I recently started running a WWE 2010 save. I'm doing this with the goals of 1. rewriting the wrongs of WWE's PG Era and 2. giving WWECW one last chance to succeed. I'll be booking it up until 2011, and if I can't turn it around by then, it'll go in the can.

I plan on posting my PPV's here in detail, and I'll explain storylines from the weeklies as they show up throughout the card. I'll start here first though by running down some storylines that were strictly TV and will have no effect on tonight's show.

RAW:

• Primo, Santino, Khali and Cena competed weekly in the "Raw Olympics", in which they competed in a different Winter sport each week. Unsurprisingly, Cena ended up with 3 of the 4 wins (Go Primo for winning figure skating). The Bella's hosted the event

• Jillian Hall and Kelly Kelly beefed, Kelly Kelly won the blowoff

ECW:

• Vance Archer defeated Tyler Reks via rollup. Reks called it a fluke, and in response Archer destroyed him in the rematch.

• Abraham Washington jumped Shelton Benjamin on the order of Tony Atlas, wanting Benjamin as a client. Benjamin beat Washington and told Atlas to stick it. Atlas said this isn't over

• ECW GM Tiffany keeps forgetting to book Yoshi Tatsu. She is eventually replaced by ECW Legend Terry Funk

SD:

• CM Punk called Matt Hardy out for his "genetic predisposition to substances", not subtle at all in what he is implying. Hardy stands up to Punk but Punk does win the ultimate match.

• Bret Hart returns, and Slam Master J and Jimmy Wang Yang rap for him. Hart laughs, but as the Hart Dynasty attack them, Hart's face runs cold, revealing he's aligned with them. Hart Dynasty win the blowoff. Meanwhile, Natalya is having friendly competition with Beth Phoenix, where they gain a level of respect with each other.

• Ziggler cheats to beat Kane, and Kane spends weeks hunting him. He finally finds Ziggler, and Dolph wins their rematch clean.

• A-Train returns and destroys R-Truth. He demands a match, and gets it, beating him. After he beats R-Truth, a list on the titantron with every wrestler in the company appears, and R-Truth's name gets crossed off.

• Finlay and Cryme Time try to outwit Mike Knox. This culminates in a dance off between Finlay and Knox. Knox infact doesn't dance, and just beats down all 3 men.

Alright, that's all the stories that won't see the light of day today, now let's hop into the show.

********

We see a video package highlighting the previous winners of the Royal Rumble, intercut with superstars staking their claim to win this year's event. We see Randy Orton's win last year, then his declaration that Legacy will win this year. We see Cena in 08, then him pointing to Sheamus' WWE title on Raw. We see The Rock's win, then his electrifying return week's ago where he announced his return to the ring in the rumble. Rey Mysterio, Shawn Michaels, CM Punk, the returning Mr. Kennedy, we see all of their declarations in the past few weeks about winning the Rumble. Tonight, we find out who heads to the main event of Wrestlemania 26.

Evan Bourne vs. Sheamus (c) - WWE Championship

John Cena wanted another WWE Championship match, but Sheamus insisted on giving an opportunity to the new generation. While this was clearly just an excuse to get Cena away from him, Raw GM Steve Austin liked the idea, and booked a triple threat number one contenders match. Evan Bourne toppled Jack Swagger and Chris Masters to earn the shot. Over the following weeks, Sheamus has been belittling Bourne, but Evan is not backing down. He even got the upperhand in a brawl against Sheamus this past Raw. It's time now to see if the "new generation" can take their shot.

Sheamus is in control for a majority of this contest. He ends up waiting for a groggy Bourne to get to his feet, beating on his chest to signify an upcoming Brogue Kick. His leg is grabbed by Cena however. Sheamus kicks him away, but it's enough for Bourne to roll him up! For the 2 count of course. Bourne builds a little momentum, even hitting an Air Bourne, but ultimately things regulate and Sheamus hits a Brogue Kick to retain.

Winner: Sheamus

Backstage, superstars have begun to draw their numbers. The Rock and Mr. Kennedy end up walking into the room at the same time. Mr. Kennedy and The Rock returned during the same week as members of Raw and Smackdown respectively. Kennedy accuses Rock of trying to steal his spotlight, the Rock says what spotlight. As they draw, The Rock is notably pleased, and Kennedy is upset.

