World Wrestling Entertainment

The show began with JR talking about the hit and run accident involving Jeff Hardy
and his girlfriend. JR mentioned that Jeff is OK and Jeff will talk about the accident later on in the show. The opening montage aired.

JR hyped the triple jeopardy matches that are listed for Triple H. Justin Roberts announced the first match, the tables match. Video was shown of Triple H ripping Vickie from last week.

1. Triple H defeated John Morrison in a triple jeopardy tables match in 4:24. The match began with Morrison applying some quick offense but Hunter attacked fairly quickly with a high knee and throwing Morrison in the ring post. Hunter attempted to suplex Morrison through the table Morrison countered and grabbed a table. Morrison hit a nice springboard kick to Hunter and began to attack. Hunter spine busted Morrison after attempting to knock Morrison on the table. Hunter set up a table in the ring and attempted to suplex Morrison but he counted and pushed Morrison on a table
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Hunter was walking backstage and Vickie confronted him and say one down, two to go and wished him luck. Shelton was already in the ring awaiting the Undertaker.

Undertaker pinned United States Champion Shelton Benjamin in 12:34. The match began with Shelton being aggressive towards Taker until Taker countered with his usual offense. Taker worked on Shelton's arm hitting Old School and a running clothesline.

The show returned with Shelton in control and he worked on Taker's leg. Shelton continued to be aggressive until Taker countered with an elbow. Taker attempted a choke slam but Shelton countered by working on Taker's leg. Taker took his good leg, knocked Shelton out of the ring and rammed him in the security wall and gave him a leg drop.

Taker attempted the Last Ride but Shelton countered with a DDT. Shelton spring boarded unto Taker for a choke slam for a near fall. Taker tombstones Shelton for the victory.

Footage of the Hardy accident is next...

The video was shown of Jeff Hardy's accident. Hardy explained to the officer about the situation. Tazz interviewed Edge about Jeff's accident. Edge mentioned that he feels bad for Jeff and he mentioned that he will keep Jeff and his girlfriend in his prayers.

The Bella Twins are walking to the ring.The Bella Twins defeated Michelle McCool and Victoria in 3:37. Brie and McCool began the match. McCool started to act like G.I. Jane doing pushups and jumping jacks and shit. But anyway, Brie applied some takeovers and was countered by both heels. Victoria attempted a moonsault and missed, while Nikki got tagged and got the pinfall victory.

After the match, McCool beat the crap out of Victoria and gave her the Styles clash.

Triple H is heading to the ring for his second triple jeopardy match...Triple H defeated The Miz and Chavo Guerrero in a triple jeopardy handicap match in 4:17. The match began with the Miz and Hunter. The heels tried to take control, but Hunter threw Chavo into the ring post. Miz applied a arm bar takedown to Hunter's injured arm. Chavo hit Hunter with a spinning heel kick and Miz hit Hunter with a running clothesline. Chavo missed a frog splash and Hunter hit Miz with a clothesline, a high knee and clothesline. Miz attempted to tag Chavo, but he left and got Pedigreed for Hunter to win the second Triple Jeopardy match.

Vickie came up on the Titantron and said two down, one to go. She mentioned that last man standing match is against the Big Show. The Jeff Hardy update will be discussed later tonight...

A Vladimir Kozlov vignette about his training is shown.

The VIP Lounge segment begins with MVP sounding really dejected and he introduces Mr. Kennedy. There were a ton of MVP chants. Kennedy and MVP were going on about MVP's losing streak. Kennedy pubbed his movie and said he is trying to inspire MVP to stop whining, complaining and losing. The production crew comes in and a guy says his furniture is getting repossessed. Kennedy said things can get bad but it can be worse.

Suddenly, the Boogeyman comes out and slammed MVP he tried to do the worm gimmick to MVP but he slides out right in time.

The WWE tag team championship is next...

Carlito and Primo defeated The Brian Kendrick and Ezekiel Jackson to retain the WWE Tag Team Championships in 5:18. Primo and Zeke began the match and Carlito got a quick tag. The Colons got a double clothesline on Zeke from the top rope. Zeke used his power to dominate Carlito and tagged Kendrick. The Colons began to work on Kendrick. Zeke got back into control and gave Primo a bear hug. Carlito gave Kendrick the Backstabber to retain the belts.

The Jeff Hardy update is next... The cell phone footage of the accident was shown...

