David Otunga is the only guy out of the thirty or so to get an entrance for the match. This is kind of funny since they guys are all midcarders at best. Hunico eliminates DiBiase during the match but DiBiase eliminates Hunico to get some level of revenge. The final four men are Ezekial Jackson, Santino Marella, Drew McIntyre and David Otunga. Drew is eliminated by Marella after playing to the crowd. Jackson has Marella set up for a power slam but Marella breaks free and Jackson is sent over the top to the floor. Otunga stops Marella with a clothesline and the crowd is heavily behind Marella. Marella fights back with several strikes but misses a diving head butt. Otunga hits a neck breaker and taunts the crowd. Marella counters a hip toss and tosses Otunga over the top to the floor to win the match!

Your Winner: Santino Marella

After the match, Santino Marella celebrates his victory by doing snow angels in the ring. Marella will be going to the Elimination Chamber to possibly win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship this Sunday!

As Clay dances, Riley is dancing a little bit in the background. Riley decides to dance a little bit to try and be friends with Clay. Well, that doesn’t work as Clay tosses Riley over with a suplex, splash in the corner and hits a leaping cross body for the quick win.

Your Winner: Brodus Clay via pin fall

Cody Rhodes was first out at :09, via Randy Orton. I don’t think anyone would’ve guessed that. Johnny Curtis followed :25 in, as Drew McIntyre tossed him. John Morrison tried to pull Jack Swagger out with an assist from Yoshi Tatsu. David Otunga held on after Santino Marella tried to get rid of him. JTG was out at 1:26 thanks to Wade Barrett. Michael McGillicutty out at 1:40 via Kofi Kingston. Derrick Bateman out at 1:50 via Titus O’Neil. Swagger eliminated O’Neil at 2:00. Tatsu out a second or two after that, I believe by Curt Hawkins. Striker out at 2:30 by his NXT broadcast partner William Regal. Booker thought Striker could’ve lasted longer, to which Cole said, “Booker, you’re an idiot.” Primo landed on the apron as Justin Gabriel tried to get rid of him. Many wrestlers ended up on the apron as they went to break at 3:16.

Back just after 6:00 in, as Mathews said they were down to 32 superstars. Regal out via his mentor Daniel Bryan at 6:50. Percy Watson out at 7:11 by a slew of people, John Morrison at 7:22 by Ziggler and Swagger, and Dolph Ziggler at 7:24 by Zack Ryder. That would be a big deal if anyone mentioned that. Trent Barreta out at 8:09 by Awesome Truth, then one of the Usos at 8:24, thanks to Miz. CM Punk and Randy Orton were both teetering on the top rope as they battled. Ted DiBiase out at 8:56 as Zeke Jackson tossed him. Tyson Kidd out at 9:06 by the Miz. Another break at 9:39.

Back at 13:36 with Christian in trouble by Ryder. Daniel Bryan out at 13:46. Gabriel kicked McIntyre in the head to work his way back in. Mason Ryan tossed Tyler Reks at 14:43, then Curt Hawkins at 14:45. McIntyre back-dropped out by Ryan at 15:03. Ryan pressed Gabriel over his head at 15:14 and tossed him to the floor. Barrett came from behind Ryan and pushed him out at 15:20. Primo held on but Ryder kicked him out at 15:45. Santino attempted the Cobra, but Christian punched him in the face to send him to the showers at 16:06. Alex Riley out via Miz at 16:21. Zack Ryder and Jinder Mahal went at it as Kofi tried to grab Swagger and eliminate him. Instead, Swagger got Kofi in the ankle-lock at pushed him out at 17:21. Ryder out at 17:39. Otunga out via Sheamus at 17:51, then one of the Usos by Sheamus at 17:59. Sheamus clotheslined Jackson out at 18:08 after a failed Torture Rack. Brogue Kick to Heath Slater, who sold it like a champ at 18:20. Sheamus powerbombed evil Sin Cara on those who were eliminated at 18:35. After a brief face-off, Christian went out by the hand of Sheamus at 19:08. Down to eight Superstars. Punk went after Miz and Truth. Truth out at 19:27 by Punk, Punk at 19:30 by Miz. Barrett and Sheamus matched up in the near corner. Also remaining: Swagger, Mahal, Miz. Sheamus out via Christian at 20:07. Sheamus chased the already-eliminated Christian to the back. Barrett out at 20:29, then Swagger at 20:37 after an RKO by Orton. Mahal was out by Orton at 20:40, as Orton thought he was the last one. But Miz popped back up and tried to toss Orton out. Orton held on. Orton went all Vintage Orton here. Skull-Crushing Finale avoided, but neither man would fold. They ended up on the apron, hammering away on one other. Orton hit the RKO on Miz on the apron, and both men fell to the floor. The announcers played up that they weren’t sure who won. Eventually, it was decided (and confirmed on replay) that Orton won.

