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{{good article}}
{{good article}}
{{Infobox Wrestling event
{{Infobox Wrestling event
|name = Over the Limit
|name = Over the Limit
|image = Over the Limit (2010).jpg
|image = Over the Limit (2010).jpg
|alt = A blond Caucasian male running toward camera, wearing long black wrestling tights. A speedometer, similar to that of a car, is in the background and white writing advertising the name, date, and time of the pay-per-view is in the bottom right corner.
|alt=A blond Caucasian male running toward camera, wearing long black wrestling tights. A speedometer, similar to that of a car, is in the background and white writing advertising the name, date, and time of the pay-per-view is in the bottom right corner.
|caption = Promotional poster featuring [[Edge (wrestler)|Edge]]
|caption = Promotional poster featuring [[Edge (wrestler)|Edge]]
|promotion = [[WWE|World Wrestling Entertainment]]
|promotion = [[WWE|World Wrestling Entertainment]]
|brand = [[Raw (WWE brand)|Raw]]<br />[[SmackDown (WWE brand)|SmackDown]]
|brand = [[Raw (WWE brand)|Raw]]<br />[[SmackDown (WWE brand)|SmackDown]]
|date = May 23, 2010
|date = May 23, 2010
|attendance = 11,000<ref name="attendance">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1274920954|title=Attendance for WWE's Over the Limit PPV|date=May 26, 2010|first=Steve|last=Gerweck|access-date=May 26, 2010|publisher=WrestleView|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629221413/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1274920954|archive-date=June 29, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|attendance=11,000<ref name="attendance">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1274920954|title=Attendance for WWE's Over the Limit PPV|date=May 26, 2010|first=Steve|last=Gerweck|access-date=May 26, 2010|publisher=WrestleView|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629221413/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1274920954|archive-date=June 29, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|buyrate = 197,000
|buyrate = 197,000
|venue = [[Joe Louis Arena]]
|venue = [[Joe Louis Arena]]
|city = [[Detroit]], [[Michigan]]
|city = [[Detroit]], [[Michigan]]
|lastevent = [[Extreme Rules (2010)|Extreme Rules]]
|lastevent = [[Extreme Rules (2010)|Extreme Rules]]
|nextevent = [[WWE Fatal 4-Way|Fatal 4-Way]]
|nextevent = [[WWE Fatal 4-Way|Fatal 4-Way]]
|event2 = [[WWE Over the Limit|Over the Limit]]
|event2 = [[WWE Over the Limit|Over the Limit]]
|lastevent3 = ''First''
|lastevent3= ''First''
|nextevent3 = [[Over the Limit (2011)|2011]]
|nextevent3= [[Over the Limit (2011)|2011]]
}}
}}
The 2010 '''Over the Limit''' was the inaugural [[WWE Over the Limit|Over the Limit]] [[professional wrestling]] [[pay-per-view]] (PPV) [[List of WWE pay-per-view events|event]] produced by [[World Wrestling Entertainment]] (WWE). It was held for wrestlers from the promotion's [[Raw (WWE brand)|Raw]] and [[SmackDown (WWE brand)|SmackDown]] [[WWE brand extension|brand divisions]]. The event took place on May 23, 2010, at the [[Joe Louis Arena]] in [[Detroit]], [[Michigan]]. Over the Limit replaced WWE's previously annual May PPV, [[WWE Judgment Day|Judgment Day]].
The 2010 '''Over the Limit''' was the inaugural [[WWE Over the Limit|Over the Limit]] [[professional wrestling]] [[pay-per-view]] (PPV) [[List of WWE pay-per-view events|event]] produced by [[World Wrestling Entertainment]] (WWE). It was held for wrestlers from the promotion's [[Raw (WWE brand)|Raw]] and [[SmackDown (WWE brand)|SmackDown]] [[WWE brand extension|brand divisions]]. The event took place on May 23, 2010, at the [[Joe Louis Arena]] in [[Detroit]], [[Michigan]]. The name "Over the Limit" was a reference to its main event match being contested as an [["I Quit" match]]. Over the Limit replaced WWE's previously annual May PPV, [[WWE Judgment Day|Judgment Day]].


Nine matches took place at the event, eight of which were broadcast [[Live television|live]] on pay-per-view. In the [[main event]] from the Raw brand, [[John Cena]] faced [[Dave Batista|Batista]] for the [[WWE Championship]], while [[Big Show]] versus [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE)|World Heavyweight Champion]] [[Jack Swagger]] was the main event from the SmackDown brand. Matches on the [[undercard]] included [[Randy Orton]] against [[Edge (wrestler)|Edge]], [[CM Punk]] facing [[Rey Mysterio]], and [[Drew McIntyre]] defending the [[WWE Intercontinental Championship]] against [[Kofi Kingston]]. Other championships defended at the event were the [[WWE Divas Championship]] and the [[Unified WWE Tag Team Championship]].
Nine matches took place at the event, eight of which were broadcast [[Live television|live]] on pay-per-view. In the [[main event]], which was the main match from Raw, [[John Cena]] faced [[Dave Batista|Batista]] for the [[WWE Championship]] in an "I Quit" match, while The [[Big Show]] versus [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE, 2002–2013)|World Heavyweight Champion]] [[Jack Swagger]] was the main match from SmackDown. Matches on the [[undercard]] included [[Randy Orton]] against [[Edge (wrestler)|Edge]], [[CM Punk]] facing [[Rey Mysterio]], and [[Drew McIntyre]] defending SmackDown's [[WWE Intercontinental Championship|Intercontinental Championship]] against [[Kofi Kingston]]. Other championships defended at the event were Raw's [[WWE Divas Championship]] and the [[Unified WWE Tag Team Championship]], which was available to both brands.


The event drew 197,000 pay-per-view buys, and was attended live by 11,000 people. Reviews for the event were generally negative, with reviewers criticizing the endings of the matches, stoppages for blood, and predictable match results. Five main event wrestlers sustained [[Legit (professional wrestling)|legitimate]] injuries during the course of the show, being Batista, John Cena, CM Punk, Randy Orton, and Ted DiBiase Jr..
The event drew 197,000 pay-per-view buys, and was attended live by 11,000 people. Reviews for the event were generally negative, with reviewers criticizing the endings of the matches, stoppages for blood, and predictable match results. Five wrestlers sustained [[Legit (professional wrestling)|legitimate]] injuries during the course of the show, being Batista, John Cena, CM Punk, Randy Orton, and Ted DiBiase Jr..


==Production==
==Production==
===Background===
===Background===
[[World Wrestling Entertainment]] (WWE) had previously ran an annual May [[pay-per-view]] (PPV) titled [[WWE Judgment Day|Judgment Day]]. In 2010, WWE discontinued Judgment Day and replaced it with a new PPV titled Over the Limit.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/content/media/images/ppv.calendar.v1.png|title=Pay-Per-View Calendar|publisher=[[WWE|World Wrestling Entertainment]]|access-date=2009-10-26}}</ref> The event was held on May 23, 2010, at the [[Joe Louis Arena]] in [[Detroit, Michigan]] and featured wrestlers from the [[Raw (WWE brand)|Raw]] and [[SmackDown (WWE brand)|SmackDown]] [[WWE brand extension|brands]]. The name "Over the Limit" was a reference to its main event match being contested as an [["I quit" match]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/schedules/events/rw/eventdetail/13719082|title=Over the Limit|access-date=March 17, 2010|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref>
[[World Wrestling Entertainment]] (WWE) had previously ran an annual May [[pay-per-view]] (PPV) titled [[WWE Judgment Day|Judgment Day]]. In 2010, WWE discontinued Judgment Day and replaced it with a new PPV titled Over the Limit.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/content/media/images/ppv.calendar.v1.png|title=Pay-Per-View Calendar|publisher=[[WWE|World Wrestling Entertainment]]|access-date=2009-10-26|archive-date=2011-02-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110227024950/http://www.wwe.com/content/media/images/ppv.calendar.v1.png|url-status=dead}}</ref> The event was held on May 23, 2010, at the [[Joe Louis Arena]] in [[Detroit, Michigan]] and featured wrestlers from the [[Raw (WWE brand)|Raw]] and [[SmackDown (WWE brand)|SmackDown]] [[WWE brand extension|brands]]. The name "Over the Limit" was a reference to its main event match being contested as an [["I Quit" match]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/schedules/events/rw/eventdetail/13719082|title=Over the Limit|access-date=March 17, 2010|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|archive-date=July 31, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120731033917/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania|url-status=dead}}</ref>


===Storylines===
===Storylines===
Over the Limit involved different wrestlers from scripted feuds, [[Plot (narrative)|plots]], and [[Narrative thread|storylines]] that played out on WWE's television programs. Wrestlers portrayed a [[Heel (professional wrestling)|villain]] or a [[Face (professional wrestling)|hero]] as they followed a series of events that built tension, and culminated into a wrestling match or series of matches.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://corporate.wwe.com/company/events.jsp|title=Live & Televised Entertainment of World Wrestling Entertainment|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|access-date=March 17, 2010}}</ref>
Over the Limit involved different wrestlers from scripted feuds, [[Plot (narrative)|plots]], and [[Narrative thread|storylines]] that played out on WWE's television programs. Wrestlers portrayed a [[Face (professional wrestling)|hero]] or a [[Heel (professional wrestling)|villain]] as they followed a series of events that built tension, and culminated into a wrestling match or series of matches.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://corporate.wwe.com/company/events.jsp|title=Live & Televised Entertainment of World Wrestling Entertainment|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|access-date=March 17, 2010|archive-date=October 6, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006080211/http://corporate.wwe.com/company/events.jsp|url-status=dead}}</ref>


The main [[Feud (professional wrestling)|feud]] from the [[Raw (WWE brand)|Raw]] [[WWE Brand Extension|brand]] heading into Over the Limit was between [[John Cena]] and [[Dave Batista|Batista]] over the [[WWE Championship]], and had been going on for several months. Cena retained the WWE Championship against Batista at the [[Extreme Rules (2010)|Extreme Rules]] [[pay-per-view]] in a [[Last Man Standing match]], by taping Batista's ankles to the ringpost to ensure he could not stand up by the count of ten.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/04/25/13720306.html|title=WWE Extreme Rules features strong Mania rematches|date=April 25, 2010|last=Kapur|first=Bob|access-date=May 25, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> The next night on ''Raw'', Batista defeated [[Randy Orton]] and [[Sheamus]] to become the number one contender to the championship and earn a rematch against Cena.<ref name="draft"/> On the May 3 episode of ''Raw'', they competed in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Beat the Clock challenge|Beat the Clock challenge]] to determine the stipulation for their match. Batista defeated [[Bryan Danielson|Daniel Bryan]] in 5:06, but Cena defeated [[Stu Bennett|Wade Barrett]] in 4:32 to win the challenge and the right to name the stipulation.<ref name="May3"/> The following week, Cena announced that the match would be an [["I Quit" match]].<ref name="May10"/>
The main [[Feud (professional wrestling)|feud]] from the [[Raw (WWE brand)|Raw]] [[WWE Brand Extension|brand]] heading into Over the Limit was between [[John Cena]] and [[Dave Batista|Batista]] over the [[WWE Championship]], and had been going on for several months. Cena retained the WWE Championship against Batista at the [[Extreme Rules (2010)|Extreme Rules]] [[pay-per-view]] in a [[Last Man Standing match]], by taping Batista's ankles to the ringpost to ensure he could not stand up by the count of ten.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/04/25/13720306.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714201725/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/04/25/13720306.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 14, 2012|title=WWE Extreme Rules features strong Mania rematches|date=April 25, 2010|last=Kapur|first=Bob|access-date=May 25, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> The next night on ''Raw'', Batista defeated [[Randy Orton]] and [[Sheamus]] to become the number one contender to the championship and earn a rematch against Cena.<ref name="draft"/> On the May 3 episode of ''Raw'', they competed in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Beat the Clock challenge|Beat the Clock challenge]] to determine the stipulation for their match. Batista defeated [[Bryan Danielson|Daniel Bryan]] in 5:06, but Cena defeated [[Stu Bennett|Wade Barrett]] in 4:32 to win the challenge and the right to name the stipulation.<ref name="May3"/> The following week, Cena announced that the match would be an [["I Quit" match]].<ref name="May10"/>


