WWE Royal Rumble 2011
Since we're approaching the 2019 Royal Rumble, like I usually do I'll be covering a few classic Rumble PPVs on the way. Today, I'm starting with this one, the 2011 edition, featuring the first and only 40 man Rumble. It seems to be considered the worst Rumble match from the few I've asked, and I've never actually seen this PPV or the match itself, having been before I discovered the magic of illegal live streams, and after we had stopped paying for PPVs. So that being said, let's get into it.
We get a video package hyping the Rumble match, overemphasizing the 40 man aspect while showing the past winners.
We're live from the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. We get right into our first match as commentary welcomes us to the show.
World Heavyweight Championship: Edge (c) vs Dolph Ziggler
Pre-Match Thoughts & Notes: Michael Cole, the King and Matt Striker are on commentary for the show.We get a replay of a tag match on Smackdown, won by Edge and Orton, where Vickie Guerrero, filling in for Teddy after her was attacked, announces Edge will lose the title if Edge uses the spear tonight. Vickie comes out and reminds us of the stipulation before Dolph makes his way out. This show has instantly reminded me of just how unbearable Cole was on commentary during this time so this should be absolute hell.
Seeing a 2011 Dolph is kind of refreshing compared to 2018 Dolph, him and Edge putting together a good match. Vickie kind of gets irritating at ring side at times, but she doesn't over do it. I noted that Cole is welcoming the international viewers watching on PPV, which seems out of place for a heel commentator.
As the end starts to draw near, Edge has to pull out his old Edge-ucator(?) submission in this match to try and win without his spear. He teases a spear but Dolph counters into a Sleeper Hold, only for Edge to counter into an Impaler DDT. Vickie grabs the ref as he goes to make the three count. Vickie screams at Edge and the ref on the apron, Dolph tries to take advantage but Edge moves, going for a roll up and a near fall. Edge gets slapped by Vickie as she keeps screaming, until Kelly Kelly comes out to take her out. Ziggler nails a Zig Zag as Edge watches on for a near fall.
Ziggler locks in another Sleeper Hold but Edge manages to fight it off, only to knock the ref down, nailing a jaw breaker to break out. With Vickie and the ref out, Edge nails Ziggler with a Spear, playing possum on the mat as the ref comes to. Edge finishes him off with a Killswitch as a nod to Christian to get the 3 and retain in 20:46. They gave this match time to breathe and the action was great, but felt like it was a bit overbooked. Great way to kick off the show though.
Vickie comes to with an eyelash hanging off her face, while Edge celebrates in the ring. We go to replays of the best moments of the match. Edge heads up the ramp as Vickie is distressed at ringside.
It's so weird that we're getting the world title matches back to back to start the show. We get a promo package of Miz and Orton's rivalry, starting with Miz cashing in Money in the Bank on Orton to win the title in the first place. Orton earns his title shot against Sheamus and (I think) Wade Barrett in a cage match on Raw. Ww see footage of a few people casting doubt on Miz retaining tonight, followed by Miz attacking Orton along with Alex Riley, and that's our build up.
We cut to Josh Matthews, who was requested by The Miz for interview time. He says his title reign has been smeared with lies, people saying things like he only retained against Lawler because of Cole, he only retained against Orton because of Riley. There's a reason he's a champion, and why people like Lawler, Orton and even Tom Brady aren't champions, the latter getting some cheap heat. Riley says Miz can outwrestle, outshine and outclass Orton, and will go on to Mania as champion. Miz does his catchphrase before we cut back to the arena.
WWE Championship: The Miz (c) (w/ Alex Riley) vs Randy Orton
Pre-Match Thoughts & Notes: With the Miz in this match I can just imagine how unbearable Cole will be. Striker mentions how the WWE Championship has changed hands 3 times in Boston. It is weird seeing Miz do his entrance without the Hollywood spin on it, even more so with Alex Riley by his side.
Cole telling Lawler to be unbiased and call the match down the middle is fucking funny, and baffling that neither Lawler nor Striker call him out on it. He does make a valid point when King and Striker bring up the shenanigans behind Miz's wins, and Cole brings up their cheerleading when Edge did the same in the previous match, so OK I'll give him that. Can't believe I just gave Cole credit for something. Miz with good heel work, and Orton is still hot with the crowd at this point, with some good action mixed in it's an alright match.
Miz tries to leave with the title but gets cut off by Orton. After a bit more action, Orton calls for an RKO but New Nexus makes their way out before he can even go for it. Riley takes advantage, only to be thrown over the ropes and the referee on the outside onto the New Nexus, toppling them over. Miz attempts a Skull Crushing Finale but Orton slips out, nailing him with an RKO. Punk comes in immediately after to nail a GTS and pull Miz on top, allowing Miz to retain the title in 19:50. Again, given plenty of time and a nice follow up to the previous match. Not too much interference by Alex Riley, protect Miz and Orton, so nothing to really complain about here.
