The World Heavyweight Champion Chris Jericho vs. Edge

There was a time when Chris Jericho and Edge were close buds, inseparable tag team champions even. But that was before The Rated-R Superstar made the “mistake” of suffering a torn Achilles tendon last summer and spending seven months recuperating from surgery.

Rather than stand by his pal, Jericho turned on Edge before the last of his sutures were even out. The arrogant Superstar claimed that he, not his former partner, was responsible for all the successes they enjoyed. As one might imagine, The Rated-R Superstar seethed from his hospital bed and longed to pay back his fair-weather fiend.

Now, the wait is over. Edge will get his chance on The Grandest Stage of Them All when he challenges Jericho for the World Heavyweight Championship a tWrestleMania.

For The Ultimate Opportunist, The Road to WrestleMania was paved last month at the Royal Rumble when he emerged as a surprise entrant and shocked the WWE Universe by outlasting 29 opponents after a painful rehabilitation. As a result of the win, he was able to choose for which World Championship he would compete.

For Edge’s opponent, however, the path would prove more twisting. The self-important Superstar collided inside the Elimination Chamber with five others, including then-World Heavyweight Champ TheUndertaker. Just as it appeared The Deadman would block Jericho’s path to Phoenix, Shawn Michaels arrived to pay the toll, superkicking The Phenom, which allowed Jericho to win the title and a guaranteed match at WrestleMania.

The WWE Champion Batista vs. John Cena

For a brief moment at WWE Elimination Chamber, John Cena was the WWE Champion and as far as he was concerned, order was restored to the WWE Universe, but that was all ripped away from him when Mr. McMahon granted Batista a post-Chamber title match against the battle-worn Champ.

On Raw, in a match pitting Cena against Batista to decide which former champion - Cena or Sheamus - would challenge The Animal at WrestleMania, Cena thought that his fate was in his hands. Batista proved otherwise as he made the choice himself, purposely getting himself disqualified, awarding Cena the WWE Championship confrontation at WrestleMania – as well as a vicious post-match beating with a steel chair.

It’s no surprise the tension is as thick as it is between these two considering what has transpired in recent weeks, both seemingly taking opposite sides in the war waging between Mr. McMahon and WWE Hall of FamerBret Hart. The first shot fired could even be considered the most brutal. Weeks ago, when Raw went off the air, Batista crushed Cena with a vicious Batista Bomb onto the steel ring steps. Only now, it would seem, is The Animal’s motive for the unprovoked assault clear: A main event confrontation at WrestleMania.

Even before these incidents began to transpire, these men were no strangers to each other, though the circumstances were much different. At SummerSlam2008, these men clashed,  with a much different Animal victorious against Cena, who was injured in battle. But then, there was mutual respect between the two – now it’s just blind hatred.

What will come of this colossal rematch on The Grandest Stage of Them All? Will Cena extract revenge while recapturing the WWE Championship? Or will The Animal tear into the former champion as he proclaims his dominance across the WWE landscape? The only way to find out will be by watching WrestleMania XXVI as it emanates from Phoenix, Ariz., on March 28, live on pay-per-view.

The Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels

At WrestleMania, The Undertaker will put his 17-0 undefeated streak on the line against Shawn Michaels’ storybook career, in a rematch so highly anticipated and potentially explosive that it could only occur on The Grandest Stage of Them All.

The showdown between The Demon of Death Valley and HBK at the 25th Anniversary of WrestleMania one year ago had seemed like destiny. The Phenom – never bested in the history of WWE’s greatest pay-per-view – would finally clash with Mr. WrestleMania himself. Although The Deadman ultimately reigned supreme over Michaels in a match many consider as one of the greatest of all time, the epic battle only fueled their mutual legend as well as the WWE Universe’s insatiable thirst for a return confrontation. 

