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We’re down to Sheamus, Jericho, Orton, and Big Show in the final four. Everyone goes after Big Show, but he fights them all off and hits Jericho with a running clothesline in the corner and a chokeslam. Orton catches Show with an RKO out of nowhere, then Orton and Sheamus pick Show up and try to dump him, Show fights Sheamus off but Orton dumps show and then Jericho dumps Orton.

Winner: Sheamus

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On the floor, Orton sent Barrett into the ring steps. He started to crawl towards the aisle as Orton set up a table up on the floor. Orton chased Barrett towards the entranceway but was caught with a kick. Barrett tried to nail a pumphandle slam through a table but Orton slipped out and kicked him. Barrett flipped the table over to prevent being put through it. Orton chased him back towards ringside, nailing him into the apron and then teasing he was going to do a move off the stairs through a table. He went for a suplex but Barrett blocked and posted Orton into the ringpost. Barrett followed that up with a big boot on the floor.

Barrett brought several tables into the ring as Orton recovered on the floor. He continued working over Orton on the floor and slammed his head into a table. Barrett placed Orton on a table on the outside and climbed the ropes outside. Orton rolled off the table but Barrett attacked him and continued working over Orton. He rolled Randy back into the ring and went to the ropes. Barrett came off with an elbow off the middle turnbuckle, then choked Orton against the ropes. He trapped Orton in the ropes and drilled him with a series of knee strikes. Orton was hanging precariously in the ropes. Barrett tried to nail a big boot, sending Orton through a table on the floor but Orton’s leg caught the ropes and saved him.

Barrett placed a table in one of the corners and teased an over the shoulder powerslam into it. Orton slipped out and nailed a series of clotheslines and a powerslam. Orton went for the hanging DDT but Barrett slipped out and sent Orton over the top to the apron. He went for a big boot but crotched himself. They battled on the apron and Barrett went for Wasteland. Orton fought out of it and caught Barrett with the hanging DDT.

Orton began calling for the RKO. Barrett sent him off into the table but Orton cut himself off. Barrett caught Orton with the Black Hole Slam. He slammed the table over the prone Orton. Barrett set up a table near one of the corners. He draped Orton facedown on the table and went to the ropes. Barrett came off the ropes with a dive but Orton popped up and caught him with the RKO through the table for the win.

Your winner, Randy Orton!

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Kofi tries for SOS but Ziggler sends him into the ropes and Kofi with a flying forearm

Orton tags in and he hits an RKO on Ziggler and he gets the three count.

Dolph Ziggler Eliminated

Team Barrett goes to the floor to discuss strategy as we go to the Twitter Trending Box.

Randy Orton wants to be a part of Team Barrett and he goes after all of them. Orton with a clothesline to Barrett over the top rope. Rhodes charges at Orton and gets back body dropped to the floor. Ryan and Sheamus take care of Hunico and Swagger. Kofi and Cara with stereo dives onto Hunico and Swagger but Sin Cara appears to have hurt his knee.

We pause the action while the medical staff checks on Cara.

Sin Cara Eliminated

Orton and Rhodes are in the ring and Orton with a European uppercut and then he tags in Ryan. Ryan with a shoulder tackle to Rhodes and then he runs Rhodes into the corner. Ryan with shoulders followed by an Irish whip and a running knee but Rhodes gets to the floor when he sees Ryan come off the ropes.

Rhodes and Barrett talk before Rhodes returns to the ring. Rhodes tags in Hunico and Hunico is helped into the ring. Ryan sends Hunico into the turnbuckles and he tags in Kofi and Kofi slingshots in and connects with a boot to the chest. Kofi with a kick to the chest followed by an Irish whip but Hunico sends Kofi into the turnbuckles and gets a near fall.

Barrett tags in and he connects with forearms and punches to Kofi and gets a near fall. Barrett with a chin lock and then he sends Kofi to the mat and gets a near fall. Barrett returns to the reverse chin lock. Kofi with punches and kicks and then they each go for clotheslines and both men are down.

Hunico and Ryan tag in and Ryan with a clothesline and then Ryan catches Hunico on a cross body attempt and he hits a series of back breaker and then hits a fallaway slam. Ryan presses Hunico over his head and he drops him behind him. Rhodes makes the tag while Ryan has Hunico in the full nelson. Rhodes with Beautiful Disaster followed by Cross Rhodes to eliminate Mason Ryan.

