout the match, it looked to be MVP's time to reign again as the United States Champion; but his showboating is what cost him. The Ballin' Elbow takes way too long and never seals the deal. And when he went for the Playmaker, once again he took precious seconds trying to set the move.

The Miz never struck with finishers Skull Crushing Finale or the Reality Check, but managed to roll up MVP as he was coming through the ropes for another successful title defense.

MVP showed poor sportsmanship when he struck with the Playmaker, letting us to ponder, "Why didn't he do that earlier?"

2007 was the year of MVP. He set a record for the longest U.S. Title reign in the WWE, and captured the Tag Team Titles along with then-rival Matt Hardy. He was the only man since the days of the Attitude Era, at that point, to hold two titles at once.

Yet, what has he been trying to accomplish lately? Forming a team with Mark Henry in an attempt to become a tag team champion, and feuding with Miz to become the U.S. champion for a third time. MVP is trying to recreate 2007, when he should be focused on moving forward rather than backwards.

WWE Championship Match: Sheamus vs. Randy Orton - The Fall of Legacy

Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase Jr. have both set their sights on winning the Royal Rumble, which leads to the possibility of a member of Legacy facing off against Randy Orton, if successful, to a WWE Title Match come WrestleMania. With each member expressing concern over the outcome of this match, Orton ordered that neither assist him tonight.

This championship match against Sheamus and Randy Orton was very methodical. The tension had risen as these two superstars stared each other down for a while after the bell had rung. Then they circled around the ring without taking their eyes off the other. And when they finally locked holds, they were at a stalemate, until they broke it, in which Orton slithered rearwards towards the opposing turnbuckle. Both of these men have done unspeakable things to get to this point in their careers and neither would let up.

Sheamus meticulously worked on the arm of The Viper, while Orton explicitly focused on the leg of the Celtic Warrior. King mentioned that this match was gut-check time for Sheamus to prove himself a superstar in the WWE, while Striker counterclaimed that the Tables Match against Cena was gut-check time for Sheamus and came out on top. Both men have a point, albeit that Sheamus became the WWE Champion during that Tables Match, Sheamus has yet to prove that he can defend the title without disqualifying himself.

Yet, Randy Orton's first WWE Championship match since October, did not go as planned as Cody Rhodes ran interference while the referee was looking. Orton managed to strike with the RKO, but the match ended in favor of Sheamus due to disqualification.

The aftermatch witnessed the fall of Legacy as Randy Orton struck Cody Rhodes and slamming his head repeatedly against the mat. Ted DiBiase Jr. arrived to pull Orton off, but suffered a similar fate. Orton continued to stomp the heel of his boot into the sternum of Rhodes shouting the words "You're through!"

Sheamus, still the WWE Champion, struck Orton with a bicycle kick. The true gut-check time for Sheamus will come when he will have to defend the WWE Title inside the unforgiving structure of the Elimination Chamber against five other competitors.

Women's Championship Match: Michelle McCool vs. Mickie James - Mickie Outweighs McCool

Since coming over to SmackDown, Mickie James has suffered humiliation each week by the hands of Lay-Cool. With references of This little piggy and Old McDonald's Farm, McCool attacks Mickie on two levels: her country music aspirations, and her weight problem.

As mentioned earlier, the United States Championship Match could have only meant one of two things: either the Royal Rumble main event would be shortened or one of the scheduled title matches would. And after witnessing the quick Mick-DDT, the answer was that the Women's Title Match would be the one experiencing the cut-back.

Congratulations to Mickie James on becoming a 5-time Women's Champion. A victory much sweeter, especially when dropping a cake over McCool and Layla, while the other divas held them down.

World Heavyweight Championship Match: The Undertaker vs. Rey Mysterio - A Phenom-enal Match

Rey Mysterio has been the underdog all his life. He's had nightmares, but he has been able to realize his dreams because he concurred his nightmares. But this time, the nightmare comes in the form of The Undertaker. Taker's dominance is unmatched by anyone in the WWE, but could Mysterio gain the upset and become the World Heavyweight Champion for a second time?

The announcers focused on Rey Mysterio's luck at the Royal Rumble, winning it in 2006 and going on to WrestleMania to become champion; but as I recall, UT won the Rumble the following year and captured the World's Title against The Animal Batista. Batista, who has been on a warpath against Rey Mysterio, looks to win the 2010 Royal Rumble for a shot at Undertaker's Title.

Which leads to Mysterio's next added momentum into this title match, no one believes that Mysterio has what it takes to defeat The Undertaker. With Triple-H losing at WrestleMania X-Seven; Batista losing at WrestleMania 23; and Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania XXV, they cannot fathom a little luchadore being able to humble the Deadman.

The match was a well hard fought match, and possibly the best I have seen Mysterio in recent memory. Yet, The Undertaker did not take him lightly, as he did everything he could to ground Mysterio's high flying offense. At the start of the match, Taker threw Mysterio over the top rope, and then decked him in the face as Mysterio tried jumping back into the ring. Mysterio would have to rely on his quickness and unpredictability to score the upset.

Mysterio picked apart the Deadman, from drop kicking him during the Dead Rise, to performing a leg drop from the top turnbuckle, to striking the bad hip of the UT with a baseball slide, Mysterio was closing in.

The Phenom, after the first 619, showed his mortality as his face busted open. For many years, Undertaker has been seen as the Undead, beyond what any human can do, but he bleeds like the rest of us. If he can bleed, he can fall, which Mysterio set out to do, with not one, but two 619's in succession.

Mysterio reached new heights, literally, when Undertaker performed The Last Ride to secure another title defense.

Sheamus and Undertaker have both retained their World Titles at The Royal Rumble and are expected to face off against the winner of the night's Royal Rumble. But before they can headline WrestleMania as the defending champions, they must defend them inside the Elimination Chamber. Titles were certainly change on that night.

Coming Soon: Part II of Royal Rumble 2010