The predominant feud from the [[SmackDown (WWE brand)|SmackDown]] brand was between [[Jack Swagger]] and [[Big Show]], over Swagger's [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE)|World Heavyweight Championship]]. As part of the [[2010 WWE Draft]], Big Show was drafted to SmackDown, where he was named the number one contender upon his debut on April 30.<ref name="draft">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/04/26/13731411.html|title=RAW: Feeling a draft|date=April 26, 2010|last=Plummer|first=Dave|access-date=May 25, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/05/01/13790226.html|title=Smackdown!: Comings and goings|date=May 1, 2010|last=Hillhouse|first=Dave|access-date=May 25, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> Over the next several weeks, Big Show [[chokeslam]]med Swagger through the announce table, and interrupted a [[Promos (professional wrestling)|promo]] on the May 14 episode of ''SmackDown'', in which Swagger was boasting about his accomplishments.<ref name="May7"/><ref name="May14"/> As part of the segment, Big Show destroyed Swagger's trophies and memorabilia.<ref name="May14"/> The following week, Big Show mocked Swagger in promos throughout the show and distracted Swagger during Swagger's match with [[Kofi Kingston]], allowing Kingston to win.<ref name="May21">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/05/22/14046906.html|title=Smackdown!: Revving up for Over the Limit|date=May 22, 2010|last=Hillhouse|first=Dave|access-date=May 25, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref>
The predominant feud from the [[SmackDown (WWE brand)|SmackDown]] brand was between [[Jack Swagger]] and The [[Big Show]], over Swagger's [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE, 2002–2013)|World Heavyweight Championship]]. As part of the [[2010 WWE Draft]], Big Show was drafted to SmackDown, where he was named the number one contender upon his debut on April 30.<ref name="draft">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/04/26/13731411.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714163634/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/04/26/13731411.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 14, 2012|title=RAW: Feeling a draft|date=April 26, 2010|last=Plummer|first=Dave|access-date=May 25, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/05/01/13790226.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120713161004/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/05/01/13790226.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 13, 2012|title=Smackdown!: Comings and goings|date=May 1, 2010|last=Hillhouse|first=Dave|access-date=May 25, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> Over the next several weeks, Big Show [[chokeslam]]med Swagger through the announce table, and interrupted a [[Promos (professional wrestling)|promo]] on the May 14 episode of ''SmackDown'', in which Swagger was boasting about his accomplishments.<ref name="May7"/><ref name="May14"/> As part of the segment, Big Show destroyed Swagger's trophies and memorabilia.<ref name="May14"/> The following week, Big Show mocked Swagger in promos throughout the show and distracted Swagger during Swagger's match with [[Kofi Kingston]], allowing Kingston to win.<ref name="May21">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/05/22/14046906.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120715090310/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/05/22/14046906.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 15, 2012|title=Smackdown!: Revving up for Over the Limit|date=May 22, 2010|last=Hillhouse|first=Dave|access-date=May 25, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref>


[[File:RatedRKO.jpg|alt=Two Caucasian males stand on the corner of a wrestling ring apron with red ropes. The one closest to the camera has shoulder-length blond hair and is wearing long black wrestling tights with the words "Rated R Superstar" detailed upon them in white. The other has short dark hair, is wearing short black wrestling tights, and tattoos are visible on his upper arms.|thumb|left|Former tag team partners [[Edge (wrestler)|Edge]] (left) and [[Randy Orton]] (right) were feuding prior to Over the Limit.]]
[[File:RatedRKO.jpg|alt=Two Caucasian males stand on the corner of a wrestling ring apron with red ropes. The one closest to the camera has shoulder-length blond hair and is wearing long black wrestling tights with the words "Rated R Superstar" detailed upon them in white. The other has short dark hair, is wearing short black wrestling tights, and tattoos are visible on his upper arms.|thumb|left|Former tag team partners [[Edge (wrestler)|Edge]] (left) and [[Randy Orton]] (right) were feuding prior to Over the Limit.]]
As part of the 2010 WWE Draft on April 26, [[Edge (wrestler)|Edge]] was drafted to the Raw brand. Later that night, Edge interfered in a match to determine the number one contender to the WWE Championship, [[Spear (wrestling)|spearing]] Randy Orton and preventing Orton from receiving a WWE Championship match.<ref name="draft"/> The following week, Edge hosted an edition of his [[talk show]], ''The Cutting Edge'', with Orton as his special guest. During the show, Edge justified his actions by saying he was trying to make an impact, and attempted to convince Orton to reform [[Rated-RKO]], their former [[tag team]]. Instead Orton attacked Edge.<ref name="May3">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/05/03/13813781.html|title=RAW: A very Brady Monday Night|date=May 3, 2010|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=May 25, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> The following week, Orton defeated Edge and [[Ted DiBiase, Jr.|Ted DiBiase]] in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Handicap match|handicap match]], which led to "Pick Your Poison" matches on the May 17 episode of ''Raw'', where Edge and Orton picked each other's opponents for the night.<ref name="May10">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/05/10/13900881.html|title=RAW: The final show at the Igloo|date=May 10, 2010|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=May 25, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref><ref name="May17"/> Edge faced [[The Undertaker]], and lost intentionally by [[countout]], while Orton faced Jack Swagger, and lost by [[Professional wrestling#Disqualification|disqualification]] when Edge interfered.<ref name="May17">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/05/17/13986216.html|title=RAW: Some Buzz heading toward Over the Limit|date=May 17, 2010|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=May 25, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref>
As part of the 2010 WWE Draft on April 26, [[Edge (wrestler)|Edge]] was drafted to the Raw brand. Later that night, Edge interfered in a match to determine the number one contender to the WWE Championship, [[Spear (wrestling)|spearing]] Randy Orton and preventing Orton from receiving a WWE Championship match.<ref name="draft"/> The following week, Edge hosted an edition of his [[talk show]], ''The Cutting Edge'', with Orton as his special guest. During the show, Edge justified his actions by saying he was trying to make an impact, and attempted to convince Orton to reform [[Rated-RKO]], their former [[tag team]]. Instead Orton attacked Edge.<ref name="May3">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/05/03/13813781.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716121434/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/05/03/13813781.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 16, 2012|title=RAW: A very Brady Monday Night|date=May 3, 2010|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=May 25, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> The following week, Orton defeated Edge and [[Ted DiBiase Jr.]] in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Handicap match|handicap match]], which led to "Pick Your Poison" matches on the May 17 episode of ''Raw'', where Edge and Orton picked each other's opponents for the night.<ref name="May10">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/05/10/13900881.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120719122938/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/05/10/13900881.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 19, 2012|title=RAW: The final show at the Igloo|date=May 10, 2010|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=May 25, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref><ref name="May17"/> Edge faced [[The Undertaker]], and lost intentionally by [[countout]], while Orton faced Jack Swagger, and lost by [[Professional wrestling#Disqualification|disqualification]] when Edge interfered.<ref name="May17">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/05/17/13986216.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714055750/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/05/17/13986216.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 14, 2012|title=RAW: Some Buzz heading toward Over the Limit|date=May 17, 2010|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=May 25, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref>


The rivalry between [[Rey Mysterio]] and [[CM Punk]] was continued from several previous pay-per-views. After months of feuding, Mysterio challenged Punk to a [[Professional wrestling match types#Luchas de Apuestas|Straight Edge Society Pledge vs. Hair match]] at Over the Limit. Had Punk won, Mysterio would have joined the Straight Edge Society, Punk's [[Professional wrestling stable|faction]] which promoted the [[straight edge]] lifestyle. Had Mysterio won however, Punk agreed to have his head shaved.<ref name="May7"/> On May 14, Mysterio and Punk faced each other in a singles match, but the Straight Edge Society ([[Drew Hankinson|Luke Gallows]], [[Serena Deeb|Serena]], and a mystery [[Wrestling mask|masked]] [[Joey Mercury|man]]) interfered and attacked Mysterio.<ref name="May14"/> The following week, Mysterio interrupted an initiation ceremony, in which Punk was shaving the heads of three men to induct them into the Straight Edge Society, and mocked Punk, claiming everyone would be laughing at Punk when he was shaved bald at Over the Limit. Later that night, Mysterio teamed with [[Montel Vontavious Porter]] to defeat Punk and Gallows in a [[Professional wrestling tag team match types|tag team match]].<ref name="May21"/> SmackDown General Manager Theodore Long announced That The Straight Edge Society will be Banned From Ringside during the match at the Pay-per-view
The rivalry between [[Rey Mysterio]] and [[CM Punk]] was continued from several previous pay-per-views. After months of feuding, Mysterio challenged Punk to a [[Professional wrestling match types#Luchas de apuestas|Straight Edge Society Pledge vs. Hair match]] at Over the Limit. Had Punk won, Mysterio would have joined the Straight Edge Society, Punk's [[Professional wrestling stable|faction]] which promoted the [[straight edge]] lifestyle. Had Mysterio won however, Punk agreed to have his head shaved.<ref name="May7"/> On May 14, Mysterio and Punk faced each other in a singles match, but the Straight Edge Society ([[Drew Hankinson|Luke Gallows]], [[Serena Deeb|Serena]], and a mystery [[Wrestling mask|masked]] [[Joey Mercury|man]]) interfered and attacked Mysterio.<ref name="May14"/> The following week, Mysterio interrupted an initiation ceremony, in which Punk was shaving the heads of three men to induct them into the Straight Edge Society, and mocked Punk, claiming everyone would be laughing at Punk when he was shaved bald at Over the Limit. Later that night, Mysterio teamed with [[Montel Vontavious Porter]] to defeat Punk and Gallows in a [[Professional wrestling tag team match types|tag team match]].<ref name="May21"/> SmackDown General Manager Theodore Long announced That The Straight Edge Society will be Banned From Ringside during the match at the Pay-per-view


[[File:IC Champion Drew McIntyre.jpg|alt=A Caucasian male stands in a wrestling ring with red ropes. He has long dark hair tied back, and is wearing short, black wrestling tights. A championship belt is around his waist, with a black strap and gold center plate.|thumb|right|The [[WWE Intercontinental Championship|Intercontinental Champion]] [[Drew McIntyre]], who defended the championship against [[Kofi Kingston]] at Over the Limit.]]
[[File:IC Champion Drew McIntyre.jpg|alt=A Caucasian male stands in a wrestling ring with red ropes. He has long dark hair tied back, and is wearing short, black wrestling tights. A championship belt is around his waist, with a black strap and gold center plate.|thumb|right|The [[WWE Intercontinental Championship|Intercontinental Champion]] [[Drew McIntyre]], who defended the championship against [[Kofi Kingston]] at Over the Limit.]]
Another feud was over the [[WWE Intercontinental Championship]] between the defending champion [[Drew McIntyre]] and Kofi Kingston. [[Professional wrestling authority figures#General Managers 2|SmackDown General Manager]] [[Theodore Long]] stripped McIntyre of the championship and fired him for repeatedly attacking [[Matt Hardy]]. Long set up a tournament to determine the new champion, in which [[Christian (wrestler)|Christian]] and Kingston qualified for the final by defeating [[Cody Rhodes]] and [[Nick Nemeth|Dolph Ziggler]].<ref name="May7">{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_41170.shtml|title=WWE SmackDown Report 5/7: Drew McIntyre stripped of IC Title, four-man tournament to crowd new champ, Swagger vs. Kane|date=May 7, 2010|last=Keller|first=Wade|author-link=Wade Keller|access-date=October 25, 2010|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> The following week, on the May 14 episode of ''[[WWE SmackDown|SmackDown]]'', Kingston defeated Christian to win the tournament and the championship. Immediately following the match, however, McIntyre presented Long with a letter from the WWE Chairman [[Vince McMahon]], which stated that McIntyre had been reinstated to the roster and was still recognized as the Intercontinental Champion.<ref name="May14">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/05/14/13957816.html|title=Smackdown!: Titles shuffle around in Buffalo|date=May 14, 2010|last=Hillhouse|first=Dave|access-date=May 25, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> As a result, WWE's official website announced that McIntyre would defend the championship against tournament winner Kingston.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wweoverthelimit/matches/14443544/preview/|title=Preview: Intercontinental Champion Drew McIntyre vs. Kofi Kingston|access-date=May 25, 2010|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100518080354/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wweoverthelimit/matches/14443544/preview/|archive-date=May 18, 2010}}</ref>
Another feud was over the [[WWE Intercontinental Championship]] between the defending champion [[Drew McIntyre]] and Kofi Kingston. [[Professional wrestling authority figures#General Managers 2|SmackDown General Manager]] [[Theodore Long]] stripped McIntyre of the championship and fired him for repeatedly attacking [[Matt Hardy]]. Long set up a tournament to determine the new champion, in which [[Christian (wrestler)|Christian]] and Kingston qualified for the final by defeating [[Cody Rhodes]] and [[Nick Nemeth|Dolph Ziggler]].<ref name="May7">{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_41170.shtml|title=WWE SmackDown Report 5/7: Drew McIntyre stripped of IC Title, four-man tournament to crowd new champ, Swagger vs. Kane|date=May 7, 2010|last=Keller|first=Wade|author-link=Wade Keller|access-date=October 25, 2010|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> The following week, on the May 14 episode of ''[[WWE SmackDown|SmackDown]]'', Kingston defeated Christian to win the tournament and the championship. Immediately following the match, however, McIntyre presented Long with a letter from the WWE Chairman [[Vince McMahon]], which stated that McIntyre had been reinstated to the roster and was still recognized as the Intercontinental Champion.<ref name="May14">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/05/14/13957816.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120713141108/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/05/14/13957816.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 13, 2012|title=Smackdown!: Titles shuffle around in Buffalo|date=May 14, 2010|last=Hillhouse|first=Dave|access-date=May 25, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> As a result, WWE's official website announced that McIntyre would defend the championship against tournament winner Kingston.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wweoverthelimit/matches/14443544/preview/|title=Preview: Intercontinental Champion Drew McIntyre vs. Kofi Kingston|access-date=May 25, 2010|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100518080354/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wweoverthelimit/matches/14443544/preview/|archive-date=May 18, 2010}}</ref>


