GCB's WWE (2015)

GCB · Feb 5, 2015

Welcome to my WWE 2015 booking thread. It starts at the Royal Rumble and the first show other than the Kickoff Show will be the Royal Rumble PPV. Details of which you can find below with the Kickoff Show, feel free to make predictions using the confirmed matches template at the end. I began planning/writing this following the 12/1 RAW show so anything that happened following that in real life can be disregarded. The already announced WWE World Heavyweight Championship and WWE Tag Team Championship matches remain on the card, Ive added a Divas Championship match that I feel is likely/natural following the 12/1 RAW, theres the first match against established opponents for The Ascension and, of course, the Royal Rumble which will feature Ziggler, Rowan and Ryback Ive had Vince McMahon over-rule HHH and Stephanie on this one and bring them back with spots in the Rumble.

Hope you enjoy the Royal Rumble Kickoff Show; Royal Rumble to follow soon.

ROYAL RUMBLE
Sunday January 25, 2015
Wells Fargo Center
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

*** KICKOFF SHOW ***
Live and Exclusive on the WWE Network

The Royal Rumble Kickoff Show is on the air and hostess Renee Young introduces her panel for the night WWE Hall of Famer Booker T, The Analyst Alex Riley and, tonights special guest on the panel, William Regal. After all the introductions, the four discuss tonights PPV event and the beginning of the Road to WrestleMania 31 which kicks off tonight with a place in the main event at the biggest night of the year on the line in the Royal Rumble match. Renee also notes that the winner of tonights WWE World Heavyweight Championship match a Triple Threat between John Cena, Seth Rollins and the WWE World Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar will likely be in pole position to headline WrestleMania as well making this one of the biggest nights of the year.

SINGLES MATCH
ALICIA FOX vs. NAOMI

With Alicia Fox recently involving herself in the problems between Naomi, with the Tag Team Champions The Usos, and The Miz and Damien Mizdow, tonight gives these two Divas chance to settle their differences in a one on one contest. With The Usos to be challenged later by Miz and his stunt double for the Tag Championships, this could be a good indication of what we might see later tonight and Naomi comes out of the blocks firing desperate for revenge on Foxy after her backstage attack a couple of weeks back. However, Alicia survives the opening barrage and uses her leg strength to great effect when she hits a Big Boot to the onrushing Naomi to completely swing the tide against her. Naomi tries to fight back and manages to counter a top rope leg drop from Fox by moving away just in time; when Naomi rushes at a winded Fox though, she also misses and collides with the referee. This allows Alicia to strike and she grabs the hair of Naomi, out of sight of the official, and throws her into the turnbuckles before SCISSORS KICK! ALICIA HITS NAOMI WITH THE SCISSORS KICK! Its over Fox gets the 3! Is this a sign of things to come later in the Tag Team Championship match?

WINNER:
Alicia Fox
(03:38)

As Alicia Fox celebrates her win in the aisle, Naomi looks after her with a look of anger in her eyes. However, despite the controversial nature of the ending, the referees decision is final and Fox has escaped with the win here tonight. Back on the panel, Booker suggests that Naomi has every right to be angry over the outcome here tonight whilst Regal says that, just like later in the Royal Rumble match, its not about how you do it, its about leaving the ring with your arm raised.

WHO WILL BE WWE WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION AS THE ROAD TO WRESTLEMANIA BEGINS?
After an advert airs for next months Fast Lane PPV, we return with a video highlighting how tonights WWE World Heavyweight Championship Triple Threat match came around can Brock Lesnar retain the title here tonight and take a giant step towards headlining WrestleMania or will Cena or Rollins stun the Beast Incarnate and take his title away? Discussing the match, the panel offer their suggestions over who will win here tonight with all three men favouring Brock Lesnar to continue his path of destruction here tonight and retain his title. However, Regal suggests that even if Rollins Plan A fails here tonight, he has Plan B in the form of the Money in the Bank briefcase which could prove pivotal.

INTERVIEW: DANIEL BRYAN
Backstage, we see Daniel Bryan stood with Byron Saxton in the interview pit; Bryan declares that 2014 started out amazing but descended into a personal nightmare yet here he stands tonight ready for a new year and a new opportunity the Royal Rumble match. Last year at WrestleMania, I defeated Triple H, Randy Orton and Batista to become the WWE World Champion, it was the most amazing experience of my life! Bryan declares before continuing on to suggest that his journey back to the main event of WrestleMania and back to the WWE World Heavyweight Championship starts here tonight. Saxton asks Bryan if his recent injury problems could count against him here tonight; Bryan responds by telling him that he has been working for months to overcome the injury just like he has worked his entire career to overcome the obstacles placed in front of him. I made it to the WWE when nobody believed I could. I became the World Heavyweight Champion when nobody believed I could. I overcame the Authority and headlined WrestleMania when nobody believed I could, Bryan explains before asking the listening WWE Universe whether they believe he can overcome the injuries and the fatigue here tonight to win the Royal Rumble? YES! YES! YES! chant the crowd whilst Bryan smiles widely until the appearance of Stephanie McMahon into the interview area. She explains to Bryan that his story is one of inspiration but she then informs him that lightning doesnt strike twice in the same place; I personally guarantee that now the Authority is back in power, thanks to John Cena, you will not win the Royal Rumble, you will not headline WrestleMania 31 and you will not become the WWE World Heavyweight Champion, Steph argues. When Bryan suggests that she tried this last year and it failed, Steph gets a little flustered before regaining her composure to inform Bryan that he may not even make it to the Rumble match. As Bryan watches on confused, Steph smirks and tells him, You see, Daniel, the WWE Universe want to see you in action and, due to your weak body, they have been deprived of that chance for eight months. So tonight, here at the Royal Rumble, I feel it only fair to the fans that you compete in a match one on one against Kane with your place in the Royal Rumble at stake. As the crowd boo and Bryan looks angry, Steph smirks once more and declares it best for business before exiting and leaving Bryan to contemplate an extra match here tonight if he wants to achieve his dream.

Back at the Kickoff Show panel, there is outrage as Booker T suggests that the Authority are not doing what is best for business here tonight, they are simply trying to derail Daniel Bryan whilst he is at his most vulnerable a match against Kane for the opportunity to compete in the Royal Rumble? Riley is similarly unimpressed and argues that whilst Daniel Bryan has the heart, courage and skills to defeat Kane and go on to win the Rumble match when he is in top condition, he has only just returned from injury and he now has to be considered an incredibly long shot to headline WrestleMania as the Rumble winner. Only Regal shows any sign of praising Stephanies actions he suggests that this is Daniel Bryans chance to prove to the Authority that he is not the B+ player they say he is, he has a chance to prove himself once and for all as being truly deserving of a chance to win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship here tonight.

WHO WILL WIN TONIGHTS ROYAL RUMBLE MATCH?
A video plays outlining the build up to the Royal Rumble match and showcases the main contenders for victory here tonight. Which man will emerge victorious here tonight by surviving the other 29 men involved in the match and securing the chance to challenge the WWE World Heavyweight Champion at WrestleMania? Will it be Dolph Ziggler, Erick Rowan or Ryback, the three men who were recently fired by the Authority yet make their returns here tonight at the specific instruction of the WWE owner, Vince McMahon? Following the return of Triple H and Stephanie McMahon to power here in the WWE, they immediately set about punishing the trio for going up against them at Survivor Series as part of Team Cena and went as far as to fire the three men on RAW at the close of 2014. However, following a huge reaction to the three men appearing on RAW in the crowd on RAW on January 12, Vince McMahon made his mark by ordering the immediate return of the three superstars in time for the Royal Rumble PPV and all three men will be looking to stick it to the Authority by winning tonights main event. Two more superstars who have been involved in controversy as 2014 switched into 2015 are Bray Wyatt and Dean Ambrose. Following a long, bitter feud, the pair of them have proved themselves to be considerable dangers in the WWE and both men appear ready to do whatever it takes to make their mark here in the WWE is tonight the night that one of them smashes the glass ceiling and heads for the main event of WrestleMania? Whilst mentioning the talents of Ambrose though, can the talents of his former Shield brother, Roman Reigns, be ignored? With the cheers of the Roman Empire growing since his return from injury, the Hound has been involved in a powerhouse struggle with Big Show of late and these two are set to collide at some stage during tonights Rumble again in what could be a key encounter in determining tonights winner. When you talk about big powerhouses though, what about the Big Corporate Monster, Kane? For over 15 years, Kane has terrorised the Royal Rumble participants and it was only last year, at the 2014 Rumble, that Reigns broke Kanes elimination record for a single Rumble match. The man with the most Rumble appearances (17), the highest total Rumble eliminations (39, including 11 in the 2001 Rumble) and over 3 hours involved in the Battle Royal cannot be ignored here tonight. Another man who cannot be ignored is the Bulgarian Brute and the Pride of Russia - Rusev. Yet to be beaten or tapped out here in the WWE since debuting a year ago, Rusev is now the United States Champion but is sure to be on the hunt for a chance to add the WWE World Heavyweight Championship as well. Is tonight the night that Rusev crushes as Lana would say the hopes of 29 others in the Rumble? Add in Daniel Bryan possibly returning from injury to compete at the Rumble and a sure-fire host of surprise entrants, this could well be one of the most unpredictable Royal Rumble matches of all time. Who will secure the chance to main event WrestleMania 31?

Back on the panel, each man gives their thoughts on who will win the Royal Rumble here tonight. Booker T makes the suggestion that Roman Reigns has been on fire of late and that - though it will be tough here tonight his momentum makes him the favourite in his eyes heading into this one. Riley disagrees and says that the presence of the Authority in the WWE right now means that guys like Reigns, Bryan and Ziggler are outsiders for this as HHH will not allow them to win if he can help it. With his unbeaten run in tact, Rusev is Rileys pick and he says that the Bulgarian could mow his way right through the competition here tonight and get the chance to become a double champion come WrestleMania. For William Regal, he says that you cannot count out Daniel Bryan despite the obstacles in his path. Who would have thought that Daniel could overcome Triple H, Stephanie McMahon, Randy Orton and Batista last year? he asks. Renee throws out the suggestion that there are sure to be plenty of surprise entrants, as always, in the Rumble could one of them win it? In fact, Renee informs us, one of those surprises is waiting to speak with Byron Saxton right now

THE FIRST SURPRISE ENTRANT WILL BE
Saxton builds up the identity of the man he has with him in the interview area before revealing it to be The Viper Randy Orton! Big pop in the arena and another sure fire contender to win tonights Royal Rumble, the 2005 Royal Rumble winner comes into shot looking ready here tonight. Saxton asks Orton whether he believes he can win tonights Rumble match and return to WrestleMania as the #1 contender for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship and The Viper responds by saying he is back for two reasons here tonight. Firstly, he is back for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship that he lost at WrestleMania last year, he never stops wanting to hold that title and nothing has changed there. However, secondly, he is back to get his hands on that piece of crap Seth Rollins. Orton says that although Rollins will not be in tonights Rumble, he could end the night holding the WWE World Heavyweight Championship and, should that happen, he wants to be in prime position to face Rollins come WrestleMania and be the one to end his dream. Tonight, 29 other superstars, 29 RKOs out of nowhere vows Orton to cheers from the crowd, and when I get my hands on Seth Rollins, I will make him pay for taking me out. A pumped up and determined Viper here tonight and he exits with a gleam in his eyes can Randy Orton win the Royal Rumble here tonight?

After another advert for upcoming NXT shows on the WWE Network, we return to the Kickoff Show panel where the inclusion of Randy Orton in the Royal Rumble match is discussed and how this changes the dynamic of tonights Rumble. Booker T declares Orton a very real threat whilst Riley points out that Orton has clear issues remaining with Seth Rollins could he not only impact on the Royal Rumble but also the WWE World Heavyweight Championship match prior to it? Attention then turns to the final match here on the Royal Rumble Kickoff Show as Renee Young throws back out to the commentary team tonight Michael Cole, Jerry Lawler and JBL who inform us that the match were about to witness will be for the final two spots in tonights Royal Rumble match.

TAG TEAM MATCH
CESARO & TYSON KIDD with Natalya vs. JUSTIN GABRIEL & ZACK RYDER

With Gabriel and Ryder not appearing as often as they would like on our TV screens, they come out with a determined attitude to earn their spot in tonights Royal Rumble match. However, their opponents tonight, Cesaro and Tyson Kidd have been impressive recently since forming their team and stand in the popular duos path to the Rumble here tonight. In a fast-paced, entertaining little match, Gabriel and Ryder thrill the crowd as they fight back after being dominated for a long period by Cesaro and Kidds solid tag team strategy. A hot tag from Gabriel to Ryder has the crowd up off their seats and Ryder comes in like a ball of fire as he hits Kidd with the Broski Boot in the corner and then sets himself for the Rough Ryder. Unfortunately for Zack, Kidd sees it coming and ducks to make a tag to Cesaro who catches Zack by surprise with an Uppercut that leaves the New Yorker sprawled on the canvas. Signalling for the Big Swing, Gabriel, still a little groggy from the earlier beating he took, tries to come to Ryders aid but Kidd cuts him off with a running drop kick before Cesaro hits the Big Swing and sets for the finish. NEUTRALISER! CESARO HITS THE NEUTRALISER ON RYDER! With Gabriel taken out of the equation by Kidd, this is now academic and Cesaro gets the 3 count to secure his and Kidds spot in tonights Royal Rumble match.

WINNERS:
Cesaro & Tyson Kidd
(07:06)

Big win here tonight for Cesaro and Tyson Kidd as they not only further their credentials as Tag Team Championship contenders down the line with a victory over Gabriel and Ryder but also secure the final two places in tonights Royal Rumble match. With the Swiss and the Canadian now in the Rumble, it remains to be seen whether or not Daniel Bryan can keep hold of his spot as Michael Cole informs us that his match against Kane where Bryans spot in the Rumble is in jeopardy if he loses is scheduled to open tonights Royal Rumble PPV which goes live in moments. Its going to be an amazing night here in Philadelphia. Will Brock Lesnar see off the threat of John Cena and Seth Rollins to take a giant step towards the WrestleMania main event? And which man will win the Royal Rumble later tonight and secure their spot in that very same WrestleMania main event? The Road to WrestleMania is about to kick off with the most unpredictable WWE pay-per-view of the calendar its time for the 2015 ROYAL RUMBLE!

************************************

CONFIRMED MATCHES

SINGLES MATCH
(if Daniel Bryan loses, he is out of the Royal Rumble)
Daniel Bryan vs. Kane

TAG TEAM MATCH
The Ascension vs. Los Matadores

WWE DIVAS CHAMPIONSHIP
FATAL FOUR WAY
Nikki Bella © vs. Brie Bella vs. Natalya vs. Paige

WWE TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS
The Usos © vs. Damien Mizdow & The Miz

WWE WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
TRIPLE THREAT MATCH
Brock Lesnar © vs. John Cena vs. Seth Rollins

30-MAN ROYAL RUMBLE MATCH
(winner challenges for WWE World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 31)
Adam Rose vs. Bad News Barrett vs. Big E vs. Big Show vs. Bray Wyatt vs. Cesaro vs. Daniel Bryan (TBC) vs. Dean Ambrose vs. Dolph Ziggler
vs. Erick Rowan vs. Goldust vs. Jack Swagger vs. Jey Uso vs. Jimmy Uso vs. Kane vs. Kofi Kingston vs. Luke Harper vs. Mark Henry
vs. The Miz vs. Randy Orton vs. Ryback vs. Roman Reigns vs. Rusev vs. Stardust vs. Tyson Kidd vs. Xavier Woods vs. 4 others (TBD)

GCB · Feb 5, 2015

ROYAL RUMBLE
Sunday January 25, 2015
Wells Fargo Center
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Live and Exclusive on the WWE Network

[YOUTUBE]p5wota5vQCU[/YOUTUBE]
Running up that hill Placebo

Sombre, slo-mo shots of WrestleMania pyro displays from years gone by before we see Daniel Bryan looking thoughtful

It doesn't hurt me.

We see Bryan watching a flickering TV monitor showing grainy images of his title celebrations at WrestleMania 30

You wanna feel how it feels?

Now we see Dolph Ziggler celebrating winning the World Heavyweight Championship from Alberto Del Rio by cashing in Money in the Bank

You wanna know, know that it doesn't hurt me?

The screen flickers out and we see Ziggler look down with a disappointed look in his eye

You wanna hear about the deal I'm making?

We see Big Show pulling back his fist and roaring into the camera

You be running up that hill

Kane watches the screen as he is eliminated in the 2001 Royal Rumble, the nearest he has come to winning the Battle Royal

You and me be running up that hill

And if I only could,

Shots of Roman Reigns hitting a Superman punch to Big Show

Make a deal with God,

The images transforms into a shot of Rusev, with Lana beside him, holding the United States Championship aloft

And get him to swap our places,

Rusevs United States Championship briefly changes into the WWE World Heavyweight Championship before disappearing once again

Be running up that road,

Footage of Ryback hitting Shellshock to Mark Henry, Kane and Seth Rollins in quick succession

Be running up that hill,

Now, clips of Bray Wyatt with Erick Rowan and Luke Harper flanking him are shown

Be running up that building.

Before we see Wyatt alone laughing

If I only could, oh...

and then a shot of Rowan and Harper trading blows

You don't want to hurt me,

We now see a reflective John Cena at the end of the December 29 RAW

But see how deep the bullet lies.

before a celebrating Authority are shown on the stage

Unaware that I'm tearing you asunder.

Seth Rollins, with a maniacal smirk on his face, appears in shot holding his Money in the Bank briefcase high

There is thunder in our hearts, baby.

We see Rollins hit the Curb Stomp on Cena before a quick transformation into Cena hitting the AA to Rollins

So much hate for the ones we love?