Cole of course with the cheerleading as Punk rejoins New Nexus at ringside and they head to the back. Miz is still out of it and has no idea what's happened. Miz with the goofiest grin on his face as we go to replays of the closing moments of the match. Miz and Riley head up the aisleway as we cut away.
Commentary bring up Cody Rhodes' face injury at the hands of Rey Mysterio before cutting to Todd Grisham in the back. He reads a public statement from Cody, about not being able to be at the Rumble as we watch replays of Rey "breaking" his face. We see footage of fans being asked who they think will win the Rumble tonight so skip. Onto our next match:
2 on 1 Handicap Match for the Divas Championship: Laycool (Layla & Michelle McCool) vs Natalya (c)
Before the match gets started we get interrupted by Hornswoggle... er, the Anonymous Raw GM. The GM vetoes the co-champions idea, and changes the match to a fatal four way.
Fatal 4 Way for the Divas Championship: Michelle McCool vs Layla vs Eve Tores vs Natalya (c)
Eve comes down and the match soon gets underway.
Of course Laycool work together for most of this match. Natalya attempts a sharpshooter on Eve and Layla and locks it in as best she can before Michelle breaks it up, nice little spot. Michelle accidentally bumps into Layla and knocks her down. Eve takes advantage and lands a moonsault on Layla, while Michelle rolls up Natalya. Referee makes the 3, not noticing Michelle's pin, and Eve wins the title in 5:12. Well that was surprising. Nice little match for as short as it was.
Michelle is obviously pissed as she argues with the referee and we go to replays. Eve celebrates up the aisle as we get another replay. Not much fanfare either.
We cut to Daniel Bryan and Gail Kim with Josh Matthews. Josh asks him about how special it would be to win the Rumble. They get interrupted by the Bellas who arrive with flowers. I don't know what was said but a catfight breaks out as Daniel tries to keep them separated, officials coming in to break things up.
Cole likens Miz to Paul Revere for some reason, to Lawler's bewilderment and silence, then hype the Elimination Chamber PPV coming up next month. We get the usual Rumble stats video package, before we "make history".
First Ever 40-Man Royal Rumble Match
Pre-Match Thoughts & Notes: Entrant #1 is the leader of the New Nexus, CM Punk. Entrant #2 is.... Well the Corre has decided to invade the ringside area instead, led by the former Nexus leader Wade Barrett. They surround the ring and start to assault Punk before the New Nexus hit the ring. Referees try to pull them apart until Horn... I mean the Anonymous Raw GM. He orders officials to restore order, saying only Punk has the right to be in the ring right now and orders the others to leave the ring, saying they'll be disqualified from the Rumble if they don't comply. They call head up the aisle and too the back while officials try to keep the groups separated. Fans chant for Punk as Entrant #2, Daniel Bryan, makes his way to the ring.
Striker for whatever reason repeats the rules for the match as the action gets underway, and reiterates WWE's viewpoint of everything outside WWE being the minor leagues, and how the Internet loves this match up. Striker also says Gail Kim isn't really a girlfriend, OK...? Punk and Bryan with some nice action to start things off.
Entrant #3 is Justin Gabriel of The Corre, going straight after Punk. Crowd immediately dies down. Punk and Bryan collide allowing Gabriel to go up top and miss a 450 Splash aimed for Punk. Bryan eliminates Gabriel immediately after before going after Punk.
Entrant #4 is Zack Ryder. He goes right after Bryan and Punk and nails a couple boots in the corner. He goes for a Rough Ryder on Bryan who ducks and Punk gets nailed instead. Ryder gets eliminated by Bryan immediately after this for his second elimination. Cole calls Bryan a nerd but respects his talent.
Entrant #5 is William Regal, who Striker calls the greatest superstar never to win a world title. Gets in some quick heavy offense on Punk and Bryan, It looks like Regal may have knocked him out with a knee to the head? Bryan and Regal trading uppercuts before Punk nails a kick to the head, then Bryan with a kick of his own on Punk. Bryan attempts to eliminate Regal as...
Entrant #6 is Ted DiBiase, led momentarily by Maryse. He goes after Regal and Bryan to little fan fare, then Punk next. Bryan with some pre-Yes kicks on Regal as Ted tries to eliminate Punk in the corner. Bryan now trying to eliminate Ted as the countdown starts again.
Entrant #7 is John Morrison, or Johnny Impact/Johnny Mundo in more recent times. Getting the crowd back into it, hitting a nice Spanish Fly on Bryan. Ted tries to throw him over Regal knocks him off the apron, Morrison clinging to the barricade to avoid elimination. I forgot he was the Rumble guy before Kofi. Ted eliminates Regal as he looks on in bewilderment and Morrison climbs onto the apron. He impressively leaps onto the steps and re-enters the ring, avoiding elimination. Bryan back on Punk and Ted on Morrison as we go to our next entrant.
Entrant #8 is Yoshi Tatsu. He goes for Ted immediately before Punk goes at him. Action slows down again and nothing happens until the next entrant.
Entrant #9 is Husky Harris, now Bray Wyatt, of the New Nexus. Jesus, he is in so much better shape these days. He protects Punk as best he can before they start to double team Morrison. Action slows down once more until our next entrant.