The pre-recorded video was shown about Hardy talking about the accident and mentioned that he and his girlfriend was not seriously injured. He will back next week and ready to defend his WWE title against Edge at the Royal Rumble.

The announcers run down the current Royal Rumble card with Kevin Rudolf's, “Let It Rock” as the theme song of the Royal Rumble.

The Big Show approached the ring...
Big Show knocked out Triple H in 16:30. The match began with Show working on the left arm of Hunter with an head butt. Hunter tried to squeeze some offense, but Show threw him outside of the ring.

The show returned with Show chopping Hunter chest off. Show continued to work on Hunter's arm and gave him a leg drop which caught the crowd's attention. Show gave Hunter a series of head butts and body blows. Hunter tried to fight back but Show threw Hunter into the stairs and he got up at the eight count. Hunter tried to clothesline Show twice but Show countered with a clothesline of his own.

Both competitors knocked each other and got up at the eight count. Show speared Hunter which looked really nasty and Hunter got up at the eight count again. Show head butted Hunter seven times and Hunter gave him the Suck It sign and pedigreed Show. Show got up at the nine count and he attempted to knockout Hunter. Hunter tried to Pedigree Show for the second time but Show countered.

Hunter got up at the nine count and he threw Show into the ring post and he got up at the eight count. Show choke slammed Hunter into the announce table and Hunter got up at the nine count. Show knocked out Hunter for the win.

Vickie came out and watched Hunter to end the show.

We see a limo in the parking lot and it is very long and belongs to JBL. Inside the JBLimo are Shawn Michaels and John Bradshaw Layfield. Bradshaw reminds Shawn that he is facing John Cena tonight. Bradshaw tells Shawn that he could have been him if he did not fall on hard times. Shawn is not fighting for a title tonight, he is fighting for a paycheck. With him in Shawn’s corner tonight, Shawn can consider this his Wrestlemania. Bradshaw leaves the limo.

Stephanie McMahon comes out and she walks to the ring. Stephanie says that the road to Wrestlemania starts in two weeks with the Royal Rumble as thirty superstars will compete to see who wrestles in the main event. Before we get to the Royal Rumble, the big story is that her father will be back next week.

Stephanie is interrupted by Chris Jericho’s music and he walks to the ring. Chris tells Stephanie that she is a liar. He says that Stephanie is no worse than any of the hypocrites sitting in the arena. The truth is that she can wait. He says that Stephanie is scared to death of her father’s return because she will no longer be in control. Chris says that Vince will listen to his protest and replace Bradshaw with him at the Royal Rumble. He says that Vince appreciates the 2008 Superstar of the Year.

Stephanie says that Raw is her show. Chris tells Stephanie to continue to think that is the case. Stephanie says that Vince does not have a clue. She says that Vince supports him. Chris wonders if Vince approved Stephanie’s decision to appoint Mike Adamle as GM. Stephanie says that was Shane’s call. Stephanie tells Chris that if he worried as much about Stephanie as his career, he would still be champion. Stephanie announces that there will be a contract signing next week.

Chris says that he will not wrestle unless there is a title match. He says that he is done talking to Stephanie and he calls Stephanie a ‘lame duck’ because the real McMahon is coming back. Nothing that Stephanie says will mean anything next week. Stephanie reminds Chris that she is still in charge. Stephanie says that Jericho has lost his opportunity to talk to ‘her father’ Vince, wrestle in the Royal Rumble, or wrestle for the World Title again. Chris says that he does not give a damn. Stephanie tells Chris that maybe he will give a damn because he is fired.

Stephanie walks to the back and Chris is not a happy camper as we go to commercial. We see Chris Jericho being escorted out during commercial. Lawler and Cole talk about the bombshell we just saw.

We find out that The Miz is in the Royal Rumble match. We also see Mike Knox attacking Rey Mysterio last week.

