WrestleMania XXVI

WrestleMania XXVI

Promotional poster featuring (left to right) Shawn Michaels, Triple H, John Cena, The Undertaker and Batista
Tagline(s) "Get All Fired Up"
Theme
song(s)		 "I Made It" by Kevin Rudolf[1]
"Be Yourself" by Audioslave[2]
"Thunderstruck" by AC/DC[3]
"The Show" by Since October[4]
Information
Promotion World Wrestling Entertainment
Sponsor Slim Jim
Date March 28, 2010
Attendance 72,219[5]
Venue University of Phoenix Stadium
City Glendale, Arizona
Pay-per-view chronology

Elimination Chamber (2010) WrestleMania XXVI Extreme Rules (2010)
WrestleMania chronology

WrestleMania XXV WrestleMania XXVI WrestleMania XXVII

WrestleMania XXVI was the twenty-sixth annual WrestleMania professional wrestling pay-per-view event produced by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), which was presented by Slim Jim and took place on March 28, 2010, at the University of Phoenix Stadium in the Phoenix suburb of Glendale, Arizona.[6] This was the fourth WrestleMania to feature a non-title main event and the first since WrestleMania XI. The event was the first WrestleMania to be held in the state of Arizona and the third to be held in an open-air venue,[6][7] after WrestleMania IX and WrestleMania XXIV.

WrestleMania XXVI was a joint-promotion event, featuring performers both from the Raw and SmackDown brands. Ten matches were featured on the event's card, which featured a supercard, a scheduling of more than one main bout. The first of these matches was a no disqualification, no count-out match that featured The Undertaker defeating Shawn Michaels to improve his undefeated WrestleMania streak to 18–0. Per the pre-match stipulation, Michaels was forced to retire. The second was a singles match for the WWE Championship that saw John Cena defeat the champion, Batista to win the championship. The third was a singles match for the World Heavyweight Championship featured the champion, Chris Jericho, defeating Edge to retain the title. Featured matches on the undercard included a 10-Diva tag team match, Bret Hart versus Mr. McMahon in a No Holds Barred match, Rey Mysterio vs. CM Punk, Triple H versus Sheamus, the sixth annual Money in the Bank ladder match, Randy Orton versus Ted DiBiase versus Cody Rhodes in a triple threat match and a Unified WWE Tag Team Championship match between the champion team, ShoMiz, against the team of John Morrison and R-Truth.

Tickets for the event commenced sale to the public on November 7, 2009.[8] WrestleMania XXVI generated approximately 885,000 PPV buys, grossing US$49 million in revenue.[9] With an attendance of 72,219, the event grossed $5.8 million in ticket sales, making the event the highest grossing and attended entertainment event held at the University of Phoenix Stadium.[5][10][11][12]

Background

WrestleMania featured professional wrestling matches that involved different wrestlers from pre-existing feuds, plots, and storylines that were played out on Raw, SmackDown, NXT and Superstars—World Wrestling Entertainment's (WWE) television programs. Wrestlers portrayed a villain or a hero as they followed a series of events that built tension, and culminated in a wrestling match or series of matches.[13] All wrestlers were from WWE's Raw and SmackDown brands—a storyline division in which WWE employees are assigned to a television program of the same name.[14]

At The Bash in 2009, Edge and Chris Jericho established a tag team partnership when they won the Unified WWE Tag Team Championship that night.[15] Their partnership was short lived as Edge suffered a torn achilles tendon and had to vacate his half of the championship. Jericho distanced himself from Edge, crediting himself for all of the team's success.[16][17] Edge made his return from injury at the Royal Rumble, where he won the annual Royal Rumble match, an over-the-top-rope elimination style match, earning himself an opportunity to fight for either the WWE Championship or the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania.[18] In the main event of the Elimination Chamber event three weeks later, Jericho won the World Heavyweight Championship in an Elimination Chamber match.[19] The following night on Raw, Edge announced his decision to face Jericho for the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania after spearing him.[20]

One of the predominant rivalries heading into WrestleMania XXVI was between John Cena and Batista for the WWE Championship. The conflict started when Cena sided with Bret Hart over Hart's hostility with WWE Chairman Mr. McMahon.[21] When Hart and McMahon confronted each other on the February 1 episode of Raw, Batista saved McMahon from an attack and ambushed Hart from behind.[22] After the show ended, Cena tried to help Hart but was too attacked by Batista.[23] In the opening match of the Elimination Chamber event, Cena won the WWE Championship from Sheamus in an Elimination Chamber match but was shortly interrupted by McMahon, who ordered a title match between Cena and Batista to take place on the spot. With Cena too tired to compete, Batista defeated him and won the title.[24] On the February 22 episode of Raw, Cena asked for a rematch for the title at WrestleMania, which McMahon gave him the opportunity to as long as he defeated Batista that night. Later that night, Batista intentionally got himself disqualified by kicking Cena in the groin to set up their match at WrestleMania.[20]

Shawn Michaels lost his Career vs Streak match with The Undertaker at WrestleMania XXVI.

