WWE '07 - The Show Must Go On!

The PPV begins with a hype video showing various highlights on the past 20 Royal Rumbles set to the tune of Airbourne's “Stand Up For Rock And Roll.” Who will win the 2008 version from the most famous arena in the World, Madison Square Garden!? After the opening pyro goes off Michael Cole and Ernest 'The Cat' Miller welcome the audience in and the bell shortly rings for the first contest of the night!

The opening contest was the Cruiserweight Open, featuring 11 superstars across all three brands. After everyone made their entrance, Jamie Noble had to begin the match after losing to Jimmy Wang Yang and the match started with Noble and Shannon Moore. Noble and Moore went at it for a couple of minutes and Moore had the early advantage, using an aerial assault to gain the upper hand. Unfortunately for him, he went to the well one too many times and missed his 'Halo' corkscrew senton. After Moore crashed to the mat, Noble picked him up in a Fireman's carry and hit a double knee gutbuster to eliminate him.

Funaki was the next man in and started off hot, hitting some karate chops and kicks to Noble. Funaki shot Noble off the ropes and tried to hit him with a dropkick but Noble grabbed the ropes and put on the brakes, causing Funaki to hit the mat. Noble then applied his 'Trailer Hitch' submission and got Funaki to taps moments later, eliminating him.

ECW's Super Crazy was next into the fray and almost right away stunned Noble, ducking a clothesline, and countering with a rolling crucifix pin. Noble was able to just kick out at the last moment but then took a sitout inverted suplex slam. Noble went into the corner to recuperate and was met with corner punches by Crazy. After 8 punches of a classic corner 10, Noble slid under an elevated Crazy and pulled his arm, causing Crazy to bounce his head off the top turnbuckle. Noble then kicked Crazy's face through the opening in Crazy's legs and dropped him with a powerbomb. Noble stacked Crazy on the pin and eliminated his third participant.



Noble was starting to get cocky as he was going through the gauntlet and had to face off against another ECW cruiserweight in Nunzio, next. Unfortunately for Nunzio, he tried a high-risk move right off the bat, looking to hit his signature 'Arrivederci' springboard tornado DDT but Noble threw him off as he sprung off the ropes and Nunzio hit hard. Noble then quickly applied a Dragon Sleeper with bodyscissors to get the Italian to tap.



Things then got interesting as Jimmy Wang Yang was the next entrant. Noble had recently failed to beat Yang twice and Noble took out his anger on Wang before he could even stand up in the ring, stomping away at him when he slid into the ring. Noble then picked Yang up and looked to possibly hit another double knee gutbuster but Yang countered and turned it into a sunset flip pin attempt to get the 3-count and shock Noble again.



Yang's advancement was short-lived, however, as Noble nailed Yang from behind after Yang got up and celebrated the elimination. Noble applied a guillotine choke and wouldn't let go as it took a few referees to come down to the ring to get him off. Noble left as he was booed relentlessly and Sonny Siaki was the next entrant in, pinning Yang right away to take him out.



TJ Wilson of The Hart Dynasty was in next and took the fight right to Siaki. Wilson was able to hit a snapmare neckbreaker. Wilson then went out to the apron and attempted a springboard elbow drop but Siaki got his knees up, and Wilson clutched at his arm. Siaki would then pick up Wilson and hit him with the 'Siakalypse Now' pumphandle driver to knock him out.



The Cruiserweight Champ, Amazing Red, was the next entrant and had quite an introduction to the match by entering the ring with a springboard crossbody on Siaki. Siaki kicked out of the crossbody pin but missed a strike and got dropped with a hurricanrana driver. Red then went to the top rope, possibly looking to end it with an 'Infrared' but Siaki rolled out of the ring. London and Kendrick moved out of the way of Siaki as he made his way to his feet only to be hit with a corkscrew moonsault by Red, who sailed over the top rope. The crowd went crazy and after rolling Siaki back in the ring, Red would break out the 'Code Red' sunset flip powerbomb to eliminate Siaki.



Now it was down to 3 as Red had to take on both members of the tag team with the longest reign in Smackdown! history, Paul London and Brian Kendrick. Both on RAW now, Kendrick would get the first crack at the champ. After a chain of cruiserweight moves, the two had a standoff which got the crowd cheering. London was rooting on his tag team partner and Kendrick fired the opening salvo, rebounding off the ropes to hit a leg lariat. Kendrick perched himself on the top rope and caught Red with a jumping tornado DDT. Kendrick went for the cover but got a close near-fall. Kendrick then went back to the top again to hit his twisting frog splash, called the 'Left Turn From Albuquerque,' but Red got the knees up and when Kendrick crumpled on top of him, Red turned it into a pin and eliminated Kendrick.



It was now down to Paul London to take the Cruiserweight Title off of The Amazing Red's hands. London checked on Kendrick as he rolled out of the ring, and Kendrick gave him a fist-bump as he recovered on the outside. Both men felt each other out for the first minute and after Red leapfrogged a rebounding London, London stopped in his tracks and connected with a dropkick to the face as Red turned around. London would then hit a picture-perfect Northern Lights suplex and got a near-fall on the bridge pin. The Amazing Red would then counter London's next move by hitting a wheelbarrow bulldog, a la Rey Mysterio. Red then hit a running Shooting Star but got a near-fall. The crowd was buzzing as Red pulled London towards the ropes. Red went to the top but London got up and hit a jumping enziguri to knock Red down to the mat. After collecting himself for a moment, London went to the top rope to go for a 450 Splash but Red moved out of the way! Red would then get to his feet, get to the top rope and hit the 'Infrared' 540 to win the Cruiserweight Open!


