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The fight continued on the floor near the production area before refs held Orton back. Fans chanted for them to keep fighting, so Orton tackled Kofi and knocked him down again. Kofi suddenly jumped over the refs and attacked Orton. Refs then held Kofi back, but Kofi chased Orton into the stands on the hard camera side. Kofi stomped away on Orton, who teetered over the edge of the stands before landing at the production area. Kofi then picked up the lid to a production trunk and smashed Orton over the face with the item. Orton had a cut on his forehead. Oops, we have blood. Kofi cradled Orton’s head to make sure the blood didn’t get on camera, then all the attention turned to Kofi, who put Orton on a gimmicked table. Kofi then went to the railing about five or six feet above the table and teased a dive, but refs held his feet and pulled him down. The fans booed, wanting to see the spot, but Kofi was dragged down the side stairs. Kofi then suddenly broke free and stormed up the stairs to the railing. Kofi then came off the top with a memorable Boom Boom leg drop onto Orton through the table. Huge crowd reaction with WWE capturing the moment with a slow-mo recap of Kofi getting major air, the crowd reactions, etc. After several replays, they cut back live to show Kofi standing tall on the railing above Orton’s lifeless body. JC: This could have been a totally botched segment after the botched Punt on Piper, but it turned into one of the best segments on WWE TV this year with a real star-making opportunity for Kofi, who delivered the goods here. Very memorable with WWE trying to make an “MSG moment” after talking about “MSG moments” all night.

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Orton said the three of them are nothing more than low-life street thugs. Orton said Henry stole a victory last week. He said MVP is the definition of a common criminal. Meanwhile, Kofi should be in jail for what he did to his car. Orton said that stock car was custom-made and the only reason why he hasn’t pressed charges is because he wants to embarrass Kofi at Survivor Series. Cody addressed Kofi that this isn’t very VIP hanging around with a disgruntled wrestler and an ex-con. DiBiase said it’s not very VIP with pleather couches and a $50 bottle of champagne. Orton said they were born in this industry while the only place Kofi, Henry, and MVP belong is the hood where they came from. Kofi took exception and stepped to Orton. He slapped him across the face, which drew oohs from the crowd. Orton did his “should I kill him, should I wait, should I keep teasing inner thoughts of confusion and torment?” stance before they suddenly cut to break.

Mark Henry (w/Kofi Kingston and MVP) vs. Randy Orton (w/Legacy)
Match started in progress with Henry squeezing Orton with a bear hug. Orton then blocked a corner attack and put Henry on the mat to begin the Orton Stomp attack. Henry got a second wind and sent Orton to the corner where he landed successive headbutts that wobbled Orton. MVP told Henry to finish him off, but Orton suddenly struck with the RKO out of nowhere for the pin and the win.

Post-match: Cody and Ted gleefully clapped it up while Kofi paced the sidelines with his hands on his hips. Kofi checked on Henry in the ring, then Orton snuck back into the ring. Orton slapped Kofi, but Kofi punched him right back and Orton rolled to the outside. Legacy held Orton back as Orton went IED wanting another piece of Kofi. Camera with heavy focus on Orton and Kofi, who told Orton to come get a piece of him. Orton just huffed and puffed on the outside.

Winner: Orton in 5:00. Right finish with Orton winning. Orton has consistently been in PPV main events for five years, so it wouldn’t make sense to knock him down a peg if they’re going to elevate Kofi in this program. Good focus in the post-match with Kofi and Orton on the back-and-forth camera shots.

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- Live Event Photography > Special Oversea’s Tours > Newcastle, England 2009

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Backstage: Josh Mathews caught up to Randy Orton for an explanation. Orton said Kofi Kingston interfered in his match last night. He’s putting the blame on Kofi for losing last night. And he’s only just begun. Cody and Ted then interrupted Orton’s interview time. They want to show their support. Cody was more enthusiastic. Ted reluctantly went along with this. Legacy then walked Orton over to a brand-new NASCAR car with his face and likeness all over the hood and car. Orton paused and said this is incredible. Ted said it’s no price for the son of the million dollar man. Ted said they’ve had their issues recently, but Orton should consider this a token of their appreciation. Ted said they have another surprise for Orton. He said it’s only a matter of time before the WWE Title comes back to Legacy. Key word: Legacy. Orton was too enthralled with checking himself out on the car to notice what Ted said. Lawler said it was a little creepy. Orton continued to snake around the hood of the car before they cut away.

