Results: Cena uncorks the "Champ pain"
March 28, 2010
PHOENIX – He was one competitor from victory at 2005’s Royal Rumble – but Batista upended him. He was one second from basking in glory at 2008’s SummerSlam – but Batista refused to quit. He prevailed over five others to capture the WWE Title at this year’s Elimination Chamber – but Batista came and fought it away.
During some of the most pivotal moments of his career, John Cena has failed to overcome the force of just one man: Batista. Until now.
After an intense clash between two of WWE’s preeminent powerhouses on The Grandest Stage of Them All, Cena finally unleashed all manner of fury on The Animal, captured his seventh WWE Title and can once again proclaim, “The Champ … is … here!”
The victory, however, was far from assured. In the weeks leading up to the brawl, Batista successfully employed psychological warfare, worming his way inside Cena’s psyche, mocking his squeaky-clean image and trying to convince him that he could never defeat The Animal. However, just six days prior to WrestleMania, Cena crashed through a phalanx of security and attacked his tormentor on Monday Night Raw, vowing that Batista “would never keep [him] down, no matter what.”
True to his word, Cena entered the match with a full tank of gas and plenty in reserve. The two Superstars locked in various holds early in the match, intent on wearing down their opponent. As the match progressed, the two powerhouses began to trade cement-shattering blows. As a result, a hint of fatigue glimmered on each of their brows, but neither would relent. Instead, Cena kicked out after a rumbling Batista Bomb, and The Animal also escaped in the wake of an emphatic Attitude Adjustment. Finally, though, Cena would clamp down upon Batista with a savage STFU, leaving The Animal no choice but to tap out.
In the end, Cena displayed the steely resolve of a warrior, vanquishing any self-doubt he harbored leading up to the match and returning to form as “The Champ” on The Grandest Stage of Them All.
Results: 619 means I’m better than you
March 28, 2010
PHOENIX - At WrestleMania, Rey Mysterio reigned supreme over CM Punk, defending his family’s honor while saving himself from a forced induction into The Straight Edge Society. Match Photos
Mysterio’s intense battle for freedom with The Second City Saint raged fast and furious on The Grandest Stage of Them All. From the opening bell, both Luke Gallows and Serena made their presence felt, interfering whenever possible in their savior’s favor. But, despite Punk’s ruthless attack and the actions of his loyal cronies, Mysterio would not give in. And his heart-filled refusal to be beaten would not go unrewarded. When The Straight Edge Society tried to prevent the masked Superstar from dialing-up the 619, Mysterio went to work, countering Punk’s GTS and sending him flying into the interfering Gallows. Then, before the capacity crowd, Mysterio rang-up 619 on his second attempt and successfully defeated his Straight Edge nemesis.
The volatile paths of The Master of the 619 and The Straight Edge Superstar collided with catastrophic fallout on The Road to WrestleMania. Punk, along with his faithful disciples Luke Gallows and Serena, assaulted Mysterio with brutal back-to-back attacks on SmackDown. Mysterio cost The Straight Edge Savior two huge opportunities, pinning him at WWE Elimination Chamber and costing him his WrestleMania Money in the Bank Qualifying Match against Shelton Benjamin.
Punk “crossed the line” when he and The Straight Edge Society ridiculed Mysterio and his family as they attempted to celebrate his daughter’s birthday on SmackDown. In the midst of his merciless verbal taunts, the calculating Punk issued a WrestleMania challenge to his emotionally-charged adversary.
One week later, Mysterio accepted Punk’s Show of Shows challenge with fury in his eyes. But, when Gallows triumphed over The Master of the 619 later that night, a stipulation was set in stone that The Ultimate Underdog must win at WrestleMania or take the Straight Edge pledge.
Rey Mysterio’s victory on The Grandest Stage of Them All has allowed him to stay clear of everything he detests. But considering the deplorable actions of CM Punk in recent weeks, has the masked Superstar seen the last of The Straight Edge Society?
Results: A Spear too late
March 28, 2010
PHOENIX – Veteran ring skills (55 titles combined). The will to win. Bitter anger.
World Heavyweight Champion Chris Jericho and Edge brought everything to their very personal war in front of more than 72,000 members of the WWE Universe inside the University of Phoenix Stadium. And finally – after weeks of hostile posturing – it was Jericho who reigned supreme and walked away with his World Title.
After the match, an enraged Ultimate Opportunist brutally Speared Jericho from atop the announce table and through the ringside barricade.
Clearly, we haven't seen the last of Edge's fight to regain the World Title.
Once close allies, these former tag team partners hit a major crossroads last July when Edge suffered a potentially career-ending Achilles injury.
But in January at Royal Rumble, The Ultimate Opportunist shocked the entire WWE Universe by returning to WWE to win the Royal Rumble Match.
Not to be outdone – a month later inside the Elimination Chamber – Jericho pulled off a stunning win over The Undertaker, thanks to some help from Shawn Michaels.
With both Superstars full of momentum, the WWE Universe knew it would witness a stellar battle at WrestleMania. Neither Superstar disappointed.
However, now that Edge could not win Jericho's title, how can he possibly live with himself? If there was bitter anger before, things are sure to get downright ugly now.
Tune in to SmackDown this Friday at 8/7 CT to find out if these massive egos can possibly co-exist on the same roster.