The Bret Hart vs. Mr. McMahon

The two  men, one ring and more than 12 years of bad blood. It all adds up to one of the most anticipated grudge matches in WWE history

The hemorrhaging of animosity between these two began on Nov. 9, 1997. It was then, at Survivor Series in Montreal, that the then-WWE Champion Hart facedShawn Michaels as The Chairman looked on at ringside. With the bout underway, HBK locked the “Hit Man” into Hart’s signature submission hold, The Sharpshooter. While Hart never submitted, the referee nonetheless ordered the bell to be rung and the title awarded to Michaels, all of which had been orchestrated by Mr. McMahon.

The “Montreal Screwjob,” as it has henceforth been known, left Hart filled with rage, especially toward The Chairman. For his part, however, Mr. McMahon has made no apologies, almost seeming to revel in his duplicity.

The situation remained at a stalemate until Jan. 4, when Hart agreed to act as special guest host of Raw in hopes of gaining “closure.” It was during the historic broadcast that the WWE Hall of Famer managed to make peace with Michaels. It was also when Mr. McMahon’s treachery continued. After praising his longtime nemesis, The Chairman betrayed Hart, kicking him and leaving him writhing on the canvas. In subsequent weeks, Mr. McMahon would berate and, with help from Batista, actually spit in the face of Hart

The Money in the Bank Ladder Match at Wrestlemania

The opportunity to compete for a World Championship is so significant to the Superstars of WWE that every year eight of the most fearless and talented competitors risk it all for this very goal in a Money in the Bank Ladder Match.

First contested at WrestleMania 21 in 2005, this dangerous, but rewarding contest pits eight Superstars against one another in a battle to climb a ladder and snatch a briefcase hanging precariously above the ring. Inside the case is a contract giving the winner an opportunity to face a World Champion at a time of their choosing throughout a 12-month period.

This unique ability to "cash in" a championship opportunity at any moment has given Money in the Bank winners a serious advantage over their opponents on many occasions. Edge, the first-ever "Mr. Money in the Bank," cashed in his contract at New Year's Revolution2006, defeating WWE Champion John Cenaimmediately after the 12 Rounds star had just successfully defended his title in an Elimination Chamber Match. At Extreme Rules in 2009, CM Punkelected to face Jeff Hardy moments after The Charismatic Enigma defeated Edge for the World Heavyweight Championship in a grueling Tables, Ladders and Chairs Match.

Every Superstar who has cashed in a Money in the Bank contract has gone on to win a World Championship, including CM Punk, who won the contest at WrestleMania in 2008 and 2009. This amazing percentage for victory has proven that the risks of this perilous match are certainly worth the reward.

The Unified Tag Team Champions Big Show and Miz vs. John Morrison and R-Truth

the match  will put the immovable and the awesome against the fast and the furious, John Morrison & R-Truth will challenge Unified Tag Team Champions Big Show& The Miz at WrestleMania.

Shortly after United States Champion The Miz joined forces with The World’s Largest Athlete, the impressive duo overcame D-Generation X to capture the illustrious Tag Team Titles. Retaining the championships in hard-fought defenses against both Michaels & Triple H andMark Henry & MVP on Money Night Raw, the dominant mixture of power and resourcefulness turned its attention to Friday nights in search of new competition.

Knowing that he could seek tag team contenders on any WWE show he wished, outspoken Unified Tag Team Champ The Miz arrived on SmackDown to mark his territory. SmackDown General Manager Theodore Long’s response would be swift, resulting in a Triple Threat Tag Team Match the following week to see just who would face the “Awesome One” and his enormous partner at WrestleMania.

When the smoke cleared in the brutal tag team showdown one week later, the electric combination of Morrison & Truth stood triumphant; overcoming both Cryme Tyme and The Hart Dynasty to become No. 1 Contenders to Show-Miz’s much sought-after throne. The collective high-octane force of two of WWE’s most explosively dynamic Superstars will serve as a tremendous threat to the reigning champions. 