At WrestleMania XXV, Shawn Michaels was unsuccessful in defeating The Undertaker and ending Undertaker's undefeated streak at the event.[25] When the match won the 2009 Slammy Award for Match of the Year, Michaels stated in his acceptance speech that he could still defeat The Undertaker at WrestleMania and challenged him to a rematch.[26] A month later, The Undertaker, then the World Heavyweight Champion, made his reply and refused a rematch.[27] The refusal saw Michaels obsess about facing the Undertaker at the event, attacking referee Charles Robinson and SmackDown general manager Theodore Long respectively after failing his title match opportunities in the Royal Rumble match and Elimination Chamber qualifiers.[18][28] At the Elimination Chamber event, Michaels snuck into Undertaker's Elimination Chamber match for the World Heavyweight Championship and performed a Sweet Chin Music on The Undertaker, enabling Chris Jericho to defeat The Undertaker and win the World Heavyweight Championship.[19] On the following night, The Undertaker changed his mind and accepted the rematch but with the stipulation that if Michaels loses, he would have to retire. Michaels accepted, noting that if he could not end the streak, there was no reason why his career should continue.[20] Two weeks later, Michaels and The Undertaker agreed on another additional stipulation; that the match would have no disqualifications and no count-outs.[29]

On the February 22 episode of Raw, it was announced that the sixth annual Money in the Bank ladder match would take place at WrestleMania XXVI.[20] In this match, numerous participants compete to retrieve a briefcase that is suspended above the ring with a cable by climbing a ladder. The briefcase holds a symbolic contract which the holder would be able to exchange for a WWE or World Heavyweight match at any time or location of his choosing up until WrestleMania XXVII.[30] The first qualifying match was held later that night, in which Christian defeated Carlito to qualify.[20] Three more qualifying matches were held on the February 26 episode of SmackDown, which saw Dolph Ziggler defeat John Morrison and R-Truth in a Triple Threat match, Kane defeat Drew McIntyre, and Shelton Benjamin defeat CM Punk to qualify.[31] The March 1 episode of Raw saw both Jack Swagger and Montel Vontavious Porter qualify by defeating Santino Marella and Zack Ryder respectively.[32] Matt Hardy was the next to qualify for the match when he defeated Drew McIntyre on the March 5 episode of SmackDown.[33] In what was initially declared as the final qualifying match, Evan Bourne defeated William Regal on the March 9 episode of Raw to become the eighth competitor.[29] Due to his favorable association with Vince McMahon, McIntyre was given a third chance on the March 12 episode of SmackDown to qualify for the match, increasing the number of participants to nine. In what would also be made a Intercontinental Championship defense by Theodore Long, McIntyre defeated local competitor Aaron Bolo to qualify.[34] On the March 22 episode of Raw, the number of participants was once again increased to a record ten, when Kofi Kingston defeated Vladimir Kozlov to qualify.[35]

Bret Hart would go on to face Mr. McMahon in a No Holds Barred match, his first match in WWE since 1997.

As the guest host of the January 4 episode of Raw, Bret Hart made his return to the show; the first time Hart had appeared since the Montreal Screwjob incident at the 1997 Survivor Series where Vince McMahon was involved in legitimately double-crossing Hart out of the WWF Championship. On Raw, Hart tried to put all hostilities aside and make peace with McMahon, but McMahon again betrayed Hart and kicked him in the groin.[36] The rivalry was further fuelled during Hart's second appearance a month later, where McMahon refused to induct Hart's father, Stu Hart, into the WWE Hall of Fame.[22] On the February 8 episode of Raw, John Cena called out McMahon and told him that Hart wanted to face him at WrestleMania, which McMahon accepted. Hart who had been banned from the arena, showed up and attacked McMahon. Hiding behind security guards, McMahon changed his mind canceled the bout.[28] Unable to get his match, Hart addressed the fans a week later and decided to make his goodbye, thanking them. Later on that night, Hart was involved in a car accident when a reversing car smashed the open door from Hart's limousine onto his leg, sending Hart immediately to hospital.[37] McMahon agreed to feature a "proper farewell" from Hart on the March 1 episode of Raw, but the segment ended up as a challenge from McMahon for the WrestleMania bout. Despite initial reluctance from Hart due to his leg, Hart was convinced to accept after McMahon said he had no more "Hart", called him a coward and kicked his crutches from underneath him.[32] A contract signing was held two weeks later, moderated by guest host Stone Cold Steve Austin, who reversed McMahon's decision on Stu Hart's induction into the Hall of Fame. Before the contract was signed, Hart asked for the match to be a No Holds Barred match, which McMahon agreed to. Afterward, Hart revealed that his leg was perfectly fine and that his car accident was a setup created by Cena and himself to force a match out of McMahon.[38]