Back in the ring, Women's Champion Mickie James has come out. She recently won the title off of Michelle McCool, although she pinned Layla in the triple threat to get the win. After defending against just McCool this past Friday, Mickie now stands her definitively champion. She says hi to the crowd, but is quickly cut off by Layla. Layla says if Mickie was a proud champion, she would defend her belt tonight. Mickie agrees.

Layla vs. Mickie James (c) - WWE Women's Championship

Mickie wins in a few minutes. Just wanted her on the card tbh.

Winner: Mickie James

Backstage, Batista walks into the room to draw, and runs into Rey Mysterio. Rey and Batista are in the middle of a bitter feud, albeit one that had been put on hault as Batista has become the number one contender for Undertaker's World Heavyweight Championship. Rey simply shakes his head and walks out. As Batista walks in, Teddy Long informs him that any competitors in World title matches are ineligible from entering the Rumble. Batista leaves angrily, now upset in advance of his match with Taker later tonight.

Paul Burchill vs. Christian (c) - ECW World Heavyweight Championship Cage Match

Paul Burchill has begun a significant mean streak, viciously attacking Christian on the first ECW of 2010. Taking up the name "Captain Cutthroat", Burchill has said Christian doesn't have the "edge" that ECW deserves. Christian reminds Burchill that he used to be Christian Cage, and he will let that guy out again if need be. They are bitter enemies by now, standing for ECW in very different ways.

As the cage is lowered, it is clear that Burchill has the goal of hurting Christian. Scraping him against the cage, stiff elbows and knees, and overall pulling no punches. Christian has moments of technical prowess but it is overshadowed by Paul's brutality. Eventually though, Christian does start to get the upper hand. He hits his corner kick, sending Burchill to the ground. Katie Lea is at ringside, and tosses brass knuckles over the top of the cage. Christian goes for a cross body off the top rope, but Burchill nails him with the knucks when he comes off. Burchill quickly gets Christian up and hits a C-4, and gets the win.

Winner: Paul Burchill

Burchill holds the ECW title high above his head, but at this point the newly appointed ECW GM Terry Funk comes down to the ring with a red velvet bag. He gets in the ring and shakes Burchill's hand. He then unveils the classic ECW World Heavyweight Championship, and hands it to Burchill. Paul holds it high above his head, and Captain Cutthroat is now the face of ECW.

We cut backstage to an upset Evan Bourne, who is approached by John Cena. John tells Evan he did a great job, but Bourne shrugs it off. Cena says it one more time, and Bourne thanks him. Cena says he's going to win the rumble tonight, and when he's champion, Bourne will get the first title shot.

Jeri-Show vs. DX (c) - WWE Unified World Tag Team Championships

DX and the Big Show have been having issues on Raw for weeks. DX said that somehow Jeri-Show are #1 contenders, but Jericho hasn't come to Raw with Big Show once. Big Show fends them off, but eventually does go to smackdown to make sure Jericho is locked in. Jericho, who was doing his complete own thing on Smackdown, says he is ready. This is paired with the news that following this match, the World and Unifed tag titles will be split apart, with the winning team taking the the World Tag Team Championships. There's plenty of stakes and tension building, so it's time to find out who walks out with the belts.

Despite not being together much this month, Big Show and Jericho still have the chemistry. That said, its impossible to be as in tune as DX are. These teams go back and forth, showing the prowess these 4 (or these 3 and big show rather) have. Near the end, Shawn and HHH are setting up the Sweet Chin Music/Pedigree combo on Jericho, but a quick duck from Jericho leads to Michaels connecting with Triple H's jaw. The Big show rushes the ring and tosses HBK out. From there, an additional Codebreaker on HHH is enough for Jericho to secure the win.

Winner: Jeri-Show

Following the match, the referee hands them the World Tag Team Championships. Teddy Long and Stone Cold come out and ask Jeri-Show to hold up. They've been delegating how to determine which show will get the newly crowned World Tag Team Championships. The consensus was Raw, but Long wasn't ready to let go of Jericho. So, an agreement was made: Big Show would take the World Tag Team titles to Raw, and Jericho will take the WWE Tag Team titles to Smackdown. They are to find partners there. The ref takes the title from Jericho and hands him the other one. Jeri-Show are furious, and DX, despite upset about their loss, get a laugh on their way out.

Backstage, the Intercontinental Champion John Morrison (who won the title back from Drew McIntyre on the first Smackdown of 2010) goes to draw his number. He gets his number, looks at it, and then over at his IC title. He then looks up and takes a deep breath, seemingly preparing himself for a large task, and then walks out.