WINNER: Orton, at 22:37. Fine battle royal, and I don’t mind having lower-card guys involved to get some rare air-time. WWE has been close to overdoing battle royals lately, though.

He introduces himself to the individuals in the audience who might not know him. He also says that before he gets started in Smackdown he has some unfinished business against CM Punk at Extreme Rules this Sunday. Drew McIntyre’s music plays and “The Chosen One” comes out to interrupt “The Viper” in his new Raw colors. He says it’s a shame that they won’t be able to have McIntyre against Orton since they’re still on opposing shows. Then McIntyre says he’s just out there to say hello and good-bye, going in for the Future Shock DDT. Orton counters, however, and drops him in an RKO. Orton picks up the microphone to speak again, but is interrupted once more by Alex Riley, now wearing the Smackdown colors. Riley gets in the ring, but Orton immediately RKO’s him, not even giving him time to say a word. Orton once again picks up his microphone, only to be interrupted this time by Alberto Del Rio and his cronies, Brodus Clay and Ricardo Rodriguez. Del Rio gives his usual introduction, before telling the audience that he is sorry for them because they are losing him and will be losing the title after he wins it on Sunday. Del Rio and his henchmen get into fighting stance opposite of Orton and Christian rushes out to help “The Viper.” Before anything happens, General Manager Teddy Long comes out and tells them all that he is still in charge. So he sets up a tag team match for the main event, Del Rio and Clay against Orton and Christian. Long leaves and Del Rio delivers his wink at Orton, only to be chased out of the ring moments later. Christian drop kicks Clay off of the side of the ring and then the heels retreat up the ramp with Christian and Orton staring them down as they leave.

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KOFI KINGSTON VS. THE MIZ WITH ALEX RILEY

They lock up and Miz with a waist lock but Kofi with a standing switch. Miz with a wrist lock into a side head lock. Miz with a shoulder tackle but Kofi with an arm drag into an arm bar. Kofi works on the arm and puts Miz in a hammer lock. Miz with an elbow but Kofi with a series of cross bodies for near falls. Kofi with an arm bar on Miz and he returns to the hammer lock. Miz backs Kofi into the corner and Miz with punches while the referee separates them. The referee warns Miz. Kofi with punches and kicks followed by an Irish whip. Kofi leaps into the corner but Miz moves out of the way. Miz kicks Kofi in the back of the leg and Kofi lands on the mat.

We are back and Miz kicks Kofi and then he suplexes the Intercontinental Champion and gets a near fall. Miz stretches Kofi but Kofi gets to his feet Miz sends Kofi back to his knees and Miz puts his knee in Kofi’s back. Kofi counters with a back slide and gets a near fall. Kofi with kicks to Miz but Miz kicks back and he punches Kofi. Kofi with kicks and punches. Kofi tries for the SOS but Miz gets away from Kofi and tries to send Kofi into the corner but Kofi slides into the corner and then he connects with a forearm to Miz.