It was announced on the March 5 episode of SmackDown that Big Show and The Miz would defend their Unified WWE Tag Team Championship at the event against the team who won the qualifier that night. The qualifying match was contested as a Triple Threat match with the three teams being Cryme Tyme, The Hart Dynasty and the pairing of John Morrison, co-holder The Miz's former partner, and R-Truth. Morrison and Truth would go on to win the qualifying match.[33]

At the previous month's Elimination Chamber event, then-WWE Champion, Sheamus, was eliminated from Raw's Elimination Chamber match by Triple H.[24] Two weeks later, Sheamus ambushed Triple H following his match teaming with Shawn Michaels against The Big Show and The Miz, and beat him down.[32] The following week on Raw, Sheamus issued a challenge to Triple H at WrestleMania, which saw him accept.[29]

In early 2009, Randy Orton had formed a contingency known as The Legacy also featuring Ted DiBiase and Cody Rhodes.[39] Later in that year, Orton had grown frustrated with his group, leading to a number of verbal confrontations and an assault on DiBiase, leading to the three of them having their membership being tested in matches under the threat of expulsion and a beat-down.[36][40] The tension was staved off until the Royal Rumble which Rhodes accidentally prevented Orton from winning the WWE Championship. Similar results occurred the next month at the Elimination Chamber event with Rhodes trying to aide his partners in their Elimination Chamber match for the title as Orton was caught in the crossfire, leading to DiBiase eliminating Orton. The following night on Raw Orton turn on his associates, leading to the announcement on the March 15 episode of Raw of the three of them will face each other at WrestleMania in a Triple Threat match.[24][38]

Since the beginning of 2010, CM Punk and his storyline disciples Luke Gallows and Serena had been on a crusade of sorts in order to promote the message of straight edge, a lifestyle that abstains from alcohol, tobacco, and recreational drug use; he did so by preaching his gospel to the crowd and sometimes by "converting" members of the crowd by shaving their heads. The three of them would call themselves the Straight Edge Society.[41][42] On the February 12 episode of SmackDown, Punk faced Rey Mysterio in a losing effort. Following the match, he and his group assaulted Mysterio, leading to a series of interference between the two.[43] The animosity would escalate between the two on the March 12 episode of SmackDown, when Mysterio brought his family into the ring to commemorate his daughter, Aaliyah's, 9th birthday. Punk interrupted the celebration by threatening Mysterio and taunting his children as they left the ring.[34] The events came to a boiling point to Mysterio and Punk preparing to face each other at WrestleMania. Following Mysterio's loss to Gallows, the prematch stipulation for their match would be that if the former would lose, he would join the Straight Edge Society.[44]

Event

Production

Global Spectrum, the University of Phoenix Stadium's operator, had worked in previous years with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) to recruit the event to its venue. On January 18, 2008, Global Spectrum publicly announced its intention to host WrestleMania in 2010.[45] The event gained media attention in the weeks prior when a photo of Wayne Gretzky, then head coach of the Phoenix Coyotes, wearing a shirt promoting the event surfaced in the Swedish newspaper Expressen.[45][46] A press conference, held on February 24, 2009 at the University of Phoenix Stadium, formally announced the event for Glendale, Arizona at the University of Phoenix Stadium; this event marked the first time a WrestleMania had taken place in the state of Arizona.[6] Tickets for the event went on sale November 7, 2009 at 10:00am MST.[8]

The roof of the University of Phoenix Stadium was opened several times during the event, marking the third time in WrestleMania history after WrestleMania IX and XXIV that the event has been held in an open-air venue.[7][47] As in the previous open-air events, a steel tarpaulin structure was placed over the ring, which was placed at the 50-yard line.[7] Custom-built from Belgium, the tarpaulin held 30 tons of light and camera equipment, with much of the equipment shipped from the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.[47] Over 1,000 lights were used, adapting to the decrease in sunlight as the show continued into the night. The entrance stage stood 8 feet (2.4 m) off the stadium floor and measured 120 feet (37 m) wide.[7] In an interview with The Arizona Republic, production manager Brian Petree described the stage design as a "completely new design that hasn't been done anywhere and won't be done again", while production designer Jason Robinson discussed basing his stage design themes often on local flavors.[47] The entrance ramp linking to the stage has been lined with cauldrons of fire, each at a temperature of 1,000 °F (538 °C).[7] In addition, 400,000 individual pieces of pyrotechnic product have been launched 200 feet (61 m) into the open air after Robinson promised to introduce new types of pyrotechnics never used in a WWE show before.[7][47] Pre-planning for the set-up began six months before the event, while the construction structures and equipment inside the stadium began two weeks before the event. It is estimated that 100 trucks were used to deliver equipment, in comparison to the 12 semi-trucks used in a regular WWE show.[47]