A shot of a determined looking Brock Lesnar, WWE World Heavyweight Championship on his shoulder, appears with Paul Heyman flanking him

Tell me, we both matter, don't we?

F5 to Cena by Lesnar shown

You, be running up that hill

Footage of Cena hitting the AA to Lesnar is shown

You and me, be running up that hill

And finally we see Rollins hitting the Curb Stomp to the Beast as well

You and me won't be unhappy.

Rollins, looking crazed, is now watching the monitor and we see him glaring at various shots of Cena and Lesnar holding various WWE and World Championships up high

And if I only could,

As he watches, Rollins smiles and pats his Money in the Bank briefcase

Make a deal with God,

Before Triple H and Stephanie appear at his side, smirking and patting him on the shoulder

And get him to swap our places,

An angry looking John Cena is shown as he roars out in frustration

Be running up that road,

Footage of Lesnar massacring Cena back at Summerslam is shown

Be running up that hill,

German suplexes, F5s galore

Be running up that building,

And a shot of Cena looking ruefully at a celebrating Brock Lesnar from the corner of the ring

If I only could, oh...

The screen goes black before we see a WrestleMania 31 animation

C'mon, baby, c'mon, c'mon, darling,

Interchangeable shots of the main players in tonights main events are now shown

Let me steal this moment from you now.

Roman Reigns, John Cena, Rusev, Dolph Ziggler

C'mon, angel, c'mon, c'mon, darling,

Seth Rollins, Dean Ambrose, Big Show and Brock Lesnar

Let's exchange the experience, oh...

Now we see Daniel Bryan leading the RAW crowd with a huge Yes! chant

And if I only could,

Other contenders are now shown in action Miz, Rowan, Wyatt

Make a deal with God,

Harper, Ryback, Mizdow

And get him to swap our places,

Bad News Barrett, The Usos, Jack Swagger

Be running up that road,

Goldust and Stardust and The New Day

Be running up that hill,

Before we return to Daniel Bryan watching the TV screen

With no problems

The song fades out with Bryan nodding his head as he watches his celebrations one more time

[YOUTUBE]vOJK1yq259w[/YOUTUBE]

** PYRO **
** PYRO **
** PYRO **
** PYRO **
** PYRO **

As Gonna Be A Fight Tonight by Danko Jones blasts out around the arena signalling the start of the 2015 Royal Rumble PPV, Michael Cole, Jerry The King Lawler and John Bradshaw Layfield hype up tonights show with Cole declaring that tonight is the beginning of the Road to WrestleMania 31 in 9 weeks time. With the crowd here in Philadelphia pumped up and ready for action, attention turns towards the stage when the music of the demonic yet now corporate Big Red Machine rings out to kick off tonights show.

VEIL OF FIRE
KANE

Striding out wearing black trousers, the Big Red Machine heads for the ring with a look of determination in his eyes here tonight; can he stop Daniel Bryan from entering the 2015 Royal Rumble here tonight? As Kane steps over the top ropes to jeers from the crowd, Michael Cole recaps the situation that unfolded earlier tonight on the Royal Rumble Kickoff show on the WWE Network when Stephanie McMahon informed the former WWE World Heavyweight Champion that tonight he would face Kane with his place in the Rumble on the line. Jerry Lawler objects to this and suggests that the Authority is running scared of Bryan entering the Rumble because he might win it and embarrass them once more just like he did at WrestleMania last year. However, JBL suggests that if Bryan is truly deserving of his spot as a #1 contender for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship come the big event on March 29, then he should be able to overcome any difficulties placed in his path. In the ring, Kane, a 7 foot difficulty for Bryan here tonight, is waiting as some of the crowd begin to chant Yes! in anticipation of the arrival of their hero here tonight.

FIGHT OF THE VALKYRIES
DANIEL BRYAN

To a huge pop in the arena here tonight, Bryan heads out with the majority of the 15,000 strong Philadelphia crowd throwing their arms up and down and screaming Yes! along with him. Sidestepping his way towards the ring and leading the chant, Bryan looks to be unperturbed by the additional match that has been forced upon him tonight; in fact he looks happy to be facing Kane here tonight, the man who played such a significant part in causing the injury which left Bryan out of action for over half a year and having to give up the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. With full intention of winning tonights Royal Rumble and heading to WrestleMania to win the title back, Bryan salutes the fans from the ring before the bell rings and tonights PPV kicks off with Bryan defending his position in tonights Rumble match.

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

SINGLES MATCH
(if Daniel Bryan loses, he loses his place in the Royal Rumble match)

DANIEL BRYAN vs. KANE

Despite his severe injury issues that clouded 2014, Bryan delights the fans in the Wells Fargo Center as he takes the fight to Kane from the beginning and looks to make the Big Red Monster, his former Tag Team partner of course, pay for his part in causing his injuries. Looking as if he has never missed a day, Bryan uses his speed and technical ability to bamboozle Kane in the early stages and the crowd are right behind him as he looks to finish things early. However, Kane has been here in the WWE since 1997 and knows a few tricks of his own; when Bryan launches a series of kicks towards him, Kane summons up the strength to catch Bryans leg and he shoves him violently through the ropes to create some respite. When Bryan returns, Kane knocks him down hard with a choke thrust and slowly and surely begins to take control of the contest here tonight. With the crowds excitement dampening a little with Kane punishing Bryan, the Big Red Monster is able test the physical healing of Bryan as he works on his back a number of slams and backbreaker moves are used to wear down Bryan here. Unfortunately for Kane, Bryan is in no mood to be kept down here tonight and he continues to fight from the mat with a number of sudden counter moves that rock Kane back and bring the crowd back into things. Although Kane continues to regain control, the threat is always there and Bryans determination to participate in tonights Rumble is clear.

CLOSING MOMENTS:

As Kanes frustration at not being able to keep Bryan down grows, help or backup arrives in the form of Joey Mercury and Jamie Noble, J & J Security. As they make their way down to the ring with jeers ringing out around them, they are clearly not here to ensure a fair fight and they immediately set about encouraging Kane as he looks to end Bryans Royal Rumble and WrestleMania dream here tonight. As Bryan tries to counter a big power move from Kane, he hits the ropes where Mercury and Noble are stood and, taking the chance out of view of the official, Mercury grabs Bryans ankle and he stumbles rather than hitting Kane with a comeback. Annoyed, Bryan turns and protests but this distraction proves to be a terrible idea as Kane spins him round. CHOKE SLAM! KANE PLANTS BRYAN DOWN ON THE MAT WITH A HUGE CHOKE SLAM! Is Daniel Bryans big dream about to turn into a short lived nightmare here tonight? Kane hooks the leg to end things but, to the delight of the crowd, Bryan kicks out at 2 and keeps his dream alive. The crowd chant Yes! once more as they look to inspire Bryan but Kane is up and stalking him once more. Another Choke Slam from Kane? No! Bryan counters with a standing drop kick instead and this sends Kane stumbling out of the ring through the ropes where the announce table is stood. Turning his attention back to J & J Security, Bryan comes off the ropes and flies through the ropes at them Suicide Dive takes down both Noble and Mercury! With the sides even once more, Bryan rushes around the ring in search of Kane but he is met with a stiff Big Boot instead that flattens the crowd once more and now a clearly angered Kane is ready to show no mercy. He crashes Bryan shoulder first into the ring steps and, for the first time in the match, Bryan clutches at his neck and shoulder, the previously injured part of his body. Smirking maniacally, Kane hits a stiff kick to the shoulder before driving his knee into the back of Bryan several times for good measure. The referee demands that Kane get back in the ring and he does just that with the referee now beginning a count of 10 on Bryan. Can he get back into the ring in time to stay in this contest?

It takes until 9 but Bryan does make it back although he is significantly worse for wear thanks to his excursions outside the ring. Looking to further punish and harm Bryan, Kane uses his power to clobber the back of his opponent before hitting a Side Slam that gets him a 2 count. With the match now well in hand, Kane stands over Bryan and laughs before dragging him up looking for the Tombstone Piledriver. Amazingly though, Bryan reverses once more and takes Kane down with a DDT to buy himself some time and he retreats to the corner ready to strike. Leading the crowd through another Yes! chant, Bryan is building up for the Busaiku Knee but his attention is taken by Mercury and Noble who are staggering back up. He climbs to the apron through the ropes and measures up Noble who is in front of Mercury and takes him down with a knee to the face! Following this, he launches a series of kicks to the chest and sides of Mercury as well before rolling back into the ring to refocus on Kane. However, as it did earlier, the distraction does Bryan no favours and Kane is able to launch a series of choke thrusts that stagger and daze him. Lifting Bryan over his head, Kane drops him with a Military Press slam and he writhes in pain on landing once again clutching his shoulder as a degree of concern spreads amongst the fans. Despite this, Kane can only pick up another 2 count and Bryan refuses to lay down; time for another attempt at the Tombstone? This time, Kane is able to scoop Bryan up and he sets for the Tombstone before the American Dragon slips through his legs and takes him down with a heel hook YES LOCK! BRYAN TAKES KANE DOWN INTO THE YES LOCK! The crowd go wild as Bryan locks up Kane in the middle of the ring and they are watching on in earnest waiting for Kane to tap out here. However, Kane is nothing if not hard to wear down and, despite the pain, Kane refuses to tap and instead stretches for the ropes. Can he make it? Desperately hanging on, Bryan is pulling out everything to hold Kane but the Big Red Monster has too much power and strength and grasps the bottom rope. Not to be put off though, Bryan is up quickly and hits a series of stunning kicks to the ribs before connecting with a big kick to the side of the head and makes the cover 2!

With both men potentially competing in the Royal Rumble later tonight, the match goes on and the fatigue both will/may face later grows by the second. Determined to finish this, Bryan takes the chance while Kane recovers to assess the situation. A German Suplex to the big Kane follows and then, the crowd roaring him on, Bryan heads for the top rope and looks to hit a Diving Headbutt. However, to the agony of his fans watching along, Bryan misses when Kane rolls aside at the last second and collides with the mat hard. As the crowd quieten for a moment, Kane gets up and surveys the situation before setting back his hand ready to strike again. He grasps Bryan by the throat as he gets to his feet and lifts him high for the Choke Slam but Bryan is able to roll out of it BUSAIKI HIGH KNEE! OUT OF NOWHERE, BRYAN STRIKES WITH THE HIGH KNEE! The crowd go wild as Kane is knocked flat out and Bryan, after a second or too to gather himself, hooks the leg of Kane 1 2 3! DANIEL BRYAN RETAINS HIS PLACE IN TONIGHTS ROYAL RUMBLE MATCH! THE DREAM LIVES ON!

WINNER:
Daniel Bryan
(12:37)

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

Tired from the excursions here tonight with more yet to come of course Bryan takes a few moments to gather himself before staggering up and leaping to the middle rope to celebrate the victory and salute the fans who backed him all the way here tonight. With an hour or so now to rest, Bryan will be back later tonight for the Royal Rumble itself and the crowd are delighted with how things have gone so far here tonight. However, when Bryan jumps down off the ropes, he turns and BAM! KNOCKOUT PUNCH FROM BIG SHOW! The crowd jeer their disapproval but Big Show has sneaked into the ring and laid out Daniel Bryan here tonight clearly on the orders of the Authority once more. As Fight of the Valkyries ends abruptly, Big Show stands over Bryan whilst Kane staggers to his feet looking angry at how things worked out here tonight. Angrily, he drags the prone carcass of Bryan off the mat and, encouraged by Show, he scoops him up TOMBSTONE PILEDRIVER! Medics and officials surround the ring and demand that Kane and Big Show exit but the two giants refuse; they have a clear intention here tonight and that is to end Daniel Bryans Royal Rumble chances before the match has even begun. Show does exit the ring but not to leave; he pulls the steel steps apart and shoves the top half of them under the bottom rope and into the ring where Kane grabs them and clutches them in his hands. Measuring Bryan up, Kane drives the steel steps into the shoulder and neck area of Bryan whilst the doctors yell out in protest what kind of damage could this do to Daniel Bryan? Eventually, Kane throws the steps down after a series of 5 or 6 shots to Bryan and he stands with Big Show looking down on Bryans body with an evil glint in their eyes. Have they just ended the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania dream of Daniel Bryan? Or have they just ended the career of Daniel Bryan?

BACKSTAGE IN THE OFFICE OF THE AUTHORITY:
As boos and jeers echo around the arena at Kane and Big Shows actions here tonight, we cut to the Authority Triple H, Stephanie McMahon and a smiling Seth Rollins who look pleased with what they just witnessed. I guess Daniel Bryan is in the Royal Rumble match, laughs Triple H, How will we stop him winning it now? Stephanie turns her attention to a table set up behind HHH that features a machine that has small white balls in it. Giving it a spin so the numbers shake up, it is clear that this is the machine where the WWE superstars tonight choose their Royal Rumble entrance numbers. Stephanie holds up one white ball that is not in the machine the ball with a black 1 on it and suggests that they no longer need to make sure that Bryan draws the worst number. However, as she goes to replace it, Triple H stops her. Bryan might not need the number 1 spot in tonights Rumble, he smirks, But I think we can put that ball to good use yet. Rollins slaps HHH on his back and says that tonight is going to be an incredible night for the Authority. Im walking out of the Royal Rumble as the new WWE World Heavyweight Champion, were going to get a #1 contender we can be proud of in the Royal Rumble match and the inferior superstars here in the WWE, the B+ players, they are going nowhere, Rollins declares before leaving the room and a smiling couple in HHH and Stephanie.

INTERVIEW: THE MIZ & DAMIEN MIZDOW
The camera switches once more to the interview pit where Byron Saxton welcomes his guests at this time, the challengers for the WWE Tag Team Championships here tonight, The Miz and his stunt double, Damien Mizdow. Clutching their Slammy award trophies, we get the usual combination of Miz answering the questions whilst Mizdow copies him from the side. Saxton asks Miz if they are confident of regaining the Tag Team Championships here tonight and Miz informs him that tonight we are performing in the city that hosted one of the greatest sports films of all time, Rocky. A tale of a local bum, a deadbeat like most people here in Philadelphia, who was given a chance and fought for the Heavyweight Championship of the world and failed, Miz laughs before explaining that tonight would be different. You see, whilst Damien Mizdow and I arent from Philadelphia, tonight we have the chance to rise up. First of all, we go out there and we take back our Tag Team Championships but then, in the Royal Rumble match, The Miz shocks the world and reclaims his spot in the WrestleMania main event. Lifting his sunglasses up, Miz looks directly into the camera and continues, And when I win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania, Hollywood are sure to make a movie of that!

Back on commentary, after an advert for the WWE Network, the commentary team are outraged at the way that (a) Daniel Bryan was viciously assaulted following his victory over Kane and (b) how Triple H, Stephanie McMahon and Seth Rollins appeared to revel in the fact that Bryans chances of winning the Rumble appear to be now extremely remote. Jerry Lawler suggests that there is now the added problem of the Authority now saving the #1 spot in the Rumble I wonder who will get that position? I doubt it will be Kane or the Big Show!

NEW FOUNDATION
NATALYA
with Tyson Kidd

As Lilian Garcia announces that it is now time for the WWE Divas Championship Fatal 4-Way match, out comes one of the challengers here tonight, the Canadian Natalya. Accompanied by her husband Tyson Kidd, she looks confident as she makes her way into the ring wearing the famous pink and black that her father, Jim Neidhart, and her uncle, Bret Hart, wore whenever they competed in WWE as well. Saluting the fans, Nattie receives a good reception but can she win the Divas Championship here tonight after a long rivalry with the Bella Twins over the past couple of months?

BEAUTIFUL LIFE
BRIE BELLA

Here comes the wildcard in tonights match the twin sister of the Divas Champion, Brie Bella. After the match was announced as a Fatal 4-Way to include Brie, she initially declared that she had little interest in winning the Divas Championship from her sister Nikki but their relationship, that was thought to be mended after their issues last Summer, showed signs of strain once again last week when they lost a Tag Team match against the other two challengers, Natalya and Paige. Will Brie support her sister and help her retain the title here tonight? Or does Brie have intentions of winning her second Divas Championship here tonight?

STARS IN THE NIGHT
PAIGE

Another former Divas Champion looking to regain the title here tonight and another one who has had numerous issues of late with both Bellas the British anti-Diva, Paige. Screaming out on top of the ramp, Paige appears to be supported here tonight by the fans as she makes her way down towards the ring looking to regain the title for the third time after debuting last year. This is my year! screams Paige as she reaches the ring and she looks desperate to leave tonight as Divas Champion once again. Sliding into the ring, Paige salutes the crowd whilst blanking the other two challengers completely.

YOU CAN LOOK (BUT YOU CANT TOUCH)
WWE Divas Champion NIKKI BELLA

With a look of concern in her eyes likely due to the doubts over whether Brie will fight with her or against her here tonight Nikki heads out hesitantly with the Divas Championship over her shoulder. Twirling on the stage, Nikki marches towards the ring with the odds against her here tonight and, as JBL points out, the likelihood that she will lose the title without being involved in the actual decision here tonight. Can Nikki overcome the odds and retain the Divas Championship here at the Royal Rumble?

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

WWE DIVAS CHAMPIONSHIP
FATAL 4-WAY MATCH

NIKKI BELLA © vs. BRIE BELLA vs. NATALYA with Tyson Kidd vs. PAIGE

After a brief stand-off between Brie and Nikki involving a lot of finger pointing from Nikki the pair of them face off against Natalya and Paige as the four Divas split off into pairs to start the match. Impressively, it is Natalya and Paige who gain the upper hand though and they throw the Bellas out of the ring before turning towards each other. No question here, Paige and Natalyas aims are clear both Divas want the Divas Championship and despite their friendship they are going to fight each other for the right. In a competitive segment of the match, the two fan favourites in the match go at it and both show that they are desperate to win the title. However, they are then blindsided when Brie and Nikki return to the ring and attack them and the Twins begin to take control and advantage here. Working 2 vs. 1 for periods, the Bellas take out one of the challengers and then switch to a 2 on 1 beatdown of the other as they look to ensure that neither Nattie or Paige get the chance to exit the Royal Rumble PPV with the Divas Championship around their waists.