Mason Ryan Eliminated

Sheamus takes over for Team Orton and he locks up with Cody. Sheamus with a clean break. Rhodes with a forearm to Sheamus but Sheamus with a forearm of his own. Sheamus sends Rhodes into the corner and he connects with forearms until the referee pulls him out. Sheamus with a short arm clothesline and gets a near fall. Sheamus sends Rhodes into the turnbuckles again. Rhodes with a kick but Sheamus with a back elbow.

Sheamus puts Rhodes in the ropes and connects with a series of forearms across the chest. Sheamus with a suplex and gets a near fall. Sheamus has Rhodes in the ropes but Rhodes with an elbow and then he drops down and Sheamus goes over the top rope but Sheamus lands on the apron. Sheamus goes after Barrett and Sheamus is sent to the floor.

Barrett clotheslines Sheamus on the floor and then he sends him into the apron as the return to the ring. Barrett punches Sheamus and kicks him. Hunico tags in and he hits a slingshot kick to the chest and we go to the Twitter Ticker. Sheamus and Hunico exchange punches and Hunico with forearms but Sheamus with a back body drop.

Both men are down and Barrett and Kofi tag in and Kofi with a slingshot clothesline followed by drop kicks and a Superman punch followed by the Boom Drop. Kofi sets for Trouble in Paradise and he hits Rhodes who tries to interfere. Kofi with a rollup for a near fall.

Kofi with the pendulum kick and then he gives one to Swagger but Barrett with a runnig boot to Kofi who was still in the ropes. Barrett gets Kofi up for Wasteland and gets the three count.

Kofi Kingston Eliminated

Orton punches Barrett now that they are down four men to two. Orton tries for the IEDDT but Barrett gets back into the ring and he back body drops Orton to the floor. Hunico tags in and he hits a suicide dive onto Orton. Hunico sends Orton back in and gets a near fall.

Swagger tags in and he connects with an elbow and punches. Swagger kicks Orton and then he gets him in a front face lock. Rhodes tags in and he kicks Orton in the corner. Rhodes with a snap mare and punches to the head. Rhodes with a boot to Orton’s head and then Rhodes with a quarter nelson and chin lock. Rhodes with a gourdbuster and he gets a near fall. Orton works on the arm with a chin lock added to the pressure on the arm.

Orton punches Rhodes but Rhodes with a kick followed by an Irish whip. Rhodes tries for a bulldog but Orton is able to push Rhodes away and both men are down. Sheamus and Swagger tag in and Swagger with double sledges to Swagger’s head followed by forearms to the back. Sheamus with a running clothesline into the corner and then Sheamus goes up top for a flying shoulder tackle. Sheamus sends Hunico over the top rope to the floor. Sheamus with the uranage back breaker to Swagger and then he knocks Rhodes off the apron. Swagger avoids the Celtic Cross and then Sheamus sends Barrett to the floor.

Sheamus with a series of knees to Swagger and the referee disqualifies Sheamus for not breaking the count.

Sheamus Eliminated

It is now four on one with Orton facing Swagger, Barrett, Rhodes, and Hunico.

Sheamus with a Brogue Kick to Swagger before he leaves the ring.

Orton gets to his feet and enters the ring and pins Swagger.

Jack Swagger Eliminated

All three men approach Orton and Rhodes is the first to attack with a series of kicks. The other two men return to their corner. Rhodes with more kicks to Orton. Rhodes with punches and more kicks. Rhodes with more punches and then he mocks the Orton pose. Rhodes with a kick and Irish whip but Orton pops out of the corner with a clothesline. Orton with another clothesline and then he knocks Hunico and Barrett off the apron before the power slam. Orton sends Rhodes into the ropes for the IEDDT and then he looks towards the TitanTron and then he twists to the mat. He gets distracted by Barrett on the floor and Hunico has made the tag.

Hunico with a springboard move and Orton with an RKO to counter for the three count.

Hunico Eliminated

Orton with a back breaker to Barrett and he gives Rhodes an RKO. Barrett gets Orton up for Wasteland and gets the three count.

