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They showed Randy Orton sitting on the couch apparently with his wife.
Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler brought in Randy Orton and wife from their home in St. Louis. Orton was asked about violating his no-touch stipulation against Triple H. Orton asked Cole to cue up the video from Smackdown showing Triple H attacking Orton after being physically provoked. They showed Orton beating down Hunter on Smackdown and leaving him KO’ed. Back to Orton, who said Cole calls it a violation, but he calls it restraint. He said he could have punted Hunter in the head and ended it right there, but he didn’t. Orton said he wants to take his rightful place as WWE champion at WrestleMania 25.

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WINNER: Triple H via DQ, at about 3:30 (no bell).

Trips took Dibiase out of the ring, but Rhodes was right there to capitalize on the outside. Triple H took Orton and both of them tumbled over the announce table. Back in the ring, the three of them cornered The Game. He came out attacking, eviscerating Orton with a spear until the rest of Legacy could pry him off. They continued their beat-down of HHH as JR equated the three men to a pack of jackals. HHH continued to fight, but it seemed all for naught as Orton Garvin Stomped him. Orton had a deranged look in his eye and he did some trash talking to Triple H as Dibiase and Rhodes held his arms. Kick right to the head of The Game. And another. This begs the question why he doesn’t just give HHH the concussion kick. Instead, he just put the bottom of his foot to Triple H’s skull. See, this is what happens when you don’t have friends, HHH. Except Michaels, but I’m sure he’s not there. Dibiase and Rhodes left the ring while Orton knelt over Triple H. “Randy sucks” chant from the crowd. Triple H couldn’t even just lie there prone, he was reaching up for Orton and still moving around. Orton stared menacingly into the camera and out at the crowd. Either snot or drool was coming from Triple H. That was a camera shot I could’ve done without. Orton just soaked in all the jeers and took his time leaving the ring. It appeared Trips was foaming at the mouth. A little overkill there it seems. Trips kept crawling toward Orton, who looked with pleasure at the pain he caused to end the show.

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Orton reminded us that he has a championship match at WrestleMania. He said he’s challenging the winner of Edge vs. Cena tonight. Orton said many thought he would be challenging Triple H for the World Title, but that’s not happening because Hunter is going to jail. Orton is pressing charges against Hunter for assault with a deadly weapon. We all saw it! Orton said he dropped his sledgehammer before Hunter even entered the ring. Orton innocently said he wanted to handle their issues like grown men, but Hunter used his weapon with excess force.

Orton said if he did not escape Hunter, then he might have lost his career or his life. Orton told Hunter to come out and say anything he needs to say now, otherwise he’s going to be put away for a very long time. Hunter’s music hit and it’s time to play the game. Hunter had a sledgehammer slung over his leather jacket, then he stopped on stage and told Orton he has a disease called IED. Hunter said Orton isn’t in control of his actions, but he’s in complete control of his actions. Hunter slowly started walking to the ring, then the security stepped up in front of Orton in the ring.

SuperHunter measured security with his hammer, then he dropped it on the mat ringside. Hunter did a Flair turnaround pose to show he has no other weapon, then he slowly entered the ring after Orton told security to drop back. He’s got a gun! Sorry, too much CSI. Hunter pointed to Orton’s entourage that they all tell him what he wants to hear, but Hunter’s going to tell him what he needs to hear. Hunter said it’s not about Vince or Stephanie, it’s about you. He said Orton needs to face him at WrestleMania and beat him for the WWE Title. You gotta avenge the moment that defines your life, Randy.

The moment: Evolution. Hunter said he watched Orton become the youngest World champ in history, but what happened the next night? Hunter reminded Orton that he turned on him and beat the heck out of him. How long was that title reign? Hunter won right away, then he said he wasn’t happy for Orton’s success. Hunter said he’s not a good person himself. Hunter said he made a conscious decision to take what was his. Hunter tried to convince Orton to face him. He played the fear card and shouted right in Orton’s ear that he’s been afraid his whole life because deep down inside of him, he doesn’t have what it takes.

Hunter said Orton can stand here and hide behind his security and such, but he knows the truth. Truth is Orton is that same kid; that same little kid that was carrying my bags around in Evolution. Orton turned his head in disgust as the crowd booed. Hunter called him that same little boy with all the talent in the world, but ultimately gutless. Orton’s IED was starting to flare up as Hunter pressed closer. Orton’s lawyer stepped in and told Hunter to turn himself into security. Security grabbed Hunter to pull him away, but Orton shouted to let him go.

Security backed away, then Orton said he’s changed his mind. No Edge vs. Cena winner, but Hunter for the title at WrestleMania. Orton told Hunter under one condition: you don’t touch me and I don’t touch you. If you touch me without physical provocation, then you spend WrestleMania behind bars. Orton asked Hunter if we have a deal. Hunter sternly said, “Deal” then he dropped the mic and left.

Orton stopped Hunter on the entranceway by saying it felt great to kick the old man in the skull. Same when he did the same thing to Shane. But, Hunter, oh Hunter, when I hit the RKO on your wife, Stephanie, I replay that over and over in my head. Orton said he can still smell Stephanie’s scent. He went into an IED Herbal Essence moment describing her skin on his hands. Orton said he wonders if she remembers anything past being slammed right down into the ground. Hunter had enough and stormed back into the ring to get face-to-face with Orton.

Hunter reminded Orton that the last time they fought back in the ring, he broke Orton’s collarbone. He said that was just business. This is personal, he said in a gravely voice. “I’m going to break your neck!” Hunter screamed in Orton’s face. He dropped the mic and stormed out of the ring while Orton gritted his teeth in the ring. Wow. Excellent segment to set up Hunter vs. Orton. It’s going to fun watching Orton push Hunter’s buttons on Raw for the next five weeks.

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In-ring, Just a few moments before the top of the hour, Randy Orton led Cody and Teddy out to the ring for a chat. Orton was sporting the sledgehammer. He said he’s been waiting for Triple H all night and he’s tired of waiting in the back. Orton claimed he’s the victim of the McMahon family because all he wanted to do was mind his own business. The McMahons wouldn’t stay out of his way, he said. He lost control when Vince insulted his family, so he kicked him as hard as he could in the skull. Orton played the IED card there.

Orton turned to Shane and said the dude just wouldn’t stop coming after him, so he kicked him in the head to put him in the hospital right next to his old man. Didn’t have to go down like that, but Shane pushed and pushed until Orton pushed back. Orton then turned to the fans and cut Vince McMahon’s promo about being under constant pressure and scrutiny from the media. They have no idea what he goes through, Orton said. He said he hopes Stephanie’s kids will one day see what happened last week so they learn from the family’s mistakes.

Cut to Triple H on the video screen walking through the parking garage looking very 2001-ish with sledgehammer in hand and a leather jacket on. Hunter came out on stage with no music and stared into the ring. He stared into the ring, then slowly made his way down the ramp while Legacy backed up in the ring. Hunter came up the ring steps, then Orton said he figured Hunter would show up with his trusty weapon. He told Hunter to ditch his sledge and he would ditch his own. Orton dropped his over the top rope, then Hunter slowly dropped his.