An attendance record setting 72,219 fans at the University of Phoenix Stadium for WrestleMania XXVI

The official theme songs for the event were "I Made It" by Kevin Rudolf,[1] "Be Yourself" by Audioslave,[2] "Thunderstruck" by AC/DC,[3] and "The Show" by Since October.[4] "Ain't No Grave (Gonna Hold This Body Down)" by Johnny Cash was also used to promote the Undertaker-Michaels match.[48] Fantasia Barrino performed the annual rendition of "America the Beautiful" at the start of the show.[49]

Marketing

Along with WrestleMania XXVI, a series of events grouped as "WrestleMania Week" were held in the week preceding the event.[50] To begin promotion for the event in Glendale, a "Kick-off Party" was held at the Westgate City Center on March 19, which featured appearances from WWE Superstars and Divas, autograph signings and live entertainment along with a giant LED screen viewing of that night's episode of SmackDown.[51][52] The third annual WrestleMania Art (formerly WrestleManiArt), an art exhibition and auction featuring work by WWE superstars, was held on March 24 at the Make-A-Wish Foundation National Headquarters. WrestleMania's annual fan convention, WrestleMania Axxess, was held from March 25 through March 28 at the Phoenix Convention Center. On March 27, WWE hosted its annual WWE Hall of Fame ceremony at the Dodge Theater, where the Class of 2010 were inducted.[50][53]

Pre-show

A dark match was scheduled before the actual event, the superstars not involved in the event competed in a 26-man battle royal. Eventually Yoshi Tatsu, Zack Ryder, Finlay and Mike Knox were left. Finlay and Knox were eliminated by Ryder who himself was then kicked and eliminated by Tatsu to win the Battle Royal.[54]

As the show went live, singer Fantasia performed the annual rendition of America the Beautiful.

Preliminary matches

ShoMiz Wrestlemania XXVI entrance

The first match for the evening was a tag team match for the Unified WWE Tag Team Championship featuring champions ShoMiz (The Miz and Big Show) versus John Morrison and R-Truth. The Miz and Morrison started off the encounter, at one point Morrison attempted to hit Miz with the Starship Pain only for Big Show to come in for the save. Later, R-Truth tried to springboard onto the Big Show but was caught and hit against the ring post. The match ended when Big Show blind tagged himself in and knocked out Morrison, pinning him to win the match and retain the title.[55]

Randy Orton after winning his match at Wrestlemania XXVI

The second bout was a triple threat match between Randy Orton, Ted DiBiase and Cody Rhodes, all formerly of the stable known as Legacy. Rhodes and DiBiase spent most of the match double teaming Orton, however when DiBiase attempted to pin Orton, he was stopped by Rhodes. This turned into a brawl between the two which led to Orton taking the advantage. The match ended when Orton punted Rhodes and hit the RKO on DiBiase to win the fall.[56]

The annual Money in the Bank ladder match took place next. The match started off with every superstar trying to incapacitate each other long enough to climb and retrieve the briefcase. In between Jack Swagger was stuck in between a ladder with Christian and Matt Hardy hitting him with two ladders of their own. Another instance was when Evan Bourne performed a shooting star press, known as 'Air Bourne' on Christian from a vertically placed ladder wedged between another and the middle rope. The match came to an end when Jack Swagger hit Christian with the Money in the Bank briefcase sending him falling down and giving Swagger enough time to unhook the briefcase and become the new Mr. Money in the Bank.[57]

The fourth match included Triple H taking on Sheamus. The match started with Sheamus taunting Triple H and calling himself the future of the business. He then spent most of the time dominating Triple H with his back breaker and submission moves. Triple H then took back control of the match by performing a Facebreaker knee smash and spinebuster on Sheamus. Sheamus then hit Triple H with a Brouge Kick and then tried to hit him with a Powerbomb only for Triple H to reverse and hit Sheamus with the Pedigree to win the match.[58]

The fifth match saw CM Punk taking on Rey Mysterio. A malfunction in Mysterio's opening delayed the match. The bout went evenly matched throughout with neither superstars managing to get the advantage for long. CM Punk's disciples Luke Gallows and Serena attempted to interfere throughout the match. The end came when Serena distracted the referee and Gallows tried to distract Rey Mysterio. Punk lifted Mysterio from behind and attempted to hit the G.T.S but was reversed into the 619. Mysterio then hit Punk with a diving splash and pinned him for the win.[59]

Main event matches

Mr. McMahon took on Bret Hart next, with Bruce Hart as the special guest referee. McMahon entered and informed Hart that he wanted to give him a "Wrestlemania sized" screwing and called out Hart's family claiming he had paid them to turn on Hart. Hart then informed McMahon that his family had informed him about this before and that they would screw Vince instead. The match featured members of the Hart family including The Hart Dynasty beating on McMahon. Hart then placed McMahon in the Sharpshooter, with McMahon tapping out to end the match.[60]