Entrant #10 is Chavo Guerrero, we're a quarter way through the match now. Quick offense in on Punk and Ted, getting in a Three Amigos only to be cut off by Punk, he takes some, then Morrison takes the Three Amigos, then Bryan, the crowd kind of into this, finally a pop as he finally hits all three. He does Eddie's little dance only to be cut off by Husky.
Entrant #11 is Mark Henry. We get the usual comments by commentary about how hard it will be to eliminate him. Chavo gets tossed over as he attempts a crossbody and he's out. Yoshi goes after Henry only to be taken down, then eliminated. Punk nails a kick to the back of Henry's head the action slows down once more.
Entrant #12 is JTG, formerly of Cryme Tyme. He goes aftr Henry and Husky to no fan fare. Crowd is dead right now as the action gets slow again.
Entrant #13 is Michael McGillicutt, today's Curtis Axel, of the New Nexus. He eliminates JTG from the corner. They begin teaming up against the others while others do their best to fend them off. Ted gets eliminated by Harris and Axel before the next entrant is out.
Entrant #14 is Chris Masters to little fanfare but he has a decent showing. He tries a Masterlock and damn near eliminates Punk but he hangs on. Axel in to cut him off now.
Entrant #15 is David Otunga of the New Nexus. Bryan is out as the gang up begins, then Masters, then Morrison who tries desperately to hang on, and finally Henry. New Nexus are all alone in the ring.
Entrant #16 is Tyler Reks. He tries hard to fight them off but the numbers game catches up to him. Punk kicks him in the side of the head and he's tossed over.
Entrant #17 is Vladimir Kozlov, one half of the tag champions. He doesn't last long and is eliminated in quick fashion.
Entrant #18 is R-Truth. Do I even need to say what happens?
Entrant #19 is The Great Khali, who's apparently making his return. New Nexus looks on worried who try to get the jump on him, but he takes them all out. He eliminates Harris. Punk crawls a away and begs for mercy.
Entrant #20 is Mason Ryan, the last member of New Nexus. Him and Khali are the only ones standing and as Khali misses a clothesline, Mason ducks and throws him over the ropes for an elimination. New Nexus once again the only ones in the ring.
Entrant #21 is a returning Booker T to a nice pop, our first surprise of the night. Punk freaking out and Striker marks out (his own words) as Booker hits the ring. Booker manages to fight them off long enough to do a Spinaroonie and hit a Scissors Kick and Book End to get the crowd alive once more. Booker gets eliminated by Mason after that, Booker with an amazing shocked face as he hits the floor.
Entrant #22 is... oh no, it's John Cena. I'm pretty sure I know how this ends. Mason gets eliminated, then Axel and Otunga together. Punk and Cena alone now as Punk attempts a GTS, but Cena slips out, off the ropes and they nail each other with a clothesline.
Entrant #23 is... the Anonymous... er, Hornswoggle. He does get the crowd back into it at least. Punk is back up as Horny taunts him, only to get knocked back down. He goes back after Cena. He hoists Cena on his shoulders only to slip out and toss Punk out.Oh joy. Cena and Horny are the only ones left at the moment.
Entrant #24 is Tyson Kidd. He gets double teamed of course. Horny does do a decent hurricanrana before Cena nails an AA. Then Horny nails his own AA. Then Tyson gets eliminated by Cena. I think it's stupid but this is the most excited the crowd's been all match.
Entrant #25 is Heath Slater of The Corre. He tries to get offense in but more double teaming. Horny hits a Stunner then a 5 Knuckle Shuffle with Cena. Horny follows with a Tadpole Splash and Slater gets eliminated by Cena.
Entrant #26 is Kofi Kingston, the Intercontinental Champion. He enters cautiously, him and Cena stare each other down before looking at the Mania sign. Horny stands aside as Cena and Kofi go at it.
Lucky entrant #27 is Jack Swagger. He takes out Cena and Kofi. Horny looks on scared as he hits a series of corner splashes. Horny comes behind as if to throw him over the ropes, distracting him enough for Kofi to hit a crossbody. Him and Horny team up for an elevated Boom Drop off Horny's back.
Entrant #28 is Sheamus, the 2010 King of the Ring. He takes out Cena, Swagger and Kofi as commentary mentions he hates how Horny portrays all the bad Irish stereotypes. Horny does Sheamus' chest taunts before Sheamy pushes him down. Horny tunes up the band and hits... Sweet Shin Music. He tries to eliminate Horny until Cena cuts him off, then cut off by Swagger. Sheamus does nail a Brogue Kick on Horny perched on the top rope to eliminate him.
Entrant #29 is Rey Mysterio. He slides in under Sheamus's legs, and reverses a Gutwrench attempt by Swagger into a headscissor. He goes for 619 but Sheamus cuts him off. Sheamus eats Trouble in Paradise. Rey hitting a 619 of sorts as Swagger sits on the apron to eliminate him.
