Alberto Del Rio Wins Royal Rumble, Plans to Challenge Edge at Wrestlemania

By Sharmaine Jones

After winning the WWE Royal Rumble on Sunday, Han. 30, the rich and arrogant Alberto Del Rio is looking to add “world champion” to his resumé.

The Mexican sensation prevailed over 39 competitors in the biggest Royal Rumble of WWE's 24-year history. He joins an impressive list of Rumble winners, including legends Hulk Hogan, Shawn Michaels, Bret Heart, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin and The Rock.

The Royal Rumble is an annual match in which a set number of participants attempt to eliminate competitors by tossing them over the top rope, resulting in both feet touching the floor. The match starts with two competitors, but new wrestlers join the match in timed intervals.

As exceptional a wrestler as Del Rio is, he was fortunate enough to have the advantage of entering the bout at number 38. When he entered the ring, there appeared to be only three competitors to eliminate — John Cena, Wade Barrett and Randy Orton. Through no effort of his own, Cena was tossed first, then Barrett. Del Rio then seized the opportunity to eliminate Orton. It appeared to be over, but according to WWE, Santino Marella wasn't officially eliminated earlier on in the match. Marella crawled from under the ring and hit a celebratory Del Rio with “The Cobra”. Del Rio was almost thrown over the ropes, but his reverse move sent Morella over them instead, making him the victor and the beneficiary of huge bragging rights.

On WWE Raw, a smug Del Rio marched into the ring — accompanied by a mariachi band — and announced that he knew he would win the Rumble, and planned to challenge current Smackdown champion Edge — rather than Raw champion The Miz — for the heavyweight title at the 27th annual Wrestlemania.

Do you think Alberto Del Rio can win the championship belt? Tell us in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Alberto Del Rio, Edge, John Cena, Randy Orton, Royal Rumble, Santino Morella, The Miz, Wade Barrett, Wrestlemania, Wrestling, WWE