The team of [[Chris Jericho]] and [[Mike Mizanin|The Miz]] had begun feuding with [[The Hart Dynasty]] ([[Tyson Kidd]] and [[David Hart Smith]]) over the [[Unified WWE Tag Team Championship]]. The Miz's feud with The Hart Dynasty had begun while The Miz was one-half of the Unified Tag Team Champions with Big Show. During the Draft episode of ''Raw'', The Hart Dynasty defeated ShoMiz to win the championship, which led to Big Show turning on The Miz.<ref name="draft"/> The following week, The Miz and Jericho, another former tag team partner of Big Show, teamed up to attack The Hart Dynasty.<ref name="May3"/> Jericho went on to defeat Smith to earn a championship match for himself and The Miz at Over the Limit.<ref name="May10"/>
The team of [[Chris Jericho]] and [[The Miz]] had begun feuding with [[The Hart Dynasty]] ([[Tyson Kidd]] and [[David Hart Smith]]) over the [[Unified WWE Tag Team Championship]]. The Miz's feud with The Hart Dynasty had begun while The Miz was one-half of the Unified Tag Team Champions with The Big Show. During the Draft episode of ''Raw'', The Hart Dynasty defeated ShoMiz to win the championship, which led to Big Show turning on The Miz.<ref name="draft"/> The following week, The Miz and Jericho, another former tag team partner of Big Show, teamed up to attack The Hart Dynasty.<ref name="May3"/> Jericho went on to defeat Smith to earn a championship match for himself and The Miz at Over the Limit.<ref name="May10"/>


After [[WrestleMania XXVI]], Ted DiBiase had debuted a new [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Gimmick|gimmick]] of an arrogant millionaire, similar to his father ([[Ted DiBiase|Ted DiBiase, Sr.]])'s old gimmick.<ref name="IGN2010">{{cite web|url=http://ie.tv.ign.com/articles/109/1091432p1.html|title=Dipping Into Ted DiBiase's Trust Fund|date=May 20, 2010|last=Fowler|first=Matt|access-date=May 25, 2010|publisher=IGN|page=1|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100524024851/http://ie.tv.ign.com/articles/109/1091432p1.html|archive-date=May 24, 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref> On the April 5 episode of ''Raw'', DiBiase was given possession of the [[Million Dollar Championship]] and access to a trust fund by his father.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/04/05/13477066.html|title=Raw: Cena's not on the A-List|date=April 5, 2010|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=April 25, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> DiBiase then began looking for a "[[Mike Jones (wrestler)|Virgil]]", a manservant like his father used to have. He offered the position to [[Ron Killings|R-Truth]], who refused, leading to a feud between the two.<ref name="draft"/> After losing a match to [[John Morrison (wrestler)|John Morrison]], DiBiase attacked him, prompting R-Truth to interfere and save Morrison.<ref name="May3"/> In retaliation, DiBiase paid [[The Colóns (2002–2010)|The Colóns]] to attack R-Truth the following week.<ref name="May10"/>
After [[WrestleMania XXVI]], Ted DiBiase had debuted a new [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Gimmick|gimmick]] of an arrogant millionaire, similar to his father ([[Ted DiBiase|Ted DiBiase, Sr.]])'s old gimmick.<ref name="IGN2010">{{cite web|url=http://ie.tv.ign.com/articles/109/1091432p1.html|title=Dipping Into Ted DiBiase's Trust Fund|date=May 20, 2010|last=Fowler|first=Matt|access-date=May 25, 2010|publisher=IGN|page=1|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100524024851/http://ie.tv.ign.com/articles/109/1091432p1.html|archive-date=May 24, 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref> On the April 5 episode of ''Raw'', DiBiase was given possession of the [[Million Dollar Championship]] and access to a trust fund by his father.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/04/05/13477066.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714110312/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/04/05/13477066.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 14, 2012|title=Raw: Cena's not on the A-List|date=April 5, 2010|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=April 25, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> DiBiase then began looking for a "[[Mike Jones (wrestler)|Virgil]]", a manservant like his father used to have. He offered the position to [[Ron Killings|R-Truth]], who refused, leading to a feud between the two.<ref name="draft"/> After losing a match to [[John Morrison (wrestler)|John Morrison]], DiBiase attacked him, prompting R-Truth to interfere and save Morrison.<ref name="May3"/> In retaliation, DiBiase paid [[The Colóns (2002–2010)|The Colóns]] to attack R-Truth the following week.<ref name="May10"/>


In the only women's match scheduled on the [[Card (sports)|card]], [[Eve Torres|Eve]] defended the [[WWE Divas Championship]] against the former champion, [[Maryse Ouellet|Maryse]]. Eve had won the championship on the April 12 episode of ''Raw'', and in the weeks that followed she was attacked by Maryse, who was attempting to get revenge.<ref name="May3"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/04/12/13561586.html|title=RAW: Don't Hassel the Hoff|date=April 12, 2010|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=May 25, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref>
In the only women's match scheduled on the [[Card (sports)|card]], [[Eve Torres|Eve]] defended the [[WWE Divas Championship]] against the former champion, [[Maryse Ouellet|Maryse]]. Eve had won the championship on the April 12 episode of ''Raw'', and in the weeks that followed she was attacked by Maryse, who was attempting to get revenge.<ref name="May3"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/04/12/13561586.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120721221730/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/04/12/13561586.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 21, 2012|title=RAW: Don't Hassel the Hoff|date=April 12, 2010|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=May 25, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref>


==Event==
==Event==
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Prior to the pay-per-view, [[Montel Vontavious Porter]] defeated [[Chavo Guerrero, Jr.|Chavo Guerrero]] in a [[dark match]].<ref name="PWT-dark">{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_41517.shtml|title=WWE News: Over the Limit PPV Results – Pre-PPV dark match for the live crowd|date=May 23, 2010|last=Tucker|first=Bejamin|access-date=May 27, 2010|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>
Prior to the pay-per-view, [[Montel Vontavious Porter]] defeated [[Chavo Guerrero Jr.|Chavo Guerrero]] in a [[dark match]].<ref name="PWT-dark">{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_41517.shtml|title=WWE News: Over the Limit PPV Results – Pre-PPV dark match for the live crowd|date=May 23, 2010|last=Tucker|first=Bejamin|access-date=May 27, 2010|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>


===Preliminary matches===
===Preliminary matches===
The first match that was aired as part of the pay-per-view was Drew McIntyre defending his Intercontinental Championship against [[Kofi Kingston]]. Kingston took the early advantage, by performing a [[Suicide Dive|suicide dive]] to the outside of the [[Wrestling ring|ring]] on McIntyre. McIntyre threw Kingston in the ringpost, and went on the offense.<ref name="WV">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1274669163|title=Over The Limit PPV Results – 5/23/10|date=May 23, 2010|last=Martin|first=Adam|access-date=May 27, 2010|publisher=WrestleView|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100524214623/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1274669163|archive-date=May 24, 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref> Kingston was able to counter McIntyre's [[Double arm DDT|"Future Shock" DDT]], and perform his [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Finisher|finishing move]], the [[Professional wrestling throws#Ranhei|S.O.S]], to [[Pin (professional wrestling)|pin]] McIntyre for the victory and the championship.<ref name="Intercontinental Championship"/> Following the match, McIntyre demanded that Teddy Long go out to the ring and reverse the decision, but instead McIntyre was attacked by [[Matt Hardy]], who McIntyre had attacked on several occasions in the prior weeks.<ref name="Intercontinental Championship"/><ref name="slamreview"/>
The first match that was aired as part of the pay-per-view was Drew McIntyre defending his Intercontinental Championship against [[Kofi Kingston]]. Kingston took the early advantage, by performing a [[Suicide Dive|suicide dive]] to the outside of the [[Wrestling ring|ring]] on McIntyre. McIntyre threw Kingston in the ringpost, and went on the offense.<ref name="WV">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1274669163|title=Over The Limit PPV Results – 5/23/10|date=May 23, 2010|last=Martin|first=Adam|access-date=May 27, 2010|publisher=WrestleView|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100524214623/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1274669163|archive-date=May 24, 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref> Kingston was able to counter McIntyre's [[Double arm DDT|"Future Shock" DDT]], and perform his [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Finisher|finishing move]], the [[Professional wrestling throws#Arm trap cradle somersault STO|S.O.S]], to [[Pin (professional wrestling)|pin]] McIntyre for the victory and the championship.<ref name="Intercontinental Championship"/> Following the match, McIntyre demanded that Teddy Long go out to the ring and reverse the decision, but instead McIntyre was attacked by [[Matt Hardy]], who McIntyre had attacked on several occasions in the prior weeks.<ref name="Intercontinental Championship"/><ref name="slamreview"/>


[[File:The Hart Dynasty tag champions.jpg|alt=Two Caucasian males and one Caucasian female preparing to enter a wrestling ring with grey ropes. The women in the center is blonde, and is wearing black and pink wrestling tights, black boots, and a black top with "Hart Dynasty" written upon it in pink. The two men stand either side of her, both also wearing black and pink wrestling tights, and are wearing wrestling championships around their waists.|thumb|left|[[WWE Raw Tag Team Championship|Unified WWE Tag Team Champions]] [[The Hart Dynasty]] faced [[Chris Jericho]] and [[The Miz]].]]
[[File:The Hart Dynasty tag champions.jpg|alt=Two Caucasian males and one Caucasian female preparing to enter a wrestling ring with grey ropes. The women in the center is blonde, and is wearing black and pink wrestling tights, black boots, and a black top with "Hart Dynasty" written upon it in pink. The two men stand either side of her, both also wearing black and pink wrestling tights, and are wearing wrestling championships around their waists.|thumb|left|[[WWE Raw Tag Team Championship|Unified WWE Tag Team Champions]] [[The Hart Dynasty]] faced [[Chris Jericho]] and [[The Miz]].]]
The next match was a [[Professional wrestling match types#Variations of singles matches|singles match]] between Ted DiBiase, who was accompanied by Virgil, and R-Truth.<ref name="Singles Match"/> In the early stages of the match, Virgil caused a distraction, allowing DiBiase to take the advantage by performing a [[Neckbreaker#Reverse neckbreaker|reverse neckbreaker]] and throwing R-Truth into the barricade at ringside. R-Truth was able to counter a [[Professional wrestling aerial techniques|move from the top rope]], and went on to win the match by utilising his "Lie Detector" finishing move (a [[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Corkscrew|corkscrew]] [[Professional wrestling attacks#Flying forearm smash|flying forearm smash]]).<ref name="WV"/>
The next match was a [[Professional wrestling match types#Variations of singles matches|singles match]] between Ted DiBiase, who was accompanied by Virgil, and R-Truth.<ref name="Singles Match"/> In the early stages of the match, Virgil caused a distraction, allowing DiBiase to take the advantage by performing a [[Neckbreaker#Reverse neckbreaker|reverse neckbreaker]] and throwing R-Truth into the barricade at ringside. R-Truth was able to counter a [[Professional wrestling aerial techniques|move from the top rope]], and went on to win the match by utilising his "Lie Detector" finishing move (a [[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Corkscrew|corkscrew]] [[Professional wrestling attacks#Flying forearm smash|flying forearm smash]]).<ref name="WV"/>