Drew McIntyre vs John Morrison (c) - Intercontinental Championship

As mentioned, Morrison took the belt from McIntyre at the beginning of the month. Since then, Drew has been on a war path to regain his gold, referring over and over again to the fact that he is the "chosen" one. That said, Morrison has received extensive praise over the past few weeks, by the fans, Teddy Long, even a powerful compliment from the Rock. Morrison wants Drew to prove that he deserves to be the chosen one.

Admittedly not too much to say here. These guys put on a really good match, both getting in lots of offense, and acting as a preview of what two of WWE's brightest future stars have to offer. As the match comes to a close, Drew McIntyre is going for a Superplex, but Morrison is holding tight to the top corner. Morrison sweeps McIntyre's leg and he goes tumbling to the ground. Morrison swiftly turns around and nails the Starship Pain to retain the title.

Winner: John Morrison

Jericho, still reeling from his loss, storms into the drawing room and takes his number. He scoffs and storms out.

Carlito vs. Mark Henry vs. MVP vs. The Miz (c) - WWE United States Championship

Henry, MVP and Carlito have all been trying to get their hands on the United States Championship for weeks. Henry and MVP are close friends, and have agreed to not let this title get between them. Carlito offered the Miz an ally, but then stabbed him in the back once a title opportunity became available. As for MVP and Henry, due to some meddling from Carlito, the seeds of dissent have been planted. During a number one contenders triple threat, Carlito threw a chair to MVP and rolled out of the ring, leading Henry to think MVP was going to use it on him. Finally Stone Cold said all three men will get a shot.

All of these men get some time to shine during this contest, but in general it is the tale of Miz fending off 3 rivals at once. The end of the match comes when MVP is waiting for Miz to get to his feet, but behind him, Henry holds a chair and is contemplating. MVP turns around and looks hurt. Carlito dropkicks the chair into Henry's face, taking him down. MVP runs over and hits Carlito with a 305, followed by Miz squeezing in a Skull Crushing Finale on MVP to get the win.

Winner: The Miz

Backstage, Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes draw their numbers. Seemingly satisfied, they walk off, but Ted Dibiase walks up. He confronts Randy directly, asking why he isn't advocating for him to get in the rumble. Randy says Ted isn't pulling his weight. Cody is winning matches, so he got a rumble spot. Ted should impress him. Randy walks off, Cody apologizes to Ted and follows.

Maryse vs. Gail Kim (c) - WWE Divas Championship

Gail Kim won a four woman tournament to win the vacant Divas championship, including a round one victory over Maryse. Maryse was incredibly vocal about the desire for a "losers bracket". Steve Austin accepted in an effort to shut her up, and using the ropes for leverage, Maryse defeated Eve and advanced through to another shot at the title.

Maryse shows more prowess than one might expect here, but Gail Kim is Gail Kim. Maryse tries once more to get a pin using the ropes, but Gail rolls her through and hits the Eat Defeat to retain.

Winner: Gail Kim

Backstage, Shawn Michaels approaches Triple H. He goes to apologize, but Triple H stops him and says he knows it was just a mistake. They show each other their numbers, and laugh for a moment. HHH starts to walk away but Michaels expressions fades into something serious and he stops him. HHH asks what's up and HBK says he has a real opportunity tonight... to try again. HHH thinks for a moment, before realization pours over him, and he pats Shawn on the back, and tells him he believes in him.

Batista vs. The Undertaker (c) - WWE World Heavyweight Championship

Batista won a "beat the clock gauntlet" match (regular gauntlet, except a beat the clock element is included, and if the clock runs out, the earlier entrant remains) to earn this shot at the Undertaker. Batista has been a little occupied with Rey Mysterio trying to guide him back to "the good side" but Batista has been steadily hunting for the Undertaker. It took Batista attempting to injure Rey for Taker to return and fend off the Animal. Tonight, Rey is presumably occupied by the Rumble. Can Batista dethrone the Deadman?

These two beat the ever-loving life out of each other. It is an all out brawl. Undertaker goes to hit Snake Eyes, but Batista catches him into a Batista Bomb for a 2 count. Batista goes for a spinebuster which Undertaker maneuvers into Hell's Gate where he almost taps. Ultimately, theres no major flashy ending, Batista charges at Undertaker, and catches a big boot. He then picks him up, and hits a tombstone to win the match.

Winner: The Undertaker

Backstage, CM Punk and Luke Gallows draw their numbers and smile to one another.

