Royal Rumble: Cena versus JBL

January 25, 9:01 PMPro Wrestling ExaminerMark Satrang

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Before the World Championship match between John Cena and John “Bradshaw” Layfield, they aired an absolutely wonderful video package highlighting all the drama between Cena, JBL and Shawn Michaels, who has been working for JBL under duress because he went through a recent “economic crisis.” I really wish I were making that story up. There are enough logistical holes in it to drive a truck through; it’s even outlandish by wrestling standards.

Then in the locker room before the match, JBL told Michaels that if he ensures he wins the World Championship tonight, Michaels will no longer have to work for JBL again, and will gain his entry into the Royal Rumble match. As Michaels is about to leave the locker room he is encountered by The Undertaker, who tells him “sometimes it’s Hell getting into Heaven.”

Like the two previous Title matches, both men announced mid-ring with the referee holding the Championship over his head mid-ring. I really like that; it’s a nice touch.

The match starts out with a long feeling out process, which is what I expected from these two guys. Cena and Layfield have a long, storied history and their matches are known to really pick up into high gear in the match’s closing minutes. JBL takes control of the match, thanks to the psychological edge of having Shawn Michaels on the outside watching his back. Michaels has been a useful tool for JBL by just distracting the ref and Cena with his presence as opposed to actually getting physically involved. The ref gets knocked out (as is often the case in big-time Title matches) and Michaels enters the ring. As Cena and Layfield both struggle back to their feet, Michaels turns on JBL and kicks him in the face with “Sweet Chin Music.” Michaels then kicks Cena as well. Cena, JBL and the ref are all knocked down. Michaels drags JBL’s unconscious arm over Cena and then leaves ringside. A new ref runs down to the ring and starts to count out Cena, but the Champ kicks out at two. Both men struggle back to their feet and Cena hits JBL with his “Throwback” finishing move to win the match and retain his championship.

As I expected the match picked up in the later minutes, as is normal for Cena-JBL contests.