The third match on the [[Card (sports)|card]] was a [[Professional wrestling match types#Luchas de Apuestas|Straight Edge Society pledge vs. hair match]], between CM Punk and Rey Mysterio. For this match, the other Straight Edge Society members (Serena and Luke Gallows) were banned from ringside. Early on in the match, Punk threw Mysterio headfirst out of the ring into the [[barber chair]] at ringside. Punk had suffered a cut to the head prior to the exchange, and while Mysterio was on the floor, the match was halted so that the blood could be cleaned up. While Punk's wound was being attended, he [[dropkick]]ed Mysterio, who was on the ring apron, and began attacking him on the floor to restart the match. After Mysterio missed a [[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Diving splash|splash from the top rope]], Punk went to pin him, but Mysterio was able to perform a [[Pin (professional wrestling)#Crucifix|crucifix cradle]] on Punk for the victory.<ref name="WV"/> The other Straight Edge Society members attacked Mysterio after the match, but he was saved by [[Kane (wrestler)|Kane]], which allowed Mysterio to [[Handcuffs|handcuff]] Punk to the ring ropes and shave his head.<ref name="MysterioPunk"/>
The third match on the [[Card (sports)|card]] was a [[Professional wrestling match types#Luchas de apuestas|Straight Edge Society pledge vs. hair match]], between CM Punk and Rey Mysterio. For this match, the other Straight Edge Society members (Serena and Luke Gallows) were banned from ringside. Early on in the match, Punk threw Mysterio headfirst out of the ring into the [[barber chair]] at ringside. Punk had suffered a cut to the head prior to the exchange, and while Mysterio was on the floor, the match was halted so that the blood could be cleaned up. While Punk's wound was being attended, he [[dropkick]]ed Mysterio, who was on the ring apron, and began attacking him on the floor to restart the match. After Mysterio missed a [[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Diving splash|splash from the top rope]], Punk went to pin him, but Mysterio was able to perform a [[Pin (professional wrestling)#Crucifix|crucifix cradle]] on Punk for the victory.<ref name="WV"/> The other Straight Edge Society members attacked Mysterio after the match, but he was saved by [[Kane (wrestler)|Kane]], which allowed Mysterio to [[Handcuffs|handcuff]] Punk to the ring ropes and shave his head.<ref name="MysterioPunk"/>


A [[Professional wrestling tag team match types|tag team match]] for the Unified Tag Team Championship followed, between the champions The Hart Dynasty (Tyson Kidd and David Hart Smith), who were accompanied by their [[Manager (professional wrestling)|manager]] [[Nattie Neidhart|Natalya]], and the team of Chris Jericho and The Miz. The Hart Dynasty took the early advantage, but Jericho and The Miz were able to isolate both Smith and Kidd in the ring at different points in the match, wearing them down. Natalya interfered by tripping up Jericho while The Miz had the [[Referee (professional wrestling)|referee]] distracted.<ref name="WV"/> The Hart Dynasty were able to capitalise, and performed the [[Professional wrestling double-team maneuvers#Hart Attack|Hart Attack]] on The Miz for the pinfall victory.<ref name="Unified Tag Team Championship"/>
A [[Professional wrestling tag team match types|tag team match]] for the Unified Tag Team Championship followed, between the champions The Hart Dynasty (Tyson Kidd and David Hart Smith), who were accompanied by their [[Manager (professional wrestling)|manager]] [[Nattie Neidhart|Natalya]], and the team of Chris Jericho and The Miz. The Hart Dynasty took the early advantage, but Jericho and The Miz were able to isolate both Smith and Kidd in the ring at different points in the match, wearing them down. Natalya interfered by tripping up Jericho while The Miz had the [[Referee (professional wrestling)|referee]] distracted.<ref name="WV"/> The Hart Dynasty were able to capitalise, and performed the [[Professional wrestling double-team maneuvers#Hart Attack|Hart Attack]] on The Miz for the pinfall victory.<ref name="Unified Tag Team Championship"/>
Line 100: Line 100:
The fifth match was between Edge and Randy Orton. Edge took early control of the match by driving Orton into the barricade outside the ring. Orton was able to recover, and performed a [[DDT (professional wrestling)#Elevated DDT|rope hung DDT]] on Edge. While setting up for his finishing move, the RKO, Orton appeared to injure his arm, and went outside the ring in an attempt to recover. Edge followed him, trying to perform the spear, but Orton was able to avoid it, and Edge hit the barricade.<ref name="WV"/> Neither man was able to return to the ring before the count of ten, and as a result, the match ended in a double countout.<ref name="Edge/Orton"/>
The fifth match was between Edge and Randy Orton. Edge took early control of the match by driving Orton into the barricade outside the ring. Orton was able to recover, and performed a [[DDT (professional wrestling)#Elevated DDT|rope hung DDT]] on Edge. While setting up for his finishing move, the RKO, Orton appeared to injure his arm, and went outside the ring in an attempt to recover. Edge followed him, trying to perform the spear, but Orton was able to avoid it, and Edge hit the barricade.<ref name="WV"/> Neither man was able to return to the ring before the count of ten, and as a result, the match ended in a double countout.<ref name="Edge/Orton"/>


===Main event matches===
[[File:Maryse cropped.jpg|upright|alt=A blonde Caucasian woman wearing a green crop top standing in a wrestling ring. A red ring rope is visible in front of the woman.|thumb|[[Maryse Ouellet|Maryse]] was unsuccessful in regaining the [[WWE Divas Championship]].]]
[[File:Maryse cropped.jpg|upright|alt=A blonde Caucasian woman wearing a green crop top standing in a wrestling ring. A red ring rope is visible in front of the woman.|thumb|[[Maryse Ouellet|Maryse]] was unsuccessful in regaining the [[WWE Divas Championship]].]]
The first [[Card (sports)#Main event|main event]] match of the night was between the World Heavyweight Champion Jack Swagger and his challenger, Big Show. Big Show dominated the match, with Swagger getting very little offense.<ref name="WV"/> As a result, Swagger got frustrated and hit Big Show with the World Heavyweight Championship title belt, and was [[Professional wrestling#Disqualification|disqualified]].<ref name="WHC"/> After the match, Swagger attacked Big Show with a [[Folding chair|steel chair]], but Big Show was able to stop him with a [[chokeslam]]. Big Show then performed his [[Hook (boxing)|knockout punch]] on Swagger, before leaving the area.<ref name="WV"/><ref name="WHC"/>
The first major match of the night was between the World Heavyweight Champion Jack Swagger and his challenger, The Big Show. Big Show dominated the match, with Swagger getting very little offense.<ref name="WV"/> As a result, Swagger got frustrated and hit Big Show with the World Heavyweight Championship title belt, and was [[Professional wrestling#Disqualification|disqualified]].<ref name="WHC"/> After the match, Swagger attacked Big Show with a [[Folding chair|steel chair]], but Big Show was able to stop him with a [[chokeslam]]. Big Show then performed his [[Hook (boxing)|knockout punch]] on Swagger, before leaving the area.<ref name="WV"/><ref name="WHC"/>


The penultimate match on the card saw Eve defend the WWE Divas Championship against Maryse. Maryse took the early advantage, but when she threw Eve outside the ring, and attempted to kick her, she kicked the ringpost instead, allowing Eve to take control with a series of dropkicks. Eve performed a [[Moonsault#Standing moonsault|standing moonsault]] and a [[Professional wrestling attacks#Sunset flip|sunset flip]] for a [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Near-fall|near-fall]]. Maryse countered a [[Professional wrestling attacks#Rolling Thunder|rolling senton splash]] attempt by Eve and went for her finishing move, the [[DDT (professional wrestling)#Snap DDT|French Kiss]]; that was countered by Eve for the pin, who retained her championship.<ref name="WV"/>
The penultimate match on the card saw Eve defend the WWE Divas Championship against Maryse. Maryse took the early advantage, but when she threw Eve outside the ring, and attempted to kick her, she kicked the ringpost instead, allowing Eve to take control with a series of dropkicks. Eve performed a [[Moonsault#Standing moonsault|standing moonsault]] and a [[Professional wrestling attacks#Sunset flip|sunset flip]] for a [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Near-fall|near-fall]]. Maryse countered a [[Professional wrestling attacks#Rolling Thunder|rolling senton splash]] attempt by Eve and went for her finishing move, the [[DDT (professional wrestling)#Snap DDT|French Kiss]]; that was countered by Eve for the pin, who retained her championship.<ref name="WV"/>


===Main event===
The main event was John Cena versus Batista for the WWE Championship in an "I Quit" match, where the object of the match is to force an opponent to say "I Quit". As the bell rang to signal the start of the match Batista gave Cena the chance to quit immediately, but Cena refused and hit Batista with the microphone. Despite this, Batista was able to take control, and locked in a [[Professional wrestling holds|submission hold]], but Cena refused to say "I quit". Cena eventually countered the move into his own submission hold, the [[Professional wrestling holds#STS|STF]], and Batista passed out. As he had not said the words "I Quit" however, he had to be revived so the match could continue. Batista fought back, and was able to [[powerslam]] Cena through the announce table. As Cena was bleeding, the match was briefly halted so his wound could receive attention. The two fought into the crowd before ending up near the entrance ramp, with Batista hitting Cena with a steel chair. On the entrance stage, Batista got into a car, which had been placed on the stage for decoration, and attempted to run over Cena. Cena avoided it, and was able to pull Batista out of the car and slam him onto it. Cena performed his [[Professional wrestling throws#Fireman's carry takeover|Attitude Adjustment]] on Batista onto the car, but when Batista refused to quit, Cena went for the move again. Batista quit, making Cena the winner, but Cena performed the Attitude Adjustment again anyway, sending Batista through the stage to the floor.<ref name="WV"/> As Cena was celebrating retaining the championship, he was attacked by [[Sheamus]] to end the show.<ref name="Cena/Batista"/>

The main event was John Cena versus Batista for the WWE Championship in an "I Quit" match, where the object of the match is to force an opponent to say "I Quit". As the bell rang to signal the start of the match Batista gave Cena the chance to quit immediately, but Cena refused and hit Batista with the microphone. Despite this, Batista was able to take control, and locked in a [[Professional wrestling holds|submission hold]], but Cena refused to say "I quit". Cena eventually countered the move into his own submission hold, the [[Professional wrestling holds#STS|STF]], and Batista passed out. As he had not said the words "I Quit" however, he had to be revived so the match could continue. Batista fought back, and was able to [[powerslam]] Cena through the announce table. As Cena was bleeding, the match was briefly halted so his wound could receive attention. The two fought into the crowd before ending up near the entrance ramp, with Batista hitting Cena with a steel chair. On the entrance stage, Batista got into a car, which had been placed on the stage for decoration, and attempted to run over Cena. Cena avoided it, and was able to pull Batista out of the car and slam him onto it. Cena performed his [[Professional wrestling throws#Fireman's carry takeover|Attitude Adjustment]] on Batista onto the car, but when Batista refused to quit, Cena went for the move again. When it became clear that Cena was going to hit the Attitude Adjustment from off the car and onto the stage, Batista quit, making Cena the winner, but Cena performed the Attitude Adjustment again anyway, sending Batista through the stage to the floor.<ref name="WV"/> As Cena was celebrating retaining the championship, he was attacked by [[Sheamus]] to end the show.<ref name="Cena/Batista"/>


==Reception==
==Reception==
[[File:Mysterio RAW 800.jpg|alt=A man wearing a red, white, and green wrestling mask and black elbow pads is looking to his right. He is shirtless, and several tattoos are visible on his chest and upper arms.|thumb|[[Rey Mysterio, Jr.|Rey Mysterio's]] match with [[CM Punk]] was highly praised.]]
[[File:Mysterio RAW 800.jpg|alt=A man wearing a red, white, and green wrestling mask and black elbow pads is looking to his right. He is shirtless, and several tattoos are visible on his chest and upper arms.|thumb|[[Rey Mysterio Jr.|Rey Mysterio's]] match with [[CM Punk]] was highly praised.]]
The event received generally negative reviews. Writing for [[Canadian Online Explorer]]'s wrestling section, Matt Bishop derided the show, calling it "one of the worst WWE pay-per-view events in a long time" and awarded the show 5.5 out of ten.<ref name="slamreview">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/05/23/14057381.html|title=Batista quits to end disappointing Over The Limit|date=May 23, 2010|last=Bishop|first=Matt|access-date=May 25, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|archive-date=October 6, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006114451/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/05/23/14057381.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
The event received generally negative reviews. Writing for [[Canadian Online Explorer]]'s wrestling section, Matt Bishop derided the show, calling it "one of the worst WWE pay-per-view events in a long time" and awarded the show 5.5 out of ten.<ref name="slamreview">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/05/23/14057381.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120530090554/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/05/23/14057381.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=May 30, 2012|title=Batista quits to end disappointing Over The Limit|date=May 23, 2010|last=Bishop|first=Matt|access-date=May 25, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref>