Post-match: Randy Orton slowly walked out on stage not looking very happy with things. He was selling a slight limp from the Iron Man match. Lawler said Orton really gave a strong effort in the match. Second tease for a babyface turn after Cena talked up Orton. Orton took the mic and said it appears Cena’s next opponent will not be him. He said he knows the terms of his agreement say no more title shots, but he has a guaranteed re-match clause. Suddenly, Kofi Kingston appeared on the video screen. He appeared to be ten feet tall with the camera angle. He told Orton no one cares what he has to say. Orton screamed at him to come to the ring and say it to his face. Kofi said that’s interesting. The camera panned down to show Kofi standing on Orton’s face on the NASCAR car. Orton screamed at him not to do anything. Kofi said the thing he loves about these cars is how durable they are. Kofi then rammed a trunk into the car. He said that didn’t do much, but this will. He then pulled out keys and started to key up the car. Kofi doesn’t have the track record of a Steve Austin to pull off these heel tactics, but he’s getting focus. Feels like Cena and Cryme Tyme spray-painting “poop” on JBL’s limo. Kofi then bashed the vehicle over and over trying to “kill a bug” he pretended that he saw on the hood. He sold that he realized he messed up the paint job, then took out a bucket of paint and splashed it over Orton’s face on the hood. “Ya know what, Randy, I don’t think you’ve ever looked better,” Kofi said. Kofi then slung the bucket of pain down on the hood and some of it splashed up on him. Kofi didn’t fall down, but he looked kind of silly with the paint splashing back up at him. They closed with Kofi standing tall and Orton selling frustration.

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WWE champion RANDY ORTON vs. JOHN CENA — 60-minute Iron Man match — WWE Title match — Anything goes
Cole asked Lawler to offer some insight into going 60 minutes. Lawler said he’s never been in an Iron Man match, but he’s been in some hour-long matches where conserving energy is key. Cena and Orton started with an early lock-up, then Cena hit the turnbuckles hard on a whip to the corner. Orton whipped Cena to the opposite corner and Cena came out looking for a bulldog, but Orton blocked and went back to work on Cena. Out of nowhere, Cena slapped on the STF and Orton quickly tapped out. Crowd popped for Cena’s quick win. Orton popped up and glared at Cena, who took a deep breath and understood the strategy of Orton trying to conserve and not take too much damage in the STF.

***Cena 1, Orton 0 at 3:55***

Orton gained the advantage after the first fall as the announcers discussed the Shawn Michaels vs. Bret Hart classic Iron Man match from WrestleMania 12. Meanwhile, Orton slapped on a reverse chinlock as Cena faded. Cena fought back to his feet and hit the running blockbuster before going up top. Cena wanted the top rope guillotine and connected. He then set up the Five Knuckle Shuffle, but Orton suddenly snapped to his feet and nailed the RKO as Cena bounced off the ropes. Orton with the pin for the second fall at 9:00. And now a 30-second wait.

*** Cena 1, Orton 1 at 9:00***

After the pause, Orton rammed Cena off the apron into the guardrail on the floor. Orton followed to the floor and stared at the announce table. He turned his head and started clearing the table before grabbing a TV monitor. Orton blasted Cena over the top of the head with the point of the gimmicked monitor, then made a cover, but Cena kicked out. Apparently it’s Falls Count Anywhere too. Orton rolled Cena into the ring, then took a wireless mic and bopped Cena over the head with it. Orton made a cover, but Cena kicked out. Refs and medics then wanted to check on Cena, who sold injury. Cena suddenly stormed Orton in the corner with an explosion of energy before chucking Orton clear over the top rope to the floor. And we have blood with Cena bleeding from the head. Really does mean something since we haven’t seen blood on WWE TV in a while.

At the top of the third hour, Orton put a boot to Cena as Cena was face-first on the ring steps. Orton made a cover on the floor, but Cena kicked out. Back in the ring, Orton methodically began an attack on Cena with right hands to the source of blood. Orton then went down to the mat and pounded the mat with his fists before teasing the RKO. Cena ducked, though, and started his comeback routine. Cena then did the You Can’t See Me and connected with the Shuffle drop this time. Cena then wanted the FU and he connected. No wait, Orton apparently countered in mid-air with a reverse RKO. Both men were down and both men had an arm over each other. Ref counted a three count for each man at 17:00.