Gail Kim vs. Maryse (Divas Championship Match)

Nature abhors a vacuum and, apparently, so do WWE Divas. When former Divas Champion Melina injured herself and was unable to continue her reign, a bevy of the sexy, smart and powerful lovelies stepped forward to fill the void. Now, after several weeks of intense tournament matches, that group has narrowed to two, Gail Kim and Maryse, who will battle at WWE Elimination Chamber to determine the next Divas Champion.
As Gail and Maryse prepare for perhaps the most important match of their respective careers, they must shift focus from the gauntlet just completed to the challenge ahead. A victory for Gail would propel her into rarified air indeed as one of only four Divas ever to have held both the Women’s Championship and the Divas Championship. Were the conceited Canadian to prevail, the win would mean her second reign possessing the Butterfly Title.
How the match will play out is anyone’s guess, however, it should be noted that, as of late, Maryse has shown uncharacteristic sportsmanship toward her opponent. Whether her sentiments are genuine or simply a ploy to gain psychological advantage remains to be seen. Stay tuned.

One-Man Dynasty Indeed?

ORLANDO, Fla. – Before some 70,000 stunned fans who were convinced that either John Cena or Triple H would walk away with the gold, Randy Orton proved tonight that reports of his demise as WWE Champion at WrestleMania XXIV were premature.
A wave of boos and a spattering of middle fingers greeted Orton as he held the WWE Title high for everyone in the Citrus Bowl and millions of pay-per-view watchers worldwide to see. “I told you so,” Orton seemed to be saying as he celebrated his victory. Many critics seemed to believe that it was a foregone conclusion that the Legend Killer’s five-month reign as WWE Champion would end at WrestleMania XXIV. And the arrogant Orton was keenly aware of this – and that’s why he reveled in his own special WrestleMania moment as a despondent Triple H and Cena looked on incredulously.

Seeds of a Dynasty

Ever since he won the WWE Championship, Randy Orton has been telling every and anyone who would listen that he is a “One-Man Dynasty.” Since October, he had shown he would do absolutely anything to keep the WWE Championship – no one, no relative was safe and nothing was over the line for Orton in his quest to keep the gold. The Legend Killer had emerged as a force atop the WWE mountain and turned back the challenges of elite contenders such as Shawn Michaels, Chris Jericho and Jeff Hardy.
But as sadistic and egotistical as the third-generation Superstar is, he is also a proud champion. Tonight was the first time he headlined WrestleMania as champion and he was determined to prove a point. He was also annoyed that so many fans and critics anointed Cena and The Game as the next WWE Champion at WrestleMania.
In the weeks leading up to WrestleMania XXIV, Orton even made it a point to stun his two opponents on separate occasions with sudden RKOs when he believed they had forgotten about him and were too focused on each other. Orton saw Cena and Triple H as two nuisances, gnats that were always flying around his title and would never let him bask in his greatness. By eliminating Triple H and Cena on The Grandest Stage of Them All, he believed he would prove once and for all that he is a “One-Man Dynasty.”

Three-Way Quest for Redemption

And tonight, Orton went a long way towards legitimizing his dynasty claims, but not without a fight from both Cena and Triple H. These three warriors are as different as anyone can be, but they share a common passion for the Holy Grail of sports-entertainment. And like Orton, Cena and The Game felt like they had something to prove.
Cena wanted to reclaim the title he never lost. Thanks to Orton, he was injured last October and had to relinquish the WWE Championship. Cena had to watch as the Legend Killer put a vise grip on the gold. Cena’s torn pectorial muscle was supposed to keep him out of WrestleMania, but he couldn’t sit on the sidelines and watch someone else hold his title. He decided to risk it all for an opportunity to reclaim the gold at WrestleMania XXIV.
Triple H’s odyssey to WrestleMania XXIV was full of twists, turns and potholes. Sure, he had headlined WrestleMania several times before, but this year was different. He saw WrestleMania XXIV as a chance at redemption. Last year, he missed WrestleMania due to injury. His 11th title reign was cut way too short by Orton, his former friend and Evolution teammate. And The Cerebral Assassin was haunted by Cena, a man he had never defeated. He still remembered tapping out to Cena’s STFU at WrestleMania 22. Cena also prevented The Game from winning this year’s Royal Rumble.
Triple H was proud that he overcame all sorts of obstacles, gauntlets and five opponents in the Elimination Chamber at No Way Out to make it back to The Grandest Stage of Them All. But he wasn’t going to feel complete unless he left the Triple Threat Match for the WWE Championship with the gold. Triple H lives to be WWE Champion. He wanted – needed – to show the world at WrestleMania XXIV that he truly was The King of Kings and back on top of his Game.