Randy Orton Eliminated

Winners: Team Barrett (Survivors Wade Barrett and Cody Rhodes)

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Rhodes beats on Orton with punches and knees to the gut before hitting a big clubbing blow across Orton’s back. Orton comes back with rights of his own and a big European uppercut, but Rhodes takes Orton right back down with a big clothesline. Rhodes locks in a rear chin lock, working to wear down Orton. Orton is able to get up to his feet and out of the hold, hitting a big belly to back suplex.

Rhodes hits a big dropkick that puts Orton down for a two count. Rhodes stomps away repeatedly at Orton’s chest. Rhodes stomps at Orton’s head, then his stomach. Rhodes picks Orton’s legs up and tries to turn him in a Boston crab. Orton fights against it but Rhodes is eventually able to lock in the submission.

Orton fights his way out of the hold with kicks to Rhodes’ head. Rhodes charges Orton in the corner but he’s caught with a roll up for two. Rhodes and Orton fights for the upper hand and Rhodes is able to hit the Alabama slam, putting Orton down for another two count.

Rhodes slowly makes his way to the top rope and tries for a moonsault, which is as beautiful as Kurt Angle’s, but he misses as Orton moves out of the way. Orton hits a couple of big clotheslines, then takes Rhodes over with a snap powerslam. Rhodes rolls to the outside and catches Orton with a cheap shot. Rhodes goes to the top and leaps off, but Orton catches him with a dropkick out of nowhere that’s good for a two count. Orton goes for a backbreaker, but Rhodes fights out and hits the beautiful disaster kick to put Orton down for another two count.

Orton takes Cody out to the apron and tries for his rope assisted DDT, but Rhodes fights it off, only to be hit with Orton’s signature backbreaker for another near fall. Orton shoulders Rhodes and drops down to the mat, dropping him on his neck and back. Orton shoulders Rhodes again and places him on the top turnbuckle, laying in with a couple of big right hands. Orton goes up after Rhodes, but Rhodes fights him off with a head butt. Rhodes goes for, and connects with a moonsault press to a standing Orton for another two count.

Rhodes goes back to the corner and climbs up to the middle rope, but when he comes off with a knee drop Orton moves and Cody crashes to the mat. Orton is distracted by one of Cody’s baggers, allowing Rhodes to catch Orton in the cross Rhodes. Rhodes goes for the pin, but Orton won’t stay down.

Rhodes drops down to the mat and begins to psych himself up like Orton. When Orton stands, Cody starts to move but he’s caught with a dropkick that sends him out to the apron. Orton brings Rhodes back into the ring with a rope assisted DDT. Rhodes calls for the other bagger, the charges Orton who sidesteps him, and sends him crashing into the bagger. Orton hits the RKO, and this one is in the books as Orton pins Cody for the three count.

Winner: Randy Orton

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Orton brings him back into the ring and begins stomping away at Henry. Orton nailed a leaping knee drop. He tried to set up Henry for the hanging DDT but Henry breaks free and runs Orton into the top turnbuckle. Henry grabbed Orton’s arm and pulled it through the ropes, pulling it against the ringpost. He tries to do it again but Orton pulled Henry into the post. He kicked and stomped Henry around the Cell.

Orton leapt off the apron but was caught and run several times back first into the Cell and then into the guard rail. Henry deposited the challenger back into the ring but Orton fought back. Henry caught him with a big running powerslam for a two count.

Henry headbutt Orton, who staggered through the ropes to the floor. Orton tried to fight back but was powerslammed on the floor. Henry grabbed the ring steps and threw them at Orton, who got out of the way at the last second. Booker started talking about Henry escaping a countout, so apparently he didn’t even know the rules, which Michael Cole called him on. Henry ran Orton into the cage head-first.

Henry began trash talking Orton, who fired back with several kicks. Henry clotheslined him in the corner, cutting off the offense. Henry splashed him for a two count. Henry continued trashing Orton but the challenger kept kicking out. Henry picked up Orton and ran him into the buckles, then stepped on Orton’s chest, smothering him under the champion’s weight.

Henry locked on a bearhug in the middle of the ring as Orton fought to escape. Henry picked up Orton and teased the World’s Strongest Slam on the steel steps out of the ring. Orton grabbed the cage to escape the move and nailed a DDT on the steps.