The crowd cheered the amazing performance by Red and the rest of the cruiserweights. Red was given his title and went to the middle rope to lift it high. When he got back down, London & Kendrick were in the ring. Red walked over and the trio shared some words before they shook hands and hugged. London & Kendrick then got on each side of Red and lifted an arm up as Michael Cole celebrated the good sportsmanship.
The camera cuts to an office area where all 3 General Managers are watching the PPV. Mick Foley congratulates Teddy Long on an excellent match and Armando Alejandro Estrada stays quiet, maybe annoyed that his 2 superstars couldn't bring the Cruiserweight Title to RAW. In the office is a lottery tumbler and The Rated-R Entourage walk into frame. Edge announces his arrival and walks over to draw his entry number. Edge is arrogantly calling his shot as the WWE Tag Team Champs reinforce and hype their leader up. Edge opens his ball and looks decently satisfied as he shows his number to Hawkins & Ryder. Edge then shows Teddy Long and tells him to get the merchandise and advertising departments ready because they can start making arrangements now. Edge guarantees he will be in the Main Event of WrestleMania and the trio walk out, leaving Long to shake his head.
The Women's Championship Match was next as Mickie James made her entrance, followed by 'The Glamazon' Beth Phoenix. Jim Ross and Jerry 'The King' Lawler had the call as they put over the dominance that Beth has shown since returning at the end of last year. After Lillian Garcia does in-ring introductions, Referee Jack Doan lifts the belt high before signaling for the bell. The match begins with both ladies circling each other before Mickie goes in for a tie-up but right away, Beth powers Mickie and pushes her to the ground. After giving Beth a look, Mickie gets up and charges Beth but lives up to her nickname and lifts Mickie up by her throat before depositing her into the corner. Phoenix showboats for a second and then Mickie gets to her feet and gets fired up, hitting a couple of right hands. Mickie then dodges a 'Glamazon; clothesline attempt before hitting a couple of body kicks. Mickie tries for a back kick but Beth catches her foot and drags her in to hit a nasty lariat. Beth then shoots Mickie off the ropes but James baseball slides under Phoenix and tries to hit a headscissors takedown when she got to her feet. The power of 'The Glamazon' was on display though as Beth stopped the attempt and turned it into driving the back of Mickie into the turnbuckle. Beth then tried for a cover but got a near-fall and after a couple of stomps, applied an inverted sleeper hold. Mickie started to fight out of it a half a minute later and used her flexibility to knee Beth in the face to break the hold but Phoenix stayed with it, clubbed Mickie in the back and hit a slingshot suplex. After another pin attempt in which Beth got a near-fall, she went back to the inverted sleeper but this time Mickie would drop down and turn it into a jawbreaker. Mickie went to whip Beth but once again she was overpowered and Beth would send Mickie off the ropes. Mickie tried to hit a wheelbarrow bulldog on Beth but 'The Glamazon' caught her in transition and turned it into a standing chickenwing submission. Mickie eventually found a way to get to her feet as the crowd willed her on and elbowed Beth to loosen her grip. Mickie tried another one to fully break it but Beth ducked and picked her up in a powerslam position. Beth was going to repeat the turnbuckle back slam but Mickie slid out and Beth went front-side first into the corner. Mickie then bounced Beth's head off the top turnbuckle before knocking her down with a couple of flying forearms. Mickie then booted Beth in the midsection and tried to hit her DDT but Beth pushed her back into the corner. Phoenix then set Mickie on the top rope and looked to hit a superplex but Mickie kicked Beth away multiple times. James would then jump off the middle rope and hit a diving Thesz Press before hooking the legs and almost getting a 3-count. The crowd and JR audibly reacted but Mickie went right back on the attack, hitting Beth with a couple of punches and then kicks. Mickie then tried to hit her signature DDT again but Beth shoved her away. Mickie would then try to hit her 'Mick Kick' but Phoenix ducked and it put Mickie in the vulnerable position for Beth to hook the arms, lift Mickie up, and drop her with the 'Glam Slam.' With a sudden thud, Beth rolled Mickie over and made the cover to retain her Women's Championship.

WHAT DREAMS ARE MADE OF! (88%)