A Cerebral Legend Killer: 'I Told You So' 

Unfortunately for Cena and Triple H, their dreams of redemption at WrestleMania were just that – dreams. The Triple Threat Match was a war where the tide shifted several times between Cena, Orton and Triple H. Weeks of one-upmanship and mind games came to a physical head tonight as all three warriors showed they would do anything – and use any weapon – to win the gold.
However, in the end, brains turned out to be the deciding factor over brawn. Orton showed that he had indeed learned his lessons well from The Cerebral Assassin in their Evolution days. After watching The Game crush Cena with a Pedigree, Orton disposed of an unsuspecting Triple H with a punt to the skull and covered the vulnerable West Newbury, Mass. native for the stunning three-count.
So, The Champ is still here … but it’s not Cena. To the chagrin of Cena, Triple H, many of our fans and the locker room, Randy Orton is still the WWE Champion. And believe us, the self-proclaimed One-Man Dynasty loves to say, “I told you so.” There really will be no living with him now.

WWE Championship Elimination Chamber Match

With The Road to WrestleMania XXVI officially begun following the Royal Rumble, six of Raw’s top Superstars now know which path they are on – and that is one with a hellish pit stop known as the Elimination Chamber. (Read Elimination Chamber Match rules)
On Raw, WWE Champion Sheamus saw John Cena, Triple H, Randy Orton, Ted DiBiase and Kofi Kingston all win qualifying matches for the opportunity to walk out of the Chamber holding The Celtic Warrior’s title.
Considering not only one of the prestigious titles in wrestling history will be on the line but also the opportunity to defend it on The Grandest Stage of Them All, the carnage already promised by the unforgiving structure will surely be multiplied.
Now that the stakes have risen, there’s no telling what any Superstar will do to win the championship. Last year, Edge proved that fact as he brutally attacked Kofi Kingston prior to the Chamber match and ultimately claimed victory becoming the World Heavyweight Champion.
Not that stepping into the Chamber isn’t dangerous enough, the incumbent champion has even more pressure on his shoulders with the odds being stacked against him as five other Superstars look to claim the top spot on Raw.
Whether it’s Sheamus or one of his five challengers who finds themselves as the last man standing at the inaugural pay-per-view bearing the brutal structure’s name, there’s one thing for sure, The Road to WrestleMania is going to be a beaten path. Find out who leaves as champion as WWE Elimination Chamber airs Sunday, Feb. 21 live on pay-per-view

Intercontinental Champion Drew McIntyre vs. Kane - Intercontinental Championship Match

At WWE Elimination Chamber, Intercontinental Champion Drew McIntyre will go head-to-head with Kane in an explosive collision between two extremely volatile Superstars.

Just five days after the Royal Rumble both competitors battled in a Triple Threat Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match against John Morrison on SmackDown. Although neither of the Superstars walked away triumphant, McIntyre managed to hit the Double Underhook DDT, nearly achieving victory over The Big Red Monster. The following week, they engaged in a fierce battle that ended in a double count-out.

The “Chosen One” puts his title on the line with extreme confidence. His eagerness to bulldoze over anyone who stands in his way is accompanied by his ruthless nature and willingness to do whatever it takes to stay on top. Since personally being signed by WWE Chairman Mr. McMahon, he has remained undefeated in singles competition. The spotlight is shining on the Scottish Superstar and he plans to derail anyone’s ploy to take that away.

At 7-feet tall and more than 300 pounds, Kane has a substantial physical advantage over the 6-foot-5, 243-pound title holder. Perhaps the monstrous Superstar’s daunting presence, merciless maneuvers in the ring and non-stop sadistic drive will help the terrifying menace add to his already long list of accomplishments, a past that includes two reigns as the Intercontinental Champion.

