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Randy Orton was on the way to the ring. He had his arm in a sling. Strong reaction for Orton, but mainly boos. Orton said he didn’t want to come back until he’s 100 percent, but there’s something to get off his chest. He said a brand is only as strong as champion. Orton said Raw was the strongest brand in WWE when he was champion. Now, Raw is an absolute joke, he said. Orton said Beth Phoenix runs around like a love-sick teenager and she’s embarrassing herself. He questioned the love choice of Santino, the weakest IC champion in the history of WWE. Strong crowd reactions there. Orton said that even with a broken clavicle, he could beat Santino. He then called Cody and Teddy worthless because a couple of punks took the tag titles. Orton said he would have hunted them down and taken back what’s his.
Orton then turned his attention to the World champ, C.M. Punk. He said that four years ago when he first won his World Title, Punk was wrestling in no-name towns for a no-name organization. He said that Punk was able to briefcase and get a lucky title win to become World champ. Orton said he would love to challenge Punk right here tonight, but he’s not medically cleared. He said will be cleared, then he will challenge Punk and re-claim this show to make everyone forget about the sorry history of Raw known as C.M. Punk.
Punk had enough and his music hit to a strong ovation. Huge reaction for Punk, who has the audience totally in his corner. Punk got right in Orton’s face as the crowd chanted his name. He said he got a head-ache listening to Orton back there. Punk said he prefers not to live in the past, as Orton had granddaddy and daddy to usher him into the WWE. Punk said the fact is that he is the World Heavyweight champion. He said he doesn’t take joyrides on his motorcycle in 3:00 a.m. to re-injure himself. Punk said it went from the Age of Orton to Orton being a complete after-thought.
Punk accused Orton of being jealous, then Punk told Orton he’s pathetic. Orton said he can see that this conversation is going to have to continue at a later time, so he started to leave the ring while favoring his arm. Orton slowly backed away and Punk continued his promo until JBL interrupted and walked past Orton on the way to the ring.
Backstage: Cody and DiBiase, Jr. addressed Randy Orton about the worthless comment. Orton asked Cody if he remembers how they first met. Orton asked Cody if he remembers when they first met – when he slapped his father. Cody said he remembers th— and Orton slapped the crap out of him. Cody wanted a piece of Orton, but Teddy held him back. Orton explained that they are the two most-talented wrestlers in the locker room, but they don’t act like it. He said he will continue to stand by his words until they do something about it. Awesome.
Backstage: Cody and Teddy proudly walked up to Orton and patted the tag title belts over their shoulders. Orton gave a smirk of approval, then he continued walking down the hallway.
In-ring: Randy Orton decided to sit ringside for a closer look at the action. C.M. Punk then came out as the third man in the battle royal with all eyes on him and the World Title. Kane came out fourth, leaving one remaining person. The bell sounded after a pause for Rey, so no Rey to start things off.
Post-match: Orton gave him a sarcastic round of applause, then Punk stood up and stared back at Orton. They shared a moment, then Punk dumped water on Orton and walked away.
source: PWTorch
Opened: July 16th, 2004