Entrant #30 is Wade Barrett, leader of The Corre, and we're 3/4 of the way through the match. He tries to eliminate Kofi but Rey cuts him off. Cena goes after him but eats a Tiltawhirl Slam. Action starts to slow again.
Entrant #31 is Dolph Ziggler, looking worse for wear after his match earlier tonight. Dolph is now the first 31st entrant in a Royal Rumble match, so there's something. Action keeps slow until the next entrant. Crowd does get excited at the possibility of Cena's elimination.
Entrant #32 is Diesel, to an audible holy shit from Striker and a nice pop from the crowd. Nash with the black, slick back hair as the other wrestlers look on surprised. Crowd with Diesel chants as he cleans house.
Entrant #33 is Drew McIntyre who goes right after Diesel, teaming up with Sheamus. Crowd right into Diesel for this match. Rey hits Diesel with 619 to an audible boo.
Entrant #34 is... The Miz? Oh no wait, it's Alex Riley. Cena drops him fast and goes after him in the corner, while Barrett eliminates Diesel to boos. Miz joins commentary, oh terrific. Normally I'd love this but with Cole's added... Coleness, this will be hell I imagine.
Entrant #35 is The Big Show. He and Diesel have a nice little staredown on the aisle way before he enters the ring. He cleans house much like Diesel before things slow down again. Show eliminates Dolph next.
Entrant #36 is Ezekiel Jackson. Show eliminates Drew as he enters. Crowd is dead again before Zeke eliminates Show, then back to dead. I guess Zeke is from The Corre, but he came out to his own music unlike the others, so he and Barrett team up.
Entrant #37 is Santino Marella, the other half of the tag champions. This is a year removed from his record time elimination. He eats a Brogue Kick and rolls under the ropes to the outside.
Entrant #38 is Alberto Del Rio, making his entrance in a Bently while Ricardo makes his introduction. Rey gets distracted as Del Rio takes his time coming to the ring.
Entrant #39 is Randy Orton, who nails Del Rio from behind and throws him into the steps, before rolling him into the ring, and nails an RKO, then one for Sheamus, then Kofi off a missed Trouble in Paradise, eliminating Kofi next. Then Sheamus is out. Orton and Cena the only ones standing in the ring and they stare down while Cena points to the Mania sign.
Entrant #40 is Kane, who still holds the record for most eliminations in a single rumble at this point and close to beating HBK's record for most total eliminations. He goes after Orton immediately before being taken down by Zeke. Kane pulls the top rope down and Zeke tumbles out for an elimination.
We're down to the final six. Kane goes after Mysterio, who reverses a chokeslam to take Kane out, then Barrett eliminates him.
Bareet going after Cena, Orton after Del Rio. Cena suddenly stops selling despite being in there about a half hour to take down Barrett. Cena and Orton the only two up again and the crowd could not care less. They go at it before Barrett cuts them off.
Cena hits an AA on Del Rio, while Alex Riley climbs the apron to distract Cena, allowing Miz to slip in from behind to eliminate Cena to a loud pop, as he and A-Ry run off to the back. Down to the final three. Cena goes to Cole and tells him this isn't over between him and Miz.
Crowd dies once again as Barrett, Orton and Del Rio stare each other down. Orton tosses Barrett out and Del Rio tosses him out next and Del Rio wins the...
Oh wait, Santino is still in this. Mike Chioda is in trying to tell Del Rio as they argue, Santino sets up for and hits the Cobra to a pretty decent pop. He celebrates prematurely and goes to toss him out, but Del Rio reverses and Santino goes over. Del Rio wins the Royal Rumble in 1:09:52.
Del Rio celebrates as Ricardo makes the announcement, and the crowd.... well they're dead as Ricardo hams it up with "Viva Del Rio". We go to replays of the closing eliminations. Ricardo eeps announcing Del Rio's win (I assume) as pyro goes off, with Del Rio pointing at the Mania sign. OK, we get it Ricardo. Show goes off the air.
FINAL THOUGHTS
It's weird to back and realize this show only had 4 matches, or maybe that's just because I'm so used to these 4 hour PPVs now. Anyhow, undercard was pretty good, a surprise title change and some setup for future matches.
As for the Rumble match itself, I don't know if it qualifies as the worst. I mean don't get me wrong, there were some issues I had with it. Making New Nexus look dominant only for Cena to dispose of them like nothing, the whole Corre/Nexus thing playing absolutely no part in this match, and of course Del Rio winning. It also had a few nice spots and a couple cool returns.
Admittedly, at this point, I paid little attention to dirt sheets and backstage rumors, so I don't know what the goings on were leading into this show and Wrestlemania 27, but I look at the 2014 and 2015 Rumbles worse than this one, but to each their own.
Cena would of course win the Elimination Chamber match next month to headline Wrestlemania with the Miz, and lose thanks to The Rock. Miz would defend the title against Lawler at the next PPV, and be completely overshadowed by The Rock at Mania.
