The Pepsi Center

Denver,Colorado

January 25,2001

1. KID GUNDAM

2. "THE ONE" BILLY GUNN

3. ANDRE THE GIANT

4. WEAPON R

5. "STONE COLD" STEVE AUSTIN

6. KANE

7. CHRIS JERICHO

8. ARIES

9. MASATO TANAKA

10. JAKE "THE SNAKE" ROBERTS

11. MATT HARDY

12. BLOODSHED

13. WILLIAM REGAL

14. AHMED WALKER

15. RIKISHI

16. SHAWN MICHAELS

17. ALBERT

18. THE ROCK

19. TRAVIS WAKEMAN

20. STEVE BLACKMAN

21. MYSTERY ENTRANT

22. X-PAC

23. EDDIE GUERRERO

24. KURT ANGLE

25. MADDOGG

26. CHRIS BENOIT

27. THE BIG SHOW

28. PERRY SATURN

29. THE GREAT MUTA

30. VAL VENIS

(Fireworks pound through the Pepsi Center)

Jim Ross:"One of the most anticipated events in TWF history is finally upon us as we are live from the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado for the Royal Rumble. Thirty men are gonna battle it out tonight for a spot in the title match at Wrestlemania King".

Jerry Lawler:"It's gonna be explosive J.R. The participants have been selecting their numbers but there is still one participant who remains a mystery".

Ross:"We will also see the in ring returns of three of the all time greats tonight! Ken Shamrock, The Heartbreak Kid Shawn Michaels and the Eighth Wonder of the World Andre The Giant are all here"!

Lawler:"Well J.R., it may take all twenty nine men to throw Andre out"!

J.R.:"Also tonight, Triple H and The Undertaker will meet in the career shortening Hell in the Cell match for the TWF title!

(Raven's music hits)

And speaking of titles, this is our first of four title matches tonight as the Hardcore champion makes his way to the ring".

TWF Hardcore title match

Things started off quickly at the Royal Rumble as these two fought a tough, physical contest. Raven proved he is a worthy champion as he went swing for swing with one of the toughest men in the TWF. Raven tried to keep the fight outside as he smashed Holly several times with a "No Parking" sign in the head. But Holly retaliated by smashing Raven with a cookie sheet in the face. Back in the ring, both men were spent. Raven snuck up behind Holly and planted him with a quick drop german suplex. This proved to be the turning point in the match as Raven followed that with his Evenflow ddt to get the win.

Match Time: 4:26

Lawler:"Raven's still the Hardcore champ! I predict big things for The Flock tonight"!

J.R.:"Well the other four members will all compete in the Royal Rumble. But the Raven remains undefeated since his arrival here in the TWF".

The Great Muta and Kid Gundam show each other the numbers they drew. Muta shakes his head in disbelief after seeing what Gundam drew.

J.R.:"Well folks, up next is our mixed gender tag team match. This has become a volatile situation".

-FOOTAGE SHOWN: Mike Norton shows video proof of Test cheating on his fiancee, Mike's sister Becky, at a TWF event in early December. Test defeats Mike Norton at War in the Winter with Becky Norton's help. The Kat decides to help Mike. The Kat and Mike are having drinks at a bar when they are attacked by Test and Becky on RAW. Test breaks a beer bottle over Norton's head. Then, the following week on RAW, The Kat waits at a street corner for Norton to pick her up when a car pulls up next to her. Becky Norton gets out and beats The Kat as Test holds her down.

Lawler:"There you see what these people have done to each other. This is gonna be a fight here".

J.R.:"Becky Norton has no wrestling experience whatsoever but she is engeged to the TWF Intercontinental champion.

(Test's music hits)

Keep in mind folks, if Test and Becky lose this match, Test will have to defend his Intercontinental title against Mike Norton on RAW".

Lawler:"I don't think they'll have to worry about that J.R.".