Kofi with a rana that sends Miz into the turnbuckles. Kofi follows that with a drop kick and he gets a near fall. Miz runs Kofi into the corner and then he charges into the corner but Kofi moves and hits the pendulum kick. Kofi with a high cross body from the top turnbuckle and he gets a near fall. Miz with the Reality Check for a near fall. Kofi kicks Miz in the head and then into the leg. Miz tries to throw Kofi out of the ring, but Kofi holds on to the ropes and then he hits the Superman punch.

Kofi with the Boom Drop on Miz and he sets for Trouble in Paradise. Alberto Del Rio makes his way to the ring and Kofi does not realize that Del Rio is about fifty feet away while Miz is only a few feet away and in the ring. The distraction allows Miz to get a near fall with a rollup but Kofi rolls through and gets a near fall of his own. Kofi punches Miz. Del Rio snaps Kofi a few times with his scarf while Riley distracts the referee. Miz hits the Skull Crushing Finale for the three count.

WINNER: The Miz with an assist from Alberto Del Rio.

« WWE Digitals ∙ Screen Captures »

Back from the break, we see Miz making his way out to the ring. Miz takes the mic and talks trash on Randy Orton. Then Dolph Ziggler makes his way to the ring alongside Vickie Guerrero.
Next up is Randy Orton, followed by Edge. Both get a huge pop from the crowd.

CHAMPIONS AND CHALLENGERS MATCH -
DOLPH ZIGGLER & THE MIZ VS RANDY ORTON & EDGE

The match begins with Orton and Ziggler. The two grapple in the middle of the ring. Dolph takes the early lead with a few shots to the body and head of Orton. Orton replies with several punches and kicks in the corner. Orton then runs after the Miz outside the ring and into the rings but Dolph lands a kick to the head of Orton. He throws Orton into an Irish whip off the ropes but Orton jumps onto Dolph and lands several punches to the skull of Ziggler. Orton tags in Edge and Edge takes a flying leap off the top ropes onto Ziggler. Edge throws Ziggler off the ropes and he replies with a facebuster onto Edge. Ziggler then tags in The Miz. The Miz is in control until Edge sneaks off and gets a tag to Orton who desperately wants The Miz.

Back from the break, we watch the highlights from the match during the break. The Miz is in control of the match. He has Orton on the ground and is landing several left hands on the skull of Orton. He gets Orton into a full nelson choke as Orton attempts to break out of the hold. Orton attempts a reverse but The Miz responds with a back breaker moveset. The Miz goes for the cover and gets a two count. The Miz takes a run at Orton in the corner but Orton respends with a clothesline. The Miz and Orton tag out as Edge and Ziggler run into the ring. Edge takes the lead with a facebuster on Ziggler. Edge leaps over and punches The Miz off the ring apron. Alex Riley attempts to get involved but Edge hits him off the ring apron. The Miz breaks up a pin attempt as Orton comes into the ring and clotheslines The Miz out of the ring. Ziggler goes for the Zig Zag on Edge but Edge gets out of it and hits Ziggler with a Spear. Edge pins Ziggler for the victory!

WINNER: Edge & Randy Orton

Vickie Guerrero gets on the mic and tells everyone that the Spear is now banned and that if Edge uses the Spear then he is disqualified and gives up the title. Edge then Spears Dolph Ziggler, right in front of Vickie Guerrero. The crowd loves the Spear, as the announcers talk about how Edge cannot use the Spear at Royal Rumble.

« WWE Digitals ∙ Screen Captures »

Match Number One: Randy Orton versus Miz with Alex Riley

They lock up and Orton backs Miz into the corner but Miz and Orton go around the ring until Orton breaks thanks to help from the referee. Miz with a punch to Orton and Orton with that glare and Miz goes to the floor. Miz and Orton go around the ring and Orton with a Thesz Press and punches. Orton kicks Miz and Miz goes to the floor. Orton sends Miz into the barrier and then hits a clothesline. Orton sees Riley approaching and Riley backs off because he doesn’t want to get involved yet. Orton with a European uppercut and they return to the ring.