As Beth Phoenix celebrates her title defense, JR sends it to Todd Grisham who is backstage with tonight's challenger for the WWE Championship, Jeff Hardy! The crowd roars as Hardy is shown on camera and Grisham asks Hardy on if he has any nerves going into his biggest career match. Hardy says he'd be lying if he said he didn't have a few butterflies because tonight is what dreams are made of! The most famous arena in the World, Madison Square Garden! The passionate fan base who will be rocking tonight when my music hits. The honor of facing off against one of the greats in John Cena. And to do it for the title that everyone joins this business for, the WWE Championship! Hardy delays as he can hear the crowd chanting “Hardy” from where he is and soaks it in. Hardy finishes by saying he is going to give it everything he has and to not be surprised if he leaves a piece of himself in the ring tonight to become the new champion!
Joey Styles and Tazz were on the call next as Chavo Guerrero made his entrance for the ECW Title Match. “This Fire Burns” then blasted in MSG and the ECW Champ, CM Punk entered to much fanfare. Justin Roberts did introductions before Senior Referee, Scott Armstrong, displayed the belt high and rang the bell to start the contest. The match began with both men feeling each other out before they slowly converged in the middle of the ring with a “test of strength” spot. Chavo would then get a cheap shot kick in and apply a standing side headlock. Punk sent Chavo off the ropes and Guerrero tried to shoulder block Punk but it didn't move him an inch. A confused Chavo went back off the ropes but then Punk shoulder checked him and knocked him to the mat. Chavo scurried to the ropes and had Referee Armstrong back Punk up. The two traded control of a lockup that went into the corner and Armstrong eventually called for a break. The two then traded some chain holds and as Punk had Chavo in a twisting arm lock, Chavo showed off some impressive cruiserweight moves to reverse the hold. Punk then showed his chops by using some athletic ability of his own to capture control right back. Chavo fought out of the arm lock with some rights but after rebounding off the ropes and charging at Punk, he ran right into a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker. Punk went for a cover but got a quick near-fall. Punk then applied a hammerlock as well as a sleeper with his free hand but Chavo showed his wrestling ability to counter into his own side headlock. Chavo hit a couple of headlock takeovers before Punk got to his feet and sent Chavo into the corner. Punk charged at Chavo but Guerrero flipped Punk over the top rope and Punk landed on the apron. Punk went to hit a springboard maneuver but Chavo shoved Punk in mid-air and Punk fall hard to the outside. Chavo then realized he had to get Punk back in the ring to win the ECW Title and did so after Referee Armstrong got to a 6-count. Chavo then started to work on Punk's left leg, which may have been tweaked when he was shoved to the outside. Chavo dropped a couple of elbows on the inside of Punk's leg and then dragged Punk over to the corner. Chavo went to the outside and pulled Punk's legs near the ring post before slamming the bad one against it, wrapping it around the post. Punk was in agony and when he tried to get to his feet, Chavo kicked his leg out from under him. Chavo then extensively worked on Punk's leg for another minute or so before Punk, from the ground, flipped Chavo off of him with a headscissors. Punk hopped to his feet and Chavo grabbed his leg but Punk would hit an enziguri, knocking Guerrero out of the ring. Punk the threw caution to the wind and hobbled his way to hitting a suicide dive onto Chavo on the outside. Punk rolled Chavo into the ring and stood on the apron before hitting a springboard clothesline but Punk couldn't capitalize and clutched his knee. Both men would get up at the same time and Punk went for a body kick which was caught by Chavo. Chavo then took out Punk's other leg with a sweep and Guerrero looked to go for a Boston Crab. Punk twisted and turned it into a rollup, getting a close near-fall. Once up again, both men traded kicks and then Punk hit a spinning backfist to stun Chavo. After a couple of quick reversals, Punk followed Chavo into the corner and hit his high knee facebuster/bulldog combo. After getting yet another near-fall, Punk tried to Irish Whip Chavo but Guerrero reversed and rolled through into a single leg Boston Crab on Punk's bad leg. Punk would scratch and claw to the bottom rope and when he got to his feet, Chavo tried to boot him but Punk caught it and pulled him in and up into 'GTS' position but Punk's leg gave out and he was not able to hit his finishing move. Chavo then grabbed Punk and went for the 'Three Amigos.' After 2 successful suplexes, Chavo went for the third but Punk countered with a small package that almost won the match. Chavo got to his feet first and used Punk's positioning to hit a quick tornado DDT, using the ropes as leverage. Chavo went for the pin and this time Punk kicked out in the nick of time. Chavo then went to the top, presumably looking to hit a frog splash but Punk got to his feet and stopped Chavo's progress. Punk then climbed the turnbuckle and was looking to hit a superplex but Chavo hit the bad leg and it caused Punk to lose his balance and whiplash his head and neck off the top rope. Punk fell to the mat in perfect position for Chavo to hit the frog splash. Guerrero made the cover. 1...2...3!!! To the shock of everyone in the crowd, Chavo Guerrero has pinned CM Punk to become the new ECW Champion. Joey Styles and Tazz also can not believe it as Chavo's music hits and he celebrates with his newly won title. Replays show the critical highlights of the match, and when we come back to live action, Chavo is doing the shoulder shimmy with the ECW Title.
The camera then cuts to the face of Vickie Guerrero looking at her nephew on the TV in disbelief. Mick Foley and Teddy Long share the sentiment but Foley says to Chavo's credit, he actually did it fair and square. Foley then says CM Punk will get his rematch on Tuesday Night which gets Armando Alejandro Estrada to chime in and question Foley's motives. Foley tells Armando to mind his business and also says that it's rich coming from the guy who was actively trying to keep certain superstars on his own brand out of the Rumble Match. Foley and Estrada start bickering back and forth and Teddy Long tried to restore order when Legacy walks into the frame. Randy Orton says he's not sure what's going on over here but he'd like to draw his entry number. Orton walks over to the tumbler with Estrada and after a spin, grabs a ball. He opens it and shows the rest of Legacy his number when 'The Animal' Batista enters the shot. Orton, flanked by Ted DiBiase Jr. and Joe Hennig, comes face to face with his former Evolution mate and Batista chuckles and asks Orton if he got a good number. Orton says that wouldn't he like to know. Orton watches intently as Batista walks over to the tumbler with Teddy Long and gets his number. Batista then says he only asked because he hopes the number he drew is close to Orton's. Batista tells Orton that he better hope that's not the case or else he is going to enjoy throwing Orton's ass over the top rope. Batista smirks as Orton starts to seethe. DiBiase Jr. and Hennig hold Orton back before they leave the shot.
Michael Cole and Ernest 'The Cat' Miller are back in control and the following contest is the World Heavyweight Championship Match. Cole briefs the audience on the rivalry and mentions that Chris Jericho had to have glass removed from his left eye as a result of what were about to see. A video package then starts, showing how JBL won an opportunity for Jericho's World Title before it devolved into JBL throwing Y2J into his own 'Jeri-Tron 5000,' during an episode of 'The Highlight Reel.' Jericho is shown bleeding and grabbing at the glass that went into his eye. This was just about the World Title at first but now it is much more personal.
“Longhorn” hits as JBL is booed out of the building by the MSG crowd. Once he's in the ring, “Break The Walls Down” hits and the World Champion, Chris Jericho makes his entrance. In this case though, Y2J skips his signature pose and quickly traverses the short entrance area. Jericho gets right in the ring and has to be held back by Referee Nick Patrick so that introductions can be made. After that occurs, the bell rings and Jericho and JBL get in each other's faces and are talking trash to each other. Y2J points at the stitches around his eye and it leads into both men locking up with one arm and trading simultaneous rights with the other. A hot start to the match that got the crowd buzzing and eventually Jericho won the battle, forcing JBL to back into the corner. Nick Patrick then backed Jericho up but Y2J went at JBL again in the corner before Patrick made him break after counting to 4. Patrick admonished Y2J and as he was, JBL hit a cheap right to Jericho's face. Y2J stumbled to the ropes and held his face and eye. JBL hit a couple more punches to Jericho before whipping him off the ropes but Y2J came back in a fury and knocked him down with a forearm before side mounting JBL and hitting a bunch of rights. JBL pushed Jericho off but Y2J hit a double-leg takedown on JBL and started to whale on him again. JBL got to his feet but was trying to stay away as Jericho followed him with some more strikes, including a couple of kicks. JBL tried to get a boot in himself but Jericho caught it, took him down, and applied the 'Walls of Jericho.' JBL was already near the ropes and grabbed it but Jericho wouldn't break right away. Patrick made him break at 4 and JBL took a reprieve on the outside only for Jericho to hit a baseball slide, sending JBL crashing into the barricade. Jericho bounced JBL's head off the barricade before whipping him back-first into the steel steps. This is unlike a Jericho we have ever seen. Jericho tossed JBL back in the ring but when he charged at him, JBL finally hit some offense and flapjacked Y2J into the ropes. Jericho held his throat and coughed a little bit before JBL pulled him up by one arm and hit a short-arm clothesline. JBL was now the aggressor and had that evil in his eye as he hit another short-arm clothesline. JBL then started choking Jericho using the bottom rope and broke when Patrick got to 4. JBL then hit a slingshot with Y2J under the rope and 'The Wrestling God' was relentless. JBL then started to hit focused punches to Jericho's bad eye and wound area, beating him down in the corner. Jericho mounted a quick flurry but JBL would catch a charging Jericho in a sleeper hold to slow the pace down. Jericho would fight to his feet, elbow his way out and then go off the ropes. Y2J ducked a JBL big boot and then off the other side of ropes, dropped JBL with a lariat. Both men were down and got up at the same time. Jericho tried his luck again but JBL was able to connect with the boot this time. Once again, both men were down and started crawling to opposite corners. This time when JBL and Jericho met, JBL would fling Y2J shoulder-first into the ring post and Jericho fell to the outside. As Jericho is right in front of him, Michael Cole mentions that Y2J's head may have caught a piece of the post and it was confirmed when Jericho sat up and was bleeding from his head. Like a shark smelling blood, literally, JBL went to the outside and stomp Jericho's face a couple of times before hitting a few rights to the now open wound. JBL rolled Jericho back in the ring and beat him down in the corner with punches and kicks to the face. Referee Patrick kept having to restrain JBL but he kept going back to inflict more damage. Finally, Jericho had enough and exploded out of the corner with a very stiff forearm. JBL used the ropes to get to his feet and Jericho hit a massive clothesline that sent both men toppling over the top rope. Jericho laid in some boots before moving JBL to the announcer's area. Jericho was going to attempt to bash JBL's head off the ECW announce table but JBL blocked it and bounced Jericho's head off it. JBL then took the cover off the table and when he turned back around to pick up Jericho, Y2J nailed JBL right in the head with a steel chair! The bell rang and Chris Jericho got disqualified but he did not care one bit. JBL crawled into the ring but Y2J came in with the steel chair and chucked it at JBL's face, which was now bleeding. Jericho mounted JBL and started teeing off and it took multiple referees and road agents to get Jericho to stop. Jericho finally did, grabbed his World Title and walked to the back. Tony Chimel then announced that while Jericho was still the World Champion, JBL did in fact win the match by DQ but he certainly didn't look like a winner as his music played and he was helped to the back.