Orton readied himself in the ring next to Cody and Teddy, then Hunter slowly entered the ring. He slowly unbuttoned his leather jacket while some female fans screamed. Hunter tossed the jacket over the top rope, leaving his official WWE Top Rope Triple H t-shirt and some street fight jeans. Legacy slowly approached Hunter, who braced himself, before pulling out another sledgehammer from his back pocket. Hunter chased off Legacy, then chased after Orton and Ted through the backstage area. They passed some random WWE stars on the way, but came up on a closed exit door. Hunter chased them into a side office where they were locked in. Hunter bashed open the door with SuperShane strength, then he cornered Orton and Teddy.

Hunter knocked down Ted, leaving Orton by himself against a sink. Orton ducked a hammer shot, then Hunter smashed the sink mirror. Orton and Ted bailed passed Cryme Tyme in the hallway before picking up weapons. They finally bailed through another side exit door where Cody had the getaway car running. Hunter smashed the driver-side window before the car sped off. Hunter chucked his hammer toward the car, but missed. Final shot was of Hunter determined to get them.

They brawled to the production area near the hard camera area, using various computer equipment as weaponry. An iMac was nearly used as a TV monitor. Orton knocked Shane back over the guardrail near the announce table, where he rammed Shane head-first into the table. Shane took a blow to the ring steps, then Orton kicked him on the back and face. They entered the ring where Orton began toying with Shane by stomping him repeatedly. Camera focused on Orton’s face as a hint of drool slowly left his chin. Wonderful. Orton knocked Shane to the outside.

At the top of the hour, Orton continued the assault on Shane. Lawler said that’s enough, then Shane suddenly SuperShaned and tackled Orton across the announce table. He started landing those right hand blows before using the announce table chair to knock around Orton. Shane, sweating like crazy, then picked up the ringbell and cracked it over Orton’s head. Announcers were silent during most of this, allowing front row fans to add their commentary. Shane then rolled Orton inside the ring and put him in position for the coast-to-coast. Except, Shane put a chair in front of Orton instead of a trashcan.

Shane went to the opposite corner, shook off the pain he was feeling, then set up for Coast to Coast, only to have DiBiase and Rhodes storm the ring and put a beat down on Shane. Cheaters! Cole said Orton supposedly didn’t need their help. This time, they put a beating on Shane including Cody hitting his spin-out facebuster. Orton then came to life and slowly walked over to Shane’s lifeless body. He looked at his boys to give them non-verbal instructions, then Orton slowly backed up. He measured Shane for The Punt and connected square in the head. Shane went numb, then rolled onto his back. SuperShane would have no-sold and popped to his feet.

Stephanie McMahon then ran out to the ring and checked on Shane, whose eyes were rolling in the back of his head. Steph checked on Shane, then medics hit the ring to check on her brother. With IED flashing in his eyes, Orton slowly walked over to the scene. Shane was put on a back brace as Orton slowly peered down. Steph then stood up to plead with Orton not to do any more damage. He suddenly snapped and hit the RKO on Steph. Orton snapped out of his IED and backed away to the ring ropes to observe the scene.

Triple H then stormed the ring without any music and went right to Stephanie to check on his wife. Hunter was in street clothes and surveyed the scene while Orton and his cronies slowly made their way on stage. Hunter then had this intense, intense look of pain, anger, near-tears, and Hogan-hulking-up written on his face. Very much made for a WWE video package. Orton realized he did some damage and his face retreated. They closed with everyone KO’ed except for Hunter, who stared at Orton on stage looking to kill him. There’s your WM main event for Orton cashing in his Royal Rumble title victory.

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RANDY ORTON vs. SHANE MCMAHON — No Holds Barred match
Anything goes tonight. Shane came out first looking very determined to take apart Orton. The match opened with Shane bobbing and weaving to frustrate Orton, then Shane knocked Orton to the floor. Huge puddle of oil and sweat on the floor after Orton crashed to the padding. Shane tried to follow, but Orton smashed him back-first into the ring apron. Back in the ring, Orton took off the turnbuckle padding and went back to work on Shane. Orton slowly walked around the ring teasing that Shane was done, then he approached Shane, who suddenly busted out a Kendo stick to crack Orton in the face.
At 5:00, Shane repeatedly blasted Orton with the stick. Orton winced with every blow to the sternum, then Orton regrouped on the outside. Shane followed out and hit a running clothesline. You knew this was coming. Shane cleared the Smackdown announce table, then grabbed a TV monitor and cracked it over Orton’s forehead. Point of the monitor caught Orton around the right temple and Orton came up bleeding. Didn’t catch Orton leaning down to blade there, so it looked hardway. Could be wrong, though. Shane then went up top for a splash on Orton, but DiBiase and Cody Rhodes jumped into the ring. Cody then retrieved a chair to smash Shane, but Shane moved and DiBiase accidentally took the chair to the back. Cut back to Stephanie watching on a backstage monitor.

At 8:00, Shane grabbed a trashcan and placed it over Cody in the corner. Shane wanted to go coast-to-coast on Cody after delivering it on DiBiase on Raw. Shane measured Cody, then went all the way across the ring in mid-air with a dropkick square in the face. Meanwhile, Orton was bleeding heavily while still on the Smackdown table. Shane, having SuperShaned on Cody and DiBiase, went back up top for the dive on Orton. Orton was playing opossum, though, and Shane ate the table, then the floor when Orton moved. Orton went back into the ring and told DiBiase to get Cody out of here to make sure he’s okay. Just do it man!

At 11:00, Shane slowly returned to the ring and took the horizontal DDT off the middle rope. Crowd was quiet as Orton beat down on Shane after setting up a table in the corner of the ring. Orton then took McMahon up top for a Cowboy Bob superplex and Orton connected right through the table. Very violent PPV so far tonight. Orton slowly made his way over to Shane for a cover, but SuperShane kicked out before three. Orton, frustrated, slammed Shane’s head into a broken part of the table. Another cover, but Shane kicked out at 15:00.

Shane then went on the offensive and grabbed the chair Cody tried to use earlier. Shane bashed Orton across the stomach, body, and legs. Orton hobbled and cried out in pain, then he begged off Shane, who measured him for a direct chair blow. Camera cut away real quick, so it was hard to see if it was a direct blow to the head or upper shoulder area. In any event, Shane wanted one more smashing shot via The Punt, but Orton suddenly snapped to his feet and nailed the RKO for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Orton at 18:18.

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In-ring, Randy Orton came to the ring for the main event. They showed Stephanie McMahon tensely watching Orton’s entrance from her office monitor. Orton slowly looked around the arena before coldly staring toward the entrance in anticipation of Undertaker. Feels like we’re on Smackdown with Cole calling a Taker entrance. Orton clenched his jaw as Taker did his pre-match routine, then Taker circled around the ring before the bell sounded.