***Cena 2, Orton 2 at 17:00***

Medics hit the ring during the 30-second pause and checked on Cena. The 30-second interval expired and Orton missed with a running shoulder tackle when Cena moved. Medics apparently glued Cena’s head shut to close the wound and stop the bleeding. Cena then took Orton to the corner and wanted an FU from the second rope. He connected in a nice spot, but couldn’t make a cover. Cena then made a cover and scored the pin for another fall at 19:40.

***Cena 3, Orton 2 at 19:40***

During the 30-second pause, Ted DiBiase and Cody Rhodes stormed the ring to beat up on Cena. Apparently DiBiase is on Orton’s side tonight…thus far. DiBiase gave Cena the Dream Street finisher. They put Orton on top of Cena and Orton scored a pin at 20:55.

***Cena 3, Orton 3 at 20:55***

After the fall, Kofi Kingston stormed the ring with chair in hand to chase away DiBiase and Rhodes. Crowd was hot for Kofi. Good incorporation of Kofi to give him a main event spotlight. After the next 30-second interval, both men came to their feet and started brawling. The brawl spilled to the floor and Cena rammed Orton into the guardrail. Kids were screaming as Cena continued to beat on Orton. Ref told one of the thousands of fans wearing Steelers jerseys in the arena to back off. Orton then reversed a whip into the rail and smashed Cena into the structure. He made a cover, but Cena kicked out. Announcers talked about the equipment being dangerous as they approached the stage area. High Voltage given a name-drop. Orton then smashed Cena’s head into the pyro machine and some pyro went off. Orton freaked out, then caught his breath. He threw Cena through the HD lighting grid and Cena ended up in the backstage area. Orton then dragged Cena back to the arena-side of the Titantron and made a cover for the pin.

***Orton 4, Cena 3 at 25:35***

Orton looked around contemplating his next move during the 30-second interval. He went over the pyro machine and started playing with the buttons like a crazy kid with a new set of toys. Orton figured out how the pyro works, then smashed Cena across the back with a chair. Orton then dragged Cena to the stage area where the pyro shoots off. Orton ran over to the pyro machine and shoved the man in charge away. Ref admonished Orton, who had his finger on the trigger as Cena went motionless. Orton punched the button, but it wouldn’t work. Suddenly, the pyro went off and Cena had enough time to roll out of the way. Cena still alive. Orton then checked on Cena and was so pissed that Cena was still alive. Orton went into a rage beating and pounding on Cena before taking him down to ringside. Announcers called Orton a psycho pyromaniac. They hit the 30-minute mark with Cena out cold on the floor as Orton contemplated his next move.

Orton began a methodical attack on Cena, including ring steps to the face and a chair to the back as Cena leaned against the ringpost. Orton made a cover on the floor, but Cena kicked out. “What more can Orton do, he already tried to blow the man up?” Lawler asked rhetorically. Back in the ring, Orton slowly lifted Cena to his feet and Cena suddenly executed a small package after playing opossum. Cena scored the pinfall at 33:00, then Orton went nuts until the ref pulled him away for the 30 seconds. “F—” Orton shouted twice on the floor.

***Orton 4, Cena 4 at 33:00***

The 30 seconds expired, but Orton waited before re-entering the ring. He then dragged Cena across the ring apron and stared a hole into Cena’s soul. He wanted the horizontal DDT from across the ring apron to the floor and he executed it with Cena going face-first into the floor padding. Orton then rolled Cena over and made the cover for the pin at 35:20.

***Orton 5, Cena 4 at 35:20***

Crowd was quiet as WWE replayed the DDT into the floor. Orton was shown slapping the mat on the way down to create the sound of Cena’s face hitting the floor. After the 30 second rest period, Orton rolled Cena back into the ring as the crowd came to life with a dueling chant of “Let’s go Cena” vs. “Let’s go Orton.” Orton began his Orton Stomp trying to take apart Cena’s entire body. Cena slowly made his way to his feet, but Orton knocked him right back down with a straight right hand to the face. Orton with a cover, but Cena kicked out. They zoomed in on an evil look on Orton’s face as Grisham said he could be the face of Raw for many months or years to come. He said it appears Cena is headed for Smackdown. Well, that means Cena is winning.