Orton began running Henry into the ring posts on the outside. He rolled Henry back into the ring and nailed a Thesz Press on Henry, unloading him with a series of rights. Orton nailed a dropkick and began building the tease for the RKO. Orton set up and nailed the hanging DDT. Orton nailed the RKO and but Henry kicked up at two. Orton put his head in his hands and stared wondering what the hell he could do next as the announcers noted his finisher didn’t work.

Orton wondered what he should do, then set up for the punt kick. He went for it but was caught with the World’s Strongest Slam and pinned, clean.

Your winner and still World champion, Mark Henry!

After the match, Henry grabbed a chair and nailed another World’s Strongest Slam on Orton, The story was that Henry wanted to take out Orton with the chair, which should be the return of either Kane or Big Show to make the save. He set up the chair to Pillmanize Orton’s leg. Orton rolled out of the way and grabbed the chair, nailing Henry in the gut, then across the back. Henry rolled out of the ring and headed to the back but Orton chased him down and kept nailing him with stiff shots to the chest and the back with the chair. Orton went for another shot but was kicked by Henry. Henry ran off to the back.

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Orton went after Henry’s legs in the opening minute, then kicked him in the face. Orton dropped a knee on Henry’s chest. Henry popped right up Road Warrior Animal style, but when Henry charged, Orton side-stepped him and threw him to the floor. Kevin Dunn had to restrain himself from going to a commercial at this point. Henry threw part of the announce table aside, then re-entered the ring and immediately pressed Orton. Orton jumped down and went for an early RKO, but Henry pushed him off and then gave him a boot to the face.

At 3:00 Orton applied a sleeper. Henry powered Orton backward into the corner to escape. Henry then powered Orton to the floor with a big slap, knocking him off the top turnbuckle. The announcers did a nice jo selling it. Cole noted that Henry has to be aware of the count because he can’t win a title but countout. Henry shoved Orton into the ring apron twice, then threw him back into the ring. For the next few minutes Henry methodically beat up Orton, but Orton made a comeback at 8:00 when he avoided a splash.

Orton mounted Henry in the corner and punched away at him as the crowd counted along with him. He played to the crowd for cheers and got them. Orton took Henry down with a high dropkick. When he went for a DDT off the middle rope, Henry headbutted him. Then he powerslammed Orton mid-ring and scored a near fall. Booker acted shocked by the kickout. Lawler wondered if Henry can’t win the big one. Cole said he can’t get frustrated here. Henry set up a swing splash in the corner, but Orton lifted his boots and then took out Henry’s knee and hit a DDT. He signaled for the RKO by pounding the mat, so Henry rolled out to the ring apron. Orton positioned Henry for the DDT off the second rope, and he executed it. Cole sold it well. Orton covered Henry, but Henry grabbed the bottom rope to stop the count. Booker screwed up the phrase “live for another day” when he said Henry grabbed the bottom rope to “live for another day.” That cliche applies when someone taps out to “fight another day” rather than get more injured. One of the dangers of cliches is you stop thinking about what the words actually mean and just spew them indiscriminately, which is one of Booker’s biggest shortcomings as a color commentator

Henry took over offense at 12:00 by yanking Orton’s trunks from below and sending him hard into the middle rope. A minute later Henry moved in on a hurt Orton, but Orton went for an RKO. Henry easily swatted him away and then poweslammed Orton mid-ring for the three count.
WINNER: Henry in 13:00 to become the new World Heavyweight Champion.