Match Number One: The Miz versus Rey Mysterio
They lock up and Miz with a side head lock and shoulder tackle. Rey with a drop kick and a kick to the head. Miz with an Irish whip but Rey with a kick. Rey tries for a wheelbarrow move but Miz sends Rey into the turnbuckles. Miz with the clothesline into the corner and Rey goes down and Miz gets a near fall. Miz with a knee to the back but Rey gets to his feet and he kicks Miz but Miz with a forearm. Rey gets out of a belly-to-back attempt but Miz sends Rey to the mat for a near fall. Rey with a kick to Miz and then Rey goes to the apron for a springboard swashbuckling seated senton for a near fall. Rey with a drop toe hold and guess where Miz falls. Miz avoids the 619 and then Miz sends Rey to the apron. Rey with a shoulder tackle and Rey with a sunset flip attempt but Miz does not go over and he drops down for a near fall. Miz with a kick followed by a knee lift but Rey escapes the neck breaker. Rey sends Miz into the ropes and Rey hits the 619 this time. Rey with a dive onto Miz for the three count.
Winner: Rey Mysterio

After the match, Mike Knox comes out and attacks Rey from behind and then he connects with a series of knees and then Knox runs Rey into the turnbuckles. Rey kicks Knox away and then he gives Knox a rana that sends him out of the ring. Knox stares Rey down from the floor.

Candice is talking to someone and it turns out that it was Punk that she was talking to. Punk takes out his headphones and says that he was getting ready for his match. Punk walks towards the ring as we go to commercial.

We see footage of last week’s disqualification finish to the match between William Regal and CM Punk. Then we see Stephanie’s announcement to set up tonight’s match.

Match Number Two: CM Punk versus William Regal for the Intercontinental Title
They lock up momentarily. Punk with a shoulder tackle and a near fall Regal with a European uppercut but Punk with a back slide. Punk with a side head lock take down and Regal with a near fall. Regal with a single leg take down but Punk with a side head lock take down for a near fall. They return to their feet and Punk avoids a belly-to-back suplex and Punk with a knee and bulldog but Regal kicks out. Regal sends Punk into the turnbuckles and then he connects with knees to the back. Punk with a low punch and the referee calls for the bell.
Winner: William Regal by disqualification

After the match, Regal walks to the back gingerly while Punk pleads his case to the referee.

Mickie James is with Cody Rhodes and Mickie is talking about the show. Cody says that he hates snow and doesn’t know why they are in Iowa. Sim Snuka and Manu stop by and Sim still complains about last week. Cody says that they would have done the same thing in his shoes. Manu says that he is coming after Randy Orton tonight, so Cody is with them or against them. Sim says that they brought some backup. Someone who is second generation just like them. Cody thinks about who it might be as we go to commercial.

Todd Grisham stops William Regal and Layla and he asks Regal if he is happy about what happened. Regal says that he is happy that this is over and he is satisfied with the result. Stephanie McMahon stops by and she says that since each of them were disqualified, we will have a third and final match to determine the champion and it will be a No Disqualification Match.

It is time to find out that Steve Austin is going to be in the Hall of Fame.

Shawn Michaels is in his locker room and Bradshaw asks Shawn if he thinks Stephanie will be in charge of Raw when Wrestlemania happens. Bradshaw tells Shawn that he will beat John Cena. Shawn says that if this is his Wrestlemania, he does not need Bradshaw in his corner because he is the showstopper. Shawn leaves the locker room as we go to commercial.

Match Number Three: Kane versus Randy Orton with Cody Rhodes
Orton with a kick and punches to Kane as he backs Kane into the corner. Kane with a punch to Orton and Orton goes down holding his jaw. Kane with a back elbow and kick to the back of the neck. Kane with a punch and back elbow followed by another punch. Orton with an elbow to Kane but Kane clotheslines Orton over the top rope to the floor and we go to commercial.

We are back and Orton with a side head lock. During the break Orton hit a DDT on Kane. Kane with punches and a European uppercut followed by more punches and forearms. Kane with a punch to Orton’s chest and Orton goes down. Orton with a boot to Kane’s head and then he drops a knee to the head. Orton with the Garvin Stomp. Orton with boots to the solar plexus and then it is time for the reverse chin lock. Kane with a belly-to-back suplex to get out of the hold. Kane with the rare uppercuts and a big boot. Kane with an Irish whip and running clothesline. Kane with another running clothesline and then he hits the side slam for a near fall. Orton with a forearm to the back but Kane goes for the choke slam. Orton kicks Kane and then Orton with a neck breaker. Orton with push ups but Kane pushes Orton away on the RKO attempt. Kane goes up top and Orton hits a drop kick as Kane comes down and Orton gets the three count.
Winner: Randy Orton

Kane goes after the referee because Kane thought his shoulder was up before the three count. Orton is back in the ring and he celebrates with Cody.