UNDERTAKER vs. RANDY ORTON
Hot start for Taker, who landed some furious fists before clotheslining Orton to the floor. Orton tried to gain control when Taker followed out, but Taker landed a chinbreaker across the top rope. Orton retreated on the floor again, but Taker snuck up on him with a hard clothesline to the floor.

Back from break, Orton was in control after nailing the trademark horizontal DDT from the second rope. Taker then fought back at 5:30 with rapid-fire right hand blows, but Orton snapped off a very impressive-looking powerslam to cut off Taker. Orton and Taker then had a standing exchange of right hand blows before Taker landed snake eyes in the corner and a big boot to the face for a two count following a leg drop.

Taker wanted the chokeslam at the top of the hour, but Orton kicked him in the gut. Orton tried to sneak in an RKO, but Taker blocked. He wanted the Tombstone Piledriver, but Cody & Ted stormed the ring to cause a DQ. Legacy worked over Taker three-on-one for a few minutes, then Orton cleared his boys back. He went down for an RKO, but Shane McMahon snuck in behind and tackled Orton. Taker chokeslammed Cody, then Shane landed some classic horrible punches on Ted to set up Taker for a chokeslam on Ted.

Meanwhile, Orton was on stage pacing around and yelling into the ring. Shane picked up a trashcan to a crowd pop and set it up on DiBiase in the corner for his classic coast-to-coast dropkick. Shane then went to the opposite corner and pointed toward Orton. After surveying the water below off the high dive, he leapt across the ring for his coast-to-coast. (The camera made a quick cut to a back-shot just in case Shane missed badly.) He did smash the trashcan, but came up holding his back. Shane then pointed to Orton, who was very upset on stage. They replayed the wide angle of Shane connecting, then closed with a stare-down between Shane (ring) and Orton (stage).

WINNER: Undertaker via DQ at 8:50.

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The answer, he said, is simple. “You didn’t.” The second he saw Shane coming down the ramp, he made a decision. He told Ted and Cody not to fight back. Orton told him to watch the footage, as they tried to contain him, but didn’t fight back. He said when he saw Shane coming down to the ramp, he was looking at the entire Raw roster standing behind Shane looking to impress Shane or Stephanie. Orton said if he threw just one punch, the odds would have gone from three-on-one to 20-on-three. He was willing to pay the price for a match at No Way Out without any consequences. Orton told Shane to call the hospital where Vince is, then order a second bed because after No Way Out, papa Vince is going to have some company.
Orton slowly walked down the ramp to tease doing something, but he opted to turn back around and head up the ramp. He slowly placed his mic down on the ramp, then looked back into the ring. Orton turned to walk toward the ring as Shane took off his jacket and rolled up his sleeves, then Orton slowly approached the ring apron. He put one hand on the ropes, but backed away. Cody and Ted suddenly stormed in the ring from behind, but Shane busted out a Kendo stick to fight off the ambush attack. Legacy bailed from the ring and slowly backed up the entrance ramp to close the segment.

Backstage: The camera spotted Randy Orton giving Cody and Ted a pep talk. One of those annoying “secret” meetings the wrestlers pretend like they don’t know the camera is picking up.
Backstage, Stephanie was giving Shane some advice about being careful with No Holds Barred on Sunday. Suddenly, Randy, Ted, and Cody jumped Shane and knocked down Stephanie. They beat down Shane and fought off a few security dudes. Meanwhile, Orton measured Shane for the big Punt. He stopped short, though, and spotted Stephanie knocked down out of the corner of his eye. He measured Steph for the big Punt, but Shane suddenly flew in there to take the bullet. Shane sold a ribs injury, then Orton snapped out of his IED syndrome as Malenko & co. told him to get away. Steph checked on Shane as Orton walked away. Oh, dang, it’s all coming back when I saw that look on Orton’s face a second time.

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He said that is just the first lawsuit, but there happens to be a second. He said that last night he won the 2009 Royal Rumble. Cody and Ted applauded, and so did a lot of fans. He said he is “more superior than everyone in this company” which means he will sue if he doesn’t get the main event slot at WrestleMania. He said if Steph chooses to fire him, not only will she be faced with two lawsuits, but she’ll lose Ted and Cody because they have both vowed to me to walk if he is fired tonight.

He said he had one more piece of business to attend to. He read another statement off of a piece of paper. He read an apology to Mr. McMahon and his family and all of the fans. The crowd booed him. Cole and Lawler discussed Orton blaming his actions on a medical condition. Lawler said he can’t really believe he can read an apology and get away with it. “What kind of competitor brings out two attorneys and a therapist?”

-They cut backstage to Stephanie who had her cartoon angry face on as she watched him on the monitor. Strange segment. Orton sure put pressure on the McMahons not to suspend him, as if winning the Rumble wasn’t enough. His delivery was strong, if not a touch comical given his leaning on lawyers and a therapist.

Stephanie McMahon walked to the ring to her intro song to address the Orton situation. Stephanie said he can’t give a half-hearted apology and expect to get away with what he did last week. She called him to the ring. Orton’s music played and he walked out, flanked by DiBiase, Rhodes, his two lawyers, and his therapist. Orton said if Steph fired him, she’ll be subjecting herself to a nightmare. “I’ll be gone, Cody and Ted will be gone, the star power in the Raw locker room will be crippled.” Orton’s therapist said IED is a serious issue, and ignoring his condition qualifies as extreme negligence. He said his client will not get down on his knees and apologize. He said there will be extreme consequences. She asked if that was “some kind of threat.” It’s hard to see it as anything else.

Orton said he has the legal right to be at WrestleMania because he won the Rumble. He said he will file an injunction so this year there will be no WrestleMania if he’s prohibited from competing. He asked what she plans to do about that. The rest of the Raw locker room walked out onto the stage including Jericho, Mike Knox, Kane, Jamie Noble, and the rest of the heels and babyfaces. Orton asked what they were all looking at. He said he doesn’t care if they don’t have a WrestleMania. He said he’d take each of them down with him if Steph tries to take him down. He turned and challenged Steph to fire him. He got red-faced and said, “I am begging you to fire me.” He said he’d sue this company for all it’s worth. He repeated “Fire me now! Let me hear the words your father was about to say right before I kicked him in the skull!” He leaned into her forehead and demanded to be fired. Steph said, “Firing you would be too easy.” She broke into a smile and said, “We’ve got bigger plans.”

Shane McMahon stepped out onto the stage as his music played. He looked very emotionally distraught. He took off his jacket, welled up with tears, and then took off his watch. He stepped into the ring ands tared down Orton. Orton, DiBiase, and Rhodes stepped backward as he walked toward them. Shane dove at Orton and speared him. DiBiase and Rhodes pulled him free and held him. Shane broke free with elbows and punched away at Orton. DiBiase and Rhodes again pulled him off and took him down. Shane broke free again and mounted Orton with a barrage of punches. He should be World Champion! He’s the toughest guy on the planet. Shane took Orton down with a series of punches. Orton fell back like Andre Arlovski. It’s kind of embarrassing to watch this. It’s like a flashback to Eric Emrby in World Class booking himself in a completely over the top manner to be tougher than any other men in the promotion. DiBiase and Cody helped Orton to the stage. Shane caught up to them. The other wrestlers pulled Shane away. He elbowed himself free of them, then demanded to know where Orton escaped to.