The 2010 Royal Rumble

Okay, so realistically, I can't type out pages upon pages explaining this Rumble. That said, some important story beats do take place. So, I'll be mentioning all entrants, eliminations, and I'll explain specific spots. Here we go.

Courtney, Savannah and now unemployed Tiffany boycott the Royal Rumble, sitting in the ring until they are traded from ECW (Many of the women on ECW are furious they are there because there is no division. Zack Ryder has been the voice of general misogyny in the business in this angle).

#1: Zack Ryder

• Ryder tries to shoo the ladies away. They each individually kick him in the balls.

#2: Triple H

• Triple H tosses Ryder over immediately

#3: William Regal

#4: John Morrison

• John Morrison hits a cool midair splits to kick both men as they run at him

#5: Dolph Ziggler

• Ziggler and HHH hit a superkick/pedigree combo on Regal, then Ziggler Zigzags HHH

#6: Shawn Michaels

• Shawn hits Dolph with the Sweet Chin Music and tosses him over the ropes, showing him how its done and eliminating him.

• Morrison and Regal form a temporary alliance to fend off DX

#7: Vladimir Koslov

• Regal and Koslov reunite against DX, Morrison evades

#8: Goldust

• Goldust sprints straight after Koslov, as he and Hurricane have been feuding with Koslov, Regal and Ezekiel Jackson.

• 5 man brawl with DX, Morrison comes off top rope on them all

• Goldust tries to hit Shattered Dreams on Koslov, but Koslov just chucks him over and out

#9: Mr. Kennedy

#10: Chris Jericho

DX do their tag finish on Kennedy, HHH goes to clothesline but Mr. Kennedy pulls down rope, sending HHH over and out. Chris Jericho laughs as he gets in the ring

• Regal almost eliminates Michaels but he holds on, HBK ends up hitting Sweet Chin Music and eliminating Regal

#11: Jack Swagger

• Swagger catches a Superkick from Michaels and puts him in an ankle lock

#12: Chris Masters

• Masters and Swagger have a technical battle after they developed a feud on Raw over who has the superior submission move. Swagger gets in the ankle lock but Masters rolls through, eliminating Swagger

#13: Rey Mysterio

• Jericho and Kennedy are brawling, Rey connects a double 619

• Rey and John Morrison do flippy shit

#14: Charlie Haas

• Haas works everyone to the ground as they run to him, gets hit with Starship Pain while grappling someone

• Everyone is down, the countdown begins

#15: Yoshi Tatsu

• Yoshimania runs wild... he gets a few cool moves in on everyone

#16: Rhino

• Rhino returns! He squares up to Koslov and they brawl, Rhino ends up getting a Gore off and eliminates him

• Rhino runs to gore Tatsu but he leapfrogs Rhino and Masters gets Gored. He is then eliminated

• Rhino runs back at Tatsu but he leapfrogs again, Rhino rebounds and Gore's him, eliminated.

#17: The Miz

• Mr. Kennedy pokes Miz in the eyes and tosses him over the ropes. He holds on, Kennedy sweeps the legs and Miz topples to the floor eliminated

#18: John Cena

- Cena hits the five moves of doom, Kennedy tries to poke his eyes, Cena AA's and eliminates him

- Rhino and Cena square up, start to brawl

#19: Randy Orton

• It takes a Sweet Chin Music, Codebreaker and then an AA to eliminate Rhino.

• Randy immediately RKO's Cena, Rey, Haas and Michaels.

• Michaels and Morrison are really starting to show some fatigue, which Jericho tries to take advantage of.

#20: Eric Escobar

• Haas immediately engages with Escobar because of their feud on smackdown. Haas defeated Escobar twice, causing Eric's manager Vickie Guerrero to change sides and manage Haas. The two brawl all over the ring

#21: Drew McIntyre

• Charlie Haas eliminates Escobar

• McIntyre goes after Morrison and Morrison fights for his life.

#22: Kofi Kingston

• Orton goes straight after Kofi, a continuation of his rivalry with Legacy. Kofi has been stoking the flames of a Legacy revolution, which seems to be a large part of the reason why Dibiase has been acting out. Kofi hits a trouble in paradise, before getting beat down by someone else.

