WWE Royal Rumble: The Top 5 Performers of the 40-Man Rumble

After a long time of proclaiming the world that it was his destiny, Alberto del Rio shocked the world when he eliminated Santino Marella Sunday night and won the 2011 Royal Rumble in his rookie debut. Brock Lesnar and Ric Flair also won their debut rumble and if history was to judge, our Mexican aristocrat will be champion in no time.

The rumble is all about Alberto but there are also some WWE superstars who stood out and made this rumble special. Booker T and Kevin Nash returned to the WWE and even though they didn't have a strong showing, the road to WrestleMania is looking colorful.

Kevin Nash received a huge pop when his music hits and his performance was a little rusty, I have high hopes for Big Daddy Cool. Booker T did a spinarooni to the delight of the crowd but didn't last long.

In fact, Hornswoggle lasted more than Booker T and Kevin Nash combined. Whats up with that? Though seeing Sheamus kick the crap out of the little bastard was sweet.

Anyway, let's take a little recap and see the top five wrestlers who made this rumble amazing and special. 

1. John Morrison

Jomo convinced the WWE universe that the title of King of Parkour was indeed his when he showed off his awesome athletic abilities. Jomo was pushed out (but he actually jumped) off the apron by William Regal but Jomo was able to grab the guard rail and hang on to it. Meanwhile, Regal was eliminated by Ted Dibiase.

Jomo followed up this amazing spectacle by walking on the rails and jumped from the rail to the steel steps completely avoiding the floor. It was awesome and ten points for Jomo for originality.

2. The New Nexus - CM Punk

Perhaps it was luck, but CM Punk drew No. 1 and minutes later, four members of The Nexus dominated the ring. Husky Harris, David Otunga, Michael McGillicutty and CM Punk dominated the ring and cleaned house.

They also destroyed the next participants coming out. Tyler Reks, Vladimir Koslov, R Truth and Booker T were all sacrificial lambs for The Nexus. 

Their luck ran out, however, when a returning Khali entered and eliminated Husky Harris. Khali was not able to get the job done, though, when Mason Ryan quickly came out next and threw the Punjabi giant out.

CM Punk was the highlight of the night, though, when he lasted a longtime in the rumble even giving us an incredible opener against Daniel Bryan.

Damn those Nexus. Who can beat the four on one odds by these wrestlers?

Who I ask?

3. John Cena

Yes, who else can beat a four on one odds? John SuperCena was a clear Rumble favorite and proved so when he threw every member of The Nexus out. SuperCena once again gave the kids more reason to love him and the Internet Wrestling Community (IWC) another ammunition to hate him.

SuperCena also dominated the next entrants when he and Hornswoggle gave kids a reason to smile by eliminating Tyson Kidd and Heath Slater with crazy antics and double team moves.

The Corre was absolutely jobbers this night when all members, except Wade Barrett shined. Ezekiel Jackson did eliminate the Big Show, though.

SuperCena, on the other hand, lasted all the way to the final five and dominated for awhile but was ultimately screwed when The Miz eliminated him.

So it's a SuperCena/Miz fued next, huh?

4. Chavo Guerrero

Surprised, aren't you?

Well so was I, but Chavo Guerrero jobbed in this Rumble. Make no doubt about it, he was cow fodder in this match but seeing him outside the Soaring Eagle outfit is an improvement.

He also made me shed a tear when he delivered the Three Amigos to three superstars. It was amazing. 

A lot of moves in the WWE are outdated now like the German Suplex, the Snap Suplex and the Three Amigos. Seeing one of these moves unleashed is really a nice thing to watch.

5. Alberto del Rio

And of course, Mr. Royal Rumble himself. He was overshadowed by three other Rumble favorites, and no doubt, these other three superstars have had their fair share of main event spotlight.

I mean given the choice between Alberto del Rio, Wade Barrett, John Cena and Randy Orton, I would choose Wade Barrett and put a $1,000 on that guarantee.

Oh am I so happy I didn't bet.

The WrestleMania storylines are also shaping up. An Alberto/ Edge rivalry will be epic provided that the WWE doesn't screw it up.

Of course, the role of Booker T and Kevin Nash is also peaking my curiosity. Are they heading to RAW or SmackDown?

What about the Elimination Chamber? Can The Miz triumph in it because I myself want him to headline WrestleMania.