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Backstage, Todd Grisham brought in Randy Orton to discuss any words from the McMahon family. Orton said he hasn’t heard anything and he’s still in the Rumble. Chris Jericho then walked in and chatted up Orton. He said he doesn’t blame Orton one bit because he thought the Mr. McMahon that would show up last week would be the creative genius, but they got a clone of his former self pandering to the fans and his daughter. Jericho told Orton the real McMahon is already dead. Orton asked Jericho if he’s trying to make him feel better or make him lower his guard for the Rumble? Jericho said it’s not like that. He’s honest, plus he doesn’t know how much longer he’ll have to talk to him because he knows the McMahons are vengeful people. It could be Orton’s last night in WWE.

Out eighth was Randy Orton, which gave Hunter pause before trying to toss out Morrison. Here we go with Orton against Steph’s real-life hubby and Vince’s real-life father-in-law. Orton got the best of Hunter initially, then pounded his fists for the RKO, but Hunter blocked. Morrison then smashed Hunter with the Midnight Drive. Flurry of action leading to Rey hitting the 619 on Morrison. Cryme Tyme’s music hit, then both of them came out to flip a coin. JTG won the coin-toss and entered the Rumble, but Shad picked it up and saw it was a two-headed coin. Orton and Rey teased eliminations, then out tenth was Ted DiBiase, Jr.

Morrison and JTG tried to skin the cat simultaneously, then both men recovered back into the ring. Rey then almost took out DiBiase, but both men were okay. Good action thus far at 14:00. Out next was Chris Jericho at #11. Men starting to pile up in the ring before Mike Knox came out #12. He went right after Rey Mysterio, of course, before Ted and Orton schemed to go after JTG. No eliminations, then The Miz came out at #13 at 18:00. Orton suddenly went on an RKO rampage before taking a Pedigree from Hunter. Hunter then decided to take out both Miz and Morrison. Rey suddenly sky-walked across Miz and Morrison to avoid an elimination before Finlay came out #14. Action focused on Finlay vs. Knox for a little while before Cody Rhodes came out #15. Ted, Cody, and Randy then went to work on folks to gang up on various wrestlers.

No eliminations, except for a sick collision between Rey and Orton via the RKO from Orton to counter a springboard move from Rey. At #16, the lights went down and out, leading to The Undertaker. Everyone stopped and turned their attention to Taker, who stepped into the ring and started cleaning house. Taker went after Ted, then again, then took out JTG. Goldust came out #17 and had a face-off with Teddy before Cody grabbed him and they shared a staredown. Brother vs. brother. Goldust went Matt on Cody, setting up a one-on-one fight. Goldust teased eliminating Cody, but he skinned the cat back into the ring. Suddenly, Orton nailed the RKO on Goldust. Orton then instructed Cody to take out the trash. Cody then dumped out his brother, Goldust.

#18 was the new IC champion C.M. Punk at 26:00. A little action, then Mark Henry came out #19 and started cleaning house. Plenty of men around the ring collecting their breath. #20 was Shelton Benjamin just short of 30:00. No eliminations with the ring starting to fill up. #21 was William Regal, who sternly ran into the ring to go right after Punk, who took the IC Title from him on Raw. Tons of men in the ring now with Mark Henry taking an elimination via Rey Rey pulling the top rope down. At 32:00, our entry #22 was Kofi Kingston. Kofi went after all kinds of folks with him bouncing around the ring for a Rumble. He did hit the boom-boom leg drop on Knox, but Orton quickly cut him off. Taker then dumped out Shelton before Kane came out #23. Meanwhile, Rey was caught in between the ringpost trying to avoid elimination. Kane came in and started cleaning house, but no work against Taker yet. Another brother vs. brother confrontation, this time Kane and Taker, who was bleeding from the forehead. Taker and Kane scooped up DiBiase and gave him a chokeslam before Kane gave Kofi a slam. Punk then eliminated Regal.

At #24, R-Truth came out. One of the better reactions of the night. Truth went after Hunter with the spinning forearm blow. Suddenly out at #25, RVD. Shock from the stars in the ring. RVD went right after Kane as the crowd exploded. Everyone fed RVD, who awkwardly cleaned house as only RVD can. Some educated feet found Jericho and Cody, then Knox. Out next was The Brian Kendrick, who came out #26 with Ezekiel Jackson. Tons of men left in the match here. Suddenly, Kofi was dumped out by TBK, then Hunter dumped out TBK. That was quick.

At 40:00, crowd was firmly behind RVD as Punk skinned the cat. Out #27 was Dolph Ziggler. He went after Knox and everyone stared at him funny. Kane didn’t appreciate the handshake intro, so he shook his hand and tossed him out. So long mid-card gimmick acts. Coming up the magical final three numbers as another Rey tease went down. Meanwhile, Punk took the electric chair. Things slowed down in anticipation of #28, which was Santino Marella. Suddenly, Kane eliminated him, like right when Santino entered the ring. Ross said Barbarian’s record is gone. Kane smiled. Santino was beside himself wanting a re-do.

At 43:00, next-to-last was Hacksaw Jim Duggan, winner of the first Rumble in 1988. Duggan cleaned house on Legacy with the crowd firmly behind the ol’ Dugster. Duggan wanted a piece of Taker and he felled the giant tree. Duggan threw around some right hand blows for a little while. More teases, but no eliminations. And our final participant, at #30, was… Big Show. No Michaels, no JBL, no Hardy (either one). In any event, Show slowly made his way to the ring with everyone waiting for him to enter. So, here we go with everyone in the ring and only 15 men out.

Duggan tried to get Show out, but Show knocked him down to the mat. Ross said his heart was in the right place. Show then scooped up Duggan and eliminated him to a round of boos. Waiting for that flurry of boom, boom, boom eliminations, but more teased eliminations at 48:00. Show then press-slammed K-Truth right out of the ring. Show then teased a Punk elimination, but Punk skinned the cat and kicked away at Show. One more tease of Punk, then another. Show then landed the right hand blow to get Punk out. Three in a row for Show. Rey and Knox were then eliminated simultaneously with the camera off the action. Perhaps Horny had something to do with it, as he entered the action. Kane then dumped out Finlay. Camera shot showed Show getting Knox and Rey out, with Rey lasting just short of 50:00.