Manu and Sim come out and Manu tells Randy that he needs to listen to him. Manu says that they are coming after Orton so he wants to know if they are with them or against them. Sim says that he has back up and it is Ted DiBiase. They surround three quarters of the ring with Cody behind Orton. Manu, Sim, and Ted enter the ring. Cody comes into the ring too. Orton figures out what to do and Orton goes after Sim. DiBiase and Rhodes attack Sim while Orton goes after Manu. It is a three-on-two attack as DiBiase, Rhodes, and Orton attack the Samoans. Rhodes gives Snuka Roll the Dice. DiBiase with the Million Dollar Leg Sweep. The Legacy stand at the top of the ramp.

Todd Grisham is in the interview area with John Cena. Todd asks John about the Royal Rumble. Cena says that he knows about the Royal Rumble because of what he did last year. Cena says that the Royal Rumble is the most exciting pay per view of the year. Anything can happen at the Royal Rumble. Cena points out that he has to face Bradshaw for the title at the Royal Rumble. Cena says that Bradshaw is a former champion and he has been responsible for some of the most brutal matches that he has been involved in. He says that Bradshaw bought the best because Shawn Michaels is in the corner of Team JBL. Cena says that Michaels is the showstopper, the Heartbreak Kid, and the main event. Cena says that Shawn is Mr. Wrestlemania. Cena says that he will be facing Shawn in his Wrestlemania.

We are back with the WWE Rewind: Rosa Mendez attacks Melina again and security lets it happen.

Match Number Four: Jillian Hall and Beth Phoenix versus Melina and Kelly Kelly
One of the photographers happens to be Rosa Mendez and security eventually makes their way to take her away.

Beth and Jillian attack Kelly and Melina on the floor. Melina is sent into the ringside barrier. Beth takes some photos of Melina and Beth wants Melina to smile.

It is time to run through the card for the Royal Rumble.

Cena says that Bradshaw is a former champion and he has been responsible for some of the most brutal matches that he has been involved in. He says that Bradshaw bought the best because Shawn Michaels is in the corner of Team JBL. Cena says that Michaels is the showstopper, the Heartbreak Kid, and the main event. Cena says that Shawn is Mr. Wrestlemania. Cena says that he will be facing Shawn in his Wrestlemania.

Match Number Four: Jillian Hall and Beth Phoenix versus Melina and Kelly Kelly
One of the photographers happens to be Rosa Mendez and security eventually makes their way to take her away.

Beth and Jillian attack Kelly and Melina on the floor. Melina is sent into the ringside barrier. Beth takes some photos of Melina and Beth wants Melina to smile.

The Legacy are in the locker room and Cody thanks Ted for tipping them off. Randy says that they both proved that they want to be part of The Legacy. Ted points out that all three of them are in the Royal Rumble match. Randy says that there can only be one winner.

Jamie Noble, Dolph Ziggler, Goldust, and Cryme Tyme are outside Stephanie’s office and Santino comes out of the office and he is happy and he tells them that he will see them at the Royal Rumble and he says goodbye to his home cheeses.

Shawn Michaels and his shadow John Bradshaw Layfield walk in the back as we go to commercial.

Match Number Four: Shawn Michaels with John Bradshaw Layfield versus John Cena
Before the bell rings, Cena offers his hand to Shawn and Shawn shakes it.

We are back and the match is almost ready to start. Michaels with an arm bar and take down but Cena with a head scissors and Michaels escapes. They lock up and Michaels with a side head lock and take down but they return to their feet. Michaels pushes Cena and Cena knocks Michaels down. Michaels backs into the corner. Michaels with a hammer lock and Cena goes down to one knee. Cena with an elbow and shoulder tackle. Cena with a hip toss followed by a drop toe hold but Michaels gets out of an attempted STF and then Michaels tries for Sweet Chin Music but Cena gets away.

They lock up again and the referee tries to separate them in the corner. Michaels with chops instead of a clean break. Now it is time for Cena to connect with forearms. Michaels turns things around and chops Cnea. Cena with a back body drop and then Cena clotheslines Michaels over the top rope to the floor. Michaels gets back on the apron and Cena is dropped on the top rope. Michaels with knees to the head and then he stomps on Cena’s head. Michaels with a kick to Cena followed by an elbow drop. Michaels with a chop in the corner and then he takes Cena on a tour of the turnbuckles for more chops. Cena with clotheslines. Michaels does the Michaels Flip and Cena with a bulldog for a near fall. Cena with an Irish whip and Cena tries for the fisherman’s suplex but Michaels escapes it and he puts Cena in a figure four leg lock. Cena is able to reverse the hold and Michaels releases the hold. Michaels slams Cena’s head into the turnbuckle. Cena Irish whips Michaels and Michaels goes onto the turnbuckles. Cena kicks Michaels and he tries for the FU but Michaels gets out of the hold. Michaels with a kick and leap frog. Cena tries for the leg drop from the top turnbuckle but Michaels moves and he puts Cena in the Crippler Crossface.