Most of the negative comments centered around the following World Heavyweight Championship match, which ended in disqualification immediately following a double countout in the preceding Orton-Edge match due to injury. Bishop awarded the match 2.5 out of ten and said that the match "hurt the show in a big, big way".<ref name="slamreview"/> Kevin Eck of ''[[The Baltimore Sun]]'' also criticized the [[Booking (professional wrestling)|booking]] of the finish, remarking that "Swagger came off looking like anything but a credible champion".<ref name="Eckreview">{{cite web|url=http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/wrestling/blog/2010/05/over_the_limit_thoughts.html|title=Over the Limit thoughts|date=May 24, 2010|last=Eck|first=Kevin|access-date=May 25, 2010|work=[[The Baltimore Sun]]}}</ref> Wrestling journalist [[Dave Meltzer]] also criticized the World Heavyweight Championship match, remarking that it was "almost an insult as a PPV main event".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/content/view/13473/|title=WWE Over the Limit live PPV coverage – apparent serious injury to headliner|date=May 23, 2010|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|access-date=May 25, 2010|publisher=Wrestling Observer/Figure Four Online}}</ref> Bishop stated that the show was "hampered by several stoppages for blood" and a predictable ending to the main event between Cena and Batista.<ref name="slamreview"/>
Most of the negative comments centered around the following World Heavyweight Championship match, which ended in disqualification immediately following a double countout in the preceding Orton-Edge match due to injury. Bishop awarded the match 2.5 out of ten and said that the match "hurt the show in a big, big way".<ref name="slamreview"/> Kevin Eck of ''[[The Baltimore Sun]]'' also criticized the [[Booking (professional wrestling)|booking]] of the finish, remarking that "Swagger came off looking like anything but a credible champion".<ref name="Eckreview">{{cite web|url=http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/wrestling/blog/2010/05/over_the_limit_thoughts.html|title=Over the Limit thoughts|date=May 24, 2010|last=Eck|first=Kevin|access-date=May 25, 2010|work=[[The Baltimore Sun]]|archive-date=April 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160409135747/http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/wrestling/blog/2010/05/over_the_limit_thoughts.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Wrestling journalist [[Dave Meltzer]] also criticized the World Heavyweight Championship match, remarking that it was "almost an insult as a PPV main event".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/content/view/13473/|title=WWE Over the Limit live PPV coverage – apparent serious injury to headliner|date=May 23, 2010|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|access-date=May 25, 2010|publisher=Wrestling Observer/Figure Four Online}}</ref> Bishop stated that the show was "hampered by several stoppages for blood" and a predictable ending to the main event between Cena and Batista.<ref name="slamreview"/>


Despite the generally negative reviews, the Mysterio-Punk match was highly praised. Bishop awarded the match 8.5 out of ten, and stated it was one of two matches, along with the Tag Team Championship bout, that were not "underwhelming in every aspect".<ref name="slamreview"/> Eck agreed, calling the Punk-Mysterio match the "most compelling match on the card" and stated that the Tag Team Championship match was "well-worked".<ref name="Eckreview"/>
Despite the generally negative reviews, the Mysterio-Punk match was highly praised. Bishop awarded the match 8.5 out of ten, and stated it was one of two matches, along with the Tag Team Championship bout, that were not "underwhelming in every aspect".<ref name="slamreview"/> Eck agreed, calling the Punk-Mysterio match the "most compelling match on the card" and stated that the Tag Team Championship match was "well-worked".<ref name="Eckreview"/>
Line 119: Line 120:


==Aftermath==
==Aftermath==
[[File:Undertaker with Fire.jpg|alt=A man with long dark hair, wearing a black wide-brimmed hat, black leather jacket, and black wrestling tights.|thumb|[[The Undertaker]] qualified for the [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE)|World Heavyweight Championship]] Fatal 4-way match at [[WWE Fatal 4-Way|Fatal 4-Way]] but was injured and replaced by [[Rey Mysterio Jr.|Rey Mysterio]] before the event.]]
[[File:Undertaker with Fire.jpg|alt=A man with long dark hair, wearing a black wide-brimmed hat, black leather jacket, and black wrestling tights.|thumb|[[The Undertaker]] qualified for the [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE, 2002–2013)|World Heavyweight Championship]] Fatal 4-way match at [[WWE Fatal 4-Way|Fatal 4-Way]] but was injured and replaced by [[Rey Mysterio Jr.|Rey Mysterio]] before the event.]]
During the event, five wrestlers suffered [[Legit (professional wrestling)|legitimate]] injuries. Randy Orton dislocated his shoulder while Ted DiBiase suffered a [[concussion]], and although they both appeared on ''Raw'' the following night, they did not wrestle.<ref name="injuries">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1274733111|title=Lots of injuries following WWE Over The Limit|date=May 24, 2010|last=Martin|first=Adam|access-date=May 25, 2010|publisher=WrestleView|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100528081809/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1274733111|archive-date=May 28, 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="May24">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/05/24/14065551.html|title=RAW: A new GM; Batista quits|date=May 24, 2010|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=May 25, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> CM Punk required 13 staples to close the wound in his forehead he sustained during his match with Mysterio.<ref name="injuries"/> Batista suffered a back and tailbone injury during his match with John Cena, who himself suffered a laceration and lost a tooth.<ref name="injuries"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2010/may/30/wedding-toast-flair/|title=A wedding toast with Flair|date=May 30, 2010|last=Mooneyham|first=Mike|access-date=May 9, 2011|work=[[The Post and Courier]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100806085710/http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2010/may/30/wedding-toast-flair/|archive-date=August 6, 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref>
During the event, five wrestlers suffered [[Legit (professional wrestling)|legitimate]] injuries. Randy Orton dislocated his shoulder while Ted DiBiase suffered a [[concussion]], and although they both appeared on ''Raw'' the following night, they did not wrestle.<ref name="injuries">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1274733111|title=Lots of injuries following WWE Over The Limit|date=May 24, 2010|last=Martin|first=Adam|access-date=May 25, 2010|publisher=WrestleView|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100528081809/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1274733111|archive-date=May 28, 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="May24">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/05/24/14065551.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120630142709/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/05/24/14065551.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=June 30, 2012|title=RAW: A new GM; Batista quits|date=May 24, 2010|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=May 25, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> CM Punk required 13 staples to close the wound in his forehead he sustained during his match with Mysterio.<ref name="injuries"/> Batista suffered a back and tailbone injury during his match with John Cena, who himself suffered a laceration and lost a tooth.<ref name="injuries"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2010/may/30/wedding-toast-flair/|title=A wedding toast with Flair|date=May 30, 2010|last=Mooneyham|first=Mike|access-date=May 9, 2011|work=[[The Post and Courier]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100806085710/http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2010/may/30/wedding-toast-flair/|archive-date=August 6, 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref>


On the episode of ''Raw'' following Over the Limit, [[Bret Hart]] was announced as the new [[Professional wrestling authority figures#General Managers|Raw General Manager]]. During Batista's promo at the beginning of the show, Hart interrupted and told him that if he wanted a rematch against Cena, he would have to qualify for the [[Professional wrestling match types#Basic non-elimination matches|fatal four-way match]] at the [[WWE Fatal 4-Way|Fatal 4-Way]] pay-per-view in June. Batista refused to wrestle, citing his injuries, and as a result Hart awarded the match to his opponent Orton by forfeit. Following Hart's decision, Batista quit WWE.<ref name="May24"/> This storyline was put in place as Batista was legitimately leaving WWE to pursue acting and a career in [[mixed martial arts]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_42016.shtml|title=WWE/MMA News: Former WWE PPV headliner attends MMA card last night; Batista left WWE due to direction of the product?|date=June 17, 2010|last=Caldwell|first=James|access-date=January 22, 2012|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>
On the episode of ''Raw'' following Over the Limit, [[Bret Hart]] was announced as the new [[Professional wrestling authority figures#General Managers|Raw General Manager]]. During Batista's promo at the beginning of the show, Hart interrupted and told him that if he wanted a rematch against Cena, he would have to qualify for the [[Professional wrestling match types#Basic non-elimination matches|fatal four-way match]] at the [[WWE Fatal 4-Way|Fatal 4-Way]] pay-per-view in June. Batista refused to wrestle, citing his injuries, and as a result Hart awarded the match to his opponent Orton by forfeit. Following Hart's decision, Batista quit WWE.<ref name="May24"/> This storyline was put in place as Batista was legitimately leaving WWE to pursue acting and a career in [[mixed martial arts]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_42016.shtml|title=WWE/MMA News: Former WWE PPV headliner attends MMA card last night; Batista left WWE due to direction of the product?|date=June 17, 2010|last=Caldwell|first=James|access-date=January 22, 2012|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>
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Apart from Orton qualifying via forfeit, the other qualifying matches for the [[WWE World Championship|WWE Championship]] fatal four-way match saw Sheamus defeat [[Mark Henry]] and Edge defeat Jericho and Cena in a [[Triple Threat Match|triple threat match]].<ref name="May24"/>
Apart from Orton qualifying via forfeit, the other qualifying matches for the [[WWE World Championship|WWE Championship]] fatal four-way match saw Sheamus defeat [[Mark Henry]] and Edge defeat Jericho and Cena in a [[Triple Threat Match|triple threat match]].<ref name="May24"/>


On the May 28 episode of ''SmackDown'', SmackDown General Manager Teddy Long announced a fatal four-way match for the World Heavyweight Championship would be taking place at the Fatal 4-Way pay-per-view. As the defending champion Jack Swagger automatically was part of the match, and as a result of his win by disqualification, Big Show received automatic entry. Later in the show, both [[The Undertaker]] and CM Punk qualified for the match as well, by defeating Rey Mysterio and Kane respectively. During his qualification match against Kane, Punk wore a [[Wrestling mask|mask]] to the ring in order to hide his newly-shaven head.<ref name="May28">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/05/29/14182031.html|title=Smackdown: The Dead Man Cometh|date=May 29, 2010|last=Hillhouse|first=Dave|access-date=May 30, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> During his match with Mysterio, The Undertaker suffered a [[concussion]], broken [[Orbit (anatomy)|orbital bone]] and broken nose and the following week, was deemed unable to participate in the match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1275323222|title=Report: WWE main eventer suffers injury|date=May 3, 2010|last=Gerweck|first=Steve|access-date=June 1, 2010|publisher=WrestleView|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100603210631/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1275323222|archive-date=June 3, 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref> WWE replaced him in the match by devising a storyline in which The Undertaker was found in a "vegetative state" by his on-screen [[half brother]] Kane on the following episode of ''SmackDown''. That same broadcast, a battle royal to decide who would replace The Undertaker at the Fatal 4-Way pay-per-view was won by Rey Mysterio.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/06/05/14274236.html|title=Smackdown: ...And The Dead Man Leaveth!|date=June 5, 2010|last=Hillhouse|first=Dave|access-date=January 22, 2012|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref>
On the May 28 episode of ''SmackDown'', SmackDown General Manager Teddy Long announced a fatal four-way match for the World Heavyweight Championship would be taking place at the Fatal 4-Way pay-per-view. As the defending champion Jack Swagger automatically was part of the match, and as a result of his win by disqualification, Big Show received automatic entry. Later in the show, both [[The Undertaker]] and CM Punk qualified for the match as well, by defeating Rey Mysterio and Kane respectively. During his qualification match against Kane, Punk wore a [[Wrestling mask|mask]] to the ring in order to hide his newly-shaven head.<ref name="May28">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/05/29/14182031.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120530090553/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/05/29/14182031.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=May 30, 2012|title=Smackdown: The Dead Man Cometh|date=May 29, 2010|last=Hillhouse|first=Dave|access-date=May 30, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> During his match with Mysterio, The Undertaker suffered a [[concussion]], broken [[Orbit (anatomy)|orbital bone]] and broken nose and the following week, was deemed unable to participate in the match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1275323222|title=Report: WWE main eventer suffers injury|date=May 3, 2010|last=Gerweck|first=Steve|access-date=June 1, 2010|publisher=WrestleView|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100603210631/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1275323222|archive-date=June 3, 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref> WWE replaced him in the match by devising a storyline in which The Undertaker was found in a "vegetative state" by his on-screen [[half brother]] Kane on the following episode of ''SmackDown''. That same broadcast, a battle royal to decide who would replace The Undertaker at the Fatal 4-Way pay-per-view was won by Rey Mysterio.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/06/05/14274236.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120730223301/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/06/05/14274236.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 30, 2012|title=Smackdown: ...And The Dead Man Leaveth!|date=June 5, 2010|last=Hillhouse|first=Dave|access-date=January 22, 2012|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref>