Mixed Gender: Test and Becky Norton vs. Mike Norton and The Kat

This was a very hectic match. The women went at it tooth and nail, which the crowd loved. Plus, there was a lot of action outside the ring. The best moment of the match came when Mike Norton put his own sister in the mexican surfboard. Then, Norton caught Test with a full nelson suplex into a bridge pin and referee Teddy Long's hand was less than an inch from making the 3 count when Becky stomped on Norton's stomach to break it up. Mike got up, grabbed his sister by the hair and threw her out of the ring. But Test came to the rescue of his fiancee, locking Norton from behind in his gutwrench powerslam to get the win.

Match Time: 11:32

Lawler:"What did I tell ya J.R"?

That's too bad. I can't believe his own sister! Well folks, up next is the Women's title match. Let's take a look at what brought these three ladies here".

FOOTAGE SHOWN: 1.Bits and pieces of Tori's rivalry with Jessica Lopez. 2. Lita wins the Women's title in a triple threat at War in the Winter. 3. An argument ensues in the Women's locker room between Lopez and Lita over who will get the first title shot. 4. A match between Tori and Lopez is held to determine the number one contender on PrimeTime which Tori wins. 5. Commissioner Foley comes propose to Lopez that she be the special referee at the Royal Rumble.

TWF Women's title match

Challenger... Tori vs. Lita

Special referee: Jessica Lopez

This was as competitive a women's match you'll ever see. Tori got the advantage early, using her little known about martial arts background, in an attempt to regain the title. But the resilient Lita had the power of everyone in attendance on her side and she would not be denied. Throughout the match, Jessica Lopez called it right down the middle. Suddenly, Tori rolled Lita up but only got a 2 count. Tori then got in Lopez' face, complaining of a slow count. But Tori came from behind, grabbed Tori by her long blonde hair and threw Tori out of the ring. Lopez began to count as Lita followed Tori out. She picked her up and delivered he own version of the "Twist of Fate" on the floor and then dove back into the ring. Seemingly unconcious, Tori was counted out as Lopez then refused to raise Lita's hand in victory and walked out of the ring.

Match Time: 12:36

J.R.:"Lopez did an excellent job of refereeing that match but that was a poor show of sportmanship by her in the end King".

Lawler:"I think she fast counted Tori"!

J.R.:"Oh come on King. She could've counted to one hundred!

(Steve Corino's music hits)

This will be a terrific match in my opinion folks between two of the young guns in the TWF"!

Steve Corino vs. Jeff Hardy

This was an awesome match! It really set the tone for the rest of the night. Jeff had his way with Corino early, nearly pinning him on several occasions as he went for a cover after nearly every move. After a nice belly to back suplex, Jeff went up top for his patented Swanton bomb and nailed it! But Corino got a shoulder up at the last minute! Jeff then tried a scoop slam but Corino slipped out of it and caught him with his "Old School Expulsion" which basically is a reverse "Twist of Fate" but Jeff got a foot on the bottom rope at the last second, displaying great awareness. Jeff then countered an irish whip and sent Corino into the corner and attempted to set him on the top turnbuckle. But Corino countered with a sunset flip out of that position and got a 2 and three fourths count. After a big dropkick, Jeff went up top again. But Corino met him there and then pulled off the move of the year to this point when he dropped Jeff with the "Old School Expulsion" off the top rope! It was academic after that as Corino covered for the 1-2-3.

Match Time: 8:38

Lawler:"Did I just see that? What a move"!

J.R.:"Those two men certainly did not disappoint! That's gotta be an early match of the year candidate! It just doesn't get any better than that"!

Lilian Garcia:"Lita, how do you feel about Jessica Lopez not raising your arm in victory out there"?

Lita:"Well I think she's acting like a little kid. Lilian, if she wants to face me, all she's gotta do is say so".

Michael Cole:"I'm standing here with Shane McMahon folks. Shane, in your opinion, how will your mystery man Andre The Giant do in tonight's Royal Rumble"?