CLOSING MOMENTS:

Things begin to heat up though when, having tossed both Paige and Natalya out of the ring, Nikki and Brie face off once more. Nikki, the dominant force in their relationship of late, demands that Brie lay down quickly so she can pin her but, after a hesitant moment, Brie does not appear keen to do this. Do it! yells Nikki, Lay down for me! Quick! but there does not appear to be a willingness from Brie here. Professional pride is coming to the fore for Brie and the crowd urge her to turn against her sister but she does begin to lay down for her. Smirking, Nikki stands over Brie all set for an easy victory but, for some reason, Nikki decides to add insult to injury by kicking Brie stiffly in the midriff. As Brie clutches her stomach, Nikki makes the cover 1 2 BRIE KICKS OUT! Nikki looks furious as Brie gets up; what just happened here? The two sisters square up to each other and it looks as if Brie has decided to stand up against Nikki here until Paige and Natalya re-enter the fray and begin to attack the twins.

Natalya fights against Brie whilst Nikki and Paige fight on the opposite side of the ring and things turn towards Nikki when she manages to hit the RACK ATTACK to Paige after slamming her head first into the turnbuckles several times. However, as Nikki makes the cover looking to retain her title, Natalya, who has clotheslined Brie out of the ring, breaks the pinfall and slams Nikki down on the mat SHARPSHOOTER! NATALYA LOCKS THE DIVAS CHAMPION IN THE SHARPSHOOTER! Will Nikki Bella tap out here? She screams in pain as she stretches for the ropes whilst Tyson Kidd, sensing that his wife is about to bring gold to the marital home, encourages her from outside the ring or is he? As Nikki screams in pain, Tyson looks concerned for her and actually pushes the rope towards her and Nikki grabs it to cause the rope break. As the referee protests at Tysons actions, Natalya looks down at him with a look of hurt on her face she looks upset with her husband here. With Natalya distracted, Nikki looks for a roll up victory but Paige is on hand to break the pinfall although Brie, sliding back into the ring, hits a running knee to Paige to take her out once more. Climbing to the top rope, Brie looks to be focused now and she hits a Missile Drop Kick to Natalya that knocks her down and makes her forget about Tyson Kidd for a moment.

Looking to take advantage, Nikki grabs Paige and looks desperate to secure the victory here now as she eyes Brie suspiciously. However, Brie looks to be willing to watch as Nikki lifts Paige up once again and for the second time RACK ATTACK! THE DIVAS CHAMPION CRASHES PAIGE DOWN TO THE MAT ONCE MORE! But wait a minute! Spotting her chance, Brie grabs Nikki by the hair and tosses her over the top rope to the outside and then pounces on the fallen Paige 1 2 3! BRIE BELLA IS THE NEW DIVAS CHAMPION!

WINNER:
Brie Bella
(06:54)

NEW Divas Champion!

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

Stunned by her twin sisters betrayal of her, Nikki Bella yells out in anguish as she watches Brie scramble up the ramp with the Divas Championship now in her possession. As she stares back down to the ring at Nikki, a smile spreads over Bries face and it looks as if she had this planned from the outset she holds the title belt up high and gets a good pop out of the crowd. Back in the ring, Nikki is going crazy with rage whilst Natalya looks unimpressed with her husbands actions here tonight as she rejects his hand and storms away from him. However, the big story here is Brie turning against her twin sister and, as she stands on the stage, she begins to throw her hands up in the same way as her husband Yes! Yes! Yes!

Michael Cole throws out to a replay of the earlier announcement on the WWE Networks Royal Rumble Kickoff show where the first surprise entrant into the 2015 Royal Rumble was announced

THE FIRST SURPRISE ENTRANT WILL BE
Saxton builds up the identity of the man he has with him in the interview area before revealing it to be The Viper Randy Orton! Big pop in the arena and another sure fire contender to win tonights Royal Rumble, the 2005 Royal Rumble winner comes into shot looking ready here tonight. Saxton asks Orton whether he believes he can win tonights Rumble match and return to WrestleMania as the #1 contender for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship and The Viper responds by saying he is back for two reasons here tonight. Firstly, he is back for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship that he lost at WrestleMania last year, he never stops wanting to hold that title and nothing has changed there. However, secondly, he is back to get his hands on that piece of crap Seth Rollins. Orton says that although Rollins will not be in tonights Rumble, he could end the night holding the WWE World Heavyweight Championship and, should that happen, he wants to be in prime position to face Rollins come WrestleMania and be the one to end his dream. Tonight, 29 other superstars, 29 RKOs out of nowhere vows Orton to cheers from the crowd, and when I get my hands on Seth Rollins, I will make him pay for taking me out. A pumped up and determined Viper here tonight and he exits with a gleam in his eyes can Randy Orton win the Royal Rumble here tonight?

So Randy Orton will return to action tonight as he goes looking for a spot in the WrestleMania 31 main event can the Viper hit 29 RKOs out of nowhere here tonight and challenge for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship on March 29?

AWESOME I CAME TO PLAY
THE MIZ & DAMIEN MIZDOW
with Alicia Fox

With his stunt double Mizdow copying his every move as always, The Miz leads the way down to the ring as the former Tag Team Champions go after the men that defeated them on RAW a couple of weeks previous with the intention of regaining the gold here tonight. Accompanied by Alicia Fox, who has had issues with Naomi and defeated her earlier tonight in the Kickoff show, Miz and Mizdow make their way into the ring where Miz shows himself off and Mizdow, to a pop from the crowd, copies. With Miz stunt doubles popularity on the rise, Miz shuts down the taunts and tells Mizdow to focus here tonight as they prepare for their challenge.

SO CLOSE NOW
WWE Tag Team Champions THE USOS
Jey & Jimmy Uso
with Naomi

Excited about defending their Tag Team Championships here tonight, WWE legend Rikishis sons head out dressed in bright orange and perform their Siva Tau before encouraging the crowd to get behind them as their music kicks in. With Naomi following with a stern look on her face after she lost controversially to Alicia earlier tonight, the Tag Team Champions leap up onto the ring apron and enter the ring looking pumped up here. Saluting the crowd, Jimmy and Jey embrace each other and the stage is set; can Miz and Mizdow regain the Tag Team Championships or will it be another golden night for the Samoan twins here at the Royal Rumble?

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

WWE TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS
TAG MATCH

THE USOS © with Naomi vs. THE MIZ & DAMIEN MIZDOW with Alicia Fox

As happens so often nowadays, the WWE Universe are disappointed in the early stages as The Miz refuses to allow Mizdow to compete initially; instead the crowd have to make do with Mizdow copying the Hollywood Star of the team as he mimics the movements and expressions of Miz. However, the Tag Team Champions use this to their advantage as they use their own fluidity as a team to take down Miz and then keep him away from Mizdow who he now does wish to tag in. After controlling the pace of the match for the best part of the first five minutes, Miz finally gets the tag to Mizdow when he manages to duck the onrushing Jimmy Uso and the crowd pop for the entrance of Mizdow here tonight. With the outcome in the balance, the match becomes more even sided for a while now as The Usos look to ensure that they walk out of here with their titles still around their waists.

CLOSING MOMENTS:

Things begin to heat up once the Divas on the outside become involved in things Alicia causes a distraction to Jey which allows Miz to hit a neckbreaker and this infuriates Naomi who is out here to protect her husband and brother in laws interests; she races around the ring and confronts Fox who shoves her back and puts her back on the floor. A cat fight ensues on the outside of the ring now and the crowd come to their feet whilst Naomis husband, Jimmy Uso, heads out of the ring to try and restore some order. With the referee distracted, The Miz uses some illegal moves to punish Jey in the ring as he uses the ropes to choke him out. When the referee spins back, he forces Miz to break the choke but the damage is done. On the outside, Jimmy drags Naomi away a little and is not in place to take the tag from his brother right now which allows Miz and Mizdow to take control of things here. Miz taunts the crowd and looks set to hit the Skull Crushing Finale but, when he locks the arms of Jey up, he rolls through and Miz falls face first through the ropes to the outside and Jimmy is right in place to strike! SUPERKICK! JIMMY USO HITS A SUPERKICK TO MIZ ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE RING! Unfortunately for The Usos, Miz is down and out on the outside and Jimmy has to drag him back up and throw him under the ropes back into the ring. Sensing the opportunity, Jey climbs to the top rope and sets himself for the Superfly Splash but he misses when Mizdow drags Miz out of the way of the impact just in time.

With the chaos increasing here with the Tag Team Championships on the line, Miz makes the tag to Mizdow who comes into the ring looking to strike however, he is cut off by Jimmy who has also got the tag from Jey and now the fight is on between them. The Samoan is able to get the upper hand and he whips Mizdow towards the ropes Samoan Drop! This is only good for a 2 count though as Mizdow escapes before Jimmy looks for another Superkick; Mizdow ducks and tags out again to Miz who hits a dropkick into the back of Jimmy before hitting a running clothesline in the corner to swing the tide back into his favour here. Miz again looks for the Skull Crushing Finale but Jimmy fights out and the referee, in the wrong place at the wrong time here, takes a slight bump that knocks him down to the mat. On the outside of the ring, Alicia Fox wheels into action as she grabs one of the Tag Team Championship belts and she slides it into the ring towards Miz who nods in appreciation. Wisely, Mizdow races over the ring and knocks Jey flying off the apron whilst Miz grabs the title belt and sets himself to strike Jimmy until Naomi grabs the title belt to deny him! As the crowd cheer in appreciation, Naomi and Miz try to pull the title belts away from each other but the distraction does the job. Jimmy grabs Miz from behind and launches into a series of right hands before delivering more to Damien Sandow when he tries to interject himself. On the outside, Alicia Fox and Naomi are fighting once more whilst Jey Uso now enters the ring and gets into a battle with Mizdow. Who can strike a killer blow here and end this thing?

Another Samoan Drop from Jimmy to Miz has the crowd back on their feet and then, as Miz staggers to his feet, he hits another SUPERKICK that knocks Miz down to the apron. Unfortunately for the Usos though, Mizdow breaks the pinfall as he staggers over and falls onto Miz and Jimmy. Jey rushes over though and clotheslines Mizdow over the top rope an elimination if that was to happen in the Rumble later tonight, of course whilst Jimmy hits a DDT to Miz and then climbs to the top rope. SUPERFLY SPLASH! JIMMY USO WITH THE SUPERFLY SPLASH TO THE MIZ! Has he done enough? 1 2 3! YES! The Tag Team Champions have retained their Tag Team Championships here tonight with a gutsy performance!

WINNERS:
The Usos
(08:42)

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

Big win for the Tag Team Champions here tonight and they embrace each other in the ring before the referee raises their hands in victory once more, they see off the threat of Miz and his stunt double, Mizdow, and will walk out of here tonight with the Tag Team Championships. Clutching their belts, Naomi re-enters the ring and she hands them over to Jimmy and Jey before the three of them share another embrace here; they are relieved and delighted to still be the Tag Team Champions. On the other hand, Miz and Mizdow retreat and Miz is looking daggers at his stunt double he looks as if he blames him for the defeat but the bell has rung and there is little they can do about it now! With the Royal Rumble still to come, The Usos can now focus themselves on causing a shock later tonight now safe in the knowledge that they remain Tag Team Champions but the first part of Miz big plan has gone up in smoke!

GCB · Feb 5, 2015

INTERVIEW: PAUL HEYMAN AND BROCK LESNAR
The camera switches backstage where Byron Saxton introduces his guests – the WWE World Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar and his mouthpiece, Paul Heyman. Saxton goes to ask about how Lesnar feels about defending the title where he could lose it without being defeated but Heyman cuts him off and takes the microphone away. Introducing himself to the crowd as usual, Heyman goes on to claim that tonight’s match, for any other man, would be an underdog story, a chance to defy the odds and survive the night as the champion – but not for this man, not for Brock Lesnar. “This man, the reigning, defending, undisputed WWE World Heavyweight Champion Brrrrrrrrroooccccckkkkk Lessssssssnnnaaaaarrrrr … is no mere man. He is the Beast Incarnate and tonight, when he faces not one but two men with his title on the line, he does so with the supreme knowledge that he can not … that he will not … be defeated,” Heyman claims. Heyman outlines the past year that his client has had from destroying HHH to ending the Undertaker’s legendary WrestleMania Streak to becoming the WWE World Heavyweight Champion by annihilating John Cena – “That is not the work of a man who has to survive or overcome the odds, that is the work of an ass-kicking machine!” As Lesnar snarls in the background, Heyman tells the world that tonight, the winner of the Royal Rumble match gets a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to headline WrestleMania as the #1 contender. “Question is,” laughs Heyman, “After what Brock Lesnar does to John Cena and Seth Rollins here tonight – why would any of those thirty men actually want that opportunity?” Smirking, Heyman hands the microphone back to Saxton and leads Lesnar away before the camera switches to Renee Young on the Royal Rumble Kickoff Show panel – Booker T, Alex Riley and William Regal sat beside her. They discuss what has happened so far – particular focus on the despicable actions of the Authority here tonight in their treatment of Daniel Bryan - before hyping up the big WWE World Heavyweight Championship match to come. Riley, being pragmatic, says that only a brave man would bet against Brock Lesnar here tonight but the rest of the panel are split. Booker backs Cena to find a way to pull out the unthinkable whilst Regal says he just has a feeling that tonight could be the night that “That young man Seth Rollins makes his mark on the WWE forever.”

When Renee throws back to the backstage area, we see Brie Bella, the Divas Championship belt in her possession and she is smiling as she walks down a corridor. Byron Saxton, busy man right now, chases after her and asks her for her reasons for turning against her sister Nikki here tonight to win the WWE Divas Championship. “You know, Byron, what happened to my husband earlier in the night just made me think a little clearer than I have done for weeks. For the past couple of months, I have followed my sister Nikki around like a sheep doing her dirty work but what happened to Daniel made me stop and think about what it is that I want out of my career in the WWE. Do I want to be a footnote, an asterix at the side of Nikki’s name? Or do I want to make my own mark?” Pausing to think, Brie looks at her title to emphasise her feelings before stating that no longer would she be Nikki’s puppet living in her shadow. “Tonight,” Brie declares, “I showed the world and my sister that I am serious about what I do here. If Nikki doesn’t like that … TOUGH!” Pop from the crowd for Brie’s tough words for her sister as she marches away with the Divas Championship over her shoulder and the cameras return to the announce table where Michael Cole, Jerry Lawler and JBL remain ready for the first part of tonight’s main event …

THE SECOND COMING
Mr. Money in the Bank SETH ROLLINS
with J & J Security

With Joey Mercury and Jamie Noble stood either side of him, Seth Rollins, the Architect and Mr. Money in the Bank, the self-proclaimed “Future of the WWE” heads out with his gold briefcase in his hand and looking determined to break out here tonight. Heading for the ring to a mixed reception at best, Rollins looks pumped up and fairly confident as he rolls into the ring and mocks the crowd by holding the briefcase high in the air. As Rollins prepares himself, JBL, on commentary, hypes up Rollins and agrees that he is the one who will be the man here in the WWE for a long time to come – but will he reach the top of the mountain tonight? Lawler replies to JBL by saying that Rollins has a great future but with Cena and the Beast Brock Lesnar stood in his way here at the Rumble, this may not be the night for Rollins’ domination of the WWE to begin …

MY TIME IS NOW
JOHN CENA

As ever, a mixed reception for Cena as well but he comes running out and is clearly ready for a big fight here tonight. “Let’s do this!” he states to the camera before saluting the Cenation and rushing down towards the ring trademark Cena style and throwing his arms up in the air to the delight of his supporters. Cole, as he often does, throws out his line about Cena being one of the most controversial and polarising WWE superstars of all time before hyping up Cena looking to become the 16-time WWE World Heavyweight Champion here at the Rumble. As Cena throws his hat and shirt out into the WWE Universe, he gets in the face of Rollins who he has been feuding with for much of the past three months. Can either of these two men take the WWE World Heavyweight Championship here tonight?

NEXT BIG THING
WWE World Heavyweight Champion BROCK LESNAR
with Paul Heyman

A buzz ripples through the arena – as it does anywhere when the Beast Incarnate appears – and the excitement builds as the most dangerous WWE World Heavyweight Champion of all time makes his way out onto the stage. Accompanied, as always, by his associate Paul Heyman, Lesnar makes his way towards the ring dressed for action and looking menacing as he approaches the ring. Cena and Rollins, talking trash a moment ago, have stopped to face the Beast as he makes his way to the edge of the ring and then leaps up – pyro explodes around the arena and Lesnar roars before stepping through the ropes and into the ring. Applauding his client, Heyman fixes Rollins with a look of no mercy – despite their mini alliance until a week or so ago – as Lesnar holds the WWE World Heavyweight Championship aloft for all to see. His music fades out and Lilian Garcia makes the announcements and introductions to build up the big fight feel; all three men look desperate to get started as it is mixed receptions all round here. Who will leave the Royal Rumble as the WWE World Heavyweight Champion?