At 50:00, we have eight eliminations to go and nine men left in the ring. Orton battled Hunter and gave him the implant DDT off the horizontal position. Taker and Show then went face-to-face. They exchanged right hand blows, then Jericho got Show from behind. Suddenly, RVD went up top and nailed the Five Star frogsplash on Orton. Jericho then grabbed RVD and dumped him out, though. Jericho smiled, then Taker snuck up behind him and his smile went away. Taker eliminated him after a brief exchange. Lots of chatter leading to Legacy dumping out Kane.

We have six men left at 52:30 – Hunter, Taker, Show, and Legacy (Orton, Cody, Teddy). Legacy surrounded Taker and went after him gang-style while Show and Hunter battled. Show got the best of him with a chokeslam. Taker then momentarily took care of Cody with a chokeslam. So, we’re back to Taker vs. Show. Taker dropped the straps ala Angle, then Taker and Show had a mini-boxing match. Taker finished off the exchange with a “slobberknocker” of a clothesline before kicking Show over the top rope, but Show skinned the cat. Oh my. Taker and Show battled on the apron, then Orton snuck up behind Taker and missed with the RKO. Show then grappled Taker and pulled him to the apron at 55:00. They battled on the apron with teased eliminations. Orton suddenly RKO’ed Show to eliminate him. Legacy teased eliminating Taker, but Show yanked him down to the floor. Taker and Show then brawled through the stands up into the arena.

At 56:00, it was final four of Legacy and Hunter. Time for a Hunter Superman moment, with Hunter in there for a good 45 minutes at this point. Legacy took apart Hunter, then Orton called for Ted and Cody to pick up Hunter’s lifeless body. Orton taunted Hunter, then Hunter blocked the RKO. Cody and Ted went after Hunter, but Hunter fought them off. He kicked Cody, then nearly dumped Orton, but Orton skinned the cat. Here’s your great finishing sequence: Hunter threw a charging DiBiase out of here. Cody was suddenly the next one out moments later. Orton then snuck up behind Hunter and immediately eliminated him rapid-fire. Oh snap.

Post-match: Orton stood tall with the Legacy in the ring. Ross said Orton is guaranteed a championship match at WrestleMania 25. Orton then stood alone in the ring and pointed to the WM 25 sign hanging above the arena while spotlights shot out from the arena. Ross said Orton is going to Mania to become a champion. Ross reiterated the point that it’s guaranteed, implying the McMahons can’t do anything about it. Orton pointed to the WM 25 sign as a huge fireworks display shot off from the 25 banner. Orton sternly celebrated one more time to close the show.

WINNER: Randy Orton at 58:10. Very good Rumble match. Not one of the best, as there was such a long time period of having too many men in the ring, but the “crowd popping” ring entrances were spread out throughout the match to keep the match action hot. Good moments in the match, such as Show skinning the cat, Rey hanging on throughout, Cody taking out Goldy, and RVD’s surprise appearance. Orton winning was the right call and sets up some potential storyline greatness involving Orton and the McMahons leading to WrestleMania.

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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.

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Kane escaped a chinlock with a side suplex, then he landed a series of clotheslines in the corner. Kane with a sidewalk slam before making a cover for a two count. Orton tried an uppercut, but Kane gripped him for the chokeslam. Orton broke free, though, and hit a fallaway neckbreaker in center ring. He then went into Viper stalking mode and wanted the RKO, but Kane pushed him away.
Kane then went up top. Uh-oh. Orton met him in mid-air with a dropkick and made the cover for an apparent three count. Kane appeared to get his right shoulder up, but ref Scott Armstrong said it was a three. He quickly bailed from the ring and Kane complained about getting his shoulder up.

WINNER: Orton in 9:00. Apparently they’re doing a blind-as-a-bat angle for WWE refs now. Either that or Scott legit screwed up making the three count, as there was a very awkward moment after the bell. They played it up well if it was a legit match finish. (*1/2)

Post-match: Manu and Sim Snuka walked out on stage and told Cody to listen up. With us or against us? Sim said they have back-up tonight. Out walked Ted DiBiase, Jr. Oh, teasing he’s with them, but he’s with Orton. Totally see it. DiBiase emerged on stage looking much bigger than I recall. He then walked down to the ring with Manu and Sim as the announcers mentioned Orton punting him in the head a few months ago. The ring was surrounded, then DiBiase led Manu and Snuka into the ring. Orton looked down to Cody, who slipped into the ring.
Orton was the monkey in the middle, then DiBiase suddenly turned on Sim and Manu. DiBiase, Orton, and Cody beat up Sim and Manu for a while. Announcers went silent as Orton gave instructions to DiBiase and Cody. Cody picked apart Sim before giving him the spin-out neckbreaker. DiBiase finished off the beating on Manu with a Million Dollar Russian legsweep to great crowd heat. DiBiase then joined Orton and Cody leaving the ring. All three stood tall on the stage to close the segment. Cole said Orton is building his Legacy.

Backstage,Orton slapped shoulders with Cody and DiBiase. Cody tied up a loose end by thanking DiBiase for tipping them off before tonight. Orton said he was only trying to kick some sense into DiBiase and things are good now. DiBiase brought up the Rumble match in two weeks. Orton said there can only be one winner. Heavy breathing while thinking, then cut elsewhere.

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Out of JBL’s limo walked Michaels. Lawler said that’s an odd sight. He also said that Jericho and Orton are undoubtedly right about the collusion between Michaels and JBL last week. Lawler said he appreciates the fact that Michaels has fallen on hard times and JBL came along almost as a savior to Michaels and his family, but Michaels must be conflicted. JBL said they should lose with dignity. He said they would have done the same thing if they had the resources. Jericho disagreed, saying they don’t associate with dishonest and indecent people.

Jericho leaned in to Michaels and said, “Speaking of which, how do you feel, Mr. WrestleMania.” He said he spent months being chastised because he said he was a phony and a sellout, “and it turns out I was right.” He said his actions lately have made him look like a prophet. Michaels said, “If there’s one thing that allows me to sleep at night without being completely sickened with myself, it’s knowing that I personally made sure that you [Jericho] and you [JBL] would not fight for the World Heavyweight Championship.”

Orton said Michaels should face the fact that he took a turn for the worst. He said now we know that Ric Flair’s career was ended by “a weak, pathetic sellout.” Orton said the decision from last week will be overturned tonight. (Former U.S. senator Norm Coleman should be at home taking feverish notes on this.) Stephanie McMahon walked out. QWe have news. She has legs. And a stomach. The camera showed her entire body as she walked out, then zoomed in on the usual upper-body shot.

Steph said the referee’s decision stands and JBL will go on to face Cena for the title at the Rumble. “Argue all you want, this is my show, and my decision stands,” she said. She said that Jericho and Orton can take solace in the fact that they’ve been entered in the Rumble. Jericho called it “axiomatic” that they should be in the Rumble. He said who doesn’t deserve to be in the match is Michaels because he would just poison the Rumble. Michaels stood with his head hung throughout the interview, but now his head raised up and he couldn’t hide a sneer as he seethed. JBL said that would be fine with him, since his sole role at the Rumble should be to ensure he retains his title at the Rumble by standing in his corner. Steph accepted that, then said she wanted to talk about tonight.

