When I originally compiled this list, 2010 was fairly low down. Edge's return to win it was memorable, as was CM Punk's promo run at the beginning of the match, but there was a distinct memory of the whole thing being a bit disappointing at the time. Looking back, I see that I was wrong: CM Punk's promo run wasn't just memorable, it was astonishingly good. Punk was deep into his Straight Edge Society gimmick at the time, and looking back it was impressive just how much hate he elicited from the crowd. He was working at such a high level then that nobody came close. Edge's return was also extremely well done, and towards the end of the match the star power in the ring was astonishing. The final five consisted of Edge, Batista, John Cena, Shawn Michaels and Chris Jericho. I'm not sure if any Rumble can top that. The Sad Story of Shawn Michaels was the main plot throughout however, and HBK is absolutely fantastic at telling it. The story of a man spiralling into insanity due to obsession, he needed to win the Rumble to get his shot at Undertaker at WrestleMania. He performed like a man possessed, even eliminating D-Generation X partner and BFF Triple H. Batista would eventually eliminate Michaels in a truly heartbreaking (pun intended) fashion, proving the last straw for HBK as he threw a superkick party with extra invitations extended to the referees. A unique opening third, a great storytelling middle and a surprising finish, 2010 was an excellent Rumble.
Born in the middle of Wales in the middle of the 1980's, John can't quite remember when he started watching wrestling but he has a terrible feeling that Dino Bravo was involved. Now living in Prague, John spends most of his time trying to work out how Tomohiro Ishii still stands upright. His favourite wrestler of all time is Dean Malenko, but really it is Repo Man. He is the author of 'An Illustrated History of Slavic Misery', the best book about the Slavic people that you haven't yet read. You can get that and others from www.poshlostbooks.com.