Cena gets to his feet but Michaels keeps the hold applied. Cena gets to the ropes and the people of Sioux City are not happy. Michaels kicks Cena to the floor and we go to commercial.

We are back and Shawn Michaels is down on the floor but Cena brings him back in. Cena with a side slam for a near fall. We see footage from during the commercial when Michaels went to the floor. Back to live action and Cena hits a belly-to-back suplex. Cena with an Irish whip and Cena with a suplex for a near fall. Cena tries for the FU but Michaels holds on to the ropes. Cena with a bear hug. Michaels gets out of the hold and connects with an elbow and forearm. Cena returns to the bear hug like maneuver and Cena runs Michaels into the turnbuckles. Cena charges into a boot from Michaels and both men are in a down like position.

Michaels with a chop but Cena with punches. Both men with punches. Michaels with the flying forearm and kip up. Michaels with the reverse atomic drop and punch but Cena with the flying shoulder tackles followed by an attempted Blue Thunder Bomb. Michaels with a slam and then he crawls toward the apron and goes up top to win the battle of the moves of doom but Cena stops Michaels before he can hit the elbow drop. Cena tries for an FU from the second turnbuckle but Michaels counters with a power bomb.

Michaels goes up top eventually but misses the elbow drop. Cena goes to the apron and he tries to go up top and he hits the leg drop. Cena sees Michaels on the mat and it is time for the five knuckle shuffle and he hits it. Cena gets Michaels up for the FU but Michaels counters with a DDT but he can only get a two count because you can’t kill Superman. Michaels goes up top and he hits the elbow drop. Michaels gets ready for Sweet Chin Music but Cena moves and Cena hits the FU and both men are down. Cena makes the cover but only gets a two count. Michaels with Sweet Chin Music out of nowhere but Cena kicks out. Michaels with a sunset flip for a two count. Cena puts Michaels in the STF but Michaels tries to get to the ropes. Bradshaw nudges the ropes closer to Michaels and Michaels gets to it and Cena releases the hold.

Michaels gets to his feet and Cena gets Michaels up and Michaels gets out of the hold. Cena sees Bradshaw and he stops before the ropes. He turns into Sweet Chin Music for the three count.
Winner: Shawn Michaels

Shawn walks to the back while Bradshaw gets in the ring and he stands over Cena as we go to credits.

The SmackDown! opening montage plays and soon enough the fireworks go off as we are welcomed by JR and Tazz to another edition of SmackDown! We also learn at this point that Jeff Hardy will be Edge’s special guest in “The Cutting Edge.”


In the ring, GM Vickie Guerrero is shown with a microphone in hand. She shows everyone a video package of what will happen if they should disrespect her (It was clips from Triple H getting beaten down by the Big Show last week). Vickie says Triple H paid the price last week for making crude jokes, but it is her that is laughing now.

“King of Kings” hits and out comes Triple H with a folder in hand.

Triple H apologizes to Vickie and calls himself a degenerate. The Game then says that as a way to show he is sorry, he has brought the nude photos of Vickie in the folder he carried down to the ring. Triple H adds that he had to go through a lot of trouble to get these photos as they were at one point in the grasps of the Great Khali and Joey Style, who put the pictures on WWE.com in the first place.

Vickie then says that Triple H’s apology wasn’t good enough for her and then puts him in a match against the Big Show in a Last Man Standing Match with the stipulations that should Triple H lose, he will not be able to participate in the Royal Rumble match.

Vickie then starts walking to the back when Triple H suddenly tells the people in the back to put up the nude photos of Vickie on the titantron. They actually put it up and yes guys, it is censored.

Vickie is outraged and then decides not to put Triple H in a match against the Big Show. Instead, she replaces Triple H with MVP with the stipulations still on. If MVP loses, Triple H will no longer be in the Royal Rumble. Oh and more thing, Triple H is banned from ringside.


We are told that later on tonight, we will hear the Undertaker’s Edict regarding the 2009 Royal Rumble.