Though it’s unclear which Superstar will prevail, one thing’s for sure. Both of these uncompromising Superstars are looking to walk into WrestleMania with the coveted title.

Will Drew McIntyre retain his Intercontinental Championship against his fearless contender at the inaugural Elimination Chamber pay-per-view? Or will he lose his illustrious title to The Big Red Monster? Find out Sunday, Feb. 21, live on pay-per-view.

WWE Champion Sheamus vs. Randy Orton

Like a rough Irish whiskey, WWE Champion Sheamus has proven that, when trifled with, he's more than capable of leaving even the toughest man flat on his back. At the Royal Rumble, however, The Celtic Warrior must face a particularly sobering prospect: Defending his title against five-time WWE Champion Randy Orton.

While The Viper's inclusion in the WWE Title Match may seem unexpected, it should come as no surprise to those familiar with his methods. Orton recognized an opportunity during a Triple Threat Match on Raw to determine the No. 1 contender and, as usual, he quickly seized it. As he battled with his opponents, John Cena and Kofi Kingston, his henchmen from The Legacy, Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase, caused enough of a distraction to allow the scheming Superstar the victory.

While Orton has never seemed interested in clothing his naked ambition, he should be careful what he's gotten himself into. Sheamus' rabid aggression and overwhelming strength promise to be a powerful antidote to the cold calculation and athletic agility of The Viper.

Will The Celtic Warrior be able to prevent Orton - with a possible assist by Legacy - from regaining the precious WWE Championship? Or will the pipes, the pipes be calling for the insistent Irishman?

To find out, be sure to catch all the action live on Sunday, Jan. 31 at 8 PM/5 PM PT, exclusively on pay-per-view.

ECW Champion Christian vs. Ezekiel Jackson

Following the ECW Homecoming tournament, an Eight-Man Over-the-Top Rope Challenge decided who will square off against Christian for the ECW Championship at the Royal Rumble. The contest featured some of the top ECW Superstars both past and present all vying for a title opportunity. After a wild brawl, Ezekiel Jackson was the only ring warrior remaining, earning himself a match against Christian at the Royal Rumble.

Ezekiel Jackson’s victory was impressive to say the least as Hardy, Kane and CM Punk are all former ECW Champions and Vance Archer and Yoshi Tatsu are two of the Land of the Extreme’s most promising young stars. Previously Big Zeke showed just how dangerous he can be, especially under William Regal’s tutelage, with the strategic and powerful dismantling of former associate Vladimir Kozlov in an ECW Homecoming qualifying match. With his sights now set on the ECW Championship, there may be no stopping the 6-foot-4, 309-pound Guyanese Goliath, and with The British Brawler acting as his advisor, there’s no telling what unscrupulous tactics the two might employ.

Christian reclaimed the ECW Title at Night of Champions and has since defeated all challengers including Shelton Benjamin and Master Regal. Following a heated rivalry between Captain Charisma and Regal last year, what role will The British Brawler play at the Royal Rumble? The ECW Champion will no doubt need all the support he can gather from his Peeps as he prepares to once again defend his coveted title.

Ezekiel Jackson is on a roll and has built up a great deal of momentum heading into this match-up. Can Christian overcome what is perhaps his biggest and baddest threat to date to retain the ECW Title? Tune in to the Royal Rumble Sunday, Jan. 31 at 8 PM/5 PM PT, exclusively on pay-per-view.

Women's Champion Michelle McCool vs. Mickie James

After coming to SmackDown in late 2009 by way of the tri-brand Divas trade, Women's Champion Michelle McCool has made Mickie James' life miserable.

Week after week, Michelle – often in cahoots with Layla – perpetrated one mean and awful act after another:

• Michelle and Layla viciously cut Mickie's ring attire with a pair of scissors. (WATCH | PHOTOS)

• In Michelle's personalized version of "Old McDonald" the nickname "Piggy James" was spawned. (WATCH | PHOTOS)

At Survivor Series, James earned a measure of revenge when Team Mickie defeated Team Michelle in a Traditional Survivor Series Elimination Match. (PHOTOS | RESULTS)

Then, despite a valiant effort from Mickie, Michelle came out on top at WWE TLC. (PHOTOS | RESULTS)

In 2010, Michelle never let up.