Orton has Miz in the ropes and connects with a forearm. Orton stomps on the chest as Miz is on the apron. Orton slingshots Miz’s throat into the rope and gets a near fall. Orton with a few European uppercuts on Miz and Miz goes to the apron again. Miz drops Orton on the top rope as Miz goes to the floor.

Miz with a running boot to the head and he gets a near fall on Orton. Miz with knees to Orton’s back. Orton punches Miz but Miz with a knee to the midsection and the referee checks on Orton. Miz with elbows to the neck and then he connects with a forearm across the chest. Miz with a suplex and gets a near fall. Orton with punches to Miz but Miz with kicks. Orton with the vintage Viper back breaker. Orton with clotheslines to Miz followed by a power slam.

Miz rolls to the apron again and Orton with a kick to the chest and then he sets for the IEDDT but Miz gets into the ring and Miz sends Orton to the apron. Orton punches Miz and while the referee is with Miz, Riley trips Orton and Orton hits the ring steps. Miz Irish whips Orton into the ring steps and we go to commercial.

We are back and Miz has Orton in a reverse chin lock but Orton with a sleeper. Miz with a sleeper of his own but Orton with a belly-to-back suplex and both men are down. We see footage during the commercial when Miz connected with a knee lift on the floor. Back to live action and Miz punches and kicks Orton while the referee warns him. We also see a boot by Miz. Miz goes up top but Orton with a glancing uppercut and Miz gets crotched. Orton with uppercuts and then he goes for a superplex and hits it but he can only get a near fall. Orton punches Miz but Miz punches back. Orton with kicks and punches but Miz is standing toe to toe with Miz. Orton takes over and kicks Miz in the corner. The referee warns Orton and when Miz gets up, Orton with an Olympic Slam for a near fall.

Miz with a kick to Orton and he hits a neck breaker and swinging neck breaker combination for a near fall. Miz misses a running boot and Orton with a drop kick for a near fall. Orton sets for a power bomb and Riley gets on the apron to distract Orton and Miz with a back body drop. Miz sets for and hits the Awesome Clothesline. Miz with a kick to Orton and hits a DDT for a near fall. Miz tries for the Skull Crushing Finale but Orton escapes. Miz avoids the RKO with a backslide and gets a near fall. Orton with an uppercut and then he hits the IEDDT.

Orton with push ups and that means that it is almost time for the RKO. Orton hits Riley on the apron and then he hits the RKO on Miz. Riley interferes and the referee calls for the bell.

Winner: Randy Orton by disqualification

After the match, Riley gets sent over the top rope to the floor. Orton sees Miz on his hands and knees and he thinks about a field goal, but he approaches Miz and then lines up the kick. Cole begs for Miz to move and Riley enters the ring and gets an RKO. Miz crawls to the back while Cole stops hyperventilating.

« WWE Digitals ∙ Screen Captures »

WWE champion THE MIZ (w/ Alex Riley) vs. REY MYSTERIO — non-title match

Nice feeling-out process to start, then Rey clobbered Miz in the corner with a cannonball splash. Miz wanted a top rope moonsault, but Miz crotched him and began working on the left leg/ankle. Riley landed a cheap shot on Rey behind the ref’s back as Cole reset the events tonight with a four-way (or three-way) World Title match booked for TLC in Houston. On the Raw side, Cole noted Miz has an opportunity to validate his “advantageous” WWE Title victory via Money in the Bank cash-in with a victory over Orton at the PPV. That was a good point brought up by a caller on the Livecast today, which WWE really could have reinforced on Raw leading to the PPV. Before cutting to break, Mysterio took out Riley on the outside with a running sentaun from the ring apron.