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

WWE WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
TRIPLE THREAT MATCH

BROCK LESNAR © with Paul Heyman vs. JOHN CENA vs. SETH ROLLINS with Jamie Noble & Joey Mercury

Once the bell rings and the ring has been cleared of all except the three participants and the referee, we get off to a cagey start as all three men look from one to the other – who will make the first step here? Smirking with amusement, Lesnar takes a threatening step towards Rollins who backs off hesitantly but this gives Cena chance to strike first and he goes after Lesnar with a fire and intensity about him that shows how much this means to him tonight. With Michael Cole reminding us about how Cena backed off Lesnar and paid for it back at Summerslam, the crowd are with Cena in the main as he pounds away at the Beast whilst Rollins, still looking a little unsure, stands back and watches. However, the power and strength of Lesnar shines through as Cena is unable to cause much damage with his right hands and the defending champion shoves Cena back before grabbing him in a double hand choke and throwing him hard back into the turnbuckles with ferocity. Unloading on Cena, Lesnar’s right hands look much more effective and he drops Cena to his knees before spinning around just as Rollins was contemplating attacking the Beast from behind. Smiling again, Lesnar beckons to Rollins to bring it on but again the Architect looks hesitant. Will he get into a fight with Lesnar here tonight? Does Rollins have the guts to do that here?

Apparently not, for now at least, Rollins decides to dart after Cena instead and he uses his boot to crash Cena in the head and then throws him through the ropes to the outside. Following him out, Rollins goes to work now and crashes Cena hard into the barriers before rolling him back into the ring and looking up at Lesnar who is watching with interest. Muttering to Lesnar, it becomes clear what Rollins is up to – he wants to “team up” with the WWE Champion to take out Cena it appears. “Great strategy,” calls JBL, “Take out Cena and then fight it out with Lesnar!” but it is left to Lawler to point out that Rollins appears to be “worried about getting involved with Lesnar here tonight” and suggest that Rollins doesn’t have the fortitude to take on Lesnar one on one. However, it seems Lesnar is happy to oblige Rollins and he nods and drags Cena off the mat … German Suplex! The first time tonight that Lesnar hits Cena with the move that did so much damage back at Summerslam in August and it looks to have Cena rattled as he struggles up. If Rollins and Lesnar team up, Cena’s chances appear to be limited – how can anybody survive the double onslaught of these two men?

For the next portion of the contest, we see Rollins and Lesnar happy to gang up on Cena who doesn’t seem able to put a stop to it; every fightback he attempts leads him to getting knocked down once more before he can get going and the crowd lose heart a little. However, there is the potential for Rollins and Lesnar to turn against each other when things start to get down to the nitty gritty and this seems Cena’s only hope right now. On cue, the chaos begins properly when Lesnar, dragging a hurting Cena off the mat, hits a big snap suplex that crashes Cena down to the mat. Hooking the leg, Lesnar turns his back on Rollins and looks to retain the gold and Rollins, realising he could lose the match if he stands and watches, breaks the pinfall by crashing down on Lesnar’s back with an elbow drop. A pop in the crowd as this means that things are about to get increasingly interesting and Rollins strikes Lesnar with several shots to the face before jumping up and backing off. Irate, Lesnar leaps up after him and charges towards him causing Rollins to go on the run – he wants nothing to do with Brock Lesnar here tonight! Lesnar chases Rollins around the ring but is cut off when Joey Mercury and Jamie Noble get in the Beast’s way and he is forced to fight them off instead. Looking to take a chance, Rollins rolls back into the ring as Cena is getting up and he looks for a Curb Stomp … but Cena moves aside in time and then hits a Spinebuster to Rollins as he gets some offence in at last. With the referee protesting at J & J Security, Cena hits the 5-knuckle shuffle on Rollins. However, the distraction of J & J Security, which inadvertently seemed to be favouring Cena, does not last long – Lesnar takes them down and throws them into the ring steps and announce tables before returning to the ring and crashing into Cena as he looks to drag Rollins up off the mat.

With the Rollins and Lesnar partnership broken now, the match turns into a hard-fought back and forth contest; a distraction from Mercury and Noble, once they stagger up on the outside, leads to Rollins getting the better of Lesnar for a while and he grows into the match now as he takes the fight to the Beast as well as Cena. However, things take a turn for the worse for Rollins when, with Lesnar down, Cena takes him down with a drop toe hold and locks in the STF! WILL ROLLINS TAP OUT? To his credit, Rollins fights it and refuses to tap out although he needs Lesnar to make the save when he gets up and drags Cena off Rollins before planting him back in the corner and hitting devastating shoulder blocks in the corner. All three men are having their moments here and the WWE World Heavyweight Championship of Lesnar appears to be in more jeopardy right now than it has ever been since he won it back at Summerslam. Can Lesnar survive this madness to retain the gold?

CLOSING MOMENTS:

Unfortunately for everybody watching, we do not see three men simply giving it their all though; J & J Security continue to cause distractions on the outside, to the annoyance of Paul Heyman and the referee, that give Rollins the breaks he needs to get control as we nudge past the 15:00 mark in the match. When Lesnar clotheslines Rollins up and over the top rope but is then hit with a couple of running shoulder tackles from Cena, Mercury and Noble again insert themselves as they distract Cena from hitting the 5-knuckle shuffle which could obviously put him in prime position for the win. Grabbing his leg, Mercury causes Cena to stumble whilst Noble jumps onto the apron and causes a secondary distraction. Swinging for them, Cena misses and gets involved in a verbal confrontation with them rather than focusing on the prize. With his head through the ropes, Rollins hits a dropkick from the apron whilst Lesnar, back up, then catches Cena with another German Suplex. This time though, Lesnar keeps his hands locked and hits a second and a third German – has he done enough for the win here? Releasing Cena mid-suplex on the third, the Leader of the Cenation crashes down awkwardly before Lesnar drags him back and hooks the leg … 1 … 2 … NO! Rollins, flying off the top rope, hits a leg drop to the back of Brock Lesnar’s head at 2 to break the count although Cena looked to be kicking out too. Another boot to the face of Lesnar knocks him through the ropes but when Rollins turns to Cena, he is up on his feet too … ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT! CENA HITS THE AA ON ROLLINS! With Lesnar down on the outside of the ring, this could be Cena’s chance and he pounces to make the cover … 1 … 2 … J & J Security drag the referee out of the ring by the legs to deny Cena the WWE Championship!

A mixture of big relief and intense disappointment ripples around the arena – dependant on whether they’re pro or anti Cena – as Cena, a look of fury in his eyes, realises that Mercury and Noble just cost him the WWE World Heavyweight Championship! Rolling out of the ring, Cena gets into a fist fight with the pair of them and knocks them both down and they scurry off around the ring away from him. However, as Cena chases, Lesnar is back up and he takes Cena down with a vicious clothesline as he rounds the corner chasing J & J. With Cena down on the outside and Rollins down in the ring, the referee becomes centre of attention as he marches towards Mercury and Noble – AND EVICTS THEM FROM THE RINGSIDE AREA! Big cheers in the arena, the referee orders Joey Mercury and Jamie Noble to leave and they look anguished as they back away; Heyman applauds the decision even though his Beast has them to thank for saving his title a moment ago to be honest! Focused on what he has to do, Lesnar throws Cena into the steel ring steps on the outside now and then slides into the ring where Rollins is struggling up after the AA moments ago. Dragging Rollins, now alone of course, to his feet, Lesnar looks as if he is salivating over a juicy steak as he laughs; F-5! LESNAR HITS THE F-5 TO SETH ROLLINS! Surely this is all over now? Lesnar makes the cover but Cena is crawling back into the ring here, can he make it there in time? Yes, he can, Cena breaks the pinfall up at 2 and a half to the anger of Lesnar who now turns his anger on Cena once more. He lifts Cena for an F-5 as well but the gutsy 15-time World Champion is able to hit elbows to the side of the WWE Champion’s head and he breaks clear just in time before hitting his running shoulder tackles once more and then hitting the 5-knuckle shuffle that he failed to land on Lesnar earlier in the night. Is Cena now the one heading for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship in this topsy turvy contest?

Scurrying to the top rope, Cena sets himself and waits for Lesnar to get to his knees but – while he waits for the leg drop to the back of Lesnar’s head – Rollins staggers up and takes out the rope which causes Cena to crotch himself over the top turnbuckle. As Cena groans in pain – and the males in the audience wince – Rollins takes stock of the situation and he hits a running knee to the WWE Champion that knocks him down. Shoving the bulky frame of Lesnar under the bottom rope and down off the apron, Rollins turns his attention back to Cena who has fallen off the turnbuckle and is clutching the family jewels on his knees. Rollins calculates and measures Cena before coming off the ropes … CURB STOMP! ROLLINS HITS THE CURB STOMP ON JOHN CENA! Is this it? Has Seth Rollins just become the WWE World Heavyweight Champion? He hooks Cena’s leg with a look of intense happiness on his face and the crowd chant along … 1 … 2 … 3! NO! CENA KICKS OUT! How the hell did John Cena do that? The crowd erupt in reaction to the kick out and Rollins looks amazed at what he has just witnessed here! Shocked, Rollins rolls away and cannot comprehend it – he thought he was the new WWE World Heavyweight Champion there. Frustration sets in and Rollins rolls out of the ring and dives under the ring – before pulling out a wooden table to a cheer from the crowd. He slides it into the ring and follows it in before setting it up as Cena pulls himself up. What is Rollins planning here? The Architect starts crashing right hands into Cena and then staggers him back towards the table. With Cena placed on the table, the referee orders Rollins to leave it but – with no real danger of a DQ in a Triple Threat – it doesn’t appear to put Rollins off. However, as Rollins sets himself to try and cause more damage to Cena, Lesnar re-enters the ring and thunders into Rollins now!

Back and forth, back and forth!

As Rollins goes on the retreat, through the ropes, Lesnar turns back to Cena and starts pounding him once again. Cena tries to cover up but he has taken a hell of a beating at various stages tonight and there now is a trickle of blood on Cena’s cheek where Lesnar’s wild shots appear to have made their mark. Suddenly though, Rollins is back in the ring and he has the Money in the Bank briefcase. When Lesnar lifts Cena to his shoulder for another F-5 attempt, he turns around … Rollins swings the briefcase but Lesnar turns away just in time and Rollins catches him with a glancing blow instead and the briefcase falls down to the mat. Rollins, realising it could be important, grabs the gold case and turns around once more … ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT! ANOTHER AA FROM CENA TO ROLLINS! The crowd erupt once more here as Cena plants Rollins on the mat and leaps over to make the cover … 1 … 2 … NO! Lesnar drags Cena off Rollins and lifts him onto his shoulders … F-5! LESNAR WITH THE F-5 TO JOHN CENA! Rollins is down and out, Cena is down and out and Lesnar hooks Cena’s leg … 1 … 2 … 3! BROCK LESNAR IS STILL THE WWE WORLD HEVAYWEIGHT CHAMPION!

WINNER:
Brock Lesnar
(21:38)

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

An incredible WWE World Heavyweight Championship match here tonight, unpredictable and full of back and forth action – it was impossible to tell who was going to emerge victorious until the 3 count had finally been made! Relief showing on his face, Heyman climbs into the ring to congratulate his client here tonight, a great effort from Lesnar regardless of his power and destructive tendencies, he was made to scrap and fight for his life here tonight and he survived. Dropping to one knee, it’s clear that tonight has taken a lot out of the Beast as well who is used to steamrolling through his opponents but tonight had the most intense fight in his time back in the WWE. As “Next Big Thing” echoes around the arena, Lesnar smirks and pats the title as it rests over his shoulder, he is delighted with the victory here tonight. For Cena though, intense disappointment is etched over his face and things are not helped when Heyman stands over him and taunts him by yelling at him, “You failed, John!” and “No more chances!” – eventually, Cena reacts and he grabs the collar of Heyman and throws him up against the corner turnbuckles ready to pound him into oblivion. Unfortunately for Cena, the Beast is stood watching guard and he uses the WWE World Heavyweight Championship to smash Cena hard in the back as his music comes to an abrupt halt whilst this further chaos plays out.

Determined to punish Cena further, Lesnar throws his title down and then drags the table into position as Heyman, usually an advocate for Lesnar leaving well alone, encourages him to hurt Cena – “Destroy him, Brock!” he yells out pointing at the table. Snarling, Lesnar lifts Cena onto his shoulders and the intention is clear – F-5 through the table coming up! From somewhere though, Cena fights out and kicks Brock hard in the guts to create some space. With the title belt at his feet, Cena thinks quickly and picks it up before crashing it into the back of the WWE World Heavyweight Champion … ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT THROUGH THE TABLE! CENA DROPS LESNAR THROUGH THE TABLE! Throwing his hands up in the air, Cena’s music blasts out as he gains a measure of revenge here by putting Brock through the table whilst Heyman, looking on in shock, stares at Cena in fright now. Smirking, Cena advances on Lesnar’s mouthpiece and Heyman takes off with Cena hot on his heels here.

However, there is more excitement to come …

The crowd go wild once more as Rollins, back on his feet and clutching the briefcase, looks at Lesnar down and out amongst the wooden debris of the table and makes his decision. Turning to the official, he demands he ring the bell and thrusts the Money in the Bank briefcase at him whilst the announce team yell out at this exciting turn of events! Is Seth Rollins about to cash in Money in the Bank on Brock Lesnar? The referee takes the gold briefcase and hands it to Lilian Garcia with instructions … and she makes the announcement of the cash in. Meanwhile, Rollins, impatiently urging the referee to ring the bell, looks like a man possessed as he awaits the opportunity to go for it. As Lesnar struggles to his feet, the referee informs him of the situation and then signals for the bell and we’ve got a second WWE World Heavyweight Championship match right here right now!

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

WWE WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
SINGLES MATCH
(Money in the Bank contract cash-in)

BROCK LESNAR © vs. SETH ROLLINS

With a crazed look in his eyes, Rollins goes on the attack trying to beat the hell out of the Beast Incarnate here and put him away while he has the chance. With the WWE Universe split down the middle but excitedly watching on, Rollins pounds away at Lesnar over and over trying to take advantage of the back issues caused by Cena’s title belt shot and the AA through the table. A big “Rollins!” chant erupts from those behind Seth here and he crashes a boot into the side of Lesnar’s face – for the first time since his return to the WWE, Lesnar looks in real trouble here and Rollins could be seconds away from becoming the WWE World Heavyweight Champion! Retreating, the intention is clear right now … CURB STOMP! SETH ROLLINS HITS THE CURB STOMP TO BROCK LESNAR! Has Rollins done enough here? He hooks the leg of the Beast … 1 … 2 … NOOOOOO! Lesnar shocks everybody and kicks out! What the hell does Rollins have to do here to defeat the WWE Champion? Grabbing the Money in the Bank briefcase, now redundant of course, Rollins sets himself and strikes once more with the briefcase into the back of Lesnar … THE REFEREE DISQUALIFIES SETH ROLLINS! What was Rollins thinking? The bell rings and Rollins looks on in shock as he realises what has just happened here …

KING OF KINGS
WWE C.O.O. TRIPLE H
with Stephanie McMahon, Kane, Big Show and J & J Security

However, there is a ray of hope for Rollins as the Leader of the Authority heads out with his wife – and they are in a rush here. Followed by the rest of the Authority, HHH yells at the referee as he hits the ring and he waves off the DQ before instructing the referee to restart the match here! Lilian announces that the match is being restarted as a NO HOLDS BARRED MATCH – the crowd cannot believe what is happening as Lesnar struggles up. Rollins, taking a breather, looks relieved but then the screw job is in …

CHOKE SLAM! KANE HITS A CHOKE SLAM TO BROCK LESNAR! What the hell?! Kane, with help from Mercury and Noble, immediately drag Lesnar back up though as Show prepares himself …

KNOCKOUT PUNCH! BIG SHOW CRASHES HIS BIG RIGHT HAND INTO THE SKULL OF BROCK LESNAR NOW! The crowd, despite not being fans of Lesnar, are livid at the lengths the Authority are going here to assist Rollins. What is this all about? As Stephanie encourages Rollins in the corner, HHH threatens the protesting referee to do his job before the Authority, all six of them, exit the ring as Rollins stands over the Beast once more. Boos ring out but this looks like a screwjob to me here on Lesnar! Rollins places the Money in the Bank briefcase, battered and broken, under the head of Lesnar as he starts to come round and then Rollins takes a step back and waits … and waits … and waits … CURB STOMP! ROLLINS HITS ANOTHER CURB STOMP ON THE MONEY IN THE BANK BRIEFCASE! As the boos and jeers reverberate around the arena, Rollins does not care a jot and makes the cover … 1 … 2 … 3! NEW WWE WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION! SETH ROLLINS HAS DONE IT!

WINNER:
Seth Rollins
(05:05)

NEW WWE WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION!