Shane:"Well he drew a bad number, so conditioning's a factor. But I'll tell ya one thing, unless someone drives to the ring in a forklift, he ain't goin' out".

(Shane walks away)

(Edge and Christian's music hits)

J.R.:"Well here come those pompous jackasses Edge and Christian. They better have one hell of a gameplan here"!

Lawler:"Oh I'm sure they do J.R.. Don't worry about that. But did you just here Shane? He's pretty much declared Andre The Giant the winner of tonight's Royal Rumble"!

TWF Tag Team title match...

Challengers: The Acolytes vs. Edge and Christian

This match was all Acolytes as they pummeled the champs. Edge and Christian looked like a couple of Crash test dummies as The Acolytes were focused. But then, it was like de ja vu all over again. With Faarooq and Christian the legal men in the match, Bradshaw clotheslined Christian over the top rope. Bradshaw went outside and continued hammering Christian until referee Jack Doan reached an 8 count. But then, Christian took a blatant count out to insure they kept the gold.

Match Time: 9:47

J.R.:"What a couple of pussies! They pulled this same crap last month at War in the Winter"!

Lawler:"I told you they had a plan J.R.!

(The Acolytes are furious in the ring as Edge and Christian limp back to the dressing rooms, holding their titles high in the air)

J.R.:"Oh yeah Edge and Christian! Celebrate you brave souls! The Acolytes aren't gonna forget this"!

Lawler:"Well folks, it's time for one of the most anticipated fights in years".

(Footage of what's led to this match is shown as it was earlier on Free 4 All)

Special Challenge: Tazz vs. Ken Shamrock

Tazz learned quickly that he messed with the wrong man. The former UFC champion Shamrock attacked the knee of Tazz right away and didn't let up. He put 6 different submission holds on the knee as Tazz screamed in pain. At one point, Shamrock was just toying with Tazz. But then he snapped and locked in his deadly ankle lock as Tazz quickly tapped out.

Match Time: 5:50

Lawler:"Tazz has been annialated J.R."!

J.R.:"Ken Shamrock has just sent a major message to everyone in the TWF! My that was impressive"!

(Hell in the Cell begins to lower)

Lawler:"Oh boy! Get ready for a bloodbath folks".

J.R.:"As the cell lowers, let's look at what's caused this bitter fued".

FOOTAGE SHOWN: 1. Triple H wins the WAR match at War in the Winter and then attacks The Undertaker, who was the special enforcer in that match, with a pair of brass knuckles.

2. Triple H attacks The Undertaker in the parking lot on RAW with a sledgehammer, severely bruising Undertaker's ribs.

3. Undertaker hides in the parking garage on PrimeTime, waiting for Helmsley to arrive, Helmsley pulls up in a limo and The Undertaker jumps him, chokeslamming him on the hood of the limo.

(Triple H's music hits)

J.R.:"Here comes the challenger folks and I gaurantee ya, the winner here is damn sure gonna deserve the title".

TWF Championship/Hell in the Cell match

Challenger: Triple H vs. The Undertaker

Both men went at it full force here. They traded shots and took turns ramming each others heads into the steel cage. Triple H got a kick to the groin in to gain control and then began to grind Undertaker's face on the cage, cutting him badly. Then, the 2 men began to climb. Once at the top, they traded punches and Triple H teetered on the edge! But Triple H kneed Undertaker in the midsection and got him set up for the pedigree as the fans came to their feet. But Undertaker backdropped Helmsley on top of the cage and signaled for the "Last Ride"!

J.R.:"Oh my God! You gotta be kidding me! Don't do it Undertaker"!

Undertaker then pulled the unthinkable, delivering the "Last Ride" through the cage, all the way to the mat!

J.R.:"Oh my God! Helmsley's broken in half"!

Lawler:"Call the EMT's"!