Orton continued to slowly stalk and attack Cena, who finally ducked a clothesline and staggered Orton to the floor. Cena then staggered around in the ring as the cut on top of his head started to bleed again. Orton collected himself on the floor and checked the scoreboard with 20 minutes left in the match. Announcers speculated whether he’ll play prevent defense with a fall advantage. Lawler said it might be too long to stall. Cena then jelly-legged walked up the ramp to Orton, who met him with kicks and stomps. Back in the ring, Orton wanted the horizontal DDT, but Cena countered with an FU tease. Orton escaped, though, with elbow strikes and ran right out of the ring to the floor. Orton tried to take off through the stands up into the arena seats, but Cena met him and blasted him with right hands. Orton started rolling down the arena steps with a one-fall advantage trying to run away from Cena, who chased him down in-between the floor seats and 100-level seats. And we hit the 45-minute mark with Cena measuring Orton for right hand blows on the floor.

Back on the floor outside of the ring, Cena continued to chase down Orton before blasting him into the ring steps. Cena made a cover, but Orton kicked out. Cena then whipped Cena hard through the barricade near the timekeeper’s table and Orton crashed hard through the gimmicked barrier. Cena then calmly picked up the ring steps and blasted Orton in the face with the steps. Cena triumphantly lifted the steps in the ring, then looked over some potential options for his next move. After his review, Cena scooped up Orton’s dead weight and slowly carried him up the ring steps to position him for an FU through the announce table. Orton did the Abyss Shake as if he took a bump through the tacks, then Cena dropped down and covered Orton to score a pinfall at 51:00 to even it up.

***Orton 5, Cena 5 at 51:00***

Cena waited for the 30-second interval, then he tried pinning Orton again, but Orton kicked out. Cena then went under the ring and grabbed a table. He set up the table in the ring while Orton slowly started to stir on the floor. After setting up the table in the ring, Cena carried Orton back into the ring. They approached the five-minute mark and Cole reminded us there will be overtime if this is tied. Cena placed Orton on the table and Orton sold near-death. Cena then went up top and thought about this move. He tried a top rope leg drop, but Orton rolled off the table and Cena ate wood. And they hit 55:00 with both men down and out on the mat.

Orton landed the first right hand from his knees. Cena responded in kind. Orton with a right. Cena with a right. Orton with a right. Cena with a right. Orton with a right hand. Cena with a haymaker. Orton with an uppercut. Cena with a punch. Orton with a punch. Now both men on their feet. Cena with a shot to the gut. Orton with a right to the face. Cena likewise. Orton with a haymaker. Cena staggered, then another to the gut. Orton to the top of the head. Again. Cena with two, then three, and four. Cena ducked a clothesline and hit a shoulder tackle. He then tried a second, but airballed and the ref ate the shoulder tackle. Orton then dropped Cena in mid-ring with the RKO, but the ref was out cold. Another ref stormed the ring and Cena kicked out before three. Nice sequence.

At 58:00, Orton was PO’ed and shoved down the replacement referee. Two refs down. Orton slowly walked around the ring as Cole talked overtime. Lawler said he wants to see OT. Orton’s eyes bulged out of his head as he thought things over. Orton was on the verge of a nervous break down, but then stopped when he had an idea. He then backed up and teased The Punt, but Cena moved and dropped Orton with the STF in center ring. Orton had nowhere to go. Crowd ready to explode like a fourth down play on the goalline. Cena twisted Orton’s neck with the STF as Orton tried to hang on for 20 more seconds. Orton wouldn’t tap, though. Fans counted it down. Nine, eight, seven… and Orton tapped out at 59:54 with the crowd exploding. The time then expired and Cena won back the WWE Title.

Post-match: Cena grabbed his title belt and held it up high in the air. Cole called it one of the greatest matches he’s ever seen. Announcers recapped the high points of the match, then they cut back to show Cena on the stage sweating and holding the title belt. Orton was selling mass pain to his shoulder back in the ring. Announcers then showed Orton’s visible three count with the score 5-5 around 58:00. Back live, Orton was shown collecting himself. Cole said it’s the end of the war between Orton and Cena. Orton grimaced to close the PPV.

WINNER: Cena 6, Orton 5 with a submission at 59:54; Cena wins the WWE Title at 60:00. Quite the war. Nothing else on this show was replay-worthy, but this was replay-worthy. WWE pulled out all the tricks, gimmicks, and other assorted items to tell a 60-minute story. Orton was the star of the match with his crazy facial expressions and psychotic behavior staying true to his character. Story at the end we’ll probably see play out on Raw was Orton unable to hold on for those last six seconds or Orton complaining that he had Cena pinned at 58:00. Hard to rate this on a traditional scale, but I believe this was one of the best stories WWE has told on PPV this year. HBK vs. Taker is another level and in its own category, but this was a different type of four-to-five-star level match.