She said the easiest thing to do would be to book those four in a tag team match, but she feels like making things more interesting. She said tonight would be a test of Michaels’s integrity, as Orton & Jericho were booked to face Michaels & John Cena. Lawler called it a blockbuster.

Backstage, Orton told Cody Rhodes and Sim Snuka that tonight they have another chance to prove themselves to him, and if they win, they’re in. He said their fathers were Hall of Famers, so he won’t accept failure. Manu walked up to him and asked for another chance to prove himself. He said he’s not perfect, and even he (Orton) lost his match last week. Orton raised his voice and took offense at Manu being unappreciative. He said Manu has done nothing. “Your father was Afa of the Wild Samoans. So what? Your father was nothing compared to my father or me, and neither are you. Half of these people don’t even know your name and you have the audacity to call me out?” He said he will never, ever be a part of his group. He said he doesn’t want to see his face again. Cody and Sim looked contemptuously at Manu, then walked away.

They showed a happy Cody and Snuka approaching Orton backstage. Orton congratulated Cody and then turned to Snuka and said, “You’re out.” Snuka said, “That doesn’t even make any sense.” Orton said he doesn’t have time to argue it, but he couldn’t have been more clear. He said Cody won the match. Snuka said, “It was a tag match. Only one person can make the pin in a tag match.” Orton said he wanted to see who the weak link was, and apparently he found it. He asked Cody if Sim has a point. Cody said, “All I know is that I won the match.” Snuka couldn’t believe his ears. Orton and Cody walked away.

JOHN CENA & SHAWN MICHAELS vs. RANDY ORTON & CHRIS JERICHO
No debate between Michaels and Cena on who would start this one off, as Michaels went right to the apron and grabbed a tag rope for a dead stare out into space. Cena checked for life behind his dead eyes, then went to work against Jericho, who quickly grounded him. Crowd was quickly on fire as Cena made a comeback with a side headlock. Michaels then blind-tagged himself into the match and wanted a superkick on Jericho, but Jericho ducked. Cena then looked at Michaels and they clotheslined Jericho to the floor. JBL then came out on stage and looked into the ring. Michaels met him with a puppy-dog stare while Cena looked at Michaels to see if he was on the right page. Cut to break with tension high.

During the break, Michaels lost control of the match. Lawler said JBL left ringside after distracting HBK, which allowed Orton and Jericho to take control. Cena took a hot tag at 6:00 and cleaned house on Orton. He then brushed that dirt off and dropped him with the Five Knuckle Shuffle in center ring. Cena wanted the FU on Orton and Michaels tried to clear off Jericho, but Orton raked Cena in the eyes to escape. Cena then grappled Michaels, thinking he was Orton, but HBK slipped out of the FU. HBK screamed at Cena, who then was attacked from behind by Orton and Jericho to begin an attack on Cena. Great sequence.

By the way, crowd is ridiculously hot for this one. Jericho settled into some mat work on Cena, who tried to get the crowd to rally. Michaels snapped out of his daze with a loud “Cena, Cena” chant and showed a touch of emotion for his default tag partner. Cena suddenly powered into FU position, but Jericho countered with a DDT in center ring for a two count. Cena tried to fight back at 11:00, but Jericho locked in a sleeperhold. Cena tried to reach out for a tag, but Jericho hopped on his back for additional leverage to pull Cena back to center ring. Another nice sequence. They showed JBL watching on a monitor backstage.

Jericho took Cena to the corner and wanted a superplex, but Cena fought him and shoved Jericho down to the mat. Cena then came off the top with his guillotine leg drop. Cena then crawled to the wrong corner before regrouping and going over to his corner for HBK’s tag. Before Cena could reach up, Orton took his tag and tackled Cena to cut him off. Great sequence again. Orton then missed with a dropkick when Cena hooked the ropes off a whip, then Michaels demanded that tag in an encouraging way.

Cena pulled himself up at 15:00 and then jumped all the way across the ring to hot tag Cena. HBK stopped and thought about going after Cena, but then HBK sprang on Jericho with a flying right hand smash. Michaels unloaded on Jericho, but Jericho caught him with a smash across the face. He wanted a Lionsault, bur HBK got the knees up. HBK then went up top in vintage fashion and wanted a top rope elbow, but Jericho got his knees up to block. That took the crowd out of it momentarily. Jericho then wanted the Walls of Jericho, but HBK rolled him and Orton broke it up.

All heck broke loose when Cena became involved, then Orton wanted the RKO, but Cena shoved Orton off and HBK smashed him right in the face with Sweet Chin Music. Jericho then popped up and Michaels smashed him for good measure with the superkick. Cena backed up, thinking he was next, but Michaels went over to Jericho and covered him for the pin and the win.

Post-match: Cena went to the apron to back away from Michaels, who seemed a little froggy. The crowd went nuts as Cena continued to be leery of Michaels. They cut backstage where Grisham brought in JBL for a chat. JBL stared at the monitor and said his employee was great out there tonight. But, we’ll see how he handles next week when Michaels faces Cena one-on-one with him in HBK’s corner. JBL let that soak in, then they cut back to the ring where Cena re-entered the ring when HBK left. HBK then re-entered the ring and walked over to Cena, who threw up a forearm to half-way defend himself. They ended the show with HBK teasing a back-and-forth on how to handle Cena.

WINNERS: Cena & Michaels in 16:00.

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Backstage, Kelly Kelly was talking to someone off camera. She was pouring her heart out to someone, then the camera swung around to reveal Randy Orton. He said Kelly is pathetic and he only used her for one night. Orton said the last thing he needs tonight is a distraction. He stormed off, leaving Kelly to consider her next step.

In-ring, Randy Orton came out first for the main event four-way match to determine the #1 contender to John Cena. He milked the entrance for a while, then Shawn Michaels came out second. Chris Jericho out third, followed by JBL in the white limo to rub shoulders with the unclean people near the entrance stage.

RANDY ORTON vs. JBL vs. SHAWN MICHAELS vs. CHRIS JERICHO — #1 Contender match to the World Hvt. Title — elimination match — Winner gets Cena at the Royal Rumble

Michaels and Jericho re-visited their history in the opening moments before cutting to a break.

Orton and Jericho were going after each other while JBL and HBK, Inc. watched from the ring apron. Jericho teased the Walls of Jericho in 5:00, but Orton slipped out, only to be dropkicked to the floor. Back in the ring, Orton surprised Jericho with a clothesline, then Michaels tagged in for Orton to work on Jericho. JBL then blind-tagged himself into the match and accepted a codebreaker from Jericho. Michaels broke up the pin to save his employer, though, and nailed Jericho with the superkick at 8:00 after tagging himself back in for JBL. Michaels covered Jericho for the first elimination.

Back from break, JBL had Orton locked in a sleeper hold. He continued to work on Orton as Michaels looked on from the ring apron stuck in a “Got a little captain in you” pose with one leg extended over the middle rope. JBL pummeled Orton, who received an “RKO” chant during spurts of silence.