Cole and Lawler would have a travesty of a match at Mania, and two more following, because fuck you that's why. Orton and Punk would face off at Mania, and a Last Man Standing Match at Extreme Rules.
Del Rio of course would have the honor of being Edge's final opponent at Wrestlemania 27 in a losing effort for the World Heavyweight Championship.
We get a video package hyping the Rumble match, overemphasizing the 40 man aspect while showing the past winners.
We're live from the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. We get right into our first match as commentary welcomes us to the show.
World Heavyweight Championship: Edge (c) vs Dolph Ziggler
Pre-Match Thoughts & Notes: Michael Cole, the King and Matt Striker are on commentary for the show.We get a replay of a tag match on Smackdown, won by Edge and Orton, where Vickie Guerrero, filling in for Teddy after her was attacked, announces Edge will lose the title if Edge uses the spear tonight. Vickie comes out and reminds us of the stipulation before Dolph makes his way out. This show has instantly reminded me of just how unbearable Cole was on commentary during this time so this should be absolute hell.
Seeing a 2011 Dolph is kind of refreshing compared to 2018 Dolph, him and Edge putting together a good match. Vickie kind of gets irritating at ring side at times, but she doesn't over do it. I noted that Cole is welcoming the international viewers watching on PPV, which seems out of place for a heel commentator.
As the end starts to draw near, Edge has to pull out his old Edge-ucator(?) submission in this match to try and win without his spear. He teases a spear but Dolph counters into a Sleeper Hold, only for Edge to counter into an Impaler DDT. Vickie grabs the ref as he goes to make the three count. Vickie screams at Edge and the ref on the apron, Dolph tries to take advantage but Edge moves, going for a roll up and a near fall. Edge gets slapped by Vickie as she keeps screaming, until Kelly Kelly comes out to take her out. Ziggler nails a Zig Zag as Edge watches on for a near fall.
Ziggler locks in another Sleeper Hold but Edge manages to fight it off, only to knock the ref down, nailing a jaw breaker to break out. With Vickie and the ref out, Edge nails Ziggler with a Spear, playing possum on the mat as the ref comes to. Edge finishes him off with a Killswitch as a nod to Christian to get the 3 and retain in 20:46. They gave this match time to breathe and the action was great, but felt like it was a bit overbooked. Great way to kick off the show though.
Vickie comes to with an eyelash hanging off her face, while Edge celebrates in the ring. We go to replays of the best moments of the match. Edge heads up the ramp as Vickie is distressed at ringside.
It's so weird that we're getting the world title matches back to back to start the show. We get a promo package of Miz and Orton's rivalry, starting with Miz cashing in Money in the Bank on Orton to win the title in the first place. Orton earns his title shot against Sheamus and (I think) Wade Barrett in a cage match on Raw. Ww see footage of a few people casting doubt on Miz retaining tonight, followed by Miz attacking Orton along with Alex Riley, and that's our build up.
We cut to Josh Matthews, who was requested by The Miz for interview time. He says his title reign has been smeared with lies, people saying things like he only retained against Lawler because of Cole, he only retained against Orton because of Riley. There's a reason he's a champion, and why people like Lawler, Orton and even Tom Brady aren't champions, the latter getting some cheap heat. Riley says Miz can outwrestle, outshine and outclass Orton, and will go on to Mania as champion. Miz does his catchphrase before we cut back to the arena.
WWE Championship: The Miz (c) (w/ Alex Riley) vs Randy Orton
Pre-Match Thoughts & Notes: With the Miz in this match I can just imagine how unbearable Cole will be. Striker mentions how the WWE Championship has changed hands 3 times in Boston. It is weird seeing Miz do his entrance without the Hollywood spin on it, even more so with Alex Riley by his side.
Cole telling Lawler to be unbiased and call the match down the middle is fucking funny, and baffling that neither Lawler nor Striker call him out on it. He does make a valid point when King and Striker bring up the shenanigans behind Miz's wins, and Cole brings up their cheerleading when Edge did the same in the previous match, so OK I'll give him that. Can't believe I just gave Cole credit for something. Miz with good heel work, and Orton is still hot with the crowd at this point, with some good action mixed in it's an alright match.
Miz tries to leave with the title but gets cut off by Orton. After a bit more action, Orton calls for an RKO but New Nexus makes their way out before he can even go for it. Riley takes advantage, only to be thrown over the ropes and the referee on the outside onto the New Nexus, toppling them over. Miz attempts a Skull Crushing Finale but Orton slips out, nailing him with an RKO. Punk comes in immediately after to nail a GTS and pull Miz on top, allowing Miz to retain the title in 19:50. Again, given plenty of time and a nice follow up to the previous match. Not too much interference by Alex Riley, protect Miz and Orton, so nothing to really complain about here.
Cole of course with the cheerleading as Punk rejoins New Nexus at ringside and they head to the back. Miz is still out of it and has no idea what's happened. Miz with the goofiest grin on his face as we go to replays of the closing moments of the match. Miz and Riley head up the aisleway as we cut away.