-Commercial-

A video package highlighting Jack Swagger’s success, including Swagger capturing the ECW title from Matt Hardy, is shown.

In the ring, Mark Henry, Tony Atlas, and Jack Swagger await their opponents, Finlay with Hornswoggle, and Matt Hardy.

New Match Added to the Royal Rumble: Matt Hardy vs. Jack Swagger for the ECW Championship.

Match 1: Mark Henry & Jack Swagger v. Finlay & Matt Hardy
Matt Hardy and Mark Henry start things off. The two attempt a lockup when Henry suddenly shoves Matt down. They separate, and the two lockup this time, but Henry begins to manhandle Matt with numerous forearm shots as well as a strong powerslam. Henry then tries an elbow drop, but Matt dodges it and connects with an enziguri to the head of Henry. Finlay is tagged in and he does his version of the Banzai drop to Henry thus taking the wind out of him. Finlay lifts Henry up and charges at him, but Henry reverses it into another strong powerslam. At this point, Swagger is tagged in. Swagger bodyslams Finlay, but fails to continue the damage as Finlay, very quickly, manages to take Swagger down with a massive clothesline. Finlay proceeds the pressure with a hip toss, but not long after, Swagger is able to ram Finlay into the steel post and take a cheap shot on Matt, who is on the apron. Swagger goes for the pinfall, but Finlay kicks out at 2.

-Commercial-

Mark Henry is in firm control of Finlay as he chokes the Irishman on the top rope. Swagger is tagged in and he gives Finlay a few elbow drops before applying a standing headlock. Swagger releases the hold and immediately connects with a back suplex. After another near fall, Swagger applies another headlock. After about a minute or so, Swagger releases the hold and clotheslines Finlay down. Swagger attempts a body splash from the middle rope, but Finlay dodges it as is able to tag in Matt. Matt comes in and immediately builds momentum as he takes Swagger down with clotheslines followed by a bulldog. Matt signals for the Twist of Fate, but Tony Atlas distracts Matt and the referee by throwing Hornswoggle into the ring. This allows Mark Henry to illegally take Matt down with a power clothesline. As Henry turns around, Finlay comes up from behind and whacks the Worlds Strongest Man with the shillelagh. When Finlay turns around, Swagger drills him with a bicycle kick. In the mean time, Matt is able to recuperate and gives Swagger the Twist of Fate for the win.

Post-Match: Crowd is applauding the winners as we are shown replays of how Matt was able to connect with the Twist of Fate for the win.

Backstage, we see Edge and Vickie talking. Edge guarantees that at the Royal Rumble, Jeff Hardy’s first title defense will be his last. Chavo comes in, gives Vickie some coffee, and introduces Edge and Vickie to the Big Show. Show thanks Vickie for the opportunity of knocking out Triple H from the Rumble and promises that he will go on to WrestleMania 25 to face the WWE Champion, whether that be Jeff or Edge. This obviously ticks Edge off. Show smiles and walks away while Chavo makes a stupid comment. Edge tells Chavo to make himself useful by seeing if everything is ready for the Cutting Edge.

-Commercial-

Backstage, R-Truth is dancing his way backstage when The Brian Kendrick and Ezekiel confront him. Kendrick tells Truth that he is impressed with him and Ezekiel tells him that’s what’s up. Truth looks frustrated as Kendrick and his bodyguard walk off.

Further backstage, Todd Grisham interviews Michelle McCool regarding her new attitude. McCool simply states that everyone is jealous of her and her looks. McCool adds that she will also regain the Divas Championship, therefore Maryse should consider herself warned. At this point, Victoria walks by and says that McCool might be able to scare some of the divas, but she is not intimated by her and McCool will find out just why later on tonight.


R-Truth’s music hits and he comes rapping through the crowd.

-Commercial-

Still to Come: The Cutting Edge with Jeff Hardy!

R-Truth asks Omaha, Nebraska, “What’s UP??”

The Brian Kendrick makes his way down to the ring accompanied by Ezekiel Jackson.