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WWE champion Randy Orton then came out as the announcers talked about Orton having so many other things to worry about with Cena on Sunday in a 60-minute Iron Man match.

WWE champion RANDY ORTON vs. TED DIBIASE, JR
Bell sounded and Orton walked right up to DiBiase. Orton then kicked DiBiase in the gut to boos. DiBiase didn’t fight back and Orton landed an uppercut. Ted then had a look of disgust mixed with determination. Crowd with a mild chant for DiBiase. Orton then kicked DiBiase in the gut again. DiBiase shook like he was about to snap on Orton. Orton with another boot. DiBiase was shaking. “You want to hit me?! Do you want to hit me?!” Orton screamed at him. DiBiase slowly made it to his feet and stared back at Orton. Crowd came to life as DiBiase stared him down itching to get him. Orton piefaced DiBiase twice, then DiBiase got right in his face again. A third pieface. Crowd wanted it. Orton then shoved DiBiase in the chest and DiBiase fired off the ropes to shove Orton down. Big pop. DiBiase shook and was about to explode on Orton, but he held himself back. DiBiase’s leg was a shaking and a twitching. He calmed down, looked around the arena, then looked into Orton’s evil eyes. DiBiase lowered his eyes in shame, then Orton walked over to DiBiase and looked him in the eyes. Orton then delivered the RKO in cold blood before making the cover for the win. DiBiase was out cold on the mat, then Orton slowly raised his title belt in the air while standing over DiBiase.

WINNER: Orton at 4:22. Awesome, storyline-driven match. It took a while for the crowd to really buy into the storyline development, but DiBiase generated an authentic babyface pop for that one shove on Orton. DiBiase was borderline over-the-top with his “I’m going to rip your head off, but I’m so conflicted right now” expressions, but I thought he really handled that well. Good performances all-around and they reinforced Orton as the evil, sinister, snake-like heel. Excellent work.

JOHN CENA vs. TRIPLE H
They cut to a shot of Randy Orton watching with this awesome heel look and body language backstage. Orton is so great.

Post-match: They cut to a shot of Randy Orton watching intently on a monitor. Orton leaned in close to the monitor as if he was trying to smell Cena. Cena then did his salute back in the ring.

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Post-match: Orton had to keep Cody and Ted away from each other while Cena was all-smiles leaving the ring. Things were about to explode, but Nancy O’Dell appeared on the videotron to settle them down. She said since it’s obvious Cody and Ted aren’t getting along right now, let’s see how they really get along in a tag match later tonight. How about Cody & Ted against Orton…and John Cena. Cena went from all-smiles to his look of concern. Meanwhile, Orton tried to calm Ted and Cody down.

WINNER: Cody Rhodes at 13:20

Backstage: Cody and Ted were yelling at each other. DiBiase’s veins were about to explode out of his neck. Orton interrupted and told them he’s not going to let Nancy O’Dell tell them what to do. He said he’s going to turn this into a handicap match and not tag in. He told them to make sure they take care of Cena. Cody and Ted still weren’t on the same page, but Orton told them to think things over. Good follow-up segment to continue investing TV time in Cody and Ted.

WWE champion RANDY ORTON & JOHN CENA vs. TED DIBIASE, JR. & CODY RHODES
The bell sounded as Orton bailed to the floor to watch Cena start the match by himself. Cody and Ted couldn’t decide who should start, then DiBiase drew the shortest straw to start. Legacy worked over Cena early on as Orton pondered things from the ring apron just watching and plotting. Cena broke free of Cody, then Orton lost track of things for a second allowing Cena to make a blind-tag to Orton. Orton slowly walked into the ring after realizing his mistake. They locked up and Cody tried to pin Orton with a surprise pin attempt that drew hearty laughter from Cena on the floor. DiBiase then tagged in and nearly scored a pin. Orton then walked over to Cena and slap-tagged him back into the match. Cena and Orton grunted at each other and teased going after each other before Cena went after DiBiase. Cena did his usual routine and dropped the Five Knuckle Shuffle, but Orton had blind-tagged into the match. Orton then blasted his tag partner, Cena, but DiBiase suddenly snuck up behind Orton and small package pinned Orton for the win. Cody was confused. Orton was livid. Orton then walked into Cena, who gave him an FU in center ring. Cole: “A terrible night for the WWE champion, Randy Orton.” Cena pounded his chest in the corner and celebrated in the ring to close the show.

WINNERS: DiBiase & Rhodes at 6:10.