Back from break, WWE had a very shaky hard camera as Miz and Rey traded control center-ring with the crowd hot for the exchange. Miz landed a turnaround cross-body splash off the ropes, which was good for a two count. Miz then cut off Rey yet again by ramming him into the turnbuckles. Miz wanted a top-rope move, but Rey cut him off. Back and forth action here.
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In the ring, Team Raw opposed Team Smackdown on opposite sides. It was weird to cut to the shot of all14 of them already in the ring. Teddy Long was in the ring with the Bragging Rights trophy and a microphone, detailing the match scheduled for Sunday. Long said that for the first time ever, he’s going to allow the wrestlers to make the matches tonight on Smackdown. Who made Orton vs. Kane then? He allowed The Miz to get the mic first and he predictably trash-talked Team Smackdown. He said he has already proved his superiority over Big Show, so tonight, he’ll be in six-man tag action, teaming with Ezekiel Jackson and Sheamus. Show had a mic and said Miz is hiding behind big men, just like he hid behind him when they were a tag team. Show asked Miz if he still wet the bed. Show countered with Kofi Kingston and Rey Mysterio as teammates to oppose the three-man Raw team.

Edge was next, and he said he wanted a one-on-one match. He called out the most sanctimonious superstar on either brand: C.M. Punk. John Morrison challenged someone who thought he was better than everyone, and who thinks he’s too good to be here. That would be Alberto Del Rio. Jack Swagger said it doesn’t leave a whole lot for him, so he’s choosing the Raw superstar whose finishing move is worse than the Sharpshooter (cheap heat). He challenged Santino Marella. Long seemed to sign off on all the matches, and wanted to start the show with the six-man match.

THE BIG SHOW & REY MYSTERIO & KOFI KINGSTON vs. THE MIZ & SHEAMUS & EZEKIEL JACKSON

This kind of takes the luster off of the seven-man match this Sunday, especially seeing some of these guys interact for the first time. Case in point, Sheamus started things off with Mysterio. Sheamus’ power got the best of Rey’s speed, at least early on. Mysterio tagged Kingston, who landed a springboard cross-body for a two-count. He kicked away at Sheamus, but Sheamus put him down soon after. Kingston low-bridged Sheamus, and Mysterio dropped a seated senton on him. They went to break about 2:30 into the match, with Sheamus still recovering on the outside.

Jackson was in there with Sheamus out of break, and Striker tried to talk about Jackson’s character. The Raw team isolated Kingston and made frequent tags to keep him from bringing a fresh man in. Kingston got close a couple times, and finally kicked Miz off to make the tag to Big Show. The match broke down with all six men getting involved not long after. Miz came off the top rope and right into a chokeslam. Rey climbed on Show’s shoulders and splashed Miz for the win.

WINNER: Team Smackdown, at 8:38.

EDGE vs. CM PUNK

Punk had Edge in a body-scissors upon return. Punk went flying, but Edge caught his springboard attempt and turned it into a bodyslam. Both men were down. They traded punches in the middle of the ring, broken up by a few kicks from Punk. He missed a head-shot and the two exchanged counters until Edge came out on top. Suplex attempt, but Punk pushed him away and got him up for a GTS. Edge-O-Match by Edge, but Punk kicked out literally, with a kick to Edge’s head. Grisham called Edge a “future Hall-of-Famer.” That’s probably true. Both men appeared frustrated that they couldn’t get the upper-hand to this point. Running knee in the corner by Punk, but Edge turned the bulldog into an Edgecution DDT for two. Edge climbed to the top turnbuckle, but Punk crotched him. He went up and tried to suplex Edge down, but Punk sent him to the mat. He climbed off the top and set up for the spear. Before he could hit it, The Miz and his flunkey, Alex Riley, came to the ring and pulled Edge out of it. They attacked him on the outside for the DQ.

WINNER: Edge, via DQ, at 13:16.

Kofi came out to attack and threw Riley out of the ring, but Miz gave him the Skull Crushing Finale. Each member of the two teams came out one-by-one and hit one of their pet moves on an opponent, until another person came out from the opposite team and took them out. Mysterio was the last one out, hitting the 619 on Sheamus until Punk came back and attacked him. Edge speared Punk, leaving Smackdown again with the upper-hand. The Smackdown team closed the segment with all of their arms raised in the ring.

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