Commentary bring up Cody Rhodes' face injury at the hands of Rey Mysterio before cutting to Todd Grisham in the back. He reads a public statement from Cody, about not being able to be at the Rumble as we watch replays of Rey "breaking" his face. We see footage of fans being asked who they think will win the Rumble tonight so skip. Onto our next match:
2 on 1 Handicap Match for the Divas Championship: Laycool (Layla & Michelle McCool) vs Natalya (c)
Before the match gets started we get interrupted by Hornswoggle... er, the Anonymous Raw GM. The GM vetoes the co-champions idea, and changes the match to a fatal four way.
Fatal 4 Way for the Divas Championship: Michelle McCool vs Layla vs Eve Tores vs Natalya (c)
Eve comes down and the match soon gets underway.
Of course Laycool work together for most of this match. Natalya attempts a sharpshooter on Eve and Layla and locks it in as best she can before Michelle breaks it up, nice little spot. Michelle accidentally bumps into Layla and knocks her down. Eve takes advantage and lands a moonsault on Layla, while Michelle rolls up Natalya. Referee makes the 3, not noticing Michelle's pin, and Eve wins the title in 5:12. Well that was surprising. Nice little match for as short as it was.
Michelle is obviously pissed as she argues with the referee and we go to replays. Eve celebrates up the aisle as we get another replay. Not much fanfare either.
We cut to Daniel Bryan and Gail Kim with Josh Matthews. Josh asks him about how special it would be to win the Rumble. They get interrupted by the Bellas who arrive with flowers. I don't know what was said but a catfight breaks out as Daniel tries to keep them separated, officials coming in to break things up.
Cole likens Miz to Paul Revere for some reason, to Lawler's bewilderment and silence, then hype the Elimination Chamber PPV coming up next month. We get the usual Rumble stats video package, before we "make history".
First Ever 40-Man Royal Rumble Match
Pre-Match Thoughts & Notes: Entrant #1 is the leader of the New Nexus, CM Punk. Entrant #2 is.... Well the Corre has decided to invade the ringside area instead, led by the former Nexus leader Wade Barrett. They surround the ring and start to assault Punk before the New Nexus hit the ring. Referees try to pull them apart until Horn... I mean the Anonymous Raw GM. He orders officials to restore order, saying only Punk has the right to be in the ring right now and orders the others to leave the ring, saying they'll be disqualified from the Rumble if they don't comply. They call head up the aisle and too the back while officials try to keep the groups separated. Fans chant for Punk as Entrant #2, Daniel Bryan, makes his way to the ring.
Striker for whatever reason repeats the rules for the match as the action gets underway, and reiterates WWE's viewpoint of everything outside WWE being the minor leagues, and how the Internet loves this match up. Striker also says Gail Kim isn't really a girlfriend, OK...? Punk and Bryan with some nice action to start things off.
Entrant #3 is Justin Gabriel of The Corre, going straight after Punk. Crowd immediately dies down. Punk and Bryan collide allowing Gabriel to go up top and miss a 450 Splash aimed for Punk. Bryan eliminates Gabriel immediately after before going after Punk.
Entrant #4 is Zack Ryder. He goes right after Bryan and Punk and nails a couple boots in the corner. He goes for a Rough Ryder on Bryan who ducks and Punk gets nailed instead. Ryder gets eliminated by Bryan immediately after this for his second elimination. Cole calls Bryan a nerd but respects his talent.
Entrant #5 is William Regal, who Striker calls the greatest superstar never to win a world title. Gets in some quick heavy offense on Punk and Bryan, It looks like Regal may have knocked him out with a knee to the head? Bryan and Regal trading uppercuts before Punk nails a kick to the head, then Bryan with a kick of his own on Punk. Bryan attempts to eliminate Regal as...
Entrant #6 is Ted DiBiase, led momentarily by Maryse. He goes after Regal and Bryan to little fan fare, then Punk next. Bryan with some pre-Yes kicks on Regal as Ted tries to eliminate Punk in the corner. Bryan now trying to eliminate Ted as the countdown starts again.
Entrant #7 is John Morrison, or Johnny Impact/Johnny Mundo in more recent times. Getting the crowd back into it, hitting a nice Spanish Fly on Bryan. Ted tries to throw him over Regal knocks him off the apron, Morrison clinging to the barricade to avoid elimination. I forgot he was the Rumble guy before Kofi. Ted eliminates Regal as he looks on in bewilderment and Morrison climbs onto the apron. He impressively leaps onto the steps and re-enters the ring, avoiding elimination. Bryan back on Punk and Ted on Morrison as we go to our next entrant.
Entrant #8 is Yoshi Tatsu. He goes for Ted immediately before Punk goes at him. Action slows down again and nothing happens until the next entrant.
Entrant #9 is Husky Harris, now Bray Wyatt, of the New Nexus. Jesus, he is in so much better shape these days. He protects Punk as best he can before they start to double team Morrison. Action slows down once more until our next entrant.