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The bell rings and both guys go to work. Christian gets the upper-hand early on. Christian pounds Orton into a corner and goes to work on him with rapid-fire punches. Christian slaps his chest a bunch and poses to the crowd as Orton is down. Orton reverses Christian into the corner and then back-body drops him hard to the mat. Orton stomping away at Christian, ala Ronnie Garvin. Orton hits a big flying knee to the face of Christian for a nearfall. Christian shows some life and he is going to work again on Orton now. Christian knocks Orton out to the floor. Christian goes out after him. Orton punches Christian on the floor and then whips him back-first into the ringside barricade. Orton rips the top off one of the ringside announce tables. Orton hits a European uppercut on Christian and then puts him on the table. Orton follows him onto the table. Orton tries an RKO on the table but Christian grabs his World title and runs off through the crowd. Orton chases after him through the crowd. He catches up with him deep into the audience and pounds away, knocking him down some steps in the aisleways and forcing him back closer to the ring. Orton finally throws Christian back over the barricade and onto the ringside floor. Now he throws him back in the ring. Orton and Christian are back in the ring now and Orton is clearly in control of the match at this point. Christian avoids an Orton spear in the corner, sending Orton through the ropes and smashing his shoulder into the ringside post. We have a split chant-reaction going on in the crowd now, half for Christian, half for Orton. Christian goes under the ring looking for something. He comes back out with a kendo stick.

Remember, that is legal in this match. Christian hits Orton several times with the kendo stick in the stmoach, back and everywhere else. Christian choking Orton with the tip of the kendo stick as he shouts like a crazy-person. Christian drops the stick and goes for a pin, but Orton manages to kick out at two. Christian grabs the stick again as Orton struggles to get to his feet. Christian misses a big homerun shot and Orton goes to work on him. Christian slows him down, however, and is continuing his onslaughter on “The Viper.” Orton avoids a Christian splash in the corner and rolls Christian up for a surprising nearfall. Orton hits Christian a few times before Christian stops him short with a sidewalk slam. Christian again in control of the offense. Christian goes out to the floor while Orton is shown on a close-up with his mouth bleeding. Christian comes back in with a kendo stick and goes to the middle rope. Orton turns around and Christian comes off, but Orton senses it and catches him coming down with a big dropkick. Orton has a crazy look in his eyes now as he notices the blood from his mouth.

A replay is shown of Orton’s dropkick to Christian. Back in live action, Orton hits Christian with multiple clotheslines and then a short powerslam. Orton grabs the kendo stick now as the crowd explodes. Christian stops him coming in though with a kick. Orton rolls Christian up out of nowhere but Christian kicks out at two. Christian bitch-slaps Orton in the face. Orton hits Christian with a Thesz Press and punches away. Orton tries to hit Christian with the draped-DDT off the middle rope but Christian reverses. Christian nearly hits the Killswitch but Orton reverses into a backbreaker for a nearfall. Orton backs up and tries to hit a punt on Christian but Christian avoids it and rolls to the floor. Orton goes out after him. Orton knocks Christian down and then goes under the ring for something. He comes out with a table as the crowd pops. Orton pulls out a second table. Orton puts one table in the ring. Christian then knocks Orton down and sets up the other table on the floor. Orton fights back and both guys end up in the ring. Both guys are on the top rope now fighting over a superplex. Orton hits the superplex on Christian into the ring, landing on the unfolded table. Orton crawls over for a pin attempt but Christian kicks out at two. Orton goes to set up the table in the ring but it’s damaged from the superplex spot. He instead leans it against the corner of the ring, due to one the legs being broken off. Orton goes over to Christian as the crowd chants “RKO.” Christian counters Orton with a backwards DDT. Christian waits for Orton to get up. Christian goes for a spear on Orton through the table but Orton avoids it. Christian ends up dumping Orton onto the floor. Orton throws Christian and he crashes hard into the ringside steps. Orton drags a portion of the ringside steps and leans it longways against the ring apron. Christian counters him and slams Orton face-first into the ringside steps. Christian drags Orton by the arm around the ring. Christian clears off the Spanish announce table. He uses one of the TV monitors as a weapon and blasts Orton with it in the face. Christian puts Orton onto the cleared off announce table. Christian mocks Orton’s hand-pounding gesture on the table as he waits for Orton to get up. Christian goes for an RKO on Orton but Orton reverses it into an RKO of his own, with both guys crashing through the table. “This is awesome” chant breaks out from the crowd. Both guys slowly make their way back into the ring. Christian hits the Killswitch out of nowhere on Orton and immediately pins him. Orton, however, manages to kick out at two. The crowd kind of “boos’” that kick out, hoping it was the finish for Christian. Christian goes out to the floor and grabs two steel chairs. Christian lays one chair on the ground under Orton’s head and picks up the other. Christian looking for Edge’s “con-chair-to” (however you wanna spell it) but Orton avoids it. Orton grabs the chair and nails Christian with is repeatedly. Christian is on the outside of the ropes on the apron. Orton runs at him with the chair and blasts him, knocking him off the apron and through the table that was set up on the floor. Now Orton grabs the ringside steps from the floor and rolls them into the ring. He goes under the ring now and pulls out a trash can. And another. And a kendo stick. And another. He throws all the weapons in the ring before grabbing an unconscious Christian and rolling him back in the ring. Orton is standing on the second step of the ringside steps in the ring. He tries to stomp on Christian’s head but Christian moves. Christian runs at Orton but Orton catches him coming in and powerslams him through the table set up in the corner of the ring. Orton picks up a kendo stick as Christian tries getting back to his feet. Orton blasts Christian with it repeatedly. Orton grabs a trash can and sets it near the ropes. Orton has Christian set up for his draped-DDT spot off the middle ropes. He hits it hard and Christian lands face-first in the trash can. Orton starts doing his “Viper” hand-pounding on the ring mat now as Christian gets to his feet. Christian gets up and surprises Orton with a kendo shot. Christian comes off the top rope but Orton catches him coming down with an RKO, with Christian landing face-first on the ringside steps. Wow, that was actually pretty insane. Orton scores the pin off that spot. We have a new World Heavyweight Champion. It’s Orton’s 9th reign as champion, according to Michael Cole.