Match 2: R-Truth v. The Brian Kendrick
As the bell rings, Truth corners Kendrick and backs off. This leads to Kendrick charging at Truth, but Truth ducks and manages to connect with what JR called deep armdrags. Truth follows this up with a big uppercut. Truth then shows his athleticism and plays to the crowd. As Truth turns around however, Kendrick is able to kick Truth in the face. Kendrick then snapmares Truth and kicks him across the chest. Kendrick then applies a half Boston Crab. Truth fights his way out of it, but Kendrick reverses it into a camel clutch. Once again Truth tries fighting out of the hold, but Kendrick gets the advantage as he chokes Truth on the ropes. Kendrick applies a modified camel clutch this time and finally after a minute, Truth powerslams Kendrick to get a breather. Truth lifts Kendrick, but Kendrick strikes at Truth’s abdomen and attempts The Kendrick. Truth however, pushes Kendrick away and connects with his signature running corkscrew forearm shot. Truth follows this up with the Scissors Kick for the win.

Post-Match: R-Truth begins to celebrate when all of a sudden, Ezekiel clobbers him from behind. Ezekiel then hits the Standing Side Slam. Crowd boos.

Backstage, Triple H is talking to MVP. He tells MVP not to worry about anything, because this match means everything to him. MVP responds by telling Triple H to relax, because he has everything under control. Triple H pulls out the sledgehammer and tells MVP that he had better have everything under control.

-Commercial-

Justin Roberts lays out the rules for a Last Man Standing Match.

Big Show’s music hits and out he comes. As he makes his way down to the ring, MVP comes up from behind him and nails show in the back with a steel chair.

Match 3: Last Man Standing – The Big Show v. MVP
MVP whacks Big Show with the steel chair multiple times to start the match. MVP then backs off and charges at Show with the chair, but Show punches the chair right out of MVP’s hands. MVP slides into the ring and when Show tries to do the same, MVP kicks Show down. When Show finally does get into the ring, MVP drop kicks Show and runs out of the ring. Show follows, but MVP slides back into the ring, thus angering the Giant. Finally, Big Show is able to catch MVP and he shoves MVP to the outside. Show proceeds to ram MVP into the barricade and begins to slap MVP across the chest. Referee’s 10 count begins. “MVP!” chants emerge. MVP gets up, but is tossed into the steel steps. Big Show then charges at the downed MVP, but MVP moves out of the way, thus resulting in Show’s knee hitting the steel steps. This then allows MVP to dropkick Big Show head first into the Steel Post. Referee counts, but Show gets up at 8. MVP charges at Show again, but this time Show is able to stop MVP and chop him across the chest.

-Commercial-

Show is manhandling MVP as he is being hurled into the corner being slapped. Show then follows this up with a massive power clothesline. Referee counts, but MVP is up at 7. MVP punches Show twice, but Show grabs and tosses MVP halfway across the ring. Show proceeds to lift MVP up and connects with the two handed choke bomb. After another long count, Show throws MVP in the corner and charges at him, but MVP gets his feet up and kicks Big Show. MVP then climbs onto the back of the giant and applies a sleeper that unfortunately doesn’t last very long, because Show tosses MVP over his head. Big Show then shoves MVP out of the ring and rams him into the barricade once more. Show takes a seat on the steel steps as the referee begins counting. After another 7 count, Big Show walks by MVP and talks some trash. MVP retaliates with a slap. This obviously infuriates the giant and he shoves MVP about 5 feet away up the ramp. In addition to all this damage, Show suplex’s MVP on the steel ramp way. Referee counts again, but MVP is up again, but at 8 this time. Now on the actual stage area, Big Show lifts MVP and press slams him down pretty hard. Show doesn’t waste any time, and signals for the end. Show lifts MVP up by the throat and walks to the end of the stage so that he can chokeslam MVP off the stage. Just as Show attempts to throw MVP down, Triple H comes up from behind and drills Show in the back with the sledgehammer. Big Show is knocked out, but so is MVP from all the damage. Triple H encourages MVP to get up and he does before the referee counts to 10 while the Big Show was unable to do so. Your winner, finally after 20+ weeks, Montel Vontavious Porter, MVP!

Post-Match: Crowd is applauding MVP for finally picking up a victory. As MVP heads to the back, we see the Big Show still knocked out on the stage.


Up Next: Undertaker’s Edict!

-Commercial-

Backstage, Chavo tells Vickie and Edge that everything is ready for the Cutting Edge. Vickie thanks Chavo then orders him to go look for Triple H and bring him to the GM’s office. After Chavo leaves, Edge tells Vickie that he will show the Big Show how to actually take care of business when he interviews Jeff Hardy later on tonight.