GAME TIME (90%)

The camera then cuts to the back again where 'The Game' Triple H walked into frame to draw his Rumble spot. Triple H shook hands with Teddy Long and Vickie Guerrero before looking at Mick Foley. Triple H goes to shake Foley's hand but Foley has an odd expression on his face that confuses Hunter. Foley then mentions he has a funny feeling seeing Triple H tonight and it brings back vivid memories. Triple H then realizes what Foley means and says he remembers. Royal Rumble 2000. The last time the Rumble was at MSG. Triple H vs. Cactus Jack in a Street Fight for the ages. Triple H says he remembers it all to well because Cactus Jack kicked his ass. Foley smiles but Triple H playfully lets Foley know that he did win the match, to which Foley acknowledges. Triple H says he's going to make another memory tonight and become a 2-time winner of the Royal Rumble. This is when Armando Alejandro Estrada breaks up the reunion by telling Triple H to hurry up and pick his number. Estrada is over by the tumbler and extends his hand out to Triple H but Hunter looks at it before giving Estrada a glare. Estrada slowly drops his hand and doesn't look thrilled at the disrespect. Triple H grabs a ball from the tumbler and opens it up. Triple H looks neutral about his draw and shows the GMs as Estrada jots down his position. Foley wishes Triple H luck as he leaves the shot.

MATCH 5: JOHN CENA © VS. JEFF HARDY – WWE CHAMPIONSHIP (84%, 3*)