At the beginning of the May 28 episode of ''SmackDown'', Drew McIntyre made Teddy Long read out a letter from the WWE Chairman [[Vince McMahon]], which stated that as a result of attacking McIntyre at Over the Limit, Matt Hardy had been suspended without pay until further notice. On the same episode, McIntyre simultaneously continued his feud with Kofi Kingston by teaming with Jack Swagger in a loss to Kingston and The Big Show.<ref name="May28"/>
At the beginning of the May 28 episode of ''SmackDown'', Drew McIntyre made Teddy Long read out a letter from the WWE Chairman [[Vince McMahon]], which stated that as a result of attacking McIntyre at Over the Limit, Matt Hardy had been suspended without pay until further notice. On the same episode, McIntyre simultaneously continued his feud with Kofi Kingston by teaming with Jack Swagger in a loss to Kingston and The Big Show.<ref name="May28"/>


A [[Over the Limit (2011)|second Over the Limit]] was held the following year, thus establishing the event as WWE's annual May PPV.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2011/05/01/18090841.html|title=Over the Limit|access-date=May 12, 2011|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> However, it would be short-lived, as Over the Limit was discontinued after its [[Over the Limit (2012)|2012 event]] and was replaced by [[WWE Battleground|Battleground]].<ref name="BattlegroundPPVresults1">{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_73741.shtml#.UlgjmkDl58E|title=Battleground PPV Results 10/6 (Hour 1): World Title match opens the PPV, plus IC Title & Divas Title matches|website=pwtorch.com}}</ref><ref name="BattlegroundPPVresults3">{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_73743.shtml#.UlgjnEDl58E|title=Battleground PPV Results 10/6 (Hour 3): WWE Title match, power outage situation, Punk vs. Ryback|website=pwtorch.com}}</ref>
A [[Over the Limit (2011)|second Over the Limit]] was held the following year, thus establishing the event as WWE's annual May PPV. Additionally, in April 2011, WWE ceased using its full name with the "WWE" abbreviation becoming an [[orphaned initialism]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2011/05/01/18090841.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120720042254/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2011/05/01/18090841.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 20, 2012|title=Over the Limit|access-date=May 12, 2011|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |last1=Sacco |first1=Justine |last2=Weitz |first2=Michael |date=April 7, 2011 |title=The New WWE |url=https://corporate.wwe.com/news/company-news/2011/04-07-2011 |location=[[Connecticut]] |publisher=[[WWE]] |access-date=November 25, 2021 }}</ref> Over the Limit would be a short-lived PPV, however, as it was discontinued after its [[Over the Limit (2012)|2012 event]] and was replaced by [[WWE Battleground|Battleground]] in [[Battleground (2013)|2013]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://en.superluchas.com/wwe-anuncia-oficialmente-el-ppv-battleground/|title=WWE officially announces the Battleground PPV|date=July 30, 2013|last=Salgado|first=Sebastian|work=[[Super Luchas]]|access-date=November 24, 2021}}</ref>


==Results==
==Results==
{{Pro Wrestling results table
{{Pro Wrestling results table
|times = <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1274730120|title=Match times for last night's Over The Limit PPV|date=May 24, 2010|last=Martin|first=Adam|access-date=May 25, 2010|publisher=WrestleView|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629221646/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1274730120|archive-date=June 29, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|times = <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1274730120|title=Match times for last night's Over The Limit PPV|date=May 24, 2010|last=Martin|first=Adam|access-date=May 25, 2010|publisher=WrestleView|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629221646/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1274730120|archive-date=June 29, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|dark1 = yes
|note1 = dark
|match1 = [[Montel Vontavious Porter]] defeated [[Chavo Guerrero]]<ref name="PWT-dark"/>
|match1= [[Montel Vontavious Porter]] defeated [[Chavo Guerrero Jr.|Chavo Guerrero]]<ref name="PWT-dark"/>
|stip1 = [[Singles match (professional wrestling)|Singles match]]
|stip1 = [[Singles match (professional wrestling)|Singles match]]
|time1 = 04:20
|time1 = 04:20
|match2 = [[Kofi Kingston]] defeated [[Drew McIntyre]] (c)<ref name="Intercontinental Championship">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wweoverthelimit/currentepisode/14443544|title=Kofi Kingston def. Drew McIntyre (New Intercontinental Champion)|access-date=January 22, 2012|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref>
|match2= [[Kofi Kingston]] defeated [[Drew McIntyre]] (c)<ref name="Intercontinental Championship">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wweoverthelimit/currentepisode/14443544|title=Kofi Kingston def. Drew McIntyre (New Intercontinental Champion)|access-date=January 22, 2012|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref>
|stip2 = [[Singles match (professional wrestling)|Singles match]] for the [[WWE Intercontinental Championship]]
|stip2 = [[Singles match (professional wrestling)|Singles match]] for the [[WWE Intercontinental Championship]]
|time2 = 06:24
|time2 = 06:24
|match3 = [[R-Truth]] defeated [[Ted DiBiase Jr.|Ted DiBiase]] (with [[Virgil (wrestler)|Virgil]])<ref name="Singles Match">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wweoverthelimit/currentepisode/14477980|title=R-Truth def. Ted DiBiase|access-date=January 22, 2012|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref>
|match3 = [[R-Truth]] defeated [[Ted DiBiase Jr.|Ted DiBiase]] (with [[Virgil (wrestler)|Virgil]])<ref name="Singles Match">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wweoverthelimit/currentepisode/14477980|title=R-Truth def. Ted DiBiase|access-date=January 22, 2012|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref>
|stip3 = [[Singles match (professional wrestling)|Singles match]]
|stip3 = [[Singles match (professional wrestling)|Singles match]]
|time3 = 07:46
|time3 = 07:46
|match4 = [[Rey Mysterio]] defeated [[CM Punk]]<ref name="MysterioPunk">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wweoverthelimit/currentepisode/14384892|title=Rey Mysterio def. CM Punk (S.E.S. Pledge vs. Hair Match)|date=May 23, 2010|access-date=January 22, 2012|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref>
|match4 = [[Rey Mysterio]] defeated [[CM Punk]]<ref name="MysterioPunk">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wweoverthelimit/currentepisode/14384892|title=Rey Mysterio def. CM Punk (S.E.S. Pledge vs. Hair Match)|date=May 23, 2010|access-date=January 22, 2012|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref>
|stip4 = [[Luchas de Apuestas|Straight Edge Society pledge vs. Hair match]]<br />{{small|The [[Straight Edge Society]] were banned from ringside.}}
|stip4=[[Luchas de Apuestas|Straight Edge Society pledge vs. Hair match]]<br />{{small|The [[Straight Edge Society]] were banned from ringside.}}
|time4 = 13:49
|time4 = 13:49
|match5 = [[The Hart Dynasty]] ([[David Hart Smith]] and [[Tyson Kidd]]) (c) (with [[Natalya Neidhart|Natalya]]) defeated [[Chris Jericho]] and [[The Miz]]<ref name="Unified Tag Team Championship">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wweoverthelimit/currentepisode/14403492|title=Unified Tag Team Champions The Hart Dynasty def. Chris Jericho & The Miz|access-date=January 22, 2012|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref>
|match5 = [[The Hart Dynasty]] ([[David Hart Smith]] and [[Tyson Kidd]]) (c) (with [[Natalya Neidhart|Natalya]]) defeated [[Chris Jericho]] and [[The Miz]]<ref name="Unified Tag Team Championship">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wweoverthelimit/currentepisode/14403492|title=Unified Tag Team Champions The Hart Dynasty def. Chris Jericho & The Miz|access-date=January 22, 2012|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref>
|stip5 = [[Tag team match]] for the [[Unified WWE Tag Team Championship]]
|stip5 = [[Tag team match]] for the [[Unified WWE Tag Team Championship]]{{efn|The name "[[Unified WWE Tag Team Championship]]" refers to both the [[WWE Tag Team Championship]] and [[World Tag Team Championship (WWE)|World Tag Team Championship]] being held and defended together, although both titles remain independently active.}}
|time5 = 10:44
|time5 = 10:44
|match6 = [[Edge (wrestler)|Edge]] vs. [[Randy Orton]] ended in a double [[countout]]<ref name="Edge/Orton">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wweoverthelimit/currentepisode/14366042|title=Randy Orton vs. Edge ended in a Double Count-out|access-date=January 22, 2012|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref>
|match6 = [[Edge (wrestler)|Edge]] vs. [[Randy Orton]] ended in a double [[countout]]<ref name="Edge/Orton">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wweoverthelimit/currentepisode/14366042|title=Randy Orton vs. Edge ended in a Double Count-out|access-date=January 22, 2012|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref>
|stip6 = [[Singles match (professional wrestling)|Singles match]]
|stip6 = [[Singles match (professional wrestling)|Singles match]]
|time6 = 12:58
|time6 = 12:58
|match7 = [[Big Show]] defeated [[Jack Swagger]] (c) by [[Professional wrestling#Disqualification|disqualification]]<ref name="WHC">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wweoverthelimit/currentepisode/14370396|title=Big Show def. World Heavyweight Champion Jack Swagger by Disqualification|date=May 23, 2010|access-date=January 22, 2012|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref>
|match7=The [[Big Show]] defeated [[Jack Swagger]] (c) by [[Professional wrestling#Disqualification|disqualification]]<ref name="WHC">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wweoverthelimit/currentepisode/14370396|title=Big Show def. World Heavyweight Champion Jack Swagger by Disqualification|date=May 23, 2010|access-date=January 22, 2012|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref>
|stip7 = [[Singles match (professional wrestling)|Singles match]] for the [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE)|World Heavyweight Championship]]
|stip7 = [[Singles match (professional wrestling)|Singles match]] for the [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE, 2002–2013)|World Heavyweight Championship]]
|time7 = 05:05
|time7 = 05:05
|match8 = [[Eve Torres]] (c) defeated [[Maryse Ouellet|Maryse]]<ref name="Divas Championship">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wweoverthelimit/currentepisode/14477350|title=Divas Champion Eve def. Maryse|access-date=January 22, 2012|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref>
|match8 = [[Eve Torres]] (c) defeated [[Maryse Ouellet|Maryse]]<ref name="Divas Championship">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wweoverthelimit/currentepisode/14477350|title=Divas Champion Eve def. Maryse|access-date=January 22, 2012|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref>
|stip8 = [[Singles match (professional wrestling)|Singles match]] for the [[WWE Divas Championship]]
|stip8 = [[Singles match (professional wrestling)|Singles match]] for the [[WWE Divas Championship]]
|time8 = 05:03
|time8 = 05:03
|match9 = [[John Cena]] (c) defeated [[Dave Bautista|Batista]]<ref name="Cena/Batista">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wweoverthelimit/currentepisode/14266636|title=WWE Champion John Cena def. Batista in an "I Quit" Match|date=May 22, 2010|access-date=January 22, 2012|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref>
|match9 = [[John Cena]] (c) defeated [[Dave Bautista|Batista]]<ref name="Cena/Batista">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wweoverthelimit/currentepisode/14266636|title=WWE Champion John Cena def. Batista in an "I Quit" Match|date=May 22, 2010|access-date=January 22, 2012|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref>
|stip9 = [["I Quit" match]] for the [[WWE Championship]]
|stip9 = [["I Quit" match]] for the [[WWE Championship]]
|time9 = 20:33
|time9 = 20:33
}}
}}

==Notes==
{{notelist}}


==References==
==References==
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Over The Limit (2010)}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Over The Limit (2010)}}
[[Category:Events in Detroit]]
[[Category:WWE Over the Limit|2010]]
[[Category:WWE Over the Limit|2010]]
[[Category:2010 in Michigan]]
[[Category:2010 in Detroit]]
[[Category:Professional wrestling in Detroit]]
[[Category:Professional wrestling shows in Detroit]]
[[Category:2010 WWE pay-per-view events]]
[[Category:2010 WWE pay-per-view events]]
[[Category:May 2010 events in the United States]]
[[Category:May 2010 events in the United States]]

Latest revision as of 02:23, 7 December 2024

Over the Limit
A blond Caucasian male running toward camera, wearing long black wrestling tights. A speedometer, similar to that of a car, is in the background and white writing advertising the name, date, and time of the pay-per-view is in the bottom right corner.
Promotional poster featuring Edge
PromotionWorld Wrestling Entertainment
Brand(s)Raw
SmackDown
DateMay 23, 2010
CityDetroit, Michigan
VenueJoe Louis Arena
Attendance11,000[1]
Buy rate197,000
Pay-per-view chronology
← Previous
Extreme Rules
Next →
Fatal 4-Way
Over the Limit chronology
← Previous
First
Next →
2011

The 2010 Over the Limit was the inaugural Over the Limit professional wrestling pay-per-view (PPV) event produced by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). It was held for wrestlers from the promotion's Raw and SmackDown brand divisions. The event took place on May 23, 2010, at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan. The name "Over the Limit" was a reference to its main event match being contested as an "I Quit" match. Over the Limit replaced WWE's previously annual May PPV, Judgment Day.

