Rivalries & Legendary Matches in 2010
The first half of 2010 was filled with shocking betrayals, championship reigns, and the emergence of new factions. From Shawn Michaels’ emotional farewell to The Nexus’ hostile takeover, WWE delivered some of the most defining moments of the decade. Let’s take a look at the key matches and rivalries that shaped the first half of 2010.
🗓️ January – Royal Rumble: The Return of The Rated-R Superstar 🏆
🔥 Key Matches:
- Royal Rumble Match – Edge, John Cena, Shawn Michaels, Batista, Chris Jericho, CM Punk
- WWE Championship Match – Sheamus vs. Randy Orton
- World Heavyweight Championship Match – The Undertaker vs. Rey Mysterio
🎭 Highlights & Rivalries:
A shocking return stole the show, as a fan-favorite Superstar made his presence known and earned a WrestleMania main event spot.
The WWE Championship match ended in chaos, as outside interference added fuel to an already heated rivalry.
Meanwhile, The Undertaker continued his dominant reign, but questions remained about who could stop The Deadman.
🗓️ February – Elimination Chamber: WrestleMania Paths Defined ⛓️
🔥 Key Matches:
- Elimination Chamber Match – WWE Championship – John Cena, Triple H, Sheamus, Randy Orton, Ted DiBiase, Kofi Kingston
- Elimination Chamber Match – World Heavyweight Championship – Chris Jericho, The Undertaker, John Morrison, CM Punk, Rey Mysterio, R-Truth
- Edge vs. Batista
🎭 Highlights & Rivalries:
One Superstar reclaimed gold inside the unforgiving Chamber… only to lose it moments later in stunning fashion.
Another Chamber bout was shaken by unexpected betrayal, dramatically altering the championship picture.
A fierce challenge was laid down for WrestleMania, reigniting a bitter rivalry years in the making.
🗓️ March – The Road to WrestleMania Intensifies 🚣️
🔥 Key Matches & Segments:
- A legendary career hangs in the balance as a challenge is issued for The Streak.
- A Hall of Famer returns to settle unfinished business with WWE’s Chairman.
- Two powerhouses continue their volatile collision course toward the grandest stage.
🎭 Highlights & Rivalries:
Tensions flared as obsession took center stage, while personal grudges and championship dreams collided.
The path to WrestleMania was paved with mind games, personal vendettas, and high-stakes stipulations.
🗓️ April – WrestleMania 26: The End of an Era 🎉
🔥 Key Matches:
- The Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels (Streak vs. Career)
- John Cena vs. Batista (WWE Championship)
- Chris Jericho vs. Edge (World Heavyweight Championship)
- Bret Hart vs. Vince McMahon
- Triple H vs. Sheamus
🎭 Highlights & Rivalries:
Emotions ran high as one of WWE’s most revered Superstars put his career on the line.
Championship gold changed hands in unforgettable fashion, while rivalries exploded in brutal showdowns.
A family legacy was defended in a clash decades in the making.
🗓️ May – Extreme Rules: A New Era Begins 💥
🔥 Key Matches:
- WWE Championship – Last Man Standing
- World Heavyweight Championship
- Street Fight
🎭 Highlights & Rivalries:
A brutal stipulation match pushed two former allies to their limits, with career-altering consequences.
A new champion looked to prove their reign was no fluke, battling one of WWE’s most dangerous veterans.
A rising star earned a controversial victory that would put one legend on the shelf indefinitely.
🗓️ June – Fatal 4-Way: The Nexus Arrives 📈
🔥 Key Matches:
- Fatal 4-Way Match for the WWE Championship
- Fatal 4-Way Match for the World Heavyweight Championship
- United States Championship
🎭 Highlights & Rivalries:
A chaotic main event was thrown into further disarray when a group of rebellious newcomers unleashed a shocking ambush.
A beloved high-flyer defied the odds to capture championship gold, but how long could he hold onto it?
The arrival of The Nexus shook WWE to its core, with questions swirling about their motives and next target.
🔥 2010 Summary – The First Half in Review
The first half of 2010 saw iconic retirements, dominant champions, and a major power shift in WWE.
- The end of a Hall of Famer’s storied career on the grandest stage 🏆
- A hard-hitting rivalry between two of WWE’s top stars 🔥
- Veteran champions and shocking betrayals ✨
- The explosive arrival of The Nexus 🌟
As WWE moved into the second half of 2010, anticipation built around the rise of new leaders, the fall of legends, and how WWE would respond to the threat of The Nexus.
