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Randy Orton’s music hit to kick off the show. Orton came out alone – and very slowly – without his fanboys. Apparently they’re starting with a six-man battle royal to preview the Royal Rumble on Sunday.
Battle Royal Match
A few seconds into the match, the lights went down and out. Lawler covered that Kane was having another entrance. Lights came back on a few seconds later, then all of the heels ganged up on Kane and Kofi until Legacy decided to dump Santino out of the ring at 1:00.
Legacy then dumped Kofi over the top rope, leaving Kane against the Legacy. Out went Cody Rhodes very quickly. DiBiase then skinned the cat before coming back into the ring to nearly eliminate everyone, but Orton held onto the top rope and won because only one of his feet hit the ring. Afterward, Orton celebrated with his boys in the ring.
Winner: Randy Orton at 1:50.
Backstage, Orton and DiBiase were chatting it up. Orton said if he wins, they all win. Cody then stepped in and said there’s a problem. He said Sim and Manu were in Steph’s office earlier and rumor is that Stephanie is going to fire Orton tonight. Orton was taken aback, then he said we’ll see about that. Orton walked off. DiBiase was concerned. Cody was…well…Cody.
Stephanie was on the phone telling someone how to take care of her child. Randy Orton then walked in and said he thinks Steph did the right thing firing Chris Jericho last week. Steph cut him off and said she’s not firing him, so he can stop sucking up to her and get out of her office. Stephanie stood up in a huff, so Orton stood up and said he was only being nice. He said the only person who needs to be worried about being fired is Stephanie since daddy back. Orton said the only reason why she has a job is because she’s Vince’s daughter and everyone laughs behind her back. She would be a nobody without that last name. Steph reached back and slapped someone, then Orton stared back at her and walked off.
Vince McMahon interjected that it warms him to see Jericho grovel like that. He smiled, then told Steph she’s still daddy’s little girl. They shared a hug, then Randy Orton’s music interrupted. Orton walked past Jericho and made his way to the ring to interrupt this family portrait. He said there’s another apology in order. Orton said Steph slapped him in the face earlier today for no reason at all. He told Vince to make Steph apologize to him.
We’re 11 minutes past the top of the hour with Orton explaining that he is worth more than she is because he is going to win the Rumble, go on to headline Mania, and make Vince millions of dollars because people pay to see him, not Steph. Ouch. Orton said Vince might not want to admit this, but every since Steph has popped out some grandkids, she has become essentially worthless. Steph wanted a piece of Orton, but Vince held her back and told Steph to get out of the ring.
Vince waited for Stephanie to leave, then he turned to Orton and thought over his words. Vince shot Orton a cold stare, then asked, “Who the hell do you think you are?” Vince said Orton is standing in his ring and Orton is privileged to be in it. Vince went to Orton’s dad, Cowboy Bob. He said Bob was a mediocre wrestler until he put a spotlight on him. Had he not done that, Orton wouldn’t be standing here right now. Chances are, Orton would be a gym teacher in St. Louis.
“Randy, what I’m saying is that now you can apologize to me,” he said. Orton sneered at Vince, but no response. Vince added…or else. Orton thought things over, then Vince went on that if Orton doesn’t apologize, he’ll terminate him on the spot. Orton said Vince does not want to do that, sir. Big pause here. Fans chanted, “R-K-O.” Vince began the “You’re fired” line, but Orton cut him off at “You’re” and smashed him in the face. Orton then kicked Vince in the head before nailing him with the big Punt to the head.
Steph stormed back into the ring to check on daddy while crying out for help. What’s left of the agents showed up to check on Vince, then medics showed up. Orton put his hand on his face in disbelief for what he did. They replayed The Punt with it looking like a pretty clean blow. DiBiase and Cody then showed up to support Orton, who didn’t know what to do about what he did. He then hopped out of the ring and quickly took off with Cody and DiBiase following him. Vince was strapped to a headboard as Steph continued to cry out for him to respond. They faded out 18 minutes past the top of the hour.