The much anticipated WWE Title Match was next as John Cena defends against Jeff Hardy. A shot goes to Jim Ross and Jerry 'The King' Lawler at ringside as they discuss their excitement when unfamiliar music hits. Jeff Hardy's titantron starts playing and it appears 'The Charismatic Enigma' has a brand new entrance theme ("No More Words" by Endeverafter). The crowd goes absolutely nuts for Hardy as he makes his entrance at MSG.
“My Time Is Now” hits and John Cena makes his entrance to a divided crowd. Cena is actually getting booed pretty hard as most of the crowd is behind Jeff Hardy for this Championship Match. Lillian Garcia does the intros and Hardy gets a huge roar, surprising Cena. The champ then gets another negative reaction but isn't shaken. As Referee Mike Chioda lifts the richest prize in the WWE, a “Hardy” chant breaks out. The bell rings and Hardy points to the crowd and mouths to Cena to listen to them. Cena smirks and puts his hand out and Hardy taps it in a sign of good sportsmanship. The two would lock up and Cena would get the early advantage with a side headlock. Hardy tried to escape by shooting Cena off the ropes but Cena dragged Hardy down to a knee, still with a headlock applied. Cena hit a headlock takeover but Hardy pushed Cena's head back and got a headscissors in and Cena quickly broke and both were back to their feet. Another lockup followed and now it was Hardy's turn to put the side headlock on. Cena tried hitting a back suplex but Hardy rolled through and took Cena to the mat. Once Cena got back to his feet, he sent Jeff off the ropes, dropped down, leapfrogged Hardy, impressing the crowd, and then caught Jeff with a hip toss. Cena then hit a standard slam, dropped an elbow and went for a pin but got a near-fall. Cena then grounded Hardy with a headlock but Hardy would work his way up and pull off the same combo Cena did. The only difference was Hardy added a second hip toss and then suplexed Cena before getting a two-count. Hardy went back to a headlock but this time Cena hit the back suplex he attempted earlier. Cena then went for the 'STFU' but Hardy rolled on his back and used his leg strength to push Cena through the ropes to the outside. Hardy then hit a double leg kick through the ropes to knock Cena down on the outside. Jeff waited for Cena to get to his feet and hit a vaulting body press. Hardy played to the crowd and rolled Cena back into the ring. Hardy then hit his classic double leg drop to Cena's midsection. Once Cena got up, Jeff booted him in the gut and tried for a 'Twist of Fate' but Cena countered and got Hardy up for an 'F-U' attempt. Hardy scrambled out of the one but when he charged at Cena, the champ hit a nice drop tow hold and locked in the 'STFU.' Cena was wrenching back and Hardy was fighting for his life as he tried to crawl to the bottom rope. Hardy started to fade but then got a second wind and after being in the hold for over a minute, Hardy hooked his arm over the bottom rope to break it. The crowd went electric as Cena was legitimately surprised his submission didn't end the match. Cena picked Hardy up but Hardy countered with his sitout jawbreaker. Hardy then went off the ropes and dropped Cena with a 'slingblade'-like takedown. Hardy went for the cover but got a near-fall. Cena used the corner to get back to a vertical basis but Hardy was right there to whip him. Cena would reverse the whip though and Hardy hit the turnbuckles hard. Hardy held his back as he came out of the corner right into a Fisherman's Suplex by Cena. Cena then went for a cover but Hardy got the shoulder up at 2. Both men were recovering and the crowd started a dual chant, which was mostly in favor of Hardy. When Cena got up, he charged at Hardy who was in the corner, but Jeff sidestepped and Cena crashed chest-first into the turnbuckles. Hardy then got on the middle rope and dropped a double-axe handle on Cena, knocking him down. Hardy got Cena up and tried to send him off the ropes but Cena countered and kicked Hardy in the midsection. Hardy was bent over and Cena went off the ropes to his his 'Throwback' running neck breaker and both men were down again. Cena crawled over for a pin but the resilient Hardy kicked out a 2, leaving Cena to consult Referee Mike Chioda about the count. Maybe some doubt creeping in for Cena at this point? Cena tried a whip across the ring but Hardy reversed and sent Cena into the corner. Hardy then hit Cena with a sitout inverted suplex slam and Cena was down in a perfect position for a 'Swanton.' Hardy struggled to get to the top rope but attempted it. The only issue was Cena moved at the last second and Hardy crashed and burned. When both men got up, Hardy went at Cena but Cena ducked, went off the ropes, and hit Hardy with a leaping shoulder block. This led to the classic Cena sequence, as he hit another shoulder block and then a spin-out powerbomb. The crowd started to boo as Cena lifted his hand up for his “You Can't See Me” taunt. Cena would hit the '5-Knuckle Shuffle,' and then start to stalk Hardy, waiting for him to get up. Cena got Hardy but but Jeff elbowed John in the head and got down. Hardy then hit a couple of forearms that knocked Cena down and when Cena rose, he caught Hardy's leg on an attempted kick. Hardy, however, would flip and hit a mule kick, sending Cena into a seated position in the corner. Hardy then hit his 'Hardyac Arrest' dropkick and Cena was out. Hardy would then drag Cena by his feet away from the ropes and get a close near-fall. Hardy now looked frustrated that he couldn't put Cena away and win the WWE Championship. Cena got up in the corner and Hardy tried an Irish Whip, only to get countered. This time though, Hardy would jump up on the top rope to catch Cena with 'Whisper In The Wind.' Hardy crawled over and got one had across Cena's chest but the champ kicked out at 2 and 7/8ths. Cena got up and turned around to get kicked in the midsection and Hardy attempted a 'Twist of Fate,' but Cena countered and shoved Hardy to the ropes. Hardy came back but got lifted up in a Fireman's Carry and Cena looked to hit an 'F-U.' Hardy would cling to the top rope though and avoid the move. Hardy ended up getting out of it and landing on the apron before jumping back in the ring and hitting Cena with a slingshot dropkick. Hardy took his shirt off to a huge cheer and was looking for another 'Swanton Bomb' but Cena got to his feet and went over into the corner. Hardy would kick Cena in the face and send him stumbling back. When Cena turned around, Hardy hit a crossbody on Cena but John rolled through. JR yelled “The strength of Cena!” as the champ flipped Hardy up into a Fireman's Carry and hit the 'F-U' to get the win. Cena grabbed his WWE Title and lifted it up as his music played. Eventually, Jeff Hardy got to his feet and Cena's music cut off as the crowd started to chant “Hardy.” Cena looked at Hardy and was mouthing something towards him and eventually Jeff came to the center of the ring and accepted Cena's handshake. The two hugged and Cena lifted Hardy's arm up before Hardy dropped down and left the ring. Hardy high-fived fans as he walked out but turned and looked at Cena one more time after a classic match.
The show would then cut to a promo video for the next WWE PPV, No Way Out! The video hypes up the 'Road to WrestleMania' and the fact that it will take a destructive turn as for the first time ever there will be not 1 but 2 Elimination Chamber Matches that superstars will have to go through if they want to headline 'The Grandest Stage of Them All.' No Way Out from Las Vegas will be in 3 weeks!
Tony Chimel then asks the MSG audience to please welcome the most famous ring announcer of all-time, Michael Buffer!
Buffer gets a warm reception and then reads off the rules of the Royal Rumble Match. Before Entrant #1 comes out, Buffer hit his signature call: “LET'S GET READY TO RUMBLEEEEEEEEEE!”

***MAIN EVENT*** MATCH 6: 2008 ROYAL RUMBLE MATCH (95%, 4.5*)

Buffer announces “And now the superstar that selected Entry #1...” and after a few seconds of silence, “I'm Comin'” by Slikk the Shocker hits and MVP has the unfortunate draw of the first sport in the Rumble. MVP is obviously not thrilled but once he gets in the ring, he starts to talk trash and gain confidence saying that it's fine and that he'll just have to go the distance.
MVP's music is killed as everyone anticipates the superstar who drew #2. MVP can be heard yelling at Buffer to get going with the announcement but then...

The lights go out and MVP's face turns as white as a ghost. The Undertaker is #2 and makes his grand entrance with Buffer putting extra pizzazz on the intro.
After raising his arms to turn on the lights, Undertaker removes his hat and rolls his eyes back towards MVP, who is in a state of denial that he has to square off against 'The Deadman,' to start this.