Nine matches took place at the event, eight of which were broadcast live on pay-per-view. In the main event, which was the main match from Raw, John Cena faced Batista for the WWE Championship in an "I Quit" match, while The Big Show versus World Heavyweight Champion Jack Swagger was the main match from SmackDown. Matches on the undercard included Randy Orton against Edge, CM Punk facing Rey Mysterio, and Drew McIntyre defending SmackDown's Intercontinental Championship against Kofi Kingston. Other championships defended at the event were Raw's WWE Divas Championship and the Unified WWE Tag Team Championship, which was available to both brands.

The event drew 197,000 pay-per-view buys, and was attended live by 11,000 people. Reviews for the event were generally negative, with reviewers criticizing the endings of the matches, stoppages for blood, and predictable match results. Five wrestlers sustained legitimate injuries during the course of the show, being Batista, John Cena, CM Punk, Randy Orton, and Ted DiBiase Jr..

Production

[edit]

Background

[edit]

World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) had previously ran an annual May pay-per-view (PPV) titled Judgment Day. In 2010, WWE discontinued Judgment Day and replaced it with a new PPV titled Over the Limit.[2] The event was held on May 23, 2010, at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan and featured wrestlers from the Raw and SmackDown brands. The name "Over the Limit" was a reference to its main event match being contested as an "I Quit" match.[3]

Storylines

[edit]

Over the Limit involved different wrestlers from scripted feuds, plots, and storylines that played out on WWE's television programs. Wrestlers portrayed a hero or a villain as they followed a series of events that built tension, and culminated into a wrestling match or series of matches.[4]

The main feud from the Raw brand heading into Over the Limit was between John Cena and Batista over the WWE Championship, and had been going on for several months. Cena retained the WWE Championship against Batista at the Extreme Rules pay-per-view in a Last Man Standing match, by taping Batista's ankles to the ringpost to ensure he could not stand up by the count of ten.[5] The next night on Raw, Batista defeated Randy Orton and Sheamus to become the number one contender to the championship and earn a rematch against Cena.[6] On the May 3 episode of Raw, they competed in a Beat the Clock challenge to determine the stipulation for their match. Batista defeated Daniel Bryan in 5:06, but Cena defeated Wade Barrett in 4:32 to win the challenge and the right to name the stipulation.[7] The following week, Cena announced that the match would be an "I Quit" match.[8]

The predominant feud from the SmackDown brand was between Jack Swagger and The Big Show, over Swagger's World Heavyweight Championship. As part of the 2010 WWE Draft, Big Show was drafted to SmackDown, where he was named the number one contender upon his debut on April 30.[6][9] Over the next several weeks, Big Show chokeslammed Swagger through the announce table, and interrupted a promo on the May 14 episode of SmackDown, in which Swagger was boasting about his accomplishments.[10][11] As part of the segment, Big Show destroyed Swagger's trophies and memorabilia.[11] The following week, Big Show mocked Swagger in promos throughout the show and distracted Swagger during Swagger's match with Kofi Kingston, allowing Kingston to win.[12]

Two Caucasian males stand on the corner of a wrestling ring apron with red ropes. The one closest to the camera has shoulder-length blond hair and is wearing long black wrestling tights with the words "Rated R Superstar" detailed upon them in white. The other has short dark hair, is wearing short black wrestling tights, and tattoos are visible on his upper arms.
Former tag team partners Edge (left) and Randy Orton (right) were feuding prior to Over the Limit.

As part of the 2010 WWE Draft on April 26, Edge was drafted to the Raw brand. Later that night, Edge interfered in a match to determine the number one contender to the WWE Championship, spearing Randy Orton and preventing Orton from receiving a WWE Championship match.[6] The following week, Edge hosted an edition of his talk show, The Cutting Edge, with Orton as his special guest. During the show, Edge justified his actions by saying he was trying to make an impact, and attempted to convince Orton to reform Rated-RKO, their former tag team. Instead Orton attacked Edge.[7] The following week, Orton defeated Edge and Ted DiBiase Jr. in a handicap match, which led to "Pick Your Poison" matches on the May 17 episode of Raw, where Edge and Orton picked each other's opponents for the night.[8][13] Edge faced The Undertaker, and lost intentionally by countout, while Orton faced Jack Swagger, and lost by disqualification when Edge interfered.[13]

The rivalry between Rey Mysterio and CM Punk was continued from several previous pay-per-views. After months of feuding, Mysterio challenged Punk to a Straight Edge Society Pledge vs. Hair match at Over the Limit. Had Punk won, Mysterio would have joined the Straight Edge Society, Punk's faction which promoted the straight edge lifestyle. Had Mysterio won however, Punk agreed to have his head shaved.[10] On May 14, Mysterio and Punk faced each other in a singles match, but the Straight Edge Society (Luke Gallows, Serena, and a mystery masked man) interfered and attacked Mysterio.[11] The following week, Mysterio interrupted an initiation ceremony, in which Punk was shaving the heads of three men to induct them into the Straight Edge Society, and mocked Punk, claiming everyone would be laughing at Punk when he was shaved bald at Over the Limit. Later that night, Mysterio teamed with Montel Vontavious Porter to defeat Punk and Gallows in a tag team match.[12] SmackDown General Manager Theodore Long announced That The Straight Edge Society will be Banned From Ringside during the match at the Pay-per-view

A Caucasian male stands in a wrestling ring with red ropes. He has long dark hair tied back, and is wearing short, black wrestling tights. A championship belt is around his waist, with a black strap and gold center plate.
The Intercontinental Champion Drew McIntyre, who defended the championship against Kofi Kingston at Over the Limit.

Another feud was over the WWE Intercontinental Championship between the defending champion Drew McIntyre and Kofi Kingston. SmackDown General Manager Theodore Long stripped McIntyre of the championship and fired him for repeatedly attacking Matt Hardy. Long set up a tournament to determine the new champion, in which Christian and Kingston qualified for the final by defeating Cody Rhodes and Dolph Ziggler.[10] The following week, on the May 14 episode of SmackDown, Kingston defeated Christian to win the tournament and the championship. Immediately following the match, however, McIntyre presented Long with a letter from the WWE Chairman Vince McMahon, which stated that McIntyre had been reinstated to the roster and was still recognized as the Intercontinental Champion.[11] As a result, WWE's official website announced that McIntyre would defend the championship against tournament winner Kingston.[14]

The team of Chris Jericho and The Miz had begun feuding with The Hart Dynasty (Tyson Kidd and David Hart Smith) over the Unified WWE Tag Team Championship. The Miz's feud with The Hart Dynasty had begun while The Miz was one-half of the Unified Tag Team Champions with The Big Show. During the Draft episode of Raw, The Hart Dynasty defeated ShoMiz to win the championship, which led to Big Show turning on The Miz.[6] The following week, The Miz and Jericho, another former tag team partner of Big Show, teamed up to attack The Hart Dynasty.[7] Jericho went on to defeat Smith to earn a championship match for himself and The Miz at Over the Limit.[8]

After WrestleMania XXVI, Ted DiBiase had debuted a new gimmick of an arrogant millionaire, similar to his father (Ted DiBiase, Sr.)'s old gimmick.[15] On the April 5 episode of Raw, DiBiase was given possession of the Million Dollar Championship and access to a trust fund by his father.[16] DiBiase then began looking for a "Virgil", a manservant like his father used to have. He offered the position to R-Truth, who refused, leading to a feud between the two.[6] After losing a match to John Morrison, DiBiase attacked him, prompting R-Truth to interfere and save Morrison.[7] In retaliation, DiBiase paid The Colóns to attack R-Truth the following week.[8]

In the only women's match scheduled on the card, Eve defended the WWE Divas Championship against the former champion, Maryse. Eve had won the championship on the April 12 episode of Raw, and in the weeks that followed she was attacked by Maryse, who was attempting to get revenge.[7][17]

Event

[edit]
Other on-screen personnel
Role: Name:
English commentators Michael Cole
Jerry Lawler
Matt Striker
Spanish commentators Carlos Cabrera
Hugo Savinovich
Ring announcers Tony Chimel
Justin Roberts
Backstage interviewer Josh Mathews
Referees Mike Chioda
Charles Robinson
John Cone
Jack Doan

Prior to the pay-per-view, Montel Vontavious Porter defeated Chavo Guerrero in a dark match.[18]

Preliminary matches

[edit]

The first match that was aired as part of the pay-per-view was Drew McIntyre defending his Intercontinental Championship against Kofi Kingston. Kingston took the early advantage, by performing a suicide dive to the outside of the ring on McIntyre. McIntyre threw Kingston in the ringpost, and went on the offense.[19] Kingston was able to counter McIntyre's "Future Shock" DDT, and perform his finishing move, the S.O.S, to pin McIntyre for the victory and the championship.[20] Following the match, McIntyre demanded that Teddy Long go out to the ring and reverse the decision, but instead McIntyre was attacked by Matt Hardy, who McIntyre had attacked on several occasions in the prior weeks.[20][21]

Two Caucasian males and one Caucasian female preparing to enter a wrestling ring with grey ropes. The women in the center is blonde, and is wearing black and pink wrestling tights, black boots, and a black top with "Hart Dynasty" written upon it in pink. The two men stand either side of her, both also wearing black and pink wrestling tights, and are wearing wrestling championships around their waists.
Unified WWE Tag Team Champions The Hart Dynasty faced Chris Jericho and The Miz.

The next match was a singles match between Ted DiBiase, who was accompanied by Virgil, and R-Truth.[22] In the early stages of the match, Virgil caused a distraction, allowing DiBiase to take the advantage by performing a reverse neckbreaker and throwing R-Truth into the barricade at ringside. R-Truth was able to counter a move from the top rope, and went on to win the match by utilising his "Lie Detector" finishing move (a corkscrew flying forearm smash).[19]

The third match on the card was a Straight Edge Society pledge vs. hair match, between CM Punk and Rey Mysterio. For this match, the other Straight Edge Society members (Serena and Luke Gallows) were banned from ringside. Early on in the match, Punk threw Mysterio headfirst out of the ring into the barber chair at ringside. Punk had suffered a cut to the head prior to the exchange, and while Mysterio was on the floor, the match was halted so that the blood could be cleaned up. While Punk's wound was being attended, he dropkicked Mysterio, who was on the ring apron, and began attacking him on the floor to restart the match. After Mysterio missed a splash from the top rope, Punk went to pin him, but Mysterio was able to perform a crucifix cradle on Punk for the victory.[19] The other Straight Edge Society members attacked Mysterio after the match, but he was saved by Kane, which allowed Mysterio to handcuff Punk to the ring ropes and shave his head.[23]

A tag team match for the Unified Tag Team Championship followed, between the champions The Hart Dynasty (Tyson Kidd and David Hart Smith), who were accompanied by their manager Natalya, and the team of Chris Jericho and The Miz. The Hart Dynasty took the early advantage, but Jericho and The Miz were able to isolate both Smith and Kidd in the ring at different points in the match, wearing them down. Natalya interfered by tripping up Jericho while The Miz had the referee distracted.[19] The Hart Dynasty were able to capitalise, and performed the Hart Attack on The Miz for the pinfall victory.[24]

The fifth match was between Edge and Randy Orton. Edge took early control of the match by driving Orton into the barricade outside the ring. Orton was able to recover, and performed a rope hung DDT on Edge. While setting up for his finishing move, the RKO, Orton appeared to injure his arm, and went outside the ring in an attempt to recover. Edge followed him, trying to perform the spear, but Orton was able to avoid it, and Edge hit the barricade.[19] Neither man was able to return to the ring before the count of ten, and as a result, the match ended in a double countout.[25]

A blonde Caucasian woman wearing a green crop top standing in a wrestling ring. A red ring rope is visible in front of the woman.
Maryse was unsuccessful in regaining the WWE Divas Championship.

