This year's Royal Rumble took place on January 31, in Atlanta, Georgia.
Are there many events in the course of a year that conjure up more nostalgia than the long-running Royal Rumble? One can only confidently answer Wrestlemania, but in the grand scheme of things, 'Mania is the showpiece -- it is WWE's proverbial jewel in the crown. The Rumble, nonetheless, plays such an intricate role in the lead up to "The Grandest Stage of Them All."
In case your wrestling knowledge is amiss, 30 superstars enter the Royal Rumble match, each contestant vying for an opportunity to face the World Champion at 'Mania, but only one will earn that spot.
That man was none other than. . .
EDGE
Edge entered the match at number 29, supposedly as a "surprise" entrant (see previous post). Upon making his arrival back to the squared circle, he speared everyone in sight, eliminating his foe Chris Jericho in the process. Edge then threw John Cena over the top rope to be crowned the victor. The win was sweet redemtion for the former nine-time champion, who was making his return from injury after a nine-month layoff.
Aside from that stunning moment, there were other sublime performances in the 30-man contest. I personally thought that CM Punk was incredible, and set the ball rolling perfectly. His super-heelish persona is quite possibly the best thing in wrestling since The Rock, in terms of entertainment value. Beth Phoenix became only the second woman ever to enter the Rumble, eliminating The Great Khali along the way. Triple H, who made quick work of Punk, was later super-kicked to the floor by his D-Generation X partner Shawn Michaels. Every man for himself, as they say.
Michaels himself was eliminated by Batista, ending his hopes of a rematch with The Undertaker at WM. This was preceded by Edge dumping out his former tag-team partner, Jericho, leaving only Batista, Cena and Edge in the ring. The Animal was tossed to the outside by Cena, leaving the Rated-R Superstar to seize the opportunity.
In other highlights of the night:
Christian defeated Ezekial Jackson to retain the ECW Championship in a fair scrap to open the show. Captain Charisma was able to secure the win with the Killswitch.
The Miz was able to hold onto his United States belt, but was hit with a Playmaker afterwards by challenger MVP.
Mickie James earned the Women's Title and some revenge when she pinned Michelle McCool.
The Undertaker recovered from two straight 619s to deliver the Last Ride to Rey Mysterio and remain as World Heavyweight Champion.
Randy Orton let loose on Cody Rhodes, after he was disqualified in his match with WWE Champion Sheamus for interference. The Viper also unloaded on Ted DiBiase, but only before the Celtic Curse got the last word in with a Scissors Kick. Sheamus Post-Match Interview (Watch this for some priceless Séamus quotes).
Overall, this was the best pay-per-view the WWE have rolled out in while now. The Rumble match itself was one of the most engaging and enthalling matches I've probably ever seen! I shall be waiting for the DVD in anticipation, as should you.
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