At 15:00, JBL knocked over Orton with a clothesline as HBK continued to watch. Orton then made a comeback and started to “take a walk around the park” stomping on JBL. Fans popped as Orton set up JBL for the Punt, but JBL scrambled over to Michaels to make a tag to his employee. Orton suddenly snapped off the fallaway backbreaker and Michaels sold it like a pro. Orton then eyeballed JBL and went down into the crouch for the RKO on Michaels, who slowly made his way to his feet and avoided the finisher. Michaels then loaded up Sweet Chin Music and smashed Orton square in the jaw at 20:00 to score the pin on Orton.

JBL entered the ring and backed away when Michaels feigned the superkick. JBL then stared at Michaels, who surveyed the scene and stared back at JBL with pleading eyes. They shared a stare down from a distance, then JBL slowly walked over to Michaels and pointed to the mat for him to take a dive. Michaels closed his eyes and fought back tears while listening to the boos. Fans tried to rally with an “H-B-K” chant, then Michaels verbally pleaded with JBL. Michaels then hitched up his britches and slowly went down to one knee before getting back up. Fans ate this up with a giant spoon. He kept playing with their emotions before finally going down to the mat. He went flat on his back to take a nice long look at the ceiling, but then popped up to his feet.

HBK backed into the corner and said he couldn’t do this. Michaels pleaded with JBL one more time before shouting at JBL to do it. Just do it. Michaels closed his eyes then JBL creamed him with the Clothesline from Hell. Michaels fell flat on his back and JBL covered him for the pin and the win. JBL gets the title shot at the Rumble. Michaels gets a giant bruise. Raw gets a ten-minute over-run and five minutes of epic HBK. Afterward, JBL stood on stage and looked down into the ring where Michaels sat up and stared down with tears welling up beneath the surface.

WINNER: JBL in 25:00

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In-ring, Randy Orton came to the ring first for his scheduled match against Batista if he’s healthy to compete. Long ring intro for Orton to give the announcers plenty of time to set the stage. A ref then stepped into the ring and told ring announcer Justin Roberts something. Roberts said Batista is unable to compete tonight, so the winner of the match as a result of a forfeit, Randy Orton. Fans booed that one, then Orton had his hand raised.

Orton wasn’t done, though. He took the mic and waited out the boos before saying he’s had many memorable moments in his career, but nothing is as personally satisfying as when he kicked Batista in the skull last week. Orton said he won his first World Title four years ago in this very arena, but the next day, Batista hoisted him up in celebration, before dropping him on his back with an ambush. Orton said he’s had the same dream every night for four years about kicking him in the head.

It finally happened last week. Christmas came early. Orton smirked off camera, then licked his lips, and rhetorically asked Dave how it feels to not face Cena at the Royal Rumble and his career cut short. Orton said four years ago, Batista was in Evolution and he’s right back where he started: “taking a backseat to me!” Some fans cheered and hollered before chanting, “R-K-O.” Orton said Batista had his time, but his time is over. Next time Batista sees him, he will be World Heavyweight Champion. Orton lifted his head a little, then his music hit and he surveyed the crowd.

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BIG SHOW & CHRIS JERICHO & RANDY ORTON vs. World Hvt. champion JOHN CENA & REY MYSTERIO & BATISTA
Batista wanted the Batistabomb on Orton early on, but Orton went to the knee and Jericho tagged in to continue working on the knee. Jericho yelled at the troops, then Batista caught him with a Black Hole Slam before tagging in Rey. Jericho reversed a whip, but Rey caught Jericho with a head scissors that sent him onto the middle rope. Rey wanted the 619 on Jericho, but Show stepped off the apron to catch Rey by the legs and whip him into the guardrail.

Before returning to the ring, a slideshow of the trip was shown with pictures of the wrestlers interacting with the troops. Back to the ring where Jericho was stomping on Rey, who wanted to make that hot tag, but Jericho pulled him back into a neutral control to paint brush Rey. Jericho and Show then started to have an argument about taking out Rey, so Jericho shoved him in the chest.

Show slowly stepped into the ring and went right up to Jericho before giving him a chokeslam. Orton then took a headbutt for good measure and Show decided to leave the ring. Show went AWOL (there’s an Orton military joke in there, but I’ll pass), then Rey was able to make his hot tag to Cena, who cleaned house on Orton and set him up for the Five Knuckle Shuffle. Cena took his time and told Orton “You Can’t See Me” before brushing that dirt off his shoulder to deliver the Knuckle smash. Cena wanted to put Orton away with the FU, but Jericho broke it up.

Action broke down and Orton wanted the RKO on Cena, but Cena shoved him off into Jericho and the heels butted heads. Rey was then in position to hit a double 619. And finally, Batista with a Batistabomb on Jericho and Cena with the FU on Orton simultaneously. Batista and Cena pinned the respective opponents for a double three count for the pin and the win.

WINNERS: Team Cena in 10:00.

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Backstage, Cody and Manu were trying to discuss their failed plan earlier, then Randy Orton stepped in and said if they don’t get their act together and take out Batista, then their group is over. He walked off in a huff.

JOHN CENA & BATISTA vs. LEGACY (RANDY ORTON & MANU & CODY RHODES)
Really crisp action to start things off. After Manu and Cena opened the match, Cody entered and began taking a pounding from the babyface tandem. Cena and Batista worked in and out of the ring before Cody caught Batista off the ropes with a double sledgehammer. Randy Orton, after doing some player-coaching, tagged in and quickly took a clothesline from Batista. Batista missed with another clothesline and Orton capitalized by tackling Batista and stomping him in the gut. Grab a break.

Back from break, the Legacy dominated Batista and worked him over from head-to-toe before Cena got the inevitable hot tag at 12:00. Manu was the legal man and he accepted the Five Knuckle Shuffle. He was in position for the FU, but Cody dropkicked Cena and Manu fell on top of Cena’s previously injured neck. Cena sold a neck injury as he shook and tried to Cena Up on Orton, who nailed him with an uppercut before stomping on him. Cena was then hung out across the middle rope and he nailed the horizontal spike DDT for a two count.

At the top of the hour, Cena took a pounding with an offensive attack on the neck area. Cena tried a comeback to the delight of the kids, but Cena missed a corner splash. Cody then busted out a moonsault at 16:00 and he connected, with Cena kicking out in time. TV feed broke up momentarily, then Cena made the hot tag to Batista at 17:00 and he cleared Orton off the apron before giving Cody a spinebuster. He called for the end, but Orton shoved Manu into Batista. All heck broke loose, then Orton dropped Batista square on the mat with the RKO.

Cena tried to get back in the ring, but Cody and Manu held him back and beat him down on the floor. Orton then shoved the ref away and wanted Batista for The Punt. Ref Chiota called for the bell to toss this one out, then Orton lined up Batista and kicked him square in the head. Batista slumped down, then did a little shake to sell spasms from being rocked. Crowd response was pretty intense here, by the way.