• Michaels and Haas are having a technical masterclass, ends with HBK sweet chin musicing Haas out and eliminating him

#23: CM Punk

• Punk and Cena stare each other down, a pairing we've never seen, and brawl

• McIntyre is beating down Morrison, but Rey hits him with a 619. Morrison then hits him with a starship pain, and gets the elim. John hugs rey to thank him

#24: Chavo Guerrero

• Chavo hits 3 amigos on Cena, Punk and Michaels

• Morrison and Orton begin fighting, Morrison goes for Starship Pain but gets RKO'd and eliminated, clocking 31 minutes in the match.

#25: Cody Rhodes

• Cody and Orton group up, and working together Cody tosses out Kofi.

• Chavo and Rey show respect before going at it

#26: Luke Gallows

- Legacy vs SES breaks out, everyone is fighting everyone and its anarchy

#27: The Rock

• The Rock gets a move in on everyone in the match except Cena. He Rock Bottoms Gallows and eliminates him

• Cena and Rock come face to face and start trading blows

#28: TAKA Michinoku

• (Kung Fu Naki has been trying to recruit Chavo to his Kung Fu classes. Funaki introduced a series a partners, finally revealing TAKA Michinoku. Michinoku reveals he is doing this as a favour for Funaki, but Chavo still insists on belittling him. Taka won the blowoff) TAKA and Chavo. Taka goes for a roundhouse but Chavo lifts and powerbombs him out, eliminating him

#29: Shelton Benjamin

• Rey and Chavo go back to brawling. Chavo eventually catches Rey like he did Taka. Rey hurricanranas and eliminates him tho

• Punk and Rock brawl, knock each other down.

• Shelton comes in off the rope and wipes out a bunch of people. He knocks everyone to the ground until Jericho codebreakers him, being the last one standing

#30: Edge

• Edge sprints down and jumps Jericho, the man who betrayed him months ago. Edge hits the Spear and tosses Jericho over

Final 9 Update

6 Shawn Michaels

13 Rey Mysterio

18 John Cena

19 Randy Orton

23 CM Punk

25 Cody Rhodes

27 The Rock

29 Shelton Benjamin

30 Edge

• Solid 3 minutes or so of everyone playing defensive except for the reinvigorated Edge

• Rey and Shelton are brawling. Rey hits the 619, but Batista Batista Bomb's rey off the ropes, illegally eliminating him

• 2 more minutes go by, Shawn Sweet Chin Musics Shelton on the ropes, he barely hangs on but then Edge spears him through the ropes

• Edge slips back in the ring 30 seconds later and HBK sweet chin musics him out

• Punk, Rock, Orton, Cena, Michaels and Cody brawl for another 5 minutes

• HBK and Punk are brawling, they both knock each other back, but the Rock runs over and clotheslines Punk out

• HBK and Rock reverse finishers back and forth, Orton RKO's HBK out of nowhere, the dream dies as Orton tosses him over, clocking a 47 minute stint in the rumble

• Rock and Cena look to each other, stand side by side against Cody and Orton, final four staredown. They brawl for a few minutes

• Cody hits the disaster kick on Rock, he falls against the ropes. Punk grabs his leg, distracts him and Rhodes gets the elim

• Randy immediately eliminates Cody to Cody's shock. He is enraged

• 2008 Royal Rumble Winner John Cena vs 2009 Royal Rumble Winner Randy Orton, who is making it #2?

• They brawl for another few minutes before Orton connects with an RKO. He backs up into the corner, and gets ready to hit the Punt kick. He sprints at Cena, but John rolls out of the way. Orton runs at him but Cena hoists him up in AA position and heads over to the ropes... where Cody hits him in the shin with a chair from outside. Cena drops Randy, and it is just enough of a distraction for Orton to clothesline out Cena to the floor.

Winner: Randy Orton

Cody gets in the ring and Randy hugs him. The two celebrate wildly, confetti pouring from the ceiling. Randy gets up on the corner and points to the Wrestlemania sign. While this is happening, Cena is looking up at Cody, shaking his head disappointedly. Cody looks on overwhelmingly happy for Randy, but with a hint of unsureness at the sight of John's disappointment. This is the scene that Royal Rumble 2010 closes on.

Jesus what a writeup. This took me WAY longer than I expected lol I hope you enjoyed. Are you interested in seeing future events I run? Any tips or tricks? Thank you all for reading, have a great evening!

*Update, Dolph Ziggler injured Shawn Michaels in the Rumble and he is out for 11 ****ing months. FML. Definitely saying that Michaels got injured by like Shelton Benjamin or something because Ziggler got eliminated by Michaels as soon as he entered lol*