The seventh match was for the World Heavyweight Championship between Edge and reigning champion Chris Jericho. Each man tried to get the better of each other only to be countered every time. The match ended when Jericho hit Edge with the championship belt and a Codebreaker to win and retain his title. After the match Jericho attempted to hurt Edge further but was fought off and was speared by Edge through the barricade outside the ring.[61]

The eighth match featured a ten-Diva tag team match, with Women's Champion Michelle McCool, Divas Champion Maryse, Layla, Alicia Fox and Vickie Guerrero vs. Mickie James, Beth Phoenix, Eve, Kelly Kelly and Gail Kim. Guerrero pinned Kelly to win the match for her team.[62]

John Cena and Batista fought for the WWE Championship next. Cena entered the ring after a performance from the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team. Batista dominated the first half of the match. Cena made a return after hitting a suplex. The match started to go evenly after that. An instance included Cena hitting the Five Knuckle Shuffle off the top of the turnbuckle. Then Batista delivered a Batista Bomb for a two-count and Cena delivered an Attitude Adjustment for a two-count. The match came to an end after Cena reversed a Batista Bomb into an STF. Batista eventually tapped out. Cena won the match and the WWE Championship, making him an eight-time World champion.[63]

Shawn Michaels' Wrestlemania XXVI entrance

The final match featured was the billed "Streak vs Career" match between Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker. The match started out with both men hitting their signature moves early on. The Undertaker injured his leg while performing Old School and Shawn focused on his leg. The action then went outside the ring. An instance included where Undertaker hit the Tombstone Piledriver on the stadium floor, but Michaels kicked out when Undertaker tried to pin him in the ring. Afterwards in the match, Shawn Michaels hit a Sweet Chin Music. Soon after, Undertaker also hit the Chokeslam and the Last Ride successfully, but Michaels kicked out of each. Shawn also applied numerous submission maneuvers on Undertaker's injured ankle, such as the Ankle Lock, Figure Four Leglock, and Crossface, but The Undertaker was successful in countering all of them. Undertaker also applied the Hell's Gate, but Michaels reversed it into a pin attempt, with Undertaker kicking for a two count. When the action spilled outside again, Undertaker attempted a Last Ride on the announce table, but Michaels countered it and hit a second Sweet Chin Music, which placed the Undertaker on top of the announce table. Michaels performed a moonsault aiming on the Undertaker's injured ankle. After taking The Undertaker back in the ring again, Michaels then hit his third Sweet Chin Music on Undertaker, who kicked out at two yet again. Michaels then attempted Sweet Chin Music again but Undertaker countered into a Chokeslam, and quickly followed up by hitting Michaels with a second Tombstone Piledriver. But Michaels kicked out at the count of two. Undertaker began to signal the end for Michaels, but stopped his cut-throat action and told Michaels to stay down. Michaels, however, taunted Undertaker by completing the action on his own and slapping him in the face. Then Undertaker responded with a third jumping Tombstone Piledriver and pinned the fallen Shawn Michaels for the win, and extended his undefeated streak at WrestleMania to 18–0,ending Michaels' career. After the match the two shook hands and embraced. Undertaker soon left and Shawn Michaels interacted with the fans for the final time as the event came to a close.[64]

Aftermath

The next night on Raw, Shawn Michaels gave his farewell address to the fans. The episode was a tribute to Michaels, with many vignettes airing periodically before commercials, highlighting his accomplishments and his greatest matches. In his address Michaels thanked all the fans and specifically Vince McMahon, Bret Hart and Triple H on supporting him throughout his career. The Undertaker also made an appearance when he tipped his hat to Shawn as a sign of respect.

Before Michaels' farewell speech, Triple H came out and stated how much he would miss him and remembered all the good times he had had. Before he could continue any more however, he was attacked by his WrestleMania opponent Sheamus. This set up a rematch between the two in a Street Fight at Extreme Rules. Not only would Sheamus win that match, but he would also put Triple H out of action indefinitely following a round of Brogue Kicks to Triple H's skull.

The feud between Batista and John Cena continued as Batista came out and demanded he be awarded the WWE Championship back and that he never lost the match at WrestleMania in the first place. Later on, after a tag team match, Batista attacked Cena and said that he wouldn't be making anyone tap out anymore as he invoked his rematch clause at Extreme Rules and that it would be a Last Man Standing match. Cena emerged victorious after duct taping Batista's legs to the ring post. The two would face off one final time at Over the Limit in an "I Quit" match, and after making him scream "I Quit!", Cena would then slam Batista through the stage set off the top of an automobile. The next night on Raw, an injured Batista quit the company out of frustration.