Undertaker climbed down and pinned Triple H by standing on his chest with one foot and raising his arm in the air.

J.R.:"The Undertaker's retained the title but we've got a horrifying situation in the ring.

EMT's come to the ring and load Triple H up on a gurney.

This is a scary situation folks. Triple H's career may be over".

After a brief delay, the action continues.

Howard Finkel:"Ladies and gentlemen, it is now time for the Royal Rumble! Here are the rules. In a moment, the participants who drew numbers one and two will start the match. Every two minutes thereafter, another man will enter the match according to the number he drew. A participant can only be eliminated by being thrown over the top rope and having both feet touch the arena floor. The winner is the last man standing and he will go on to Wrestlemania 2 to participate in the main event! Now, let's all find out who drew number one"!

(Kid Gundam's music hits)

Lawler:"It's Kid Gundam. He's sure got a long road ahead if he wants to win it".

J.R.:"The odds are definitely stacked against him".

(Billy Gunn's music hits)

Lawler:"Billy Gunn's got number two! He ain't gonna win it"!

The Royal Rumble

List of eliminations. To the shock of everyone, Andre The Giant was the first man eliminated as the lightheavyweight champion Weapon R caught him with a spin kick that knocked him out! Kid Gundam was thrown out by Billy Gunn

Weapon R by Billy Gunn

Chris Jericho by Billy Gunn

Aries by Austin

Masato Tanaka by Billy Gunn

Kane by Billy Gunn

"Stone Cold" Steve Austin by Billy Gunn

Matt Hardy by Jake "The Snake" Roberts

Roberts by Billy Gunn

At about the 16 minute mark, Ahmed Walker brought Billy Gunn's run to an end.

Bloodshed was hit with a right hand by Rikishi that sent him out

Rikishi then eliminated Ahmed Walker

Albert by Rikishi

Rikishi by The Rock

William Regal by Travis Wakeman

The Rock by Wakeman

Steve Blackman by Shawn Michaels

X-Pac by Michaels

Eddie Guerrero by Wakeman

Kurt Angle by Michaels

Maddogg by Wakeman

Chris Benoit by Wakeman

The Big Show by Wakeman

The mysery participant was one of the toughest men in the world, Haku. Haku came in and went wild. He caused Wakeman more trouble than anysone had as he caught him with a headbutt, opening a cut on his forehead. But Wakeman toughed it out and fought back with furious right hands, finally eliminating the man from the Isle of Tonga, Haku. Perry Saturn then caught a clothesline from Wakeman and went flying over the top rope. Shawn Michaels, Travis Wakeman, The Great Muta and Val Venis were the last 4 men left. The 4 men paired off when suddenly, Venis caught Muta by surprise with a dropkick that sent him over the top rope. Michaels caught Wakeman with his "Sweet Chin Music", laying him out. But as he showboated, the oppurtunistic Venis grabbed him by his hair and his tights and launched him out, leaving 2 men. Wakeman and Venis went toe to toe. Venis got the upperhand with a nice suplex. Val then went for the elimination by trying to force Wakeman over the top. But Wakeman struggled to stay in and escaped. Val then attempted a clothesline with Wakeman up against the ropes but Wakeman ducked, turned quickly and clotheslined Venis out to win it!

Match Time: 25:59

J.R.:"Wakeman's done it! What a performance! Travis Wakeman is goin' to Wrestlemania"!

Lawler:"He went through everyone in his way"!

J.R.:"Well we've had one hellacious night in Denver! Four title matches with none changing hands. Shamrock's successful return and one hell of a Royal Rumble match"!

Lawler:"And listen to this J.R.. Travis Wakeman eliminated nine men in that Rumble which is just one short of the all-time Royal Rumble record"!

J.R.:"That's quite a feat! Well fans, we hope you've enjoyed the Royal Rumble! Thank you for joining us on pay-per-view and don't forget next month as we will bring to you live, Code Red! So long everyone"!