The bell rings to begin the match and right away Taker is moving in on MVP. MVP gets backed into the corner and ducks a big right from Taker. MVP ducks another right in the opposite corner and then kicks Taker in the hamstring. MVP realizes this is a mistake as Taker stares a hole through him and grabs MVP by the throat before heaving him into the corner. Taker nails MVP with a bunch of strikes, knocking him down to a seated position as the :10 countdown pops up for the first time.

The buzzer sounds and it is ECW's Johnny Nitro coming out at #3. With no fear, Nitro runs in the ring, ducks a Taker clothesline and hits his 'Flying Chuck' springboard roundhouse. Taker is down for the first time and Nitro and MVP decide to work together, stomping on Taker.

William Regal then enters the match next. The trio of heels try to eliminate The Undertaker and after getting him almost halfway over, Taker elbows and boxes his way out. Regal then hits a European Uppercut on Nitro and those two fight while Taker has MVP seated in the corner, choking him with his boot.
Finlay is the next entrant in the Rumble Match and he and Regal start trading European Uppercuts. The crowd is loving the brutality when Regal is finally cut off by Nitro. Finlay then hits Taker in the corner and he and MVP work on Taker. All 4 heels then decide that this is their best chance to get 'The Deadman' out and gang up on Taker. Taker is swatting them away, one-by-one, until MVP chopblocks Taker's leg from behind, the same one he kicked in the beginning. Finlay jumps on Taker with a seated senton and the four are working on him as the buzzer goes off...



Kane then clotheslines Finlay, who used the ropes to get up, out of the ring to eliminate him. Nitro tried to catch Taker from behind and jumped off the middle rope, only to be caught around the throat and forced out over the top rope.

***JOHNNY NITRO ELIMINATED BY UNDERTAKER IN (5:32)***

Kane and Taker have cleaned house but then the two look at each other. The fans start cheering for a potential showdown between The Brothers of Destruction but the moment is cut off by “Turn Up The Trouble” by Airbourne and Mr. Kennedy. Kennedy obviously wants no part of the action so he walks around outside the ring as Kane and Taker yell at him to get in. The two decided to go at it and they traded a few strikes before the buzzer went off for #8.

Kennedy was waiting for another man to go in with him and it ended up being Paul Burchill.

As soon as they got into the ring, Kane and Taker stopped their fight and focused on the heels. With Kane/Kennedy and Taker/Burchill fighting each other, the Intercontinental Champion, Drew McIntyre would come out next.

McIntyre went right for Taker and he and his fellow UK mate, Burchill, beat up on 'The Deadman.' On the other side, Kennedy tried lifting Kane but 'The Big Red Machine' fought Kennedy off and knocked him down with a throat thrust. McIntyre and Kane met in the middle of the ring and Kane got McIntyre up on his shoulder. Kane was going to run to the ropes and dump him over but Burchill grabbed Drew's leg and got him down. The duo both kicked Kane in the gut and followed it up with a double suplex.

Sandman would be the next entrant and he walked down to the ring with a Singapore Cane. Sandman swung and hit both Burchill and McIntyre in the midsection but on a Russian Leg Sweep attempt to Burchill, McIntyre would break it up. Burchill then snapped the cane and chucked it out of the ring while McIntyre hit his 'Future Shock DDT' to Sandman.

Cody Rhodes came out next and went right after McIntyre. Rhodes would then duck a Burchill clothesline attempt and McIntyre was inadvertently knocked down. Rhodes would hit a suplex on Burchill and fire up before getting hit by Kennedy. The ring was starting to fill up as 7 superstars were in the squared circle. The countdown clock began and when it hit zero...



Kennedy couldn't believe it and kicked the ring steps as Lance Cade entered at #13. Cade went after Cody Rhodes and the two of them duked it out while Booker T was trying to fight off McIntyre, Sandman and Kane were trading blows, and Burchill was trying to get Undertaker over the top rope.

WOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! MSG was surprised yet again when 'The Nature Boy' Ric Flair came out next. Flair got in the ring and chopped both Burchill and McIntyre before hitting Rhodes with an inverted atomic drop. Kane would then grab Flair by the throat but when he lifted him up, Flair poked him in the eye. 'The Dirtiest Player in the Game' lived up to the moniker on that exchange. Halfway through the Rumble and it was 'The World's Strongest Man,' Mark Henry coming out next.

Henry went right after Flair and knocked him down with a shoulder tackle. Henry then went over to where Undertaker was and the two traded hands. Henry tried to pick up Taker a throw him over but Kane stopped him with a club to the back of the neck. Kane then tried lifting Henry over but Henry swatted him away. Kane charged to hit a clothesline but Henry flipped 'The Big Red Machine' over his shoulder and out of the Rumble!!!


The MSG crowd and commentary couldn't believe it. A huge elimination for Henry, and Kane smacked his hand off the apron before walking to the back. Henry started pounding away on Taker in the corner and after headbutting 'The Deadman' to a seated position, the buzzer went off for #16, Matt Hardy.

As Hardy got to the ring, Booker T attempted a jumping hook kick to Henry but Henry caught him by the leg and powered him over the top rope. Booker crashed hard as he was eliminated. Henry was impressive and he added another elimination to his total when Sandman's punches had no effect on him, and he lifted Sandman up and press slammed him to the floor. Sandman landed on nothing but the floor and the impact made a thud.

***THE SANDMAN ELIMINATED BY MARK HENRY IN (16:34)***

Tommy Dreamer was entrant #17 and while he joined the fray, The Undertaker would eliminate Lance Cade by hitting him with a big boot to knock him off the apron. Moments later, on the opposite side of the ring, Cody Rhodes would shock the Intercontinental Champion by giving him a back body drop from the apron to the outside as McIntyre had him reeling. McIntyre tried to get back in the ring to get at Rhodes but multiple refs held him back.