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

Can you believe what we are witnessing here tonight – Seth Rollins is the NEW WWE World Heavyweight Champion as he cashes in Money in the Bank on the former champion, the man who retained the title in the Triple Threat moments earlier, Brock Lesnar. As Lesnar lays face down on the mat, clearly in pain after the exertions of the Triple Threat and the actions of the Authority, he is oblivious to the celebrations around him as “The Second Coming” blasts out over the speakers and Rollins, WWE World Heavyweight Championship belt in his hands, taunts the crowd who are furious in the main here tonight. “What a night for Seth Rollins, I knew he could do it!” boasts JBL before Lawler shoots him down; “I’ve seen some tainted victories in my time but that one is the worst I’ve ever seen, Rollins should be ashamed of that, John!” he claims. The arguments will rage on and on for sure but what is certain right now is that we do, whether we like it or not, have a brand new WWE World Heavyweight Champion – and that man is the “Future of the WWE” himself, Seth Rollins! “The future of the WWE has arrived!” hypes Cole on commentary as we head into a WWE Network advert to give everybody time to breathe …

After the advert, we return in the interview area with Byron Saxton who is talking to Roman Reigns ahead of tonight’s Royal Rumble which is coming increasingly closer – with Seth Rollins now in pole position to head to WrestleMania as the WWE World Heavyweight Champion, Saxton asks Reigns if that increases his determination to win tonight’s Rumble and take out his former brother come WrestleMania 31. Reigns smirks at this and says that defeating Seth Rollins at WrestleMania would be sweet to say the least but that it doesn’t matter who carries the gold into the Levi’s Stadium on March 29, they will be leaving empty handed when he wins the Royal Rumble and then defeats them on the Grandest Stage of All. Reigns is about to tell the WWE to believe that when Dolph Ziggler, making his return here tonight after Vince McMahon reinstated him along with Ryback and Erick Rowan last week on SMACKDOWN, walks into shot chuckling. “No offence, Roman,” Ziggler suggests, “But you won’t be going to WrestleMania as the #1 contender; I will. You see, while I was sat at home for the past couple of weeks, I had time to consider where I am in my career and you know what? I steal the show here in the WWE each and every night but there are two obvious places where I have yet to do that – the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania. Now, we just saw what the Authority are willing to do for their boy Rollins but I’ve got my own issues with them and I am going out there tonight to do exactly what I say I do each and every single night – I’m stealin’ the show, Roman.” A very confident Ziggler looks Reigns in the eye and says he will win the Rumble tonight and he will win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania – “Believe that, Roman,” smirks Ziggler before leaving with Reigns looking a little pissed off over the Show Off’s comments here tonight.

Back in the ring, Diego and Fernando are already in the ring as things start to settle down a little after the excitement of the WWE World Heavyweight Championship matches. As they salute the fans along with El Torito who is in the ring with them, their opponents tonight are making a splash in the WWE at the moment …

REBELLION
Konnor and Viktor - THE ASCENSION

Rising up on the stage, Konnor and Viktor head out here tonight for their biggest test since their debuts on the main WWE roster from NXT – a match against an established WWE tag team, rather than the unknowns that they have faced since that night when they defeated a tired Miz and Mizdow, Los Matadores. Can they continue their impressive run since joining the WWE here tonight? Removing their shoulder pads and grabbing a microphone from Lilian Garcia, Konnor declares that they are already one of the great tag teams here in the WWE – “There isn’t a Tag Team in the WWE right now who can touch us.” Viktor agrees with this before welcoming us all to the Waste Lands and the bell rings for the start of the match.

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

TAG TEAM MATCH

THE ASCENSION vs. LOS MATADORES with El Torito

What do you actually expect here?! Although Diego and Fernando are able to get a little more offence in than the jobber teams that The Ascension have faced on RAW and SMACKDOWN of late, that isn’t saying much and they are quickly brutalised by these two impressive big men here tonight. FALL OF MAN! KONNOR AND VIKTOR HIT THE FALL OF MAN DOUBLE TEAM FINISHER! With Diego knocked off the apron, Fernando is the unfortunate one here tonight who is battered … 1 … 2 … 3!

WINNERS:
The Ascension
(02:27)

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

Another impressive, quick victory for The Ascension who do not appear to be struggling in the slightest – even with the increased standard of the opponents here tonight. As Konnor and Viktor kneel over the fallen Fernando in the centre of the ring, JBL claims that “They are sending a clear message to the rest of the Tag Team division, particularly those Usos!” – are Konnor and Viktor targeting the WWE Tag Team Championships some time in the future? As the camera focuses in on the pair of them snarling in the ring, we switch gears as Byron Saxton once again introduces a guest – this time, it is the C.O.O. of the WWE – Triple H – and his wife, Stephanie. Saxton says that after seeing Seth Rollins successfully cash in the Money in the Bank earlier tonight, this appears to be a night that is working out well for The Authority – but will it get better later tonight in the Royal Rumble match? HHH smiles at this question and answers that Seth Rollins has been telling everybody for a long time that he is the Future of the WWE and that he was going to be the next WWE World Heavyweight Champion; well, now he is exactly that. “Are we happy that Seth became the WWE Champion? He forced John Cena into making the decision to bring us back so we owe him a debt of gratitude and, I guess, we’re happy that he is now the champ.” Forward steps Stephanie and she says that she doesn’t want the WWE Universe to misunderstand them – whilst they are happy for Seth Rollins, they want what is, simply, “Best for Business,” and tonight’s Royal Rumble is the first step to confirming one half of the WrestleMania main event. “Whilst Rollins might get to WrestleMania as the WWE World Heavyweight Champion, there is only one man who can tonight guarantee his spot at WrestleMania and that is the winner of the Royal Rumble match,” Stephanie states, “Question is – who will that man be?” Saxton speaks about Daniel Bryan’s injuries that he sustained earlier tonight when Big Show and Kane brutally assaulted the former WWE Champion and asks if they have received confirmation of Bryan’s status in tonight’s Rumble match. “Daniel won the match, Byron,” says HHH, “As far as we’re concerned, he’s in the Royal Rumble. He could be #1, he could be #30, he could be anything in between.” Smirking, HHH goes on to suggest that Bryan will do what he always does – give it his best shot. “Do I think Daniel Bryan will win the Royal Rumble? Lightning doesn’t strike twice, Byron. I’m sure he’ll give it his all but he’s just a B+ player – I predict he’ll come up a little … short.”

As HHH and Stephanie smile, there is a commotion all of a sudden and an irate, steaming Brock Lesnar appears in shot closely followed by Paul Heyman. HHH protests as Lesnar makes a beeline for him but the former WWE World Heavyweight Champion gets hold of the C.O.O. and demands to know where that “piece of sh*t” is – we can only assume he means Seth Rollins. Heyman, desperate to calm down his client, pleads for him to show restraint but Lesnar looks in no mood for compromise and security and officials are forced to swamp the area and pull Lesnar away. As a visibly shaken Stephanie is comforted by her husband, Lesnar is dragged away as the pair of them watch on – could it be that Seth Rollins has just made one of the biggest mistakes of his life?

GCB · Feb 5, 2015

[YOUTUBE]N48raNltRio[/YOUTUBE]

When the Royal Rumble statistics video concludes, the theme song of the Royal Rumble – “Gonna be a Fight Tonight!”– plays as the commentary team thank Danko Jones for the use of the song before hyping up the main event here tonight – the match that determines which man will headline WrestleMania 31, the Royal Rumble. As the WM31 logo is shown hanging in the rafters of the arena, Cole asks JBL and King for their tips right here on the brink of the Rumble and JBL is first to respond as he suggests Rusev for the victory. “He’s proven himself to be unstoppable, Michael,” JBL points out, “Who is going to be able to eliminate him from that ring?” but Lawler counters that by suggesting that the 2014 Royal Rumble, despite being won by Batista, was the night Roman Reigns stood up when he eliminated 12 men. “If anybody can take out Rusev, it’ll be Roman Reigns and he is my pick tonight!” Michael Cole moves on to reminding us, via video replay, of the situation regarding Daniel Bryan after his beatdown earlier tonight despite victory over Kane. “Daniel Bryan IS scheduled for the Royal Rumble tonight but there has been no word from backstage about Bryan’s condition since he left the ringside area. Speculation is suggesting that Bryan’s condition could rule him out of the Rumble but there is, as yet, no official confirmation,” Cole informs us before an interruption from the “Eater of Worlds” – Bray Wyatt.

Stood in some dark room backstage, Wyatt is not looking at the camera but is laughing as he prepares himself for the Royal Rumble match here tonight. He describes his past as a journey, a journey to prove to himself and the world that there is nothing to fear on this world. “That’s what she told me when she found me, man,” Wyatt teases, “There is nothing to fear in this life other than fear itself.” Declaring his intention to overcome 29 other men here tonight in the Royal Rumble, Wyatt suggests that he does not fear but that the others involved in tonight’s match do and that is the reason why he will emerge victorious from the Royal Rumble. “This is my calling,” Wyatt laughs once more, “When I win tonight, I show you the way, I show you the way to escape your pitiful existence.” Continuing on speaking in riddles, Wyatt says that SHE will be watching and that 29 other men will fall before he stares into the camera once more; “RUN!”

Back in the arena, the bell rings and Lilian Garcia introduces the Royal Rumble match and the rules before building towards the identity of the first entrant here tonight. After Daniel Bryan was beaten down earlier tonight, HHH implied that the plan had been to hand the #1 spot to Bryan but there was now no need but seemed to suggest that there was another he had in mind …

HERE TO SHOW THE WORLD
Entrant #1: DOLPH ZIGGLER

Big pop for the arrival of the #1 entrant in the Rumble who comes out looking pumped up and determined; yet, as Lawler points out, this appears to be the working of HHH and The Authority after Ziggler’s well publicised recent issues with them. With JBL suggesting that Ziggler has just gone from being a top contender to an also-ran thanks to the draw, the Show Off heads for the ring slapping hands with a few at ringside before rolling into the ring and saluting the fans who are behind him here tonight. Pointing to himself and yelling that “This is my night!” it appears Ziggler is confident of going the distance here tonight, winning the Royal Rumble and headlining WrestleMania – but the numbers are against him as are 29 other men that will all enter the ring after him.

SWAMP GAS
Entrant #2: LUKE HARPER

And the first man Ziggler will face will be the man he defeated last month at the TLC PPV for the Intercontinental Championship, Luke Harper. Staring wide-eyed down at Ziggler in the ring as he comes out onto the stage, Harper surveys the situation and looks intrigued by the idea of squaring off with Ziggler here tonight to open proceedings. In his faded vest and stained jeans, Harper looks like a man who has already wrestled an hour in the Rumble – which he will almost certainly, like Ziggler, have to do if he wishes to win – and the idea of locking up with him at close quarters is not an appealing one. However, that’s the fate of Ziggler here tonight and these two former Intercontinental Champions are all set to kick off the Rumble here tonight and begin the race to headline WrestleMania …

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

30-MAN ROYAL RUMBLE MATCH
(Winner to challenge for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship in the WrestleMania 31 Main Event)

The bell rings to signal the start of the Road to WrestleMania and it is Dolph Ziggler, recently rehired to the WWE by Vince McMahon, and Luke Harper who kicks us off with the crowd firmly behind Dolph at this point. As the two of them lock up, a big “Let’s go, Ziggler!” chant echoes around the arena and Harper, as if annoyed by the chant, throws Ziggler backwards down to the mat before fixing his eyes on his first opponent, an eerie strange look. With 90 seconds until the next participant is scheduled to enter the match, the Show Off gets up and runs at Harper but strength and power overcomes speed and agility at this early stage as Harper swats Ziggler away and starts pounding him with clubbing forearms before whipping him across the ring to the buckle. A clothesline in the corner follows before Harper is the first to look for an elimination as he tries to shove Ziggler head first over the top rope. A well placed elbow allows Ziggler to escape but his attempted standing drop kick then fails as Harper steps aside and he locks in a chin lock instead as he looks to wear Dolph down a little. For the first time tonight, the crowd chant down from 10 as the next scheduled participant in the Rumble is about to make his appearance at #3 …

... 5 ... 4 ... 3 ... 2 ... 1 ...

REBEL SON
Entrant #3: BAD NEWS BARRETT

With the United Kingdom still awaiting their first ever WWE World Heavyweight Champion, could this be the night that Bad News Barrett takes his first step towards claiming the gold at WrestleMania? He quickly makes his way down towards the ring with his Intercontinental Championship around his waist but he pulls it off as he approaches the ring and throws it down near one of the referees before sliding under the bottom rope to join the action. With the current Intercontinental Champion and the last two Intercontinental Champions now in the ring, things are set to get interesting as Barrett wastes no time in dragging up Ziggler off the mat where Harper has just released him. Harper and Barrett now share the responsibility of beating down on Ziggler, something that will surely impress the Authority watching backstage, which annoys Lawler on commentary as he reminds us that the Rumble is supposed to be every man for himself. For Ziggler, things are looking bleak when Barrett hits the spinning side slam and stands over him taunting the crowd. However, to the delight of Lawler now, Harper looks to take advantage of Barrett’s posing as he grabs him by the trunks and neck and looks to run him towards the ropes to eliminate him. Shocked, Barrett is forced on the defensive as he grabs hold of the top rope rather than let Harper push him over and Ziggler gets a little breather as the pair of them struggle with #4 about to make his way out …

... 5 ... 4 ... 3 ... 2 ... 1 ...

NEW DAY, NEW WAY
Entrant #4: XAVIER WOODS

Skipping around and clapping his hands, Xavier Woods emerges into the arena for the first appearance of the night from a member of A New Day – can any of them cause an upset here tonight and win the Rumble? As Woods hits the ring though, Cole throws us backstage for footage of Brock Lesnar now being loaded into a police car with HHH directing orders towards the local cops. Still enraged, Lesnar is not going quietly but it appears as if his backstage fury has spilled over and forced an appearance from the law. The man who caused the problems, new WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins, appears beside HHH as the door is closed on Lesnar and smirks as he watches. What a terrible night for Brock Lesnar! Cutting back to the ring, Woods and Barrett are paired off in one corner whilst the first two men in the Rumble, Ziggler and Harper, have resumed their fight opposite. With no eliminations yet, it remains to be seen who will be the first to go tonight but nobody looks close yet as we appear to be shaping up for a competitive night. Barrett gets the better of Woods and looks for the elimination but he hangs on to the ropes and resists as the crowd count down to #5 …

... 5 ... 4 ... 3 ... 2 ... 1 ...

SO CLOSE NOW
Entrant #5: JIMMY USO
with Naomi

We have the Intercontinental Champion in the ring and now we have one half of the Tag Team Champions are Jimmy Uso, accompanied by his wife Naomi until he reaches the ring, enters at #5. Jimmy slides into the ring and goes after Luke Harper, a man he has had previous with in the past during the Usos fights and feuds with the old Wyatt Family. Like a ball of fire, Jimmy switches the focus of his attacks and takes down Xavier Woods before hitting a Samoan Drop on Barrett as well for good measure. Turning to go after Ziggler though, Dolph locks in a Sleeper and the early momentum of Jimmy Uso subsides a little as Ziggler slows him down. Back on their feet, Harper and Woods begin to fight whilst Bad News Barrett takes a moment to recover. Who will be the sixth entrant in tonight’s Royal Rumble and who will be the first elimination?

... 5 ... 4 ... 3 ... 2 ... 1 ...

SOMEBODIES GONNA’ GET THEIR ASS KICKED
Entrant #6: MARK HENRY

A gasp around the arena as the first of the truly big men makes his way out into the arena – and it is the World’s Strongest Man, Mark Henry. Jogging towards the ring with a menacing look on his face, Henry looks ready to cause some damage here as he hits the ring and immediately knocks down an onrushing Ziggler before Barrett tries to slow him up with a Big Boot to the face. Although it does daze Henry for a second, Barrett’s attempt at shoving Henry back towards the ropes is futile and Henry counters with a clothesline instead that knocks the Brit down to the mat quickly. Next, Henry grabs Jimmy Uso and pounds him with his heavy right hand; Uso does not back down though and hits right hands of his own that stagger Henry back towards the ropes. Taking a step back, Jimmy looks for a Superkick but Henry blocks it and spins him around. As Jimmy turns back to Henry, the Strong Man picks him up … WORLD’S STRONGEST SLAM! MARK HENRY TAKES DOWN JIMMY USO WITH THE WORLD’S STRONGEST SLAM! Roaring out, Henry looks pleased with himself as he drags a weakened Jimmy Uso off the mat … and throws him over the top rope with relative ease for the first elimination of the evening.

ELIMINATION #1:
Jimmy Uso

“That’s what I do!” shouts Henry as the crowd boo him, he doesn’t give a damn. As if to make a point to the Philadelphia crowd, Henry then decides to drag Xavier Woods, recovering from an encounter with Luke Harper, off the mat and he lifts him up in the air and over his head into a Military Press. Impressing the crowd with his strength if not his attitude, Henry steps towards the ropes and his intention here in clear … he launches Woods over the top rope and he lands on Jimmy Uso as he gets back to his feet and we have our second elimination of the night thanks to the World’s Strongest Slam.

ELIMINATION #2:
Xavier Woods

Roaring out at the crowd once more as if looking for some kind of approval, Henry looks to be the alpha male in the ring right now as he has quickly eliminated two men in Jimmy Uso and Xavier Woods. Turning his attention towards Dolph Ziggler now, Henry corners him against the turnbuckles and begins to unload on him. However, Ziggler is not going to stand there and take this and fights back with aggression before Henry resorts to a Bear Hug Slam instead. With Ziggler flattened on the mat, Henry stands over him and glares down at him before looking to drag him up. However, as he does, Ziggler suddenly throws his right boot up and connects with the side of Henry’s head with his right foot to create some space. As the crowd begin the countdown to entrant #7, Ziggler gets quickly to his feet … SUPERKICK! ZIGGLER HITS A SUPERKICK TO MARK HENRY AND KNOCKS HIM OVER THE TOP ROPE!

ELIMINATION #3:
Mark Henry

As Henry awkwardly tumbles over the top rope and down to the floor for elimination, there is a big pop in the arena and Dolph Ziggler looks to be showing the world that entering at #1 will not deny him here tonight. As Henry kicks out at the ringsteps in anger on the outside, officials surround him and order him to leave as he shows signs of re-entering the ring just as #7 makes his way out into the arena …

... 5 ... 4 ... 3 ... 2 ... 1 ...