Cena saw what happened, then he fought off Legacy and slid into the ring to stand over Batista’s fallen body. Orton then closely guarded his buddies and they eventually slowly made their way out of the ring after making their point. Cena continued to stand over Batista, who remained KO’ed, then Legacy collectively raised their arms on the floor to loud boos. Refs spilled into the ring to check on Batista, who showed movement as the credits came on the screen. Crowd continued to scream as they faded out.

WINNERS: No Contest in 18:00. Really intense finish and post-match activity, re-establishing Randy Orton as a main event player after he lost last night. That’s called getting your heat back.

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Everything has been uploaded, enjoy!

Batista vs. Randy Orton (w/Cody Rhodes, Manu)
Orton knocked Batista to the floor at 2:00. Cody and Manu took cheapshots at them. The ref ordered both to the back. Orton stalked Batista at ringside and threw him back into the ring, then shouder-first into the ringpost. Orton worked over Batista’s arm and shoulder off and on for several minutes. Batista sidestepped a charging Orton at 7:00 and tossed him to the floor. Orton clutched his shoulder afterward. Orton caught Batista on his way back into the ring and DDT’d him with Batista’s legs draped over the second rope, leading to a two count. Orton dominated from there for a while. Orton settled into his obligatory mid-match chinlock. Cole talked about the influence Flair and Triple H had on both Batista and Orton. Lawler said, “What Randy Orton is doing right now is methodical.” Cole added, “Effective strategy from the gifted Randy Orton.” Orton avoided a Batista clothesline and applied a sleeper. Batista backdropped out of it a minute later. Batista fought back and climbed to the top rope. Orton knocked Batista off balance and hit a superplex. Batista came back with a spinebuster. Orton blocked a Batista bomb and went for an RKO. Batista avoided that and slammed Orton for a near fall. Orton caught a charging Batista with a kick to the chest. Not particularly well timed. Orton gave Batista a back/neckbreaked for a two count. Orton got set up for the RKO as he waited for Batista to stand. “Vindictiveness pouring from the eyes of Randy Orton,” said Cole. Batista avoided an RKO and then one-arm slammed him for a very near fall. At 15:00 Orton set up the running punt kick. Batista grabbed Orton and threw him into the corner where he mounted him and threw a barrage of punches. Orton powered out of the corner and dropped Batista feet-first to the mat. Batista turned it into a Batista Bomb and scored the pin.

WINNER: Batista in 16:00.

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Now, those two face each other tonight. He’ll beat Batista at Armageddon, and he has an idea for tonight that Cody Rhodes, Manu, and himself are challenging them to a two-on-three handicap match. Tonight? Tomorrow on ECW? At WrestleMania? Not clear. He said the legacy is born tonight.

Backstage: Orton, Cody, and Manu were shown walking out of a locker room. Orton smirked, then the camera zoomed in on the nameplate: Stephanie McMahon.

TRIPLE H & BATISTA vs. RANDY ORTON & MANU & CODY RHODES
Michael Cole gave us a history lesson on Evolution before the bell sounded and Darque Tan Hunter went after Cody. Batista then came in off a tag and worked on Cody. Hunter and Batista then cleared Cody and Manu to the floor. Orton tried to slither in the back door, but Hunter and Batista turned around and Orton slithered right back out of the ring to pick his spot. Everyone wins. Hunter and Batista retain their Alpha Male status and Orton plays up his opportunistic chickens— heel. Cut to break.

Back from break, Orton was stomping a Ronny Garvin mudhole in Triple H, who then fought back from his knees until Orton slapped on a sleeper into the fallaway backbreaker. Umaga…er…Manu then came in with a diving headbutt on Hunter. Hunter finally broke away from the heels at 9:00 and made his hot tag to Batista, who cleaned house on everyone. Manu took a spinebuster in center ring, then he charged up for a Batistabomb, but Cody came off the top, so Batista threw Manu into Cody. Batista was left in center ring, then Orton blind-tagged himself into the match.

Orton tried to sneak-attack Batista with the RKO, but Batista shoved Orton into Hunter, who nailed a clothesline. Hunter cleared the heels, or so he thought. Batista then wanted the Batistabomb on Orton, but Cody hit Batista in the back from out of nowhere. Orton then went right into the RKO on Batista, who was bent over after having taking the back smash. Oh sick. Orton with the pin and the win on Orton. Afterward, Hunter was stunned as he helped Batista. Orton then posed on the floor with Cody and Manu before giving an evil stare back at Hunter and Batista.

WINNERS: Team Orton in 10:00. Heck of a finish from Orton. They were playing right into the traditional (insert Batista or Hunter) formula match of beating a stacked deck following a furious finish, but WWE pulling the rug out from under the audience with Cody surprisingly competent and Orton picking up the win worked really well. All those stacked-deck wins actually led to something in this match.

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Backstage, Cody and Manu were staring each other down, then they walked up to Randy Orton. Cody asked Orton what he’s looking at since he didn’t win his match last week. Orton said they can go back and forth all day long, but the fact remains that at Survivor Series, they were on the same winning team. Orton said he sees potential. Tonight, how about we have a little chat about forming something. He told them to join him if interested.

Post-match: Randy Orton came out on stage and sarcastically congratulated Batista on the win. He said that one day, though, it will be them one-on-one. Batista chuckled once he picked up a mic, then he said it’s funny you mention that ’cause he talked to Stephanie McMahon earlier today. And it will be them against each other at Armageddon. Orton tried to act confident, saying he can’t wait until Armageddon. Batista then went back to celebrating.

Backstage: They showed Randy Orton walking around, then Chris Jericho approached him. He suggested they let Kane do his business, then they both get to Cena after the match. Orton said Jericho knows what side he’s on regarding Cena, but he’s not fighting Jericho’s battles for him. Orton started to walk off, then Jericho talked him back into the conversation about Orton becoming an after-thought because of Cena. He told Orton to think about that. Jericho then quickly walked off, leaving Orton to think things over.

Post-match: Cena stared down Jericho, who was on the floor, then Jericho started to run away, but Cena chased him down on the floor. Cena rammed him into the guardrail on the floor before dragging him up toward the stage area. Suddenly, Cody Rhodes and Manu stormed Cena to double-team him. Kids and women screamed in horror as Cena battled all three men. Out of nowhere, Randy Orton stormed the ringside area and kneed Cena in the head fore dragging him onto the stage to pummel and pummel away on him.

Orton then dragged Cena into position for his trademark horizontal DDT, this time taking him off the stage face-first into the concrete floor. All four men stared down at Cena, then Jericho rolled up his sleeves and went back to pounding on Cena with right hands. Fans chanted for Batista, but no one was coming down to help. Jericho then put Cena’s lifeless body into the Walls of Jericho and placed a knee on the back of his neck for added pressure on the neck. Jericho screamed at Cena, the announcers went silent, then they ended the show Cena’s look of pain on his face.