January 25, 2009
Twenty-five years ago, the dream of modern-day WWE Chairman Mr. McMahon was made manifest with the birth of the squared circle’s most celebrated spectacle, WrestleMania. One quarter of a century later, 30 Superstars will have the ultimate opportunity to realize their dream of performing in the World Championship main event match on the Grandest Stage of Them All at the momentous 25th Anniversary of WrestleMania.
But first, one man will need to surpass the efforts of 29 opposing competitors with the same aspiration in the 2009 Royal Rumble Match.
A test of endurance, athleticism and survival at all costs, the Rumble Match is the definitive Battle Royal, where each Superstar’s prime objective is to propel their opponents over the top rope, with both feet touching the floor. Every 90 seconds, one of 30 elite ring warriors with randomly drawn Rumble entry numbers joins the fray. Though luck of the draw can be a critical factor in such a high-stakes situation (ideally, entering at No. 30 like 2007 winner Undertaker and 2008 victor John Cena), past Rumble winners have included Superstars who kicked off the Battle Royal at No. 1 Still, with bodies being tossed out every moment and fresh competitors coming in at such a rapid pace, it’s really anyone’s match.
In the end, the last Raw, SmackDown or ECW Superstar standing can officially punch a gold-embossed ticket to Houston’s Reliant Stadium where they will contend for a World Title of their choosing at WrestleMania XXV.
However, as the saying goes, “You have to be in it to win it.” Tune into WWE programming and stay logged on to WWE.com as entrants are named for the 22nd annual Royal Rumble Match. Then be sure to witness this historic event live on pay-per-view on Sunday, Jan. 25, as the 2009 Royal Rumble emanates from the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit.
Preview:World Heavyweight Champion John Cena vs. JBL
Since becoming World Heavyweight Champion for the first time at Survivor Series, John Cena has defended his title in hard-fought matches against the wily and nefarious Chris Jericho. At Royal Rumble The Champ’s title will again be in jeopardy as he faces a ring warrior who knows exactly what it takes to put down John Cena: The self-proclaimed “wrestling god” himself, JBL.
Ever since joining the Raw roster, JBL has done his best to angle for title opportunities, though championship gold itself has consistently eluded the Longhorn Loudmouth. In recent weeks, however, things have been coming up in the self-made millionaire’s favor, as he utilized the services of his employee, Shawn Michaels, to not only win a qualifying match against Rey Mysterio but also remain the last man standing in a Fatal Four Way Elimination Match for No. 1 contendership.
The process to select the new No. 1 contender involved numerous former World Champions, of which JBL is one of the most notable, bearing the honor of being the longest-reigning World Heavyweight Champion in SmackDown history. The Longhorn Loudmouth also boasts extensive knowledge of the World Heavyweight Champion himself, information he learned in the field, by defeating Cena in the 2008 Match of the Year, a Parking Lot Brawl at The Great American Bash (recognized as the Slammy Award winner after JBL relieved his employee, Shawn Michaels of the honor).
John Cena has proven to the WWE Universe that since returning from his neck surgery, he is as powerful and dominant a competitor as ever, and will certainly be eager to repay JBL for heaving him through a windshield at The Great American Bash. But will even that be enough to withstand the relentless assault of a self-proclaimed “wrestling god” intent on putting championship gold around his waist? And with The Champ’s opponent not above involving his employee in his matches, what role might HBK play – against his will – in this match?
Find out who will walk away World Heavyweight Champion by watching Royal Rumble, live on Sunday, Jan. 25, only on pay-per-view.
Preview:WWE Championship: Jeff Hardy vs. Edge
The history between these two Superstars is well documented, and with the title on the line, Hardy can be sure that the Rated-R Superstar will do anything he can to reclaim the biggest prize in WWE. With General Manager Vickie Guerrero naming her husband Edge the No. 1 contender, the deck is stacked against Jeff Hardy, but that is when the current WWE Champion has been at his best.
As Edge tries to reclaim the gold, and, with the mystery surrounding the attack on Jeff Hardy the night before Survivor Series, many fingers have been pointing toward Edge, making this match extremely personal.
Can Edge find a way to win back the WWE Championship as the Road to WrestleMania begins at Royal Rumble? Or can Jeff Hardy continue his dream ride as WWE Champion and take the gold all the way to The 25th Anniversary of WrestleMania?
Preview:Women's Champion Beth Phoenix vs. Melina
January 25, 2009
After spending months injured and out of action, Melina has returned to the ring with one thing on her mind: The WWE Women’s Title. At Royal Rumble, the two-time Women’s Champion will finally have an opportunity to win the coveted gold as she faces off against Women’s Champion Beth Phoenix.
Since her return, Melina has spent weeks racking up victories over Raw’s impressive Divas roster. This momentum served her well as she participated in a Diva Battle Royal on Raw to determine the No. 1 contender for Beth Phoenix’s title. Though the match came down to her and another former Women’s Champion, Mickie James, Melina persevered, earning the right to face The Glamazon at Royal Rumble only a month after making her post-injury return to WWE.
Months earlier, at the 2008 WWE Draft, Melina fell from the turnbuckles, severely injuring her ankle, keeping her from in-ring competition for almost half of the year. Returning ahead of schedule in November, Melina quickly made known her intention to win the Women’s Championship for the third time by taking it from the near-unstoppable Beth Phoenix. The Glamazon didn’t take the threats well, but she was even more incensed when Melina took aim at Santino Marella, embarrassing Beth’s beau and causing the Italian Superstar to suffer multiple injuries to his family jewels.
Though 2008 Diva of the Year Beth Phoenix has cemented her reputation as one of the most dominant Divas in WWE history, Melina has returned to action in fighting form and is focused on winning championship gold. But will her ambition be enough to take down The Glamazon?
Find out who is truly the most dominant Diva by watching Royal Rumble, live on Sunday, Jan. 25, only on pay-per-view.
Download Theme Song Royal Rumble Kevin Rudolf- Let It Rock (clik Here)
To Be Continued.... ^^