PATRIOT
Entrant #7: JACK SWAGGER
with Zeb Colter

With Zeb Colter back by his side, Jack Swagger heads out into the arena waving the Stars and Stripes to a good reception. He looks determined as he heads for the ring but there is a problem for Swagger as he nears the ring – an angry Mark Henry is in his path. Unable to get back in the ring, Swagger happens to be in the wrong place and Henry goes on the attack for no good reason here and begins to batter Swagger with right forearms over and over before ramming him shoulder first into the barricades lining the ramp. The crowd boo and jeer but Henry is merciless as he picks Swagger up … WORLD’S STRONGEST SLAM! WORLD’S STRONGEST SLAM ON THE STEEL RAMP! Boos ring out as Henry backs up the ramp with his arms up, again informing the WWE Universe that “That’s what I do!” whilst leaving Swagger struggling on the outside of the ring and his Rumble place looking in a little jeopardy. In the ring, we have three men who are still in the Rumble – like Swagger still is, of course – and they are Barrett, Ziggler and Harper. After eliminating Henry, Barrett looked to take advantage by charging Ziggler from behind and these two men are trading blows as Luke Harper takes a breather in the corner. JBL suggests this to be good strategy and says, “Conserving energy in these matches is key, Michael,” before suggesting that stamina and fatigue are as important in determining the winner of the Rumble as actual wrestling ability! With Ziggler and Barrett nowhere close to eliminating each other, Harper looks up and watches as the #8 entrant is about to enter …

... 5 ... 4 ... 3 ... 2 ... 1 ...

RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW
Entrant #8: TYSON KIDD

Here comes the Canadian Tyson Kidd and there is no Natalya by his side – is that telling after he “accidentally” helped Nikki Bella earlier tonight in the Divas Championship match? However, as he approaches the ring, he sees Harper eying him and makes a decision. Instead of leaping into the ring and facing a rested Luke Harper, Kidd opts for dragging Swagger off the floor and adding insult to injury for the American here which does nothing to adhere him to the crowd here in Philadelphia. Unfortunately for Tyson Kidd, the attack by Henry may have hurt Swagger but he has more than enough guts and pride to fight back from that and he counters Kidd’s attack with his own. With an angry look on his face, Swagger whips Kidd into the ring post and then grabs his leg … PATRIOT LOCK! PATRIOT LOCK ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE RING! Kidd is tapping out quickly but there is no submission victory here in the Royal Rumble – and no disqualification threat to force Swagger to release the hold. Twisting the ankle of the whining Kidd, Swagger looks to drag him into the ring underneath the bottom rope whilst continuing to apply the hold which turns out to be extremely effective. Once he has pulled a screaming Kidd into the ring, Swagger reasserts the pressure and Kidd taps out as if Swagger is about to snap his ankle in two. To the rescue comes Luke Harper as he crashes into Swagger from behind and the fight is on between them whilst Ziggler and Barrett continue on the opposite side and Tyson Kidd clutches his ankle. Here comes #9 …

... 5 ... 4 ... 3 ... 2 ... 1 ...

BOOYAKA! BOOYAKA!
Entrant #9: REY MYSTERIO

The first major surprise entrant of the night – REY MYSTERIO MAKES HIS WWE RETURN HERE AT THE ROYAL RUMBLE! Big pop in the arena for the former winner of the Royal Rumble as he rushes down the ramp and slides under the bottom rope and into the ring. Realising that the Master of the 619 is a major threat here tonight, Intercontinental Champion Bad News Barrett immediately looks to strike with the Bullhammer but Mysterio ducks it and springboards off the ropes and takes Barrett down with a Crossbody to the delight of the fans here. Harper drags Mysterio by the neck and throws him into the corner turnbuckles but as he looks for a Big Boot, Mysterio again ducks it and then dropkicks Harper in the back so he stumbles forwards into the buckles instead. Next up, Tyson Kidd takes a chance as he tries to take down the Mexican but he arm drags the Canadian with a counter that sends Kidd sprawling over the ropes and the crowd rise to their feet knowing what is coming up next … 619! MYSTERIO CONNECTS WITH A 619 ON TYSON KIDD HERE! Leaping up onto the top rope, Mysterio is looking for a West Coast Pop but his momentum is finally halted a little as Harper shoulders the ropes and causes Rey to stumble. Fortunately for Rey, he is able to fall the right side of the ropes to avoid elimination but Harper then connects with a clothesline that turns Mysterio inside out. As the crowd wince at the force of the clothesline, the countdown begins to the entrance of the #10 entrant here in the Rumble …

... 5 ... 4 ... 3 ... 2 ... 1 ...

WRITTEN IN THE STARS
Entrant #10: STARDUST

As the bizarre Stardust heads for the ring, he becomes the seventh man currently in the ring – three men have already been eliminated, of course. Stardust slides into the ring and takes the fight to Ziggler who is recovering from his earlier exertions having entered the match as the #1 entrant. Whilst the announce team hype up Ziggler’s survival so far, he takes the fight to Stardust and more than matches him as Harper continues to punish Mysterio in the corner of the ring. Tyson Kidd continues to stay out of the way clutching his knee, a good tactic if a little cowardly. Meanwhile, Barrett and Swagger are now trading right hands and looking to eliminate each other. The All American Patriot gets the upper hand and has Barrett up against the ropes but misses with a Big Boot when the Brit moves aside. Caught with his leg hooked over the top rope, Barrett reacts quickly and uses Swagger’s other leg to dump him over the top rope and we have our fourth elimination of the night.

ELIMINATION #4:
Jack Swagger

Swagger looks up disappointed whilst the Intercontinental Champion mocks him; the officials usher Swagger away before he can interfere and the Rumble match continues without with six men in the ring right now. The crowd pops when Mysterio, in danger of being forced over the top rope by Harper, slides between the ropes from the outside to avoid it and then smashes Harper with several well placed kicks. Stardust and Tyson Kidd are paired off in the corner whilst Ziggler and Barrett, who fought over the Intercontinental Championship recently of course, take the fight to each other opposite – Ziggler has now been in the Rumble, along with Harper, for over fifteen minutes. With things settling a little after Swagger’s elimination, there are no further eliminations before the entry of #11 …

... 5 ... 4 ... 3 ... 2 ... 1 ...

SO CLOSE NOW
Entrant #11: JEY USO

The second member of the Tag Team Champions makes his way out, Jey Uso looking to make amends for his twin brother Jimmy who was the first man eliminated earlier tonight. As he slides into the ring, he clashes with Stardust, who he has had several battles with of late, before a sneaky attack from behind by Tyson Kidd puts him down. Kidd, now in a team with Cesaro of course, may well be targeting the Tag Champion deliberately and he quickly climbs to the top rope and hits a missile dropkick to Jey that knocks him down. However, when Kidd looks to drag Jey towards the ropes, he takes his eye of the other participants here tonight and Rey Mysterio catches him by surprise with dropkick of his own that sends Kidd sprawling over the ropes … 619! MYSTERIO HITS THE 619 TO TYSON KIDD! A springboard Hurricanrana follows the 619 but Kidd attempts to counter and dump Mysterio out; instead, the Mexican swivels and uses his legs to flip Kidd over the top rope whilst he hangs on himself and Kidd is eliminated from the Rumble!

ELIMINATION #5:
Tyson Kidd

As for Mysterio, he steps back through the ropes adjusting his mask and the crowd cheer him as he eliminates the Canadian here tonight in trademark style. Meanwhile, on the other side of the ring, Jey Uso hits a Superkick to Bad News Barrett that staggers him back against the ropes – and over the top. Unfortunately for Jey, Barrett hangs on and is able to land on the apron where he groggily gets to his feet. Another attempted Superkick from Uso but Barrett ducks it and Jey ends up hanging over the top rope awkwardly here. Barrett, looking to take advantage, drags him over the top rope and both men are on the apron as they look to knock the other off and secure their own safety. Big right hands follow but neither man can take the other down to the floor and Stardust looks to surprise the pair of them when he charges at them. Luckily, for them at least, Uso and Barrett move aside and the celestial one almost eliminates himself but grabs the top rope. Common sense prevails for Jey and Bad News Barrett as they both re-enter the ring but Stardust is struggling as he hangs on – one foot touches the floor but not two …

... 5 ... 4 ... 3 ... 2 ... 1 ...

VEIL OF FIRE
Entrant #12: KANE

The man who holds the joint record for the most eliminations in the Royal Rumble enters the fray and his first order of business is the man hanging off the ropes … Smirking, Kane clambers onto the apron and grabs Stardust by the throat. He lifts him to “safety” but chokes the life out of him … CHOKE SLAM! KANE CHOKE SLAMS STARDUST TO THE FLOOR AND ELIMINATES HIM!

ELIMINATION #6:
Stardust

Kane breaks the record here tonight within seconds of entering the match – his fortieth elimination in Royal Rumble matches is Stardust and he is now officially clear of Shawn Michaels. (NOTE: There is confusion over how many men Kane has eliminated – WWE had him needing two to break HBK’s record but other online sources had him level going in. When I heard the WWE’s claims IRL, I could have changed things but didn’t see the point!) Stepping over the top rope and officially entering the ring, this is the first of the truly big men entering tonight’s Rumble match and if previous years are anything to go by, eliminating the Authority’s Corporate Monster will be no easy task. As soon as he enters the ring, Ziggler and Mysterio are dropped with Kane’s big right boot as they look to take the fight to him before Jey Uso connects with a Superkick! As Kane stumbles, the crowd cheer thinking Uso may be set to take him down quickly – but as Jey looks for the clothesline, Kane stuns him with a choke thrust to the throat and then easily tosses the Tag Champion over the top himself to the outside …

ELIMINATION #7:
Jey Uso

Wisely, Luke Harper and Bad News Barrett have taken breathers rather than get involved in anything with Kane – this leaves the duo of Rey Mysterio and Dolph Ziggler to resume their efforts to stop Kane’s momentum. However, Kane is dealing with their attacks with ease and looks more likely to eliminate one of the popular duo as the crowd count down to #13 here tonight. Will it be lucky for somebody? Or is it a bad time to enter with Kane on the warpath?

... 5 ... 4 ... 3 ... 2 ... 1 ...

…

…

Who will it be?

…

…

FIGHT OF THE VALKYRIES
Entrant #13: DANIEL BRYAN

Huge pop here in the arena as the WWE Universe’s clear favourite heads into the arena to the surprise of everybody watching! Clutching his ribs and grimacing though, Bryan looks as if he should not be going anywhere near the ring as he shows the signs of the brutal beating he took earlier in the night after he defeated Kane to secure his place in the Rumble. Unable to lead the “Yes!” chants, Bryan hobbles down the ramp towards the ring looking pained – but there is a clear determination in his eyes as he slides into the ring. Angrily, Kane makes a beeline for him and begins pounding away at him and this does not look good. On commentary, JBL suggests, “This is stupidity!” whilst Lawler urges Bryan to overcome the odds – however, #13 when injured is not the best draw Bryan could have got tonight. Attempting to fight back, Bryan launches kicks at Kane but his foot is caught by the Demon and he scoops Bryan up … Kane is looking for a Tombstone Piledriver here! However, to the delight of the crowd, Bryan reverses and counters … YES LOCK! BRYAN COUNTERS WITH THE YES LOCK TO KANE! Screaming in pain himself, Bryan cinches back as he tries to put Kane down …

BAM! Boot to the face of Bryan by Bad News Barrett who then stands over Bryan with a smirk on his face! The crowd boo the Englishman but he mocks them with a “Yes” motion before delivering the boots to Bryan as he struggles up. Whipping Bryan into the ropes, Barrett hits the Side Slam before declaring that it is over for Bryan and pointing over the top rope. As boos echo around the arena, Barrett drags Bryan up and looks to force him over the top rope. However, there is still fight in the body of the injured Daniel Bryan and he refuses to be dumped out here. Instead, Bryan uses elbows to fight back before hitting his combination of kicks to take Barrett to his knees. As the crowd build the anticipation, Bryan delivers a kick to the side of Barrett’s head to a great response before watching Barrett stagger up at the ropes. Retreating, Bryan waits for his moment … BUSAIKU KNEE! BRYAN HITS THE BUSAIKU KNEE TO THE JAW OF BAD NEWS BARRETT AND ELIMINATES HIM!

ELIMINATION #8:
Bad News Barrett

As Barrett hits the floor, a hurting Daniel Bryan looks on pleased and the crowd respond with another deafening “Yes!” chant here in the arena as they acclaim their hero. Can he survive and reach the end of the Royal Rumble match here tonight despite the injuries?

... 5 ... 4 ... 3 ... 2 ... 1 ...

AWESOME – I CAME TO PLAY
Entrant #14: THE MIZ
with Damien Mizdow

Accompanied by his stunt double, The Miz enters the match next and Mizdow watches on from ringside despite the protests of the referees. Copying the actions of his mentor whilst he is in the aisle, Mizdow entertains the crowd whilst Miz targets Daniel Bryan and their battles of the past resume here tonight. Ziggler and Kane are fighting it out as well now whilst Harper and Mysterio’s battle has resumed. A quiet few moments here as nobody is really in much danger although the fatigue is now showing on several – particularly on Harper and Ziggler who have now clocked up an impressive 25 minutes in the Royal Rumble. Unsurprisingly, both of these two men are struggling a little with their fresher opponents, particularly Ziggler who has the power of Kane to contend with. The crowd count us down again as we reach the halfway point as far as entrants are concerned … and it’s another popular surprise here tonight!

... 5 ... 4 ... 3 ... 2 ... 1 ...

BREAK THE WALLS DOWN
Entrant #15: CHRIS JERICHO

Wearing his light up jacket, Jericho comes out with a rich Royal Rumble pedigree behind him – could this be the year that Y2J finally cracks it and secures a victory in the Rumble having come close several times in the past. As he enters the ring, he goes after the biggest man in there, Kane, as he attempts to eliminate Ziggler and Jericho takes the fight to the Authority’s Demon here tonight as he uses his arsenal to deliver some damage and slow down the big man. The ring is filling up a little here with seven men and there are no further eliminations as we count down to #16 …

... 5 ... 4 ... 3 ... 2 ... 1 ...

SWISS MADE
Entrant #16: CESARO

Here comes a man with recent history of success in Battle Royal matches after he won the “Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal” last year at WrestleMania 30 – it’s the Swiss superstar, Cesaro. As he heads for the ring, he diverts around Mizdow as he continues to copy Miz in the ring who is trading a beating with Mysterio before sliding into the ring and taking a running Ziggler down immediately with a running uppercut. Stopping the Show Off square in his tracks, Cesaro takes the fight to Ziggler and looks to force him out here whilst Daniel Bryan resumes his battle with Kane. Eight men are currently in the ring and we now have several contenders to win the match – surprisingly, Daniel Bryan appears to be holding his own despite the injuries he suffered earlier tonight and the crowd remain fully behind him as he takes the fight to Kane. Luke Harper, who started the match with Ziggler remember, is battling with Jericho but again there are no eliminations as we head closer to the latter entrants here tonight …

... 5 ... 4 ... 3 ... 2 ... 1 ...

WRITTEN IN THE STARS
Entrant #17: GOLDUST

After we saw Stardust earlier tonight, here comes his partner and brother, Goldust, into the Rumble match. The Bizarre One slides into the ring and immediately targets Mysterio here as he tries to force him out of the ring but Mysterio is like a cat and slithers back through the ropes to retain his position in the Rumble. However, Goldust is determined here and he locks Mysterio up … CURTAIN CALL! GOLDUST TAKES MYSTERIO DOWN! Can Goldust eliminate Rey Mysterio here? No, it seems, Mysterio’s return tonight is a determined one and he does not look ready to be eliminated anytime soon as he once again locks himself onto the ropes to avoid elimination. Michael Cole hypes up Mysterio’s chances; “He lasted longer in the 2006 Royal Rumble than anybody ever has in order to win it!” announces Cole with JBL adding that Mysterio did exactly the same that night by hanging on to the ropes and using his body size, agility and speed to escape when it seemed impossible. Will the Mexican be able to do it again here tonight?

... 5 ... 4 ... 3 ... 2 ... 1 ...

RETALIATION
Entrant #18: DEAN AMBROSE

A great reaction for the arrival of #18 in tonight’s Rumble – the Lunatic Fringe, Dean Ambrose. As he approaches the ring, Ambrose’s eyes light up in anticipation of what awaits him and he looks like a man possessed as he enters the ring ready to fight. With his own recent issues with the Authority, Ambrose goes after Kane as well and it appears that the recent actions of the Authority have made Kane a target rather than somebody who can do their bidding here tonight. However, Ambrose cannot get close to eliminating Kane as the Rumble rolls on. Opposite, Cesaro and Ziggler are trading blows and it is the much fresher Cesaro who manages to gain the upper hand. Portions of the crowd are behind Cesaro and when he ducks a clothesline from Miz, the crowd call for the Giant Spin – and Cesaro does not disappoint. GIANT SWING! CESARO SWINGS MIZ AROUND AND AROUND AND AROUND BEFORE DROPPING HIM TO THE MAT! As Miz is thrown round, Mizdow spins around like a goof on the outside to the amusement of many but Cesaro gets up and holds his hands out to the crowd as if asking for their adulation. Big mistake from the Swiss Superstar … CODEBREAKER! JERICHO STUNS CESARO WITH A CODEBREAKER! A lack of focus from Cesaro and it costs him as he staggers up … and Jericho clotheslines him over the top rope to eliminate him here tonight!

ELIMINATION #9:
Cesaro

Angry with himself, the disappointment is clear on Cesaro as he rues the lack of focus and kicks out at the ring steps before exiting. As he leaves, we see Damien Mizdow sat down clutching his head – apparently dizzy – just as Miz is in the centre of the ring. Nine eliminations down, nine men still standing in the ring including the two men who started the match – how much longer can Dolph Ziggler and Luke Harper keep this up for as they now clock up over 30 minutes in the match? It’s time for #19 to make his way out into the arena …

... 5 ... 4 ... 3 ... 2 ... 1 ...