On the episode of SmackDown after WrestleMania, Chris Jericho came out to flaunt the fact that he had defeated Edge at the event. In the middle of his speech, Edge attacked him again and hit him with another spear. Jack Swagger then came from behind and hit Edge with the Money in the Bank briefcase he had won at WrestleMania. He then cashed in his title opportunity and performed a Gutwrench Powerbomb on Jericho, thus winning the World Heavyweight Championship.

Reception

The event has received mostly positive reviews from critics. The Sun in a mixed review praised the Undertaker-Michaels match and Michaels' send-off but criticised the Hart-McMahon match as "awful" and "disappointing" with a rating of 6 out of 10, the divas match as "thoughtless" and "botch-ridden" with a score of 4 out of 10, the Unified WWE Tag Team Championship match as "solid but uninspiring" and the Money in the Bank match as "cluttered". Overall they awarded the event an 8 out of 10.[65] Canadian Online Explorer's professional wrestling section gave the entire event 6.5 out of 10, down from its WrestleMania XXV rating of 9 out of 10. The main event received a 9.5 out of 10 rating.[66]

Results

No. Results Stipulations Times[67]
1D Yoshi Tatsu last eliminated Zack Ryder to win 26-man battle royal 08:34
2 ShoMiz (The Miz and Big Show) (c) defeated John Morrison and R-Truth[68] Tag team match for the Unified WWE Tag Team Championship 03:24
3 Randy Orton defeated Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase[69] Triple threat match 09:01
4 Jack Swagger defeated Christian, Matt Hardy, Kane, Drew McIntyre, Kofi Kingston, Dolph Ziggler, Shelton Benjamin, Montel Vontavious Porter, and Evan Bourne[30] Money in the Bank ladder match 13:44
5 Triple H defeated Sheamus[70] Singles match 12:09
6 Rey Mysterio defeated CM Punk (with Luke Gallows and Serena)[71] Singles match; had Punk won, Mysterio would have had to join the Straight Edge Society 06:30
7 Bret Hart defeated Mr. McMahon by submission[72] No Holds Barred Lumberjack match with Bruce Hart as the special guest referee 11:09
8 Chris Jericho (c) defeated Edge[73] Singles match for the World Heavyweight Championship 15:48
9 Michelle McCool, Vickie Guerrero, Alicia Fox, Layla and Maryse defeated Beth Phoenix, Kelly Kelly, Mickie James, Gail Kim, and Eve[74] 10-Diva tag team match 03:26
10 John Cena defeated Batista (c) by submission[75] Singles match for the WWE Championship 13:31
11 The Undertaker defeated Shawn Michaels[76] Streak VS Career No disqualification, no countout match; since Michaels lost, he was forced to retire. 23:59
  • (c) – refers to the champion(s) heading into the match
  • D – indicates the match was a dark match

    26-Man Battle Royal

    Elimination Wrestler Eliminated by Times
    1 Primo Lance Archer 0:19
    2 Caylen Croft Mark Henry 1:14
    3 Trent Barretta Mark Henry 1:14
    4 Chavo Guerrero Mark Henry 1:24
    5 Mark Henry Great Khali 1:31
    6 Great Khali Multiple Wrestlers 1:42
    7 Luke Gallows Shad Gaspard and JTG 2:01
    8 JTG Shad Gaspard 2:09
    9 Slam Master J Mike Knox 2:37
    10 Chris Masters Lance Archer 4:21
    11 David Hart Smith Vladimir Kozlov 4:49
    12 Tyson Kidd Vladimir Kozlov 4:49
    13 Vladimir Kozlov Mike Knox 4:53
    14 Funaki Mike Knox 5:05
    15 Goldust Mike Knox 5:08
    16 Shad Gaspard William Regal 5:19
    17 William Regal Finlay 5:25
    18 Tyler Reks Zack Ryder 5:32
    19 Santino Marella Finlay 6:29
    20 Jimmy Wang Yang Lance Archer 6:58
    21 Lance Archer Yoshi Tatsu 7:03
    22 Carlito Finlay 8:11
    23 Mike Knox Zack Ryder 8:28
    24 Finlay Zack Ryder 8:28
    25 Zack Ryder Yoshi Tatsu 8:34
    26 Yoshi Tatsu Winner N/A