Winner and NEW World Heavyweight Champion: Randy Orton

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World Hvt. champion RANDY ORTON vs. CHRISTIAN — World Title match — Christian wins the title by standard pinfall & submission, plus DQ or “bad refereeing”

The bell sounded and Christian went to the floor to grab a chair. Back in the ring, he tossed the chair toward Orton to give him an opportunity to DQ himself. Orton balked and chucked the chair to the floor. Christian then shoved Orton, who responded with a right hand to the forehead. Orton then teed off on Christian with hard offense. They went back-and-forth before eventually spilling out of the ring to the floor at 6:00. A count-out was still in-play for the match, but both men beat a ten count back into the ring.

Back in the ring, Orton scored a close two count with a jackknife pin before scoring another close two count. Christian tried to come back with top-rope offense, but Orton cut him off, only to have Christian knock him down to the mat for a flying headbutt that only scored a two count. Orton then tried to come back with an RKO, but Christian nailed the Unprettier. Christian had the pin and Cole did the ol’ “it’s over!” call, which meant Orton was kicking out. After the kick out, Christian sold frustration being unable to put Orton away. Christian then went into Edge mode for a spear, but Orton avoided. Orton then hit a gutwrench into a reverse RKO of sorts. Orton with the cover, but Christian kicked out. This time, Orton sold disbelief.

The crowd was hot as Orton came to his feet, stalking Christian. Orton “went there” and wanted The Punt, but Christian avoided before taking a powerslam. Orton then went for his elevated DDT from the second rope and connected. Orton dropped down to his stomach to set up for the RKO, but Christian bailed to the corner. Orton stalked him, then Christian spit in his face. Orton snapped and pounded away on Christian, nearly DQ’ing himself. Orton broke free at four, but then punted Christian in the groin. It was good for a DQ, and the crowd popped, realizing a title switch was going down. The ref made it official and Christian was declared the new World champ.

Post-match: Orton snapped and dragged Christian to the floor. Orton smashed Christian with a ringside monitor. This one brought out Teddy Long as opposed to the Mark Henry angle earlier. Long tried to talk Orton down from the ledge, as Cole put it. Orton was having none of it and dropped Christian with an RKO onto the announce table, which didn’t break. Lawler said Orton has lost it. They went to a replay of Christian’s championship-winning loogie. Cole said it’s great strategy from Christian. They cut back to Orton ranting and raving ringside as Long tried to calm him down. Lawler said Orton got screwed as Cole defended Christian.

Suddenly, Orton returned to ringside to a big reaction. Orton wanted another piece of Christian and he got that crazy look in his eyes. The crowd popped for crazed Orton, who lifted up Christian and dropped him with another RKO on the table, which didn’t break. Christian was out cold as Orton stood over him. The crowd popped for Orton, but was also seemingly pleading with Daniel Bryan to come cash in the briefcase. Orton stood on the entrance ramp and fought the IED before turning back around to look toward the ring. Orton left and the cameras re-focused on Christian trying to gather himself. After another replay of the loogie spot, Christian was shown being dragged away by medics and refs. Christian was booed on the way out as he clutched the World Title belt.