Entrant #10 is Chavo Guerrero, we're a quarter way through the match now. Quick offense in on Punk and Ted, getting in a Three Amigos only to be cut off by Punk, he takes some, then Morrison takes the Three Amigos, then Bryan, the crowd kind of into this, finally a pop as he finally hits all three. He does Eddie's little dance only to be cut off by Husky.
Entrant #11 is Mark Henry. We get the usual comments by commentary about how hard it will be to eliminate him. Chavo gets tossed over as he attempts a crossbody and he's out. Yoshi goes after Henry only to be taken down, then eliminated. Punk nails a kick to the back of Henry's head the action slows down once more.
Entrant #12 is JTG, formerly of Cryme Tyme. He goes aftr Henry and Husky to no fan fare. Crowd is dead right now as the action gets slow again.
Entrant #13 is Michael McGillicutt, today's Curtis Axel, of the New Nexus. He eliminates JTG from the corner. They begin teaming up against the others while others do their best to fend them off. Ted gets eliminated by Harris and Axel before the next entrant is out.
Entrant #14 is Chris Masters to little fanfare but he has a decent showing. He tries a Masterlock and damn near eliminates Punk but he hangs on. Axel in to cut him off now.
Entrant #15 is David Otunga of the New Nexus. Bryan is out as the gang up begins, then Masters, then Morrison who tries desperately to hang on, and finally Henry. New Nexus are all alone in the ring.
Entrant #16 is Tyler Reks. He tries hard to fight them off but the numbers game catches up to him. Punk kicks him in the side of the head and he's tossed over.
Entrant #17 is Vladimir Kozlov, one half of the tag champions. He doesn't last long and is eliminated in quick fashion.
Entrant #18 is R-Truth. Do I even need to say what happens?
Entrant #19 is The Great Khali, who's apparently making his return. New Nexus looks on worried who try to get the jump on him, but he takes them all out. He eliminates Harris. Punk crawls a away and begs for mercy.
Entrant #20 is Mason Ryan, the last member of New Nexus. Him and Khali are the only ones standing and as Khali misses a clothesline, Mason ducks and throws him over the ropes for an elimination. New Nexus once again the only ones in the ring.
Entrant #21 is a returning Booker T to a nice pop, our first surprise of the night. Punk freaking out and Striker marks out (his own words) as Booker hits the ring. Booker manages to fight them off long enough to do a Spinaroonie and hit a Scissors Kick and Book End to get the crowd alive once more. Booker gets eliminated by Mason after that, Booker with an amazing shocked face as he hits the floor.
Entrant #22 is... oh no, it's John Cena. I'm pretty sure I know how this ends. Mason gets eliminated, then Axel and Otunga together. Punk and Cena alone now as Punk attempts a GTS, but Cena slips out, off the ropes and they nail each other with a clothesline.
Entrant #23 is... the Anonymous... er, Hornswoggle. He does get the crowd back into it at least. Punk is back up as Horny taunts him, only to get knocked back down. He goes back after Cena. He hoists Cena on his shoulders only to slip out and toss Punk out.Oh joy. Cena and Horny are the only ones left at the moment.
Entrant #24 is Tyson Kidd. He gets double teamed of course. Horny does do a decent hurricanrana before Cena nails an AA. Then Horny nails his own AA. Then Tyson gets eliminated by Cena. I think it's stupid but this is the most excited the crowd's been all match.
Entrant #25 is Heath Slater of The Corre. He tries to get offense in but more double teaming. Horny hits a Stunner then a 5 Knuckle Shuffle with Cena. Horny follows with a Tadpole Splash and Slater gets eliminated by Cena.
Entrant #26 is Kofi Kingston, the Intercontinental Champion. He enters cautiously, him and Cena stare each other down before looking at the Mania sign. Horny stands aside as Cena and Kofi go at it.
Lucky entrant #27 is Jack Swagger. He takes out Cena and Kofi. Horny looks on scared as he hits a series of corner splashes. Horny comes behind as if to throw him over the ropes, distracting him enough for Kofi to hit a crossbody. Him and Horny team up for an elevated Boom Drop off Horny's back.
Entrant #28 is Sheamus, the 2010 King of the Ring. He takes out Cena, Swagger and Kofi as commentary mentions he hates how Horny portrays all the bad Irish stereotypes. Horny does Sheamus' chest taunts before Sheamy pushes him down. Horny tunes up the band and hits... Sweet Shin Music. He tries to eliminate Horny until Cena cuts him off, then cut off by Swagger. Sheamus does nail a Brogue Kick on Horny perched on the top rope to eliminate him.
Entrant #29 is Rey Mysterio. He slides in under Sheamus's legs, and reverses a Gutwrench attempt by Swagger into a headscissor. He goes for 619 but Sheamus cuts him off. Sheamus eats Trouble in Paradise. Rey hitting a 619 of sorts as Swagger sits on the apron to eliminate him.
Entrant #30 is Wade Barrett, leader of The Corre, and we're 3/4 of the way through the match. He tries to eliminate Kofi but Rey cuts him off. Cena goes after him but eats a Tiltawhirl Slam. Action starts to slow again.