SHEEPHERDER
Entrant #19: ERICK ROWAN

With the sheep mask covering his face, the man who was recently rehired by Vince McMahon – along with Ziggler and Ryback of course – comes out to take his place in the Rumble. Throwing the mask down, Rowan goes straight for Luke Harper and the two former Wyatt Family members take the fight to each other as the other eight men resume their feuds around the ring. Daniel Bryan survives and elimination attempt from Goldust and actually throws the Bizarre One through the ropes – no elimination though! However, he follows it up with a Suicide Dive that delights the fans who chant “Yes!” once more. The majority of this Philadelphian crowd is firmly behind Daniel Bryan here tonight as he looks to overcome the injuries he sustained earlier and pull off a minor miracle by heading for the WrestleMania main event for the second year in succession and his first Rumble victory. Throwing Goldust back into the ring, you could forgive Bryan for staying outside the ring but he charges back into the ring and locks Goldust in the Yes Lock instead! YES LOCK! BRYAN GETS GOLDUST IN THE YES LOCK! Tapping out, Goldust looks to escape but there is no submission here – the only form of elimination is being thrown out yet Bryan is like a man possessed right now. As Goldust is released, Bryan waits for him to stagger up … and then clotheslines him over the top rope and out of the match for his second elimination of the evening!

ELIMINATION #10:
Goldust

“Yes! Yes! Yes!” echoes around the arena as Bryan once again makes a mockery of the odds here tonight before he goes looking for another fight in the form of The Miz once again. Whilst this is happening, Luke Harper causes a shock as he bundles Erick Rowan over the top rope … but cannot get him down to the floor. On his feet, Rowan stings Harper with a right hand to defend himself but then Miz looks to take Rowan down. He fails at first but Rowan is still on the apron trading punches with Miz … and then Mizdow drags Rowan’s foot and causes him to stumble to his knee. Despite this, he holds the rope to steady himself … but then Miz strikes with a boot to the face and Rowan is eliminated, the eleventh of the night …

ELIMINATION #11:
Erick Rowan

Angry, Rowan stalks after Mizdow who takes a break from imitating Miz and goes on the run whilst the referee usher Rowan away. However, the officials are also intent on throwing Mizdow out here and order him to leave as well. As Miz argues with the decision from the ring, Mizdow’s back is turned and Rowan grabs him and starts dragging him away with a few right hands for good measure. If Miz is going to win the Rumble, he is now going to do it without his stunt double here tonight …

GCB · Feb 5, 2015

... 5 ... 4 ... 3 ... 2 ... 1 ...

CRANK IT UP
Entrant #20: BIG SHOW

Two-third of the way through now and the biggest man in the WWE, the Giant Big Show, heads out ready for action – who is going to be able to eliminate this man from the Rumble? Amazingly, Show has never won the Rumble, though he came close in 2000, but he looks intent on ensuring this is his year as he doubles the Authority members in the ring and goes straight to the aid of Kane as he attacks Dean Ambrose from behind. Rey Mysterio, a man who has had many battles with Show down the years, goes after the Giant but we see the first of what is likely to be many … KNOCKOUT PUNCH! BIG SHOW KNOCKS MYSTERIO OUT WITH A BIG RIGHT HAND! However, there is no chance to eliminate the Mexican as Ambrose attacks once more with Ziggler going after Kane – a near miss for Mysterio it seems. Jericho and Miz pair off whilst Bryan, clearly hurting, and Harper, clearly tiring, battle wearily in the corner of the ring. Who will be the 21st entrant here in the Rumble?

... 5 ... 4 ... 3 ... 2 ... 1 ...

VOICES
Entrant #21: RANDY ORTON

Big pop for the return of the Viper here tonight! Sauntering slowly out into the arena, Orton sizes up the task ahead of him but this is a man who is a real contender to win this and the crowd are delighted to see him back tonight! Sliding into the ring, Orton is intent on striking early and quickly … RKO! ORTON DOWNS MIZ WITH AN RKO OUT OF NOWHERE! As the crowd pop, Luke Harper swings at Orton and catches him and the pair fight. Can Harper eliminate Orton quickly? He looks for a big clothesline but Orton ducks it … as Harper spins, Orton strikes … RKO! DOWN GOES HARPER TO THE RKO OF RANDY ORTON! The Viper drags Harper up with some effort before finally eliminating the man who entered at #2 right at the start here tonight!

ELIMINATION #12:
Luke Harper

Mammoth effort here tonight from Luke Harper but it is the returning Viper who finally takes him out of contention thanks to an RKO! As Orton goes on the hunt for another victim, Cole reveals Luke Harper fell just short of 40 minutes here tonight but an impressive time of 39:05 impresses many here. Indeed, there are some members of the crowd who applaud Harper as he exits but the man who entered #1 is still in there and still fighting as he approaches the 40:00 mark – the Show Off is looking to eliminate the Miz in the corner of the ring. Struggling with fatigue, his hair frizzed up, Ziggler’s punches are beginning to lack some zip but he is impressing the world here tonight with his guts and staying power. Other impressive times are also pointed out by the announce team – both Kane and Rey Mysterio have exceeded 20 minutes and look like they are going to be in the mix to make it to WrestleMania 31 as the ring continues to fill up with #22 …

... 5 ... 4 ... 3 ... 2 ... 1 ...

BREAK AWAY
Entrant #22: ADAM ROSE
with The Rosebuds

As if there aren’t enough in the ring right now, here comes Adam Rose accompanied as ever by the Rosebuds. Dancing their way down towards the ring, Rose is in no mood to get in the ring quickly and falls back off the apron onto the shoulders of the partygoers who proceed to carry him around the ring despite the objections of the referees. As the fights continue in the ring, Rose is placed back on the apron – before deciding to fall back onto the Rosebuds again. The crowd boo and jeer as Rose is carried around the ring – an obvious ploy to avoid joining the fight. As Lawler reminisces about hiding under the ring during one Royal Rumble years ago, the crowd give Rose some grief yet he continues to prance and dance around the ring instead of entering the Rumble. In the ring, the other nine superstars continue to fight yet there is another lack of eliminations right now as they look to wear each other down. At one point, Big Show lines up Ziggler for the Knockout Punch but the man who entered at #1 is able to duck it … and hits Big Show with a counter! ZIG ZAG! ZIGGLER HITS THE ZIG ZAG ON BIG SHOW! Looking for revenge, Kane grabs Ziggler by the throat but Daniel Bryan, finding a second wind, kicks the Demon in the side of the head and Ziggler escapes and locks Kane in a Sleeper hold which takes him down to the mat. These men are giving it everything that they have got – except for Adam Rose – as the crowd chant down to #23 …

... 5 ... 4 ... 3 ... 2 ... 1 ...

THE TRUTH REIGNS
Entrant #23: ROMAN REIGNS

Another big pop in the arena as another fan favourite – and many experts favourite to win tonight – heads out. Coming through the crowd, Roman Reigns looks loaded and ready here as he leaps over the barriers and is about to run up the steps when he looks left and stops. Instead, he chases after Adam Rose, shoving aside several Rosebuds, before he corners the South African against the announce desk. With the crowd behind him, Reigns throws Rose into the ring where he again tries to run out of the ring. Unfortunately for Rose, his blatant attempts at cheating have been noticed by Dean Ambrose who catches him and starts pounding away at him before shoving back towards Reigns … SUPERMAN PUNCH! REIGNS FLOORS ADAM ROSE! Grabbing Rose, Reigns drags him off the mat with a smirk and launches him over the top rope where he collides with the Rosebuds to the delight of the fans …

ELIMINATION #13:
Adam Rose

A fist-bump from Reigns to Ambrose but then the former Shield brothers, who know that the third member of their former stable is now WWE World Heavyweight Champion and likely to be waiting at WrestleMania 31 for tonight’s winner, start to fight as they show that the Rumble truly is every man for himself. As they fight, Kane and Big Show then get involved and look to take down two men who are clear front-runners for the victory as the sheer power and brute force in the ring right now reveals itself again …

... 5 ... 4 ... 3 ... 2 ... 1 ...

WRITTEN IN MY FACE
Entrant #24: SHEAMUS

Pop from the crowd as the Celtic Warrior heads out into the arena – he is, like Orton, returning from injury here tonight after a long period on the sidelines. Charging to the ring, Sheamus surveys the scene where many bodies are down and the four men standing at the moment – Reigns, Ambrose, Show and Kane – are fighting in different corners. Chris Jericho looks to eliminate Miz as they get up and Sheamus goes over – is he going over to help Jericho? NO! Every man for himself and no friends as Sheamus shocks the WWE Universe by surprising Jericho and lifting his leg and toppling him over the top rope to eliminate Y2J from the Rumble here tonight.

ELIMINATION #14:
Chris Jericho

Boos in the arena as Sheamus goes after Jericho rather than Miz but Lawler defends him; he justifies it by suggesting that Jericho has proven to be a big danger in these Rumble matches and getting rid of him makes sense. Sheamus turns his focus on Miz but does not strike … and suddenly turns and rushes towards Daniel Bryan instead as he gets up. BROGUE KICK! SHEAMUS FLATTENS DANIEL BRYAN WITH THE BROGUE KICK! Now the crowd are upset with Sheamus and he smirks at them as they boo him – a new attitude it seems from the Celtic Warrior as he goes after people you wouldn’t expect him to go after first! You can never truly predict what this Royal Rumble will throw up!

... 5 ... 4 ... 3 ... 2 ... 1 ...

NEW DAY, NEW WAY
Entrant #25: BIG E

After Xavier Woods earlier in the night, the second member of A New Day heads out to look to cause an upset tonight and make a huge name for himself by winning the Rumble. Certainly, Big E has the tools to get the job done and he hits the ring on fire with a belly to belly suplex on Orton to get things started. Eleven men in the ring right now – Big E has joined Kane, Reigns, Show, Ziggler, Ambrose, Orton, Sheamus, Miz, Bryan and Mysterio – and there now appears to be some tired bodies slugging it out. However, all eleven men look determined to hold on to their place in the ring and desperate measures are called for whenever anybody looks to eliminate them. With Ziggler now heading towards the 50:00 mark, can he somehow pull this off and win the Rumble from #1? Or will the power of somebody like Big Show, Kane or Roman Reigns prove decisive? Can Bryan overcome the odds and the injuries to emerge victorious? Or will the return of Sheamus or Randy Orton prove to be the major moment? Five men left to enter and here comes the first of them …

... 5 ... 4 ... 3 ... 2 ... 1 ...

NEW DAY, NEW WAY
Entrant #26: KOFI KINGSTON

The third and final member of A New Day, it’s Kofi Kingston who joins his mate Big E in the ring which is now heaving with bodies. With excitement guaranteed by Kofi’s arrival, he leaps onto the top turnbuckle as soon as he enters and hits a Diving Crossbody to Kane that takes the Big Red Monster down before leaping up and hitting a drop kick to Sheamus which pleases the crowd who have yet to forgive the Celtic Warrior for attacking Bryan earlier. It is left to Big Show to put a stop to Kofi as he grabs him by the throat … CHOKE SLAM! BIG SHOW HITS A TIRED LOOKING CHOKE SLAM TO KOFI! However, Show is slow to take advantage and is caught out with an attack from Dean Ambrose before he can look to eliminate Kingston …

... 5 ... 4 ... 3 ... 2 ... 1 ...

ROAR OF THE LION
Entrant #27: RUSEV
with Lana

As JBL informs the world, #27 is the position that has produced the most Royal Rumble winners … and tonight, that spot goes to the Bulgarian Brute, the Pride of Russia – Rusev. Accompanied to the stage by Lana who takes his medal and the Russian flag, Rusev looks confident as he launches himself into the ring and immediately he takes down Bryan with a brutal shoulder charge before swotting aside Kofi who looks to surprise him with a springboard drop kick. Grabbing the Ghanaian, Rusev raises him above his head and throws Kofi out of the ring … but quick as a cat, Kofi readjusts and manages to land on the ring steps. Keeping his balance, the crowd watch as Kingston looks to get back in the ring. But a thrust kick is waiting for him as he gets to the apron, Rusev is no fool and he knocks Kingston flying to the floor and has eliminated somebody within a minute here!

ELIMINATION #15:
Kofi Kingston

Two members of A New Day gone – and now it’s time for the third. Big E goes on the attack to Rusev but it is quickly thwarted as Rusev puts a halt to it with another kick, this time to Big E’s gut. Grabbing the big man by the back of the neck, Rusev launches him up and over the top rope with relative ease and Lawler announces that Rusev is his new pick to win the Rumble here. Who can stop him?

ELIMINATION #16:
Big E

As Rusev roars out, it is the turn of Dolph Ziggler to take the fight to the Bulgarian – he doesn’t fair much better though and it looks as if Ziggler has made a big mistake here with Rusev using his power to punish a tired, hurting Show Off. With an impressive 50 minutes now under his belt, Ziggler looks to have nothing here as he tries to counter the power of Rusev with little effect; is this the end of Ziggler? Slamming him down, Rusev stands over Dolph and then locks in his submission move. ACCOLADE! ZIGGLER IS LOCKED IN THE ACCOLADE BY RUSEV! With the pain of this move added to 50 minute marathon he has already endured, it is a wonder that Ziggler does not tap out immediately – yet, despite the fact a tap out would not eliminate him, the Show Off fights and claws instead and refuses to show any sign of weakness even if his body is doing so with every passing minute. As Rusev treats him like a rag doll, Ziggler looks finished when the Bulgarian releases the hold but somehow Ziggler hangs onto the ropes as Rusev looks to eliminate him. The countdown is on as Rusev desperately tries to finish Ziggler – but who will be #28?

... 5 ... 4 ... 3 ... 2 ... 1 ...

MEAT ON THE TABLE
Entrant #28: RYBACK

It’s the Big Guy and he is intent on getting his hands on Rusev here in the Royal Rumble! Realising that a raging Ryback is running down the ramp for him, Rusev backs off to the centre of the ring in preparation and Ziggler survives, again, as a result. Ryback comes under the ropes and Rusev drops down on him to try and cut him off before he can build momentum but, unfortunately for Bulgaria’s finest here in the WWE, Ryback is intent on causing pain and he shoves him away before firing into him shoulder first in the corner. With the crowd right behind him, Ryback takes the fight to Rusev and looks to have the upper hand when The Miz decides to come to the aid of the Bulgarian. He crashes into the back of Ryback but this does little – eyes bulging, Ryback turns and smirks at Miz before going after him instead. Terrified, Miz turns to run but his path is blocked by Ziggler who fires a right hand at him and he turns back into a Meathook Clothesline from Ryback that flattens him! With the crowd cheering, Ryback drags Miz up and launches him up and over the top rope for tonight’s seventeenth elimination to leave just eleven men in the ring right now.

ELIMINATION #17:
The Miz

As soon as Miz’ participation is ended, Ryback goes back on the hunt for Rusev whilst Damien Mizdow, Miz’ stunt double of course, heads back out to check on his mentor here. Angrily, Miz shoves him away before storming off holding his jaw and Mizdow looks on concerned as he follows him out of the arena. Meanwhile, Ryback has Rusev on the ropes again and the Big Guy manages to get one of Rusev’s big legs hooked over the top rope here. Can Ryback eliminate the Bulgarian Brute from the Rumble? Straining, Ryback looks to shove Rusev over but is suddenly caught out – Kane sneaks up on him and scores an easy elimination with Ryback completely preoccupied. Boos for the elimination but Ryback’s time in the Rumble comes to an end thanks to the record Royal Rumble eliminator, Kane.

ELIMINATION #18:
Ryback

Angry with himself as much as anything, Ryback exits but is subject to torment by The Miz who points and laughs; Ryback rushes towards him but Miz reacts quickly and pulls Mizdow into his path instead. As Ryback takes out his frustrations on Mizdow, Miz exits hastily – wisely, some might say – as the Rumble continues in the ring. The penultimate entry is almost set to join us with the #1 entrant Dolph Ziggler, now at 52 minutes, battling away with Rusev, Kane, Rey Mysterio, Sheamus, Randy Orton, Daniel Bryan, Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose and Big Show. Who will be the next man out here tonight looking to win the 2015 Royal Rumble?

... 5 ... 4 ... 3 ... 2 ... 1 ...

BROKEN OUT IN LOVE
Entrant #29: BRAY WYATT

As darkness falls over the arena, the flashlights begin to wave around the arena as the menacing presence of Bray Wyatt appears here in the arena looking to win the Royal Rumble in his first attempt. Carrying the lantern he is famous for, Wyatt heads down to the ring taking his time but appearing confident – he blows out the light and then heads into the ring ready for action with Dean Ambrose, a long term rival, coming straight for him. As Wyatt and Ambrose resume their rivalry, other pairs continue their battles to eliminate each other and make it towards the latter stages of the Rumble tonight. Ziggler is taking yet another beating from Big Show but continues to avoid elimination, Daniel Bryan and Rey Mysterio are involved with Sheamus with all three men looking to eliminate the other two, Reigns and Rusev are now hammering at each other whilst Randy Orton, a former member of the Authority of course, is battling with Kane as he looks to show why HHH and his cronies should have worked with him. Orton, a former winner of the Rumble, and Kane, with his rich Rumble pedigree, are trading blows but it is the Viper who gets the upper hand when he counters Kane’s attempt at an elimination … RKO! KANE IS DROPPED TO THE MAT WITH AN RKO FROM THE VIPER! The crowd are behind Orton but he turns around at the worst moment … BROGUE KICK! SHEAMUS BROGUE KICKS ORTON OVER THE TOP ROPE!

