The 2006 Royal Rumble kicks off with a pop as the Rabid Wolverine Chris Benoit makes his way out to the ring. To be here Benoit had to account for two of Raw's brightest young stars in Shelton Benjamin and CM Punk, and he's just one victory away from entering the Royal Rumble at #30.
The cheers turn to boos as Raw's Edge comes out to the ring accompanied by Lita, having scored cheap victories over The Boogeyman and Kurt Angle in his two qualifying matches. Can Mr. Money in the Bank upset Benoit to claim spot #30 in the Royal Rumble?
MATCH ONE -
Edge vs. Chris Benoit for Position #30 in the Royal Rumble
Before the match gets underway the commentary pairing of Tazz and Joey Styles inform the viewers at home that, regardless of the outcome, both of these men will feature in the Royal Rumble match. Things get underway with a fierce tie up, and Benoit wins the initial test of strength - throwing Edge to the mat. The 'Rated R Superstar' rolls to the outside where Lita checks on him, and this brings Benoit out with a stiff baseball slide to Edge. As Benoit pursues a fleeing Edge, Lita throws herself in the way, slapping Benoit. The Canadian Crippler grabs both of Lita's hands and, as she struggles, Edge attacks Benoit from behind to gain the upper hand.
Edge enjoys a few minutes of dominance, throwing Benoit around the outside before Benoit is able to reverse a whip that sends Edge into the security barrier. The referee, reluctant to announce a draw in such a crucial match, allows Benoit to suplex Edge onto the mat before finally urging the two back into the ring. It's now Benoit's time to shine, with the Smackdown superstar wearing Edge down with a series of painful holds. Once again it is up to Lita to save her man, the jezzabell getting up on the apron and distracting the referee. Benoit takes offence and sends her to the floor with a running elbow, but this allows Edge to hit a Spear on the rebounding Benoit! Cover! 1-2-NO! Benoit gets an arm up and Edge can't believe it! He stomps on Benoit some more before hitting a reverse DDT. He's in the corner now, waiting for Benoit to stand so he can deliver the Spear again. Benoit staggers to his feet, Edge charges, and Benoit uses Edge's momentum against him to lock him in the Crippler Crossface! Edge is locked in Benoit's signature submission hold! Edge is struggling against Benoit, and he's able to get a hand to the ropes to break the maneuvre.
The match continues in this fashion, with Benoit doggedly pursuing Edge despite continued interference from his wife, Lita. The end comes with both men down following a superplex from Benoit. Chris Benoit staggers to his feet first, but once again Lita is on hand to object - keeping the referee occupied. Edge has the briefcase in his hands and charges at Benoit! Not this way! No! Benoit once again wrestles Edge into the Crossface and it's as good as over! The briefcase skids to the outside, where Lita picks it up and watches on in despair. Benoit's got Edge locked in the hold in the centre of the ring and it doesn't look good! Lita's up on the apron once again and seeing that the referee won't listen to her objections - she slaps him! The referee is preparing to go for the bell when she drops him throat first onto the ropes! He's out! Edge is tapping but the referee is out! Benoit looks furious as he releases the hold and goes outside after Lita. The crowd cheer as he sets her up near the announce table for a suplex that will undoubtely put her through it. Edge is to the outside and he's got that briefcase! He cracks Benoit across the head with it - saving his wife. A dazed Benoit is dragged back into the ring where he is set up for the Spear. A new referee runs down in time to see Edge delivering his finisher. 1-2-3! Edge steals place #30 in the Royal Rumble thanks to plenty of work from Lita!
WINNER: Edge by pinfall after 9:17
The Rated R Superstar celebrates with Lita as they make a quick retreat up the ramp, whilst a livid Chris Benoit stares up the ramp with hatred in his eyes.
Backstage we find Shelton Benjamin, who was given position #1 in the Royal Rumble by Eric Bischoff after defeating Tajiri a few weeks ago on Raw. He cuts a short and to the point promo about his heroes, Chris Benoit and Shawn Michaels, and how he intends to follow in their footsteps by going coast to coast in this year's Royal Rumble.
Next out is Juventud, the popular Cruiserweight Champion who has lately come into conflict with former Raw superstar, Gregory Helms. The feud came to a head on Friday's edition of Smackdown when Helms assaulted Juventud during a title defence against Simon Dean. Psicosis and Super Crazy are nowhere to be seen, doubtless because they're preparing for their tag title match.
Gregory Helms comes out to modest heel heat and both competitors stare up at the strap hanging above the ring.
MATCH TWO -
Juventud (c) vs. Gregory Helms for the Cruiserweight Title
Things start off with Helms offering a handshake and then, predictably, pulling his hand away and using it to slick back his hair. Juventud responds with a sit out dropkick that sends Helms flying back into the ropes. Looks like we're underway here! Juventud has it all in his favour early on, having caught Helms unaware with the dropkick, he proceeds to whip him and bring him back down with a hurricanrana. He's quick to go outside to grab a ladder, but Helms is back on his feet and sends Juvi to the floor with a suicide dive through the ropes. The two brawl on the mat momentarily, with Helms coming out on top and setting Juvi up for a fisherman's suplex...ONTO THE STAIRS! Helms must surely have damaged Juventud's back with that offensive move!
Helms grabs the ladder and slides it into the ring, but somehow the champion is staggering to his feet. Helms is beginning to climb the ladder as Juventud rushes up behind him, sticks his head in between his legs, and drops him backwards into the ring! The fans go crazy as Juventud is the first to his feet and begins to climb the ladder. Helms, already to his feet, knocks the ladder over and sends The Juice throat first onto the ropes. He then lays him out with the Nightmare on Helms Street and once again begins to climb the ladder. He's almost to the top when Juventud once again gets to his feet, races up the ladder, and begins to throw rights. The two teeter momentarily, brawling, before Juvi is able to send Helms crashing to the mat! Rather than going for the prize the Mexican superstar stands atop the ladder and delivers an insane frog splash! The crowd goes absolutely nuts!
Both men are, of course, left wounded by the offensive maneuvre and lie motionless for a few moments. Juvi is first to his feet and to the crowd's delight, begins to go up the ladder. Helms isn't far behind and, though bleeding, follows Juvi. They brawl once again, and this time it's Helms who comes out on top. He's....no....he couldn't be! He's setting Juventud up for the Vertabreaker on the middle of the ladder. HE HITS IT! Juventud was near killed with the Vertabreaker! Helms climbs up the ladder and grabs the title and Juvi still hasn't moved!
WINNER AND NEW CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPION: Gregory Helms after 8:02
More to come... (Check back for updates, as I'll edit this post)