Entrant #31 is Dolph Ziggler, looking worse for wear after his match earlier tonight. Dolph is now the first 31st entrant in a Royal Rumble match, so there's something. Action keeps slow until the next entrant. Crowd does get excited at the possibility of Cena's elimination.
Entrant #32 is Diesel, to an audible holy shit from Striker and a nice pop from the crowd. Nash with the black, slick back hair as the other wrestlers look on surprised. Crowd with Diesel chants as he cleans house.
Entrant #33 is Drew McIntyre who goes right after Diesel, teaming up with Sheamus. Crowd right into Diesel for this match. Rey hits Diesel with 619 to an audible boo.
Entrant #34 is... The Miz? Oh no wait, it's Alex Riley. Cena drops him fast and goes after him in the corner, while Barrett eliminates Diesel to boos. Miz joins commentary, oh terrific. Normally I'd love this but with Cole's added... Coleness, this will be hell I imagine.
Entrant #35 is The Big Show. He and Diesel have a nice little staredown on the aisle way before he enters the ring. He cleans house much like Diesel before things slow down again. Show eliminates Dolph next.
Entrant #36 is Ezekiel Jackson. Show eliminates Drew as he enters. Crowd is dead again before Zeke eliminates Show, then back to dead. I guess Zeke is from The Corre, but he came out to his own music unlike the others, so he and Barrett team up.
Entrant #37 is Santino Marella, the other half of the tag champions. This is a year removed from his record time elimination. He eats a Brogue Kick and rolls under the ropes to the outside.
Entrant #38 is Alberto Del Rio, making his entrance in a Bently while Ricardo makes his introduction. Rey gets distracted as Del Rio takes his time coming to the ring.
Entrant #39 is Randy Orton, who nails Del Rio from behind and throws him into the steps, before rolling him into the ring, and nails an RKO, then one for Sheamus, then Kofi off a missed Trouble in Paradise, eliminating Kofi next. Then Sheamus is out. Orton and Cena the only ones standing in the ring and they stare down while Cena points to the Mania sign.
Entrant #40 is Kane, who still holds the record for most eliminations in a single rumble at this point and close to beating HBK's record for most total eliminations. He goes after Orton immediately before being taken down by Zeke. Kane pulls the top rope down and Zeke tumbles out for an elimination.
We're down to the final six. Kane goes after Mysterio, who reverses a chokeslam to take Kane out, then Barrett eliminates him.
Bareet going after Cena, Orton after Del Rio. Cena suddenly stops selling despite being in there about a half hour to take down Barrett. Cena and Orton the only two up again and the crowd could not care less. They go at it before Barrett cuts them off.
Cena hits an AA on Del Rio, while Alex Riley climbs the apron to distract Cena, allowing Miz to slip in from behind to eliminate Cena to a loud pop, as he and A-Ry run off to the back. Down to the final three. Cena goes to Cole and tells him this isn't over between him and Miz.
Crowd dies once again as Barrett, Orton and Del Rio stare each other down. Orton tosses Barrett out and Del Rio tosses him out next and Del Rio wins the...
Oh wait, Santino is still in this. Mike Chioda is in trying to tell Del Rio as they argue, Santino sets up for and hits the Cobra to a pretty decent pop. He celebrates prematurely and goes to toss him out, but Del Rio reverses and Santino goes over. Del Rio wins the Royal Rumble in 1:09:52.
Del Rio celebrates as Ricardo makes the announcement, and the crowd.... well they're dead as Ricardo hams it up with "Viva Del Rio". We go to replays of the closing eliminations. Ricardo eeps announcing Del Rio's win (I assume) as pyro goes off, with Del Rio pointing at the Mania sign. OK, we get it Ricardo. Show goes off the air.
FINAL THOUGHTS
It's weird to back and realize this show only had 4 matches, or maybe that's just because I'm so used to these 4 hour PPVs now. Anyhow, undercard was pretty good, a surprise title change and some setup for future matches.
As for the Rumble match itself, I don't know if it qualifies as the worst. I mean don't get me wrong, there were some issues I had with it. Making New Nexus look dominant only for Cena to dispose of them like nothing, the whole Corre/Nexus thing playing absolutely no part in this match, and of course Del Rio winning. It also had a few nice spots and a couple cool returns.
Admittedly, at this point, I paid little attention to dirt sheets and backstage rumors, so I don't know what the goings on were leading into this show and Wrestlemania 27, but I look at the 2014 and 2015 Rumbles worse than this one, but to each their own.
Cena would of course win the Elimination Chamber match next month to headline Wrestlemania with the Miz, and lose thanks to The Rock. Miz would defend the title against Lawler at the next PPV, and be completely overshadowed by The Rock at Mania.
Cole and Lawler would have a travesty of a match at Mania, and two more following, because fuck you that's why. Orton and Punk would face off at Mania, and a Last Man Standing Match at Extreme Rules.
Del Rio of course would have the honor of being Edge's final opponent at Wrestlemania 27 in a losing effort for the World Heavyweight Championship.
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