***DREW MCINTYRE ELIMINATED BY CODY RHODES IN (18:09)***

The countdown hits zero and “I Walk Alone” by Saliva hits! 'The Animal' Batista is out next. Of course, Mark Henry's eyes light up as 'The Animal' gets in the ring. Henry was working on The Undertaker in the far corner and Batista met him with a thunderous spear in the middle of the ring! Batista then grabbed Paul Burchill and threw him over the top rope to eliminate him. Batista would shake the ropes and pump himself up. Henry slowly got to his feet and Batista clotheslined him, causing Henry to stumble near the ropes. Batista then showed immense power and flipped 'The World's Strongest Man' over to score a huge elimination.


Henry can't believe it and grabs the top set of the ring steps and spikes it in frustration. As he does that, “Burn In My Light” hits and what do you know? Randy Orton comes out next right after Batista.

Batista exchanges pleasantries with Flair but focuses on Orton, motioning him to come in but Randy is not eager at all. Moments later, Batista is attacked from behind by Ted DiBiase Jr. and Joe Hennig.
JR gets upset with the outside interference but The Undertaker and Cody Rhodes come to Batista's aid. DiBiase ends up escaping The Undertaker's clutches but Cody Rhodes helps Batista take Hennig out of the ring. Unfortunately for Batista, while he was caught up in the chaos, Orton slid in the ring and threw 'The Animal' out.


Orton waved bye to Batista and Michael Cole was fired up as his brand's guy was just eliminated because of two people not in the match. While DiBiase Jr. was able to escape, Hennig was still on the floor. Batista then took out all his anger on him as Orton watched. Batista slammed him into the ring apron before clearing the ECW announce table that wasn't being used. Batista then picked up Hennig and dropped him with a powerbomb through the table.

'The Masterpiece' Chris Masters came out next as road agents and referees had to calm down Batista and send him to the back. Medical personnel also came down to assist Hennig to the back as the action went back to the ring. Orton would then live up to his 'Legend Killer' name and take out Ric Flair with an 'RKO.' Orton would eliminate Piper and then pick up 'Naitch and dump him out. The field was down to 6 but then #22 made his way to the ring...


“Metalingus” by Alter Bridge blared through MSG as 'The Rated-'R' Superstar' Edge made his way into the Rumble. Edge would start off hot with spears to both Matt Hardy and Tommy Dreamer. Orton was working on The Undertaker and Edge joined in with his former 'Rated RKO' teammate to beat down Taker into the corner. The two then discussed strategy as Masters was controlling Rhodes on the other side. Edge and Orton would then throw Matt Hardy and Tommy Dreamer out of the ring, respectively, and with #23 set to come out in just seconds, we are down to just 5 men in the ring (Undertaker, Rhodes, Orton, Edge, and Masters)

***MATT HARDY ELIMINATED BY EDGE IN (26:11)***

And #23 is 'The Game' Triple H!!! HHH comes right in and goes at Orton and Edge, knocking both down before catching Chris Masters with a facebreaker knee smash. Triple H throws Masters out and then catches Edge with a 'Pedigree.' With Edge and Orton down, Triple H goes over to the corner and assists Rhodes in trying to eliminate The Undertaker when the buzzer hits for the next entrant...


WHAT?! How is this possible exclaims JR as Mick Foley...no Cactus Jack has entered the Rumble. Tazz questions if this is even legal because Foley is the ECW GM and the crowd is buzzing as Triple H is shocked but then smirks. Jack goes right after Triple H and knocks him down, before knocking Rhodes and Taker down too. Jack then catches Orton with his signature double arm DDT and Cactus hits the 'BANG BANG' taunt before getting blindsided by Edge.

The countdown begins and when it expires, Bobby Lashley is the next superstar into the Rumble. Lashley gets in the ring and gains the advantage on Edge. However, Edge pokes Lashley in the eye and then sets him up for a spear attempt. Lashley moves and sends Edge face-first into the middle turnbuckle. When Edge bounces off, Lashley picks him up and hits a running powerslam. Orton then comes into the picture and hits Lashley and the buzzer goes off for #26...

Rey Mysterio! The 2006 Rumble Winner! Mysterio enters like no one else can and hits a springboard dropkick taking out both Orton and Lashley. Mysterio then ducks a Triple H clothesline attempt and hits a springboard crossbody to knock down 'The Game.' Edge is up and tries to catch Mysterio with a spear but Mysterio leapfrogs Edge and 'The Rated-'R' Superstar' runs right into Undertaker, who grabs him by the throat and gets him over the top rope. Edge is holding onto Taker's arm to avoid falling and then hang Taker up on the top rope.

As #27, Elijah Burke enters, Taker charged to hit a big boot but Edge moved and Taker almost flied over and out of the ring. Both men are now on the apron and with Taker laying on the edge (no pun intended) Edge uses his foot to choke and try and push 'The Deadman' off the apron. Edge has to stop when Cody Rhodes comes over and Edge punches him away before getting back in the ring, out of harms way. Unfortunately, this brief distraction allowed Lashley to punch Edge and knock him back into Taker, who was now standing on the apron. Taker grabbed Edge by the throat and chokeslammed him over the top rope to eliminate him.


Taker was still on the apron and dodged a Lashley spear attempt. Lashley's head ended up going through the ropes and Undertaker booted him in the face before getting back in. Taker would then start choking Lashley, using the ropes. Mysterio and Burke were squaring off, Triple H and Cactus Jack were going at it, and Rhodes was putting a beatdown on Orton in the corner.

With 3 men left to go, the buzzer sounds for #28 and it's...

THE BIG SHOW!!! A huge surprise as we haven't seen Show in over a year. Big Show is now in great shape, slimmer, and completely bald. Michael Cole mentions how great he looks as he gets in the ring. Big Show and Taker have a stand off and after Taker gets a couple of rights in, Show clocks Taker with a headbutt and sends him into the corner. Meanwhile, Cactus Jack has climbed to the middle rope to hit an elbow on Triple H but Randy Orton came out of nowhere to shove him up and over the top rope to eliminate 'The Hardcore Icon.'


Orton then turns around only to be grabbed by the throat by The Undertaker. Taker lifts Orton up for a chokeslam but he is hit with a steel chair in the back by EDGE! Edge has recovered and he and Orton then double-team to eliminate The Undertaker from the Royal Rumble. Cole calls it a travesty as Edge leaves the ring all smiles. Undertaker sits up with a nasty look on his face. Taker starts walking to the entrance side of the ring and Edge's smile changes as he scurries to the back.