The first major match of the night was between the World Heavyweight Champion Jack Swagger and his challenger, The Big Show. Big Show dominated the match, with Swagger getting very little offense.[19] As a result, Swagger got frustrated and hit Big Show with the World Heavyweight Championship title belt, and was disqualified.[26] After the match, Swagger attacked Big Show with a steel chair, but Big Show was able to stop him with a chokeslam. Big Show then performed his knockout punch on Swagger, before leaving the area.[19][26]

The penultimate match on the card saw Eve defend the WWE Divas Championship against Maryse. Maryse took the early advantage, but when she threw Eve outside the ring, and attempted to kick her, she kicked the ringpost instead, allowing Eve to take control with a series of dropkicks. Eve performed a standing moonsault and a sunset flip for a near-fall. Maryse countered a rolling senton splash attempt by Eve and went for her finishing move, the French Kiss; that was countered by Eve for the pin, who retained her championship.[19]

Main event

[edit]

The main event was John Cena versus Batista for the WWE Championship in an "I Quit" match, where the object of the match is to force an opponent to say "I Quit". As the bell rang to signal the start of the match Batista gave Cena the chance to quit immediately, but Cena refused and hit Batista with the microphone. Despite this, Batista was able to take control, and locked in a submission hold, but Cena refused to say "I quit". Cena eventually countered the move into his own submission hold, the STF, and Batista passed out. As he had not said the words "I Quit" however, he had to be revived so the match could continue. Batista fought back, and was able to powerslam Cena through the announce table. As Cena was bleeding, the match was briefly halted so his wound could receive attention. The two fought into the crowd before ending up near the entrance ramp, with Batista hitting Cena with a steel chair. On the entrance stage, Batista got into a car, which had been placed on the stage for decoration, and attempted to run over Cena. Cena avoided it, and was able to pull Batista out of the car and slam him onto it. Cena performed his Attitude Adjustment on Batista onto the car, but when Batista refused to quit, Cena went for the move again. When it became clear that Cena was going to hit the Attitude Adjustment from off the car and onto the stage, Batista quit, making Cena the winner, but Cena performed the Attitude Adjustment again anyway, sending Batista through the stage to the floor.[19] As Cena was celebrating retaining the championship, he was attacked by Sheamus to end the show.[27]

Reception

[edit]
A man wearing a red, white, and green wrestling mask and black elbow pads is looking to his right. He is shirtless, and several tattoos are visible on his chest and upper arms.
Rey Mysterio's match with CM Punk was highly praised.

The event received generally negative reviews. Writing for Canadian Online Explorer's wrestling section, Matt Bishop derided the show, calling it "one of the worst WWE pay-per-view events in a long time" and awarded the show 5.5 out of ten.[21]

Most of the negative comments centered around the following World Heavyweight Championship match, which ended in disqualification immediately following a double countout in the preceding Orton-Edge match due to injury. Bishop awarded the match 2.5 out of ten and said that the match "hurt the show in a big, big way".[21] Kevin Eck of The Baltimore Sun also criticized the booking of the finish, remarking that "Swagger came off looking like anything but a credible champion".[28] Wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer also criticized the World Heavyweight Championship match, remarking that it was "almost an insult as a PPV main event".[29] Bishop stated that the show was "hampered by several stoppages for blood" and a predictable ending to the main event between Cena and Batista.[21]

Despite the generally negative reviews, the Mysterio-Punk match was highly praised. Bishop awarded the match 8.5 out of ten, and stated it was one of two matches, along with the Tag Team Championship bout, that were not "underwhelming in every aspect".[21] Eck agreed, calling the Punk-Mysterio match the "most compelling match on the card" and stated that the Tag Team Championship match was "well-worked".[28]

11,000 people attended Over the Limit at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, resulting in a gate of approximately $675,000.[1] In August 2010, WWE reported that the event had received 197,000 pay-per-view buys.[30] The DVD of the event contained extras including a match between Bret Hart and The Miz for the WWE United States Championship and several promos from the weeks preceding the event.[31]

Aftermath

[edit]
A man with long dark hair, wearing a black wide-brimmed hat, black leather jacket, and black wrestling tights.
The Undertaker qualified for the World Heavyweight Championship Fatal 4-way match at Fatal 4-Way but was injured and replaced by Rey Mysterio before the event.

During the event, five wrestlers suffered legitimate injuries. Randy Orton dislocated his shoulder while Ted DiBiase suffered a concussion, and although they both appeared on Raw the following night, they did not wrestle.[32][33] CM Punk required 13 staples to close the wound in his forehead he sustained during his match with Mysterio.[32] Batista suffered a back and tailbone injury during his match with John Cena, who himself suffered a laceration and lost a tooth.[32][34]

On the episode of Raw following Over the Limit, Bret Hart was announced as the new Raw General Manager. During Batista's promo at the beginning of the show, Hart interrupted and told him that if he wanted a rematch against Cena, he would have to qualify for the fatal four-way match at the Fatal 4-Way pay-per-view in June. Batista refused to wrestle, citing his injuries, and as a result Hart awarded the match to his opponent Orton by forfeit. Following Hart's decision, Batista quit WWE.[33] This storyline was put in place as Batista was legitimately leaving WWE to pursue acting and a career in mixed martial arts.[35]

Apart from Orton qualifying via forfeit, the other qualifying matches for the WWE Championship fatal four-way match saw Sheamus defeat Mark Henry and Edge defeat Jericho and Cena in a triple threat match.[33]

On the May 28 episode of SmackDown, SmackDown General Manager Teddy Long announced a fatal four-way match for the World Heavyweight Championship would be taking place at the Fatal 4-Way pay-per-view. As the defending champion Jack Swagger automatically was part of the match, and as a result of his win by disqualification, Big Show received automatic entry. Later in the show, both The Undertaker and CM Punk qualified for the match as well, by defeating Rey Mysterio and Kane respectively. During his qualification match against Kane, Punk wore a mask to the ring in order to hide his newly-shaven head.[36] During his match with Mysterio, The Undertaker suffered a concussion, broken orbital bone and broken nose and the following week, was deemed unable to participate in the match.[37] WWE replaced him in the match by devising a storyline in which The Undertaker was found in a "vegetative state" by his on-screen half brother Kane on the following episode of SmackDown. That same broadcast, a battle royal to decide who would replace The Undertaker at the Fatal 4-Way pay-per-view was won by Rey Mysterio.[38]

At the beginning of the May 28 episode of SmackDown, Drew McIntyre made Teddy Long read out a letter from the WWE Chairman Vince McMahon, which stated that as a result of attacking McIntyre at Over the Limit, Matt Hardy had been suspended without pay until further notice. On the same episode, McIntyre simultaneously continued his feud with Kofi Kingston by teaming with Jack Swagger in a loss to Kingston and The Big Show.[36]

A second Over the Limit was held the following year, thus establishing the event as WWE's annual May PPV. Additionally, in April 2011, WWE ceased using its full name with the "WWE" abbreviation becoming an orphaned initialism.[39][40] Over the Limit would be a short-lived PPV, however, as it was discontinued after its 2012 event and was replaced by Battleground in 2013.[41]

Results

[edit]
No.ResultsStipulationsTimes[43]
1DMontel Vontavious Porter defeated Chavo Guerrero[18]Singles match04:20
2Kofi Kingston defeated Drew McIntyre (c)[20]Singles match for the WWE Intercontinental Championship06:24
3R-Truth defeated Ted DiBiase (with Virgil)[22]Singles match07:46
4Rey Mysterio defeated CM Punk[23]Straight Edge Society pledge vs. Hair match
The Straight Edge Society were banned from ringside.
13:49
5The Hart Dynasty (David Hart Smith and Tyson Kidd) (c) (with Natalya) defeated Chris Jericho and The Miz[24]Tag team match for the Unified WWE Tag Team Championship[a]10:44
6Edge vs. Randy Orton ended in a double countout[25]Singles match12:58
7The Big Show defeated Jack Swagger (c) by disqualification[26]Singles match for the World Heavyweight Championship05:05
8Eve Torres (c) defeated Maryse[42]Singles match for the WWE Divas Championship05:03
9John Cena (c) defeated Batista[27]"I Quit" match for the WWE Championship20:33
(c) – the champion(s) heading into the match
D – this was a dark match

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ The name "Unified WWE Tag Team Championship" refers to both the WWE Tag Team Championship and World Tag Team Championship being held and defended together, although both titles remain independently active.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Gerweck, Steve (May 26, 2010). "Attendance for WWE's Over the Limit PPV". WrestleView. Archived from the original on June 29, 2011. Retrieved May 26, 2010.
  2. ^ "Pay-Per-View Calendar". World Wrestling Entertainment. Archived from the original on 2011-02-27. Retrieved 2009-10-26.
  3. ^ "Over the Limit". World Wrestling Entertainment. Archived from the original on July 31, 2012. Retrieved March 17, 2010.
  4. ^ "Live & Televised Entertainment of World Wrestling Entertainment". World Wrestling Entertainment. Archived from the original on October 6, 2014. Retrieved March 17, 2010.
  5. ^ Kapur, Bob (April 25, 2010). "WWE Extreme Rules features strong Mania rematches". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Archived from the original on July 14, 2012. Retrieved May 25, 2010.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  6. ^ a b c d e Plummer, Dave (April 26, 2010). "RAW: Feeling a draft". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Archived from the original on July 14, 2012. Retrieved May 25, 2010.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  7. ^ a b c d e Plummer, Dale (May 3, 2010). "RAW: A very Brady Monday Night". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Archived from the original on July 16, 2012. Retrieved May 25, 2010.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  8. ^ a b c d Plummer, Dale (May 10, 2010). "RAW: The final show at the Igloo". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Archived from the original on July 19, 2012. Retrieved May 25, 2010.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  9. ^ Hillhouse, Dave (May 1, 2010). "Smackdown!: Comings and goings". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Archived from the original on July 13, 2012. Retrieved May 25, 2010.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  10. ^ a b c Keller, Wade (May 7, 2010). "WWE SmackDown Report 5/7: Drew McIntyre stripped of IC Title, four-man tournament to crowd new champ, Swagger vs. Kane". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved October 25, 2010.
  11. ^ a b c d Hillhouse, Dave (May 14, 2010). "Smackdown!: Titles shuffle around in Buffalo". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Archived from the original on July 13, 2012. Retrieved May 25, 2010.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  12. ^ a b Hillhouse, Dave (May 22, 2010). "Smackdown!: Revving up for Over the Limit". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Archived from the original on July 15, 2012. Retrieved May 25, 2010.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  13. ^ a b Plummer, Dale (May 17, 2010). "RAW: Some Buzz heading toward Over the Limit". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Archived from the original on July 14, 2012. Retrieved May 25, 2010.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  14. ^ "Preview: Intercontinental Champion Drew McIntyre vs. Kofi Kingston". World Wrestling Entertainment. Archived from the original on May 18, 2010. Retrieved May 25, 2010.
  15. ^ Fowler, Matt (May 20, 2010). "Dipping Into Ted DiBiase's Trust Fund". IGN. p. 1. Archived from the original on May 24, 2010. Retrieved May 25, 2010.
  16. ^ Plummer, Dale (April 5, 2010). "Raw: Cena's not on the A-List". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Archived from the original on July 14, 2012. Retrieved April 25, 2010.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  17. ^ Plummer, Dale (April 12, 2010). "RAW: Don't Hassel the Hoff". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Archived from the original on July 21, 2012. Retrieved May 25, 2010.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  18. ^ a b Tucker, Bejamin (May 23, 2010). "WWE News: Over the Limit PPV Results – Pre-PPV dark match for the live crowd". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved May 27, 2010.
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