• After Mickie was beaten up in a match with Beth Phoenix on SmackDown, Michelle and Layla finished the job with an even more vicious assault. (WATCH | PHOTOS)

• At a SmackDown "goodbye party," Mickie was smashed in the face with cake, beaten and covered in punch. (WATCH | PHOTOS)

There's no doubt Mickie has enough motivation to want to put a stop to Michelle's bullying.

At Royal Rumble, can Mickie finally dethrone Michelle, or will the former school teacher give Mickie another

World Heavyweight Champion Undertaker vs. Rey Mysterio - World Heavyweight Championship Match

At the Royal Rumble, following weeks of controversy, World Heavyweight Champion Undertaker will put the title on the line against Rey Mysterio. Will the ultimate forces of darkness cast their shadows over Mysterio’s unwavering heart?

On SmackDown Christmas Night, The Master of the 619 bravely challenged The Phenom for the World Title. But, no clear winner could be declared after Batista suddenly charged into their epic battle, igniting an all-out three-way brawl. Though Mysterio was the only Superstar standing when the post-match smoke cleared, the WWE Universe remained thirsty for a definitive outcome.

Mysterio refused to be denied, roaring back to presumably win the Beat the Clock Challenge the following week and, with it, an opportunity to face The Undertaker once more at the Royal Rumble. But, controversy over his interference in The Animal’s Challenge Match demanded that a showdown take place between the two former friends before the pay-per-view main event could be decided. Their fierce match only brought further uncertainty to the situation, after both war-torn Superstars were mysteriously attacked in darkness, a sure sign that The Undertaker had decided to make his ominous presence known.

In order to finally secure a definitive challenger for The Undertaker’s crown, a Steel Cage Match was announced on SmackDown between Mysterio and Batista. And in a fire of fast-paced fury, Mysterio overcame The Animal to take his place as the true No. 1 contender.

Sometimes, even a Superstar with the greatest drive has to be careful what they wish for or they may end up resting in peace. Since recapturing the World Title, the iconic Undertaker has been operating on his own plain of existence. His silent wrath has grown beyond his legend and his ability inside the squared circle seems to have surpassed that of ordinary men. The mere idea of him strikes fear in the hearts of any Superstar that dare take him on and many doubt if anyone in WWE will ever overcome his dominance.

Despite his size however, Mysterio has shown time and time again that he refuses to be denied. A former World Champion himself, the masked Superstar has taken on and defeated some of the greatest combatants that have ever laced up the boots, utilizing an explosive combination of experience, athletic ability and unrivaled passion. The high-octane luchador has proven that, on any given night, he can overcome the odds to climb the mountain to glory.

How will The Deadman successfully defend his World Championship against the Superstar whose competitive spirit refuses to die? Find out at the Royal Rumble, Sunday, Jan. 31 at 8pm/5pm PT, exclusively on pay-per-view.

30-Man Royal Rumble Match

Twenty-six 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. More than a 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 this now aggrandized stage for the most brilliant competitors.

They can dance on The Grandest Stage of Them All at WrestleMania XXVI. But first, one man will need to surpass the efforts of 29 opposing competitors with the same aspiration in the 2010 Royal Rumble Match. (View list of Royal Rumble participants)

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 (as seen in 1995 with Shawn Michaels).

But, with bodies being tossed out every moment and fresh competitors coming in at such a rapid pace, it’s really anyone’s match. (Watch a special look at the Rumble Match)

In the end, the last Superstar standing can officially punch a gold-embossed ticket to Phoenix's University of Phoenix Stadium, where they will contend for a World Title of their choosing at WrestleMania.

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 23rd annual Royal Rumble Match. Then be sure to witness this historic event live on pay-per-view on Sunday, Jan. 31, as the 2010 Royal Rumble brings WWE into the new decade.