This leads us to #29...

'THE HEARTBREAK KID' SHAWN MICHAELS! Randy Orton is in absolute disbelief as HBK makes his return in the Rumble. Shawn makes a beeline right towards Orton and knocks him down with a flying forearm. Orton crawls to the corner and pulls his head outside of the ring but HBK is relentless and starts stomping away on his midsection.

Triple H eventually works his way over and turns Shawn around. The crowd cheer as the two look at each other before HHH points at the WrestleMania XXIV sign. HBK shrugs his shoulders and the DX duo begin trading shots at each other. It truly is every man for himself. On the other side of the ring, Lashley and Big Show are picking up right where they left off from their ECW days, trying to eliminate each other near the ropes. This brings us to the final entrant into the Royal Rumble Match which is now known by process of elimination...


#30 is 'The Moscow Mauler' Kozlov. Kozlov makes his debut in the Rumble Match, sporting red attire with white stripes on the side of his trunks. As soon as Kozlov gets in the ring he goes right over to the two big men, fighting near the ropes and single-handedly eliminates both Bobby Lashley and The Big Show!


An insane first impression by the Russian as he lifts his arms up and lets out a scream. Rhodes then comes out of nowhere to blast Kozlov but all that does is anger him. Kozlov then goes after Rhodes, while Orton has turned the tables on HBK and is working him over in the corner. Triple H has his hands full with Rey Mysterio and Elijah Burke, who has quietly made it to the final few. After HHH knocks Rey down, Burke hit a nice striking combo that sent Triple H into the corner. Burke then tried to hit his 'Elijah Express' but Triple H caught him in mid-jump and tossed him over to eliminate him.


Burke smacks the floor in frustration as we are down to just 6 men: Randy Orton, Triple H, Shawn Michaels, Rey Mysterio, Kozlov, and Cody Rhodes, who has been in the longest, entering #11. Mysterio would then catch Orton with a wheelbarrow bulldog, knocking him down, while HBK started mixing it up with Cody, and Triple H was dealing with Kozlov. HHH would hit a huge spinebuster on 'The Moscow Mauler' and let out a yell as he raised his arms in the air. Trips went for a 'Pedigree' but Kozlov spun out of it and hit a nasty lariat. Rey Mysterio then tried hitting another springboard crossbody to Kozlov and Kozlov used his head like a battering ram and headbutted Mysterio, mid-flight, in the chest. Kozlov then let out a primal scream before picking up Triple H and hitting a chokeslam/spinebuster hybrid maneuver. Triple H grabbed the ropes to get to his feet and Kozlov hit a clothesline to knock 'The Game' over and out of the Rumble. A huge shock as Kozlov turned around to yell again only to be hit with 'SWEET CHIN MUSIC!' Kozlov flies over the top rope and out! HBK has eliminated Kozlov and we are down to 4!

***KOZLOV ELIMINATED BY SHAWN MICHAELS IN (45:48)***

The classic trope of the final four standing in a corner happens as HBK, Mysterio, and Rhodes all have the same idea and look towards Orton. Orton realizes he is outnumbered and as the trio come towards him, he pleads for mercy. The trio then start beating down Orton in the corner and it is a cathartic moment for HBK and Rhodes, especially as they trade strikes on Orton. Mysterio then goes to the opposite corner and hits a 'Bronco Buster' on Orton but the alliance is shortly lived as Rhodes tries to dump Michaels in the middle of it. HBK clings to the top rope and straddles the middle rope with his legs to avoid going out. After a minute of Orton/Mysterio and HBK/Rhodes going at it, Mysterio ducks an Orton clothesline and charges towards the ropes. However, he would run into the path of HBK and Shawn would use his momentum to flip him up over his head like a leapfrog. Mysterio would almost save himself by landing with both feet on the top rope but he lost his balance and landed on the floor.


Mysterio was frustrated as he looked back into the ring at HBK, who shrugged and smirked. Meanwhile, Orton just hit his signature inverted headlock backbreaker on Rhodes to take him down. Orton and HBK now stand face-to-face and are trading punches. HBK gets the upper-hand by running under an Orton strike and catching him with a flying forearm. HBK kip ups and the MSG crowd is going nuts. HBK gets in the corner and starts to “tune up the band.” If HBK can hit 'Sweet Chin Music' on Orton, he could eliminate him but just as Orton starts to get up...
...Ted DiBiase Jr. is back and jumps on the apron. After a quick struggle, HBK separates and hits 'Sweet Chin Music' to DiBiase Jr., knocking him off the apron. But just like earlier with Batista, Orton takes advantage of the opening and dumps Michaels over the top rope.


JR yells “Dammit!” as Legacy has spoiled the Rumble once again. It is now down to Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes and Orton walks into a dropkick by Rhodes. The crowd is now behind the young upstart and Rhodes picks Orton up and delivers a 'Cross Rhodes'! Rhodes takes a minute to catch his breath as he has been in the Rumble Match now for over 45 minutes. Orton starts to stir but then Rhodes gets a certain look in his eye. Orton is on all fours and everyone realizes now that Cody is lining up to punt Orton. Cody goes to the opposite corner and charges but Orton moves out of the way at the last moment. Rhodes turns around and is hit with an 'RKO!' Orton then picks Rhodes up and sends him over the top rope to win the 2008 Royal Rumble.


Randy Orton has done it. With help from his Legacy brethren Orton has won the Rumble and a Main Event Match at WrestleMania XXIV. Replays of the action in the Rumble are shown and JR calls it a “travesty” as DiBiase Jr's distraction helped Orton eliminate HBK. Cody Rhodes seemingly still had it in the bag but Tazz mentions his emotions got the best of him and trying for the exclamation point with the punt cost Cody a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

BUILDING A LEGACY (84%)

After the replays, it cuts back to the ring as Orton is celebrating when DiBiase Jr. gets in the ring. Joe Hennig eventually walks back down the short entrance aisle, holding the back of his head, and joins Orton and DiBiase Jr. DiBiase and Hennig each lift an arm of Orton's high as pyro begins going off. Legacy has made its mark and Randy Orton is going to WrestleMania!