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Randy Orton’s music hit to bring out Orton. Orton looking much more tanned with shorter hair. The announcers plugged the “WrestleMania worthy” Cena vs. Hunter match to come tonight.
WWE champion Sheamus vs. Randy Orton — non-title match
Orton was the default babyface here with the audience firmly behind him. Sheamus cut off Orton’s early advantage as they set a slow pace. Sheamus teased the bicycle kick, but Orton ducked and teased the RKO, but Sheamus ducked and rolled to the floor. Orton stood tall in the ring as they cut to a break.
They returned from break with Orton stomping on Sheamus’s body. Mild pop for the Orton Stomp. Ted DiBiase then walked out down the entranceramp. Cody Rhodes followed from a distance. Meanwhile, Sheamus attacked Orton from behind and executed a backbreaker to take control of the match. Orton quickly regained control with a textbook standing dropkick followed by multiple stomps to the mid-section. Orton then pounded the mat looking to set up the RKO, but Sheamus awkwardly blocked before awkwardly rolling to the outside. Orton then shoved Sheamus shoulder-first into the ringpost and rolled back into the ring. DiBiase tried to grab Sheamus, but Sheamus smashed him to the floor. Cody then grabbed Sheamus, which the ref saw and called for a DQ on Orton.
Post-match: DiBiase entered the ring and played the blame game pointing his finger at Cody. The fans chanted, “RKO,” as the pupils continued to argue with each other. Orton then dropped Cody with the RKO out of nowhere. Before DiBiase could react, Sheamus suddenly re-entered and dropped DiBiase with the bicycle kick. Seconds later, Orton dropped Sheamus with the RKO. The crowd popped big for Orton being the last man standing in the ring. Orton sold the crazed lunatic character as he contemplated what happened in the ring. Cue up his music as the announcers replayed the finish with the crowd still cheering Orton.
Winner: Sheamus via DQ at 8:34. Sheamus is officially a lameduck champion at this point, which puts his title in jeopardy on Sunday at the Elimination Chamber PPV. Orton’s teased babyface turn built some momentum this week. We’ll see where all this is going leading to the PPV with DiBiase also involved in the Chamber match.