    References

    1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "WrestleMania: "I Made It" by Kevin Rudolf is the official theme song of WrestleMania 26". World Wrestling Entertainment. February 11, 2010. Retrieved February 12, 2010.
    2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 ""Be Yourself" by Audioslave is an official theme song of WrestleMania". World Wrestling Entertainment. March 11, 2010. Retrieved March 13, 2010.
    3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "SmackDown". 2010-02-26. Missing or empty |title= (help)
    4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 "WrestleMania: "The Show" by Since October is an official theme song for WrestleMania". World Wrestling Entertainment. March 22, 2010. Retrieved March 25, 2010.
    5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 "WrestleMania XXVI Breaks Record". World Wrestling Entertainment. March 28, 2010. Archived from the original on April 3, 2010. Retrieved March 29, 2010.
    6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 "Arizona Hosts WrestleMania XXVI". World Wrestling Entertainment. February 24, 2009. Retrieved February 24, 2009.
    7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 "WWE Magazine Feature of the Week". World Wrestling Entertainment. February 13, 2010. Retrieved February 13, 2010.
    8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 "WWE Presents WrestleMania XXVI". University of Phoenix Stadium. Retrieved August 29, 2009.
    9. ↑ "WWE PPV buyrate numbers in 2010". Wrestleview.com. Retrieved May 6, 2010.
    10. ↑ "WrestleMania Blows Away Attendance Record At Ford Fields". World Wrestling Entertainment. April 21, 2007. Retrieved March 29, 2010.
    11. ↑ "WrestleMania XXIV Crushes Records, Careers". World Wrestling Entertainment. March 30, 2009. Retrieved March 29, 2010.
    12. ↑ "WrestleMania Record Sellout". World Wrestling Entertainment. April 5, 2009. Retrieved March 29, 2010.
    13. ↑ "Live & Televised Entertainment of World Wrestling Entertainment". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved February 24, 2009.
    14. ↑ "WWE pay-per-views to follow WrestleMania formula". World Wrestling Entertainment. March 14, 2007. Retrieved February 23, 2010.
    15. ↑ Adkins, Greg (June 28, 2009). "Uninvited guests". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved February 23, 2010.
    16. ↑ Sitterson, Aubrey (July 13, 2009). "Lean, Green hosting machine". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved February 23, 2010.
    17. ↑ "Getting burned in the Miami heat". World Wrestling Entertainment. July 17, 2009. Retrieved February 23, 2010.
    18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 Murphy, Ryan (January 31, 2010). "Opportunity shocks". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved February 1, 2010.
    19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 Burdick, Michael (February 21, 2010). "Heartbroken". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved February 23, 2010.
    20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 20.2 20.3 20.4 Adkins, Greg (February 22, 2010). "Taking the bull by the horns". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved February 23, 2010.
    21. ↑ Adkins, Greg (January 25, 2010). ""Psych"-ed for the Rumble". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved February 23, 2010.
    22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 Adkins, Greg (February 1, 2010). "Process of Elimination". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved February 23, 2010.
    23. ↑ Passero, Mitch (February 5, 2010). "Opportunity knocks". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved February 23, 2010.
    24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 24.2 Adkins, Greg (February 21, 2010). "Intermittent reign". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved February 23, 2010.
    25. ↑ Adkins, Greg. "Vaunted: Deadman Alive". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved February 23, 2010.
    26. ↑ Adkins, Greg (December 14, 2009). "Dennis, anyone?". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved February 23, 2010.
    27. ↑ Adkins, Greg (January 18, 2010). "Royal rebellion". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved February 23, 2010.
    28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 Adkins, Greg (February 8, 2010). "Raw's pit stomp". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved February 23, 2010.
    29. ↑ 29.0 29.1 29.2 Adkins, Greg (March 8, 2010). "Sleight of hands". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved March 9, 2010.
    30. ↑ 30.0 30.1 "Preview: Money in the Bank Ladder Match". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved February 22, 2010.
    31. ↑ Burdick, Michael (February 26, 2010). "Fear of the Spear". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved February 27, 2010.
    32. ↑ 32.0 32.1 32.2 Adkins, Greg (March 1, 2010). "A long, strange trip to WrestleMania". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved March 2, 2010.
    33. ↑ 33.0 33.1 Passero, Mitch (March 5, 2010). "Ready, set, Spear!". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved March 6, 2010.
    34. ↑ 34.0 34.1 Burdick, Michael (March 12, 2010). "A "Highlight" assault". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved March 13, 2010.
    35. ↑ Adkins, Greg (March 22, 2010). "Road Warriors". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved March 23, 2010.
    36. ↑ 36.0 36.1 Adkins, Greg (January 4, 2010). "Hit Man, baby, one more time". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved March 2, 2010.