TV Screen begins to get a little shaky and “strange magic” does its work as the Undertaker is shown. This is his edict. He says, “There will be 29 mortal souls in the Royal Rumble this year and 1 immortal phenom. Darkness will fall upon those that attempt to disrupt his destiny.” He goes on and shows pictures of superstars “losing their soul” and concludes that for those that compete at the Rumble, their suffering will be infinant as he will bury them all. Awesome video package. I recommend you to actually see it on the Web if possible.

Michelle McCool and Victoria are both already in the ring for our next bout. JR mentions that this will be Victoria’s last match as she is retiring from professional wrestling.

Match 4: Michelle McCool v. Victoria
Right as the bell rings, McCool gives Victoria a slap in the face. Victoria charges at McCool and McCool flees to the outside. Victoria follows McCool out there and begins to take an early advantage as she pounds McCool and throws her back in the ring. Here, Victoria connects with a few shoulder strikes and continues to hit her signature standing moonsault. After a 2 count, Victoria Irish Whips McCool to the corner and ultimately gets a superplex. Victoria gets another 2 count. Victoria now decides to go to the top rope and attempts a moonsault. It was unsuccessful as now McCool begins to build momentum. McCool dropkicks Victoria’s face and drags her near the apron. McCool proceeds to viciously attack Victoria’s braced knee, which had been injured in the past. Victoria slowly makes it back to her feet when suddenly McCool strikes her with a chop block. Over the course of the next several minutes, McCool continues to work on Victoria’s leg, including her signature leg submission hold. Victoria however, manages to get to the ropes. The two divas separate briefly. As McCool approaches Victoria, Victoria sweeps McCool’s leg and chokes her on the ropes. Shortly after this, Victoria attempts the Widow’s Peak, but McCool gets out of the hold and kicks Victoria on the injured leg. McCool then hits the Faith Breaker (belly to back inverted mat slam) for the win.

Post-Match: Michelle McCool celebrates as we get replays of how Victoria lost her final match on SmackDown!


Backstage, Vickie is chuckling over the fact that Triple H interfered in the Last Man Standing Match. She tells Triple H that this means he is out of the Royal Rumble. Triple H responds by saying that earlier tonight, Vickie said that he couldn’t be at ringside and he obeyed her as he was indeed nowhere near the ringside are, but rather the stage area. Vickie’s smile went away and she said that next week Triple H will face Vladimir Koslov. Vickie walked away…

Still to Come: The Cutting Edge with Jeff Hardy!

-Commercial-


We get a video package saying…

“this APRIL
the night before WRESTLEMANIA
the man who REVOLUTIONIZED an industry
will take his place in HISTORY”

First Class of 2009 Hall of Fame Inductee: Stone Cold Steve Austin!


JR and Tazz go over the 2009 Royal Rumble Card.

Edge’s music hits and it looks like we are setting up for the Cutting Edge segment!

-Commercial-

Vladimir Kozlov is shown. He speaks in his Russian language first, but then translates it in English. He basically says that Triple H will not bring competition next week and that he will remain undefeated.

Back in the ring, Edge has a microphone in hand. He says, when you’re an elite athlete, you learn to block out distractions to maintain focus. Edge then adds that ever since Armageddon, it has been his only focus to reclaim the WWE Championship from Jeff Hardy. But as of late, it has been difficult for him to keep this focus because of unfortunate circumstances such as the nude photos of Vickie being revealed or even the constant worries of Jeff Hardy himself, because the fact of the matter is, he always has a black cloud over him. As a result of this, Edge states that he is wondering if Jeff Hardy is even going to make it to the Royal Rumble to defend his title. But then Edge shifts to another topic. He says that this talk about Jeff Hardy has been so great that they even made a movie about it. They play a video basically claiming that Jeff Hardy’s win at Armageddon was a fluke and that in 9 days, the title will return to Edge. Edge then introduces Jeff Hardy!

After a brief moment of silence, “No More Words!” hits and out comes Jeff Hardy to a huge ovation. As his pyros go off, a few blast Jeff in the face thus sending him to the ground, holding his face in pain.

The audience look stunned and extremely worried.

Superstars such as Hurricane Helms, Jimmy Wang Yang, R-Truth, and Matt Hardy come out to check on Jeff.

Eventually the EMT’s come and lift Jeff up on a stretcher.

GM Vickie Guerrero then comes out and Edge walks by Jeff to see what happened.

The show comes to an end as Jeff is being taken away…