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Batista walked onto the stage. He announced Miz vs. John Cena and Triple H vs. MVP in the first round of a Night of the Champions tournament. He said when Vince asked him to do this, he said no way. He said he’s a fighter, a competitor (he means “sports entertainer,” for those you absorbed into WWE-speak), he doesn’t want to wear a suit. Then Randy Orton’s music interrupted and he walked out onto the stage with Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase.

Orton said he shouldn’t have come back and he asked what’s stopping them from marching to the ring and making him regret it. Batista said before he rudely interrupted him, he was about to say McMahon gave him unlimited power so he can make his life a living nightmare and even fire him if he looks at him wrong. Orton said his life is already a nightmare. He said he barely survived Three Stages of Hell. He said he got hit in the head with a sledgehammer and can barely walk.

Batista mock whined and cried. Batista said he doesn’t need to worry about defending his title. He said he needs to worry about the trade Trump made. He said he’s booking him against three of the five wrestlers Raw acquired from Smackdown because “I know how much you love three-on-one fights.” He said it’s time he’s on the receiving end of one. No hint yet of the names of the opponents he’s facing.

Backstage, Orton complained to Rhodes and DiBiase about what Batista was doing to him, Batista walked in and said he forgot to tell him that if Rhodes or DiBiase get involved, he’ll fire them on the spot. They went backstage to Rhodes trying to give Orton a pep talk about his challenge. A pacing, stressed out Orton fired back: “Would you shut up!” DiBiase got off his cell and walked over and calmly told Orton he’d be fine if he just survives Orton. He said he just got off the phone with his dad, who told him he will be the guest host next week on Raw. Orton asked how that helps him tonight.

In-ring: WWE champion Randy Orton came out on stage for the main event handicap match. Orton hobbled down the entrance ramp selling injuries from last night’s PPV main event while contemplating the match tonight. Big sign facing the hard camera said “Age of Boring.” After a pause, Orton’s first opponent came out as … Evan Bourne. Bourne has now been traded to the Raw brand. I’m afraid he’ll get lost in the shuffle, but hopefully I’m wrong on that. Gauntlet-style, so we start with Orton vs. Bourne.

Randy Orton vs. Evan Bourne
Orton clobbered Bourne across the back to start things off, but Bourne came back with a flying forearm. Of note, Bourne without the taped ribs this week. Bourne continued an attack on Orton with kick strikes, but Orton nailed him in the throat to begin an attack. Orton smartly went to the ribs and punished his mid-section before doing the Orton Stomp to the body. Bourne suddenly whipped Orton to the mat and nailed his standing moonsault for a one count. Bourne kicked Orton in the head as Lawler talked up Bourne. Bourne nailed a sweet top rope double knee smash before teasing the Shooting Star Press, but Orton got up and crotched the ropes. Bourne, crotched, then took a running top rope RKO. That was awesome. Cole, not paying attention, called it a bulldog. Orton with the pin for the win.
Winner: Orton in 4:00. Good showing for Bourne, who looked better than Miz against Cena if comparing young vs. established star match-ups.

Randy Orton vs. Jack Swagger
Jack Swagger came out second. Swagger is now on Raw. Another mass exodus of ECW talent. Barring another young star burial on Raw, Swagger is going to make WWE some serious money now that he’s on Raw. Bell sounded and Swagger took Orton down with a waistlock. He then slowly left the ring and stood on the apron. Swagger smiled at the ref, who began a ten count. Orton didn’t know what to make of it. Swagger smiled as the ref reached a ten count.
Winner: Orton via count-out in 1:00. Apparently Swagger auditioning for a spot in Legacy.

Swagger then took the mic and walked over to a confused and hurting Orton. Swagger said he’s always liked and respected Orton, so on his first night on Raw, he wanted to leave a lasting impression. Swagger shook Orton’s hand and walked out of the ring, giving Orton something to think about.

With Bourne and Swagger out of the picture, we’re down to one more opponent for Orton.

Randy Orton vs. Mark Henry
Out as the final opponent, Mark Henry. Orton went from confident to feeling a little sick. Henry had a mic in hand. Henry said he’s always liked Orton himself and he has a lot of respect for him. Just like Jack Swagger, he came here on his first night on Raw to make an impression and it’s going to be a good one.

Bell sounded and Henry wasn’t in the mood to take the night off. Henry tossed Orton across the ring, then he walked over to the apron. Ref started a ten count just like Swagger. Fans not happy with this turn of events. Suddenly, Henry stopped the ref at five and smiled. Orton didn’t know what kind of smile that was. Henry then re-entered the ring and smiled. Orton got down on both knees and begged off, but Henry picked him up and tossed him across the ring. Henry got this look in his eyes and stalked Orton for another round of power offense. Henry called a spot for Orton to get a comeback, but Henry came back with a headbutt to the face. Crowd in Henry’s corner as he finished off Orton with the World’s Strongest Slam. Henry with the pin for the win and an apparent babyface turn? Henry celebrated in the ring and played to the crowd, asking them to get pumped up. Never would have guessed this show ends with Henry standing tall.

Post-match, Batista came out on stage in his suit with the Kevin Nash brace over his left elbow. Batista smiled and stared back at Henry, who smiled back at Batista. Cole and Lawler then closed the show plugging Hunter vs. Cena in the #1 contender match with Ted DiBiase as special guest host.

Winner: Henry in 4:00.