    37. ↑ Adkins, Greg (February 15, 2010). "Clear and present chamber". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved March 2, 2010.
    38. ↑ 38.0 38.1 Adkins, Greg (March 15, 2010). "Vince screwed Vince". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved March 16, 2010.
    39. ↑ Sitterson, Aubrey (January 12, 2009). "Sioux City showstopper". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved March 22, 2010.
    40. ↑ Adkins, Greg (December 28, 2009). "Timbaland shocks the house". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved March 22, 2010.
    41. ↑ Burdick, Michael (January 1, 2010). "Time to rumble". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved March 19, 2010.
    42. ↑ Passero, Mitch (January 22, 2010). "No fear". World Wrestling Entertainment.
    43. ↑ Burdick, Michael (February 12, 2010). "Charging to the Chamber". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved March 19, 2010.
    44. ↑ Passero, Mitch (March 19, 2010). "Nine days until WrestleMania". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved March 19, 2010.
    45. ↑ 45.0 45.1 Watters, Carrie (January 18, 2008). "Talks ongoing to bring WrestleMania in 2010". The Arizona Republic. Retrieved November 29, 2009.
    46. ↑ Nordström, Gunnar (December 30, 2007). "Fel att satsa på Foppa". Expressen (in Swedish). Retrieved February 24, 2009.
    47. ↑ 47.0 47.1 47.2 47.3 47.4 Sanders, Rebekah L. (March 23, 2010). "WrestleMania XXVI to transform University of Phoenix Stadium". The Arizona Republic. Retrieved March 26, 2010.
    48. ↑ "The music of WrestleMania: "Aint No Grave" by Johnny Cash". World Wrestling Entertainment. March 11, 2010. Retrieved March 13, 2010.
    49. ↑ "Fantasia to perform at WrestleMania XXVI in Glendale". The Arizona Republic. March 22, 2010. Retrieved March 23, 2010.
    50. ↑ 50.0 50.1 "WrestleMania Week". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved November 30, 2009.
    51. ↑ "WWE Announces WrestleMania Kick-Off Party At Westgate Complete With Superstars, Giveaways And SmackDown On The Big Screen" (PDF). Glendale's Got Game. March 10, 2009. Retrieved March 12, 2009.
    52. ↑ "Kick-off Party". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved March 12, 2009.
    53. ↑ McClay, Bob (February 24, 2009). "WrestleMania to be held in Glendale". KTAR. Retrieved February 25, 2009. WrestleMania "Destruction in the Desert," scheduled for March 28, 2010, will be a week-long event featuring a street party, a wrestling hall of fame, and an art exhibition created by several WWE wrestlers.
    54. ↑ "Wrestlemania XXVI results". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved March 28, 2010.
    55. ↑ "Wrestlemania XXVI(1) results". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved March 28, 2010.
    56. ↑ "Wrestlemania XXVI(2) results". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved March 28, 2010.
    57. ↑ "Wrestlemania XXVI results(3)". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved March 28, 2010.
    58. ↑ "Wrestlemania XXVI(4) results". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved March 28, 2010.
    59. ↑ "Wrestlemania XXVI results(5)". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved March 28, 2010.
    60. ↑ "Wrestlemania XXVI results(6)". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved March 28, 2010.
    61. ↑ "Wrestlemania XXVI results(7)". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved March 28, 2010.
    62. ↑ "Wrestlemania XXVI results(8)". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved March 28, 2010.
    63. ↑ "Wrestlemania XXVI results(9)". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved March 28, 2010.
    64. ↑ "Wrestlemania XXVI(10) results". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved March 28, 2010.
    65. ↑ McNichol, Rob (March 29, 2010). "Shawn's Career end on a high". The Sun (London). Retrieved March 29, 2010.
    66. ↑ Plummer, Dale; Tylwalk, Nick. "Undertaker ends Shawn Michaels' career in thrilling rematch to cap off Wrestlemania XXVI". Slam! Sports. Canoe.ca. Retrieved March 29, 2010.
    67. ↑ "WrestleMania".
    68. ↑ Vermillion, James (March 28, 2010). "Results: No business like Show-Miz-ness". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved March 29, 2010.
    69. ↑ Powers, Kevin (March 28, 2010). "Results: RK-Owning his legacy". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved March 29, 2010.
    70. ↑ Murphy, Ryan (March 28, 2010). "Results: Fortune does not favor the bold". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved March 29, 2010.
    71. ↑ Burdick, Michael (March 28, 2010). "Results: 619 means I'm better than you". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved March 29, 2010.
    72. ↑ Tello, Craig (March 28, 2010). "Results: Bret screwed Vince". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved March 29, 2010.
    73. ↑ Passero, Mitch (March 28, 2010). "Results: A Spear too late". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved March 29, 2010.
    74. ↑ Murphy, Ryan (March 28, 2010). "Results: Vickie throws her weight around". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved March 29, 2010.
    75. ↑ Adkins, Greg (March 28, 2010). "Results: Cena uncorks the "Champ pain"". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved March 29, 2010.
    76. ↑ McAvennie, Mike (March 28, 2010). "Results: Phenom spells 18 and woe for HBK". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved March 29, 2010.

    External links

    Wikimedia Commons has media related to WrestleMania XXVI.
    Wikiquote has quotations related to: WrestleMania XXVI