ELIMINATION #19:
Randy Orton

Disbelief in the arena here as Sheamus, ironically ‘out of nowhere’, takes out Randy Orton with a brutal Brogue Kick and the fans yet again turn a little more on the Celtic Warrior as he laughs mockingly at the Viper. What is this new attitude about from Sheamus? We’re now down to ten men with one more entrant to come and the field is beginning to thin out as we approach the closing moments of the match and the confirmation of which man will headline WrestleMania and challenge for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship now held by Seth Rollins. You can sense the determination levels going up as the clock ticks down to zero for one final time here and the ten in the ring are throwing everything they have into this …

... 5 ... 4 ... 3 ... 2 ... 1 ...

I WALK ALONE
Entrant #30: BATISTA

THE ANIMAL RETURNS TO THE WWE AT THE ROYAL RUMBLE! Last year’s Royal Rumble winner, the man who went to WrestleMania and failed to capture the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, Batista makes his return here tonight and the crowd go wild – some cheers, lots of jeers. However, there is a focused look on the face of the Animal and he slides into the ring and immediately takes down Roman Reigns with a Spinebuster that shakes the ring before charging into Ziggler in the corner and knocking him down. As a loud “Boo-tista!” chant goes up in the arena, he smirks and starts beating the hell out of Ziggler who is tiring and fading quickly now as he approaches the hour mark. All around the ring, eleven men are either down and out or fighting for their lives and it appears the next man to be eliminated could be Bray Wyatt as Mysterio knocks him down over the middle rope … 619! MYSTERIO CONNECTS WITH THE 619 TO BRAY WYATT! However, the Mexican has now been in the Rumble since #9 and is approaching 45 minutes and this appears to slow him down somewhat. As he springboards off the top rope, Wyatt catches him and drops him to the mat … SISTER ABIGAIL! WYATT HITS MYSTERIO WITH SISTER ABIGAIL! Brave effort from the returning Rey Mysterio but this is academic now – Wyatt throws him over the top rope with no real struggle and Mysterio’s time is up!

ELIMINATION #20:
Rey Mysterio

Ten men – one of these ten men is heading to the WrestleMania main event but which one will it be? Big Show and Kane’s Authority partnership appears to have resumed as they now concentrate on taking down Daniel Bryan and take it in turns to strike him. Big Show cocks his hand back and appears set to knock Bryan out cold but then helps shows in the shape of Dolph Ziggler who drop kicks Show in the back just in time. Kane reacts and goes on the attack for Ziggler but now Bryan joins Ziggler to repay the favour and the crowd pop for this. “Yes!” echoes around the arena as Bryan kicks the hell out of Kane and then Ziggler measures him … ZIG ZAG! ZIGGLER HITS KANE WITH THE ZIG ZAG! Wearily, Kane stumbles back off the mat and props himself against the ropes and Bryan takes advantage with a clothesline … and Kane is eliminated from the Royal Rumble!

ELIMINATION #21:
Kane

Anger coursing through him, Kane looks to get back into the ring and take revenge to the annoyance of the officials who block his way. Bryan responds though by sailing through the ropes – through the ropes – with another Suicide Dive to knock Kane down into the barriers. Back in the ring, Ziggler is giving everything to eliminating Big Show but the sheer mass of the Giant makes this darn near impossible – until helps comes in the form of Roman Reigns! Between them, Ziggler and Reigns look to force Show over but he fights back and shoves them back … Show grabs Ziggler by the throat and looks to set for a Choke Slam but this is stopped …SUPERMAN PUNCH! REIGNS STRIKES BIG SHOW WITH THE SUPERMAN PUNCH! Show staggers back against the ropes and Ziggler hits a drop kick … and Big Show is eliminated from the Royal Rumble as well!

ELIMINATION #22:
Big Show

Within seconds of each other, the two Authority members have both been eliminated with the crowd favourites – Ziggler, Bryan and Reigns – all playing huge parts in it. As the trio look from one to another, they assess the situation and all three, despite their “bond” here, realise that they have to fight for themselves. However, as they look to do so, Bray Wyatt comes flying into them with no fear at all – but Bryan sidesteps and helps Wyatt on his way – and he sails over the top rope as well! Bray Wyatt has been eliminated from the Rumble too and we are down to seven men!

ELIMINATION #23:
Bray Wyatt

Ziggler and Reigns, for the first time tonight, have started fighting against each other but Bryan is delighted with eliminating Wyatt here and chants “Yes!” as he mocks Wyatt who is furious with how he was embarrassed there. Is Daniel Bryan the one heading for WrestleMania? Wyatt strains against the officials who have only just managed to usher Kane and Big Show away and yells out at Bryan. Suddenly, the crowd raise their voices in warning though, they’re urging Bryan to turn around … SPEAR! BATISTA HITS THE SPEAR ON DANIEL BRYAN! Boos echo around the arena as Bryan is flattened by the Animal – and now there is further punishment for Bryan as Sheamus drags him up and hits White Noise for good measure. Can Bryan fight back or are his days numbered here? Batista, with a nod to Sheamus, resumes the assault and now sets Bryan up … BATISTA BOMB! HAS BATISTA ENDED THE CHANCES OF DANIEL BRYAN TO GET REVENGE FOR WRESTLEMANIA? It appears that way as Batista stands over the former WWE World Heavyweight Champion grinning and he then points to the WrestleMania sign hanging in the rafters to a crescendo of boos as the crowd begin to chant “No!” in opposition. However, this does not faze the Animal who drags Bryan up and looks to force him out over the top rope. Bryan rallies a little but Batista’s attack looks to have done the damage as he topples over the top rope and lands on the apron. Batista desperately tries to finish the job here but Bryan is fighting back and they trade blows over the ropes. Bryan looks to be getting the upper hand as he stands precariously on the edge here; he goes for a big punch to knock Batista back enough … but the Animal ducks and then hammers Bryan with a clothesline that finishes the job to the despair of the fans!

ELIMINATION #24:
Daniel Bryan

A disappointed look on his face, Bryan cannot believe it and he stands with his hands on his hips looking up at Batista who is smiling and is clearly delighted with getting revenge for last year’s WrestleMania. There is a little unrest in the arena as Bryan, the clear favourite with the crowd, is taken out of the reckoning but he exits with the support of the crowd as usual and the fans are back into the action as Dolph Ziggler looks to attack Batista now which the fans are delighted with. We’re down to six as we look to crown a #1 contender for WrestleMania – fan favourites Roman Reigns, Dolph Ziggler and Dean Ambrose, the returning Sheamus complete with a bad attitude, the Animal Batista and the Bulgarian Brute that is Rusev. Which man can secure the coveted spot in the WrestleMania main event? With the superstars paired off, Batista and Ziggler fight, Rusev and Ambrose fight and this leaves Sheamus and Reigns who are now looking to eliminate each other. As Michael Cole announces that Ziggler has now passed the 1:00:00 mark in the Royal Rumble, a tremendous achievement, Sheamus misses with an attempted Brogue Kick to Reigns … SPEAR! REIGNS HITS A SPEAR ON SHEAMUS! Roaring out to a slightly mixed reaction – some fans were right behind Bryan it seems – Reigns waits and then hits another Superman Punch on the Celtic Warrior before throwing him out of the Rumble as well.

ELIMINATION #25:
Sheamus

Unbelievably, Ziggler is taking the fight to Batista, the man who entered #30 of course. After Batista entered the Rumble over 55 minutes AFTER Dolph Ziggler did, there is utter amazement in the arena as Ziggler carries the fight to the Animal and he locks in the Sleeper hold on Batista to wear him down a little. “Let’s go, Ziggler!” echoes around the arena as Dolph gives everything he has and continues to take the fight to Batista as the time ticks on. “Dolph Ziggler has now set the new record for the longest Royal Rumble appearance!” yells a throaty Michael Cole – a fact that earns him huge praise here tonight from JBL and Lawler on the commentary team. Unbelievable effort from the Show Off but unfortunately his time is coming to an end as he releases Batista from the Sleeper. Unfortunately for Ziggler, whilst it slowed down Batista, the Sleeper took a huge effort and this allows Rusev to spoil the moment – JUMPING SIDE KICK! RUSEV CATCHES ZIGGLER WITH A KICK TO THE HEAD! Knocked cold, Ziggler drops to the mat face first and Rusev, showing no mercy or admiration for Ziggler’s efforts tonight, drags him up and dumps him over the top rope and down to the mat …

ELIMINATION #26:
Dolph Ziggler

… As Ziggler lays on the floor outside the ring, the official time given is 1:03:47 – a new record of course – and the crowd, after booing Rusev who celebrates his achievement, get to their feet in recognition of Ziggler’s performance here tonight. As he staggers his way up the ramp, refusing medical attention, the crowd chant his name and Ziggler has earned a whole lot of respect here. Despite the loss, it appears the sky is the limit for that young man here in the WWE! Back in the ring, we are now down to four men – last year’s winner Batista who is sat in the corner, Roman Reigns who is pulling himself up after suffering at the hands of Rusev a moment ago, Dean Ambrose in another corner and the man who looks the favourite right now, Rusev. As he roars out, he rushes at Ambrose to deliver more punishment; Reigns opts to take the fight to Batista though and they stare at each other with the Animal clearly unimpressed with the prospect of Reigns here tonight. A small “Roman Reigns” chant breaks out and the fight ensues with both men desperate to go to WrestleMania.

Rusev has the better of Ambrose in one corner but the Lunatic Fringe continues to defy the odds and avoid elimination; he suddenly stuns Rusev with a counter and this leads to him taking down the Bulgarian with his finishing move … DIRTY DEEDS! DEAN AMBROSE HITS RUSEV WITH DIRTY DEEDS! As he does, Reigns connects with a Superman Punch to Batista before the two former Shield members, maybe friends, face up to each other and the crowd prickle with anticipation. Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose? The pair of them talk a little and things become a little heated with what is at stake here tonight – a fist bump between them signals that they are ready to fight but shows the respect they retain for each other here. However, before that can happen, Rusev and Sheamus both interrupt with cowardly shots from behind which the crowd jeer. As Rusev and Reigns spill through the ropes to the outside – neither is eliminated – the stage is set for Batista and Ambrose to shine. Batista’s sneak attack means he has the advantage and he looks to take Ambrose down as he signals for the Batista Bomb. However, when he goes for it, Ambrose counters with a back body drop to the Animal and then fires himself up … DIRTY DEEDS AGAIN! AMBROSE NOW DROPS THE ANIMAL WITH DIRTY DEEDS! The crowd pop big time for Ambrose and he has a crazed look on his face as he waits for Batista to stagger up … Clothesline from Ambrose and Batista is eliminated!

ELIMINATION #27:
Batista

The 2014 Royal Rumble winner is eliminated and Batista’s hopes of headlining WrestleMania for a second successive year are dashed thanks to Dean Ambrose here tonight who clutches his head as he considers the situation. We are down to three men – can Ambrose headline WrestleMania? Unfortunately, Batista has no intention of allowing Ambrose to get the better of him and shoves officials down before returning to the ring and going after Ambrose again – and he fails once more as Ambrose uses the ropes to counter with right hands of his own. With Batista staggered again, Ambrose clotheslines him over the top rope once more as if to add an exclamation mark to Batista’s elimination here!

BUT WAIT A MINUTE!

Rusev, from behind, attacks Dean Ambrose … and bundles him over the top rope!

ELIMINATION #28:
Dean Ambrose

Groans from the crowd who were uniting behind Ambrose here – and Rusev crushes the dreams of Ambrose here tonight thanks to the distraction of “eliminating” Batista for a second time. Disappointed, Ambrose clutches his head once more but now in frustration at how he was caught out by the Bulgarian here tonight – so close for Dean Ambrose! Back in the ring, Rusev looks like the King of the Jungle right now as he looks down on Ambrose who he just eliminated and Reigns slowly, slumping down, crawls back into the ring under the bottom rope. Has Rusev got this won? ACCOLADE! RUSEV LOCKS REIGNS IN THE ACCOLADE! As Rusev wrenches back on Reigns’ back, the Ravishing Russian Lana comes out with a smug look on her face and she heads ringside to offer encouragement to the man who she represents here in the WWE. Reigns is in tremendous pain now as the Rumble twists and turns towards a finish now – the Road to WrestleMania looks as if it will be adourned with the red, white and blue flag of Russia with Rusev in sight of the victory. Reigns reaches the ropes and normally this would force a rope break but not in the Rumble – Rusev simply wrenches back further and Reigns yells out in clear pain.

Eventually, with Lana’s encouragement, Rusev releases Reigns who writhes on the mat clutching his back and looks as if he is finished here. The Bulgarian steps back and is taking his time as he measures Reigns up … he is looking to hit his side kick to the head of Reigns here and finish the job for good. However, when he goes for it, somehow Reigns catches Rusev’s bare foot and throws him off balance … SUPERMAN PUNCH! REIGNS CONNECTS WITH THE SUPERMAN PUNCH! Rusev staggers, Reigns uses his last effort to clothesline Rusev up and over the top rope … and … and … Rusev hangs on!

As the crowd react, thinking that Reigns has won for a second, Reigns turns his back and falls down with a look of delight mixed with pain – he believes he has won the 2015 Royal Rumble but he hasn’t and the bell has not rung. Rusev, hands gripping the top rope, has one foot on the floor and is pushing himself awkwardly back to the edge of the apron with Lana desperately trying to help but being prevented by the referee. Completely unaware, Reigns holds his hand up as he kneels in the ring clutching his ribs, the crowd are urging him to turn around and see what has happened. Will Reigns notice in time? Will Rusev be able to escape? Finally, Rusev gets himself balanced and gets both feet on the apron – he will survive and is still in the Rumble match here tonight!

SUPERMAN PUNCH! REIGNS SPOTS RUSEV JUST IN TIME AND STRIKES TO WIN THE ROYAL RUMBLE!

ELIMINATION #29:
Rusev

WINNER:
Roman Reigns
(1:07:25)

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

As “The Truth Reigns” blasts out around the arena to signal that Roman Reigns has won the Royal Rumble match, the crowd get to their feet after a fantastic Royal Rumble main event here tonight. Although there are some who are clearly unimpressed with Reigns winning here tonight, most appear happy that Rusev’s chances were ended and the reception to Reigns’ victory is mainly positive despite other favourites falling at the end. Standing on the ropes in the corner of the ring, Reigns celebrates the win and points to the WrestleMania sign as he now heads onto the Road to WrestleMania with the main event of the biggest PPV of the year now in his sights; can Roman Reigns become the WWE World Heavyweight Champion for the first time at WrestleMania when he faces the champion? With former Shield brother, Seth Rollins, now the WWE Champion, it promises to be an interesting prospect for the WWE Universe come March 29 in the Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Nine weeks and counting for the Road to WrestleMania – with Roman Reigns the man leading the charge!

Terry Gyimah · Feb 7, 2015

Clear screwjob from the word GO! Brock Lesnar got screwed damn it and here is hoping Brock Lesnar cashes in his rematch clause because Lesnar got screwed by The Authority Lesnar was not only blindsided by The Authority but attacked and beaten down and then Rollins cashing in his Money in the Bank to become WWE World Heavyweight Champion, you can bet Lesnar is going to have something to say about all of this, HERE COMES THE PAIN!!!!! AND THE AUTHORITY ARE GOING TO EXPERIENCE THE PAIN FIRST HAND because I can see Brock taking out each Authority member one by one first starting with J & J Security before moving on to Kane and then taking out Big Show until there is no one left except him and Rollins

And you can bet Paul Heyman he is going to have a lot to say about his client getting screwed by The Authority

And here is hoping Lesnar gets his rematch for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at Fast Lane because he deserves it, it is Lesnar's right to have a rematch clause he is the former champion after all

But seeing the Royal Rumble Match, seeing Orton return, I would have figured that he would have won it especially with Rollins becoming champion and Rollins being the one to take out Orton, it would have made sense but Orton was eliminated by Sheamus

Loving this new heel turn of Sheamus's, propels Sheamus back into being a main event heel but also Sheamus becomes the old Sheamus the old ruthless barbaric Sheamus of old the Sheamus who first came into the WWE back in 2009 and shocked the world to become the first ever Irish-born WWE Champion, he needs to be that guy again he needs to be that Sheamus again, that Sheamus who was so dominant who was the fastest rising superstar in WWE history he needs to be that Sheamus again and it looked like he is well on his way to becoming just that eliminating not only Orton from the match but also eliminating Jericho from the match as well

And seeing The Animal Batista show up as a surprise entrant in the Royal Rumble Match, now that is what surprised me because last time I checked wasn't Batista a movie star? Batista quit WWE and went to Hollywood, he had his movie Guardians of the Galaxy but yet he comes back in the Royal Rumble Match, I wonder if that was just a one-off appearance from Batista and he will be on his way back to Hollywood? Or if Batista will actually stick around this time? Batista being the one to eliminate Daniel Bryan from the Royal Rumble Match I wonder if that will lead to a program between Batista & Bryan?

And Ziggler lasting all the way from #1, being in the ring all that time for 1 whole hour breaking Mysterio's record of 1:02:12, Ziggler does it in 1:03:07, 63 minutes and 07 seconds he was in there but he lasted to like final 4 only to get eliminated by Rusev, I wonder if after this performance if Ziggler won't be catapulted straight into main event status?

But Roman Reigns is in the main event I am surprised the fans here in your diary haven't turned on him just for winning the Royal Rumble Match because in real life they turned on him the moment he won, the Philly fans shat all over him with boos and what not just for winning so I am surprised he isn't getting booed here at all

GCB's WWE (2015)

GCB

Getting Noticed By Management

GCB

Getting Noticed By Management

GCB

Getting Noticed By Management

GCB

Getting Noticed By Management

GCB

Getting Noticed By Management

Terry Gyimah

Championship Contender

Similar threads

Users who are viewing this thread

Members online

Forum statistics

Share this page