Locked in the cage with a wild Animal
GREEN BAY, Wisc. -- Inside the forbidding walls of a steel cage, Rey Mysterio finally became the definitive No. 1 contender to the World Heavyweight Championship as the WWE Universe began to brace themselves for the upcoming Royal Rumble. (Full Royal Rumble coverage)
Rey Mysterio def. Batista (Steel Cage Match) (PHOTOS | WATCH)
World Heavyweight Champion Undertaker appeared before the WWE Universe, issuing a haunting warning to his two potential challengers that he would defeat whoever proved victorious inside the steel cage. The Demon of Death Valley then informed Unified Tag Team Champion Shawn Michaels that he would personally answer his challenge for a WrestleMania rematch on Monday Night Raw. (Photos | Watch) (Full Monday Night Raw coverage)
In the highly anticipated main event, Batista looked to be on his way to overcoming his former comrade-in-arms. But as he attempted to drop the Batista Bomb, Mysterio turned the tables, using his adversary's height and a stunning kick to his opponent to climb the steel cage to ultimate triumph. When The Animal rushed to the door to try and reach the ground first, the masked Superstar slammed it in his face, putting an exclamation point on his towering victory.
Mysterio's success wins him the right the face The Deadman for the World Title in just more than two weeks at the Royal Rumble. (Match preview)
Chris Jericho def. John Morrison (PHOTOS | WATCH)
After being knocked out in one punch by the legendary fist of "Iron Mike" Tyson on Monday Night Raw, Chris Jericho returned to Friday nights with a huge bruise on his face. He vowed to defeat all 29 other Superstars to win the Royal Rumble Match and then go on to WrestleMania XXVI to become a six-time World Champion.
With Intercontinental Champion Drew McIntyre coming down to ringside after the action had already begun, the self-proclaimed "best in the world at what he does" proved victorious over The Friday Night Delight. Morrison allowed "The Chosen One's" presence to momentarily divert his attention from the match, paving the way for Jericho to finish The Guru of Greatness off with a surprise Code Breaker. After the bell, MyIntyre added insult to injury, stepping on the fallen Morrison's face.
CM Punk & Luke Gallows def. The Great Khali & Matt Hardy, Cryme Tyme and The Hart Dynasty (Fatal Four Way Tag Team Match) (PHOTOS | WATCH)
For the second week in a row, The Second City Saint converted a member of the WWE Universe to the Straightedge Society, shaving his new recruit's head as a symbol of his transformation from his "past transgressions" into a new way of life. In the process, Punk pledged that he would continue his Straightedge quest by winning the Royal Rumble Match as the first step toward the salvation of society. (PHOTOS | WATCH)
CM Punk & Luke Gallows went on to triumph over three other tag teams, winning the right to face Unified Tag Team Champions D-Generation X for the titles. Though JTG went for the pin on The Straightedge Superstar, he hadn't noticed that Punk's "Detoxified Disciple" had tagged himself in. Gallows made short work of the unsuspecting Superstar, hitting him with the Gallows Pole for the monumental victory.
Mickie James def. Beth Phoenix by disqualification (PHOTOS | WATCH)
The quickly growing animosity between the highly-charged Mickie James and The Glamazon fueled the fire for their explosive battle. But, when Mickie got trapped upside down in the turnbuckle, The Fabulous Firebird refused to back off, drawing the disqualification.
After the bell, Women's Champion Michelle McCool and Layla emerged. Rather than engage them, Beth opted to leave her venerable opponent to the wolves and make her exit. Lay-Cool proceeded to punish "Piggie James," an assault that culminated with an earth-shattering Faithbreaker.
Kane def. Dolph Ziggler (PHOTOS | WATCH)
Despite Dolph Ziggler's success in defeating Kane by count-out one week ago - and their hard-fought Beat the Clock Challenge Match the week before that - the third time was not a charm for the confident Superstar. After numerous attempts to ride the sleeper hold to victory, Ziggler fell at the hands of The Big Red Monster's mighty chokeslam.
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