WINNER: Christian via DQ at 12:20 to capture the World Title. This was a perfect set-up for Christian to have that story of losing the title right after winning to have a five-minute reign to go with his five-day reign. Since that didn’t happen, it looks like Christian vs. Orton re-match at Summerslam, likely with Edge as special ref. WWE teased a double-turn with Orton snapping on Christian post-match, but this crowd seemed to be hot for crazed Orton. Overall, a good night for Smackdown breathing some life into the brand.

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Orton missed a clothesline but caught Christian with a Thesz Press for a two count. Orton shoulderblocked Christian down for another two count. He nailed another for another near fall.

Christian dumped Orton to the outside and dropkicked him through the ropes. He went for a pescado but Orton missed it and kicked Christian in the face. He worked over Christian on the outside and tried to nail the hanging DDT off the stairs but was pulled into the steps.

Christian worked over Orton, including stepping on him in the corner. Christian nailed several near falls. Orton finally made a comeback with a clothesline and a slam. Orton caught him with a belly to belly suplex for a two count.

Christian caught Orton and tried to superplex him outside of the ring onto the broken announce table. Orton headbutt his way out and nailed a superplex into the ring. Orton covered Christian for a two count. The announcers talked about Orton’s concussion and wondered whether he was himself in the ring.

Orton unloaded on Christian. Christian went for the Killswitch but Orton fought his way out. Orton powerbombed Christian into a neckbreaker for a two count. Orton was selling as if he was a little out of it. Christian wet for the Killswitch but Orton shoved him off. Orton went for the RKO but Christian jumped out of the ring.

Orton followed him and Orton caught him with the hanging DDT. Orton set up for the RKO but Christian countered it into an inverted DDT for a two count.

Christian went for a spear but Orton leapfrogged him and went for the RKO. Christian slipped out and speared Orton for a two count. Orton dropkicked Christian in the mouth but Orton was caught with a kick to the face. Orton finally nailed the RKO and scored the pin, although Christian’s leg was under the ropes.

Your winner and still World champion, Randy Orton!

Christian complained to the referee about the foot being under the rope. As he complained, Orton drilled him in the face with the World title belt to get revenge on Christian.

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World champion Randy Orton vs. Christian
They did some nice back and forth wrestling early. Slighr Christian chant. Christian scored a two count coming off the ropes. They went back and forth with a nice pace. Christian backdropped him to the floor and hit a dropkick through the ropes to the floor. You can see WWE is using more close up shots for spots out of the ring. It’s going to get some taking used to. They are also doing a lot more replays than they had been doing of late.

Christian locked in a chinlock. Orton fought his way out but Christian cut that off, snapmared him and went back into the rear chinlock. Orton escaped and nailed a standing dropkick. Christian drilled him with a right hand and went to the top rope. Orton cut him off and nailed a superplex with both men standing on the top rope. Orton covered Christian, who kicked up at the last second.

Orton took over with a series of rights but was caught with a spinebuster for a two count. This is far and away the best thing on the show. VERY FAR AND AWAY. They exchanged shots in the center of the ring. Christian nailed a leaping forearm followed by an inverted DDT for a two count.

Christian went for a missile dropkick but Orton caught him and went for a forward rollup. Christian turned it into a sunset flip pinfall attempt. Nice sequence. Christian ended up on the outside. Orton went for the hanging DDT but Christian escaped and nailed him. Christian nailed a flying headbutt off the top for a two count.

Orton drilled Christian with his backbreaker, then used the Garvin stomps. He nailed a big kneedrop for another two count. Christian and Orton went for their finishers. Orton then used a reverse Boston Crab for a submission, which came off great. Christian finally made it to the ropes. This is a great match.

Big “Let’s go Christian” chant. The announcers tried to say it was a split crowd but I heard nothing for Orton. Orton whipped him into the corner but was kicked off. Christian went for a top rope sunset flip but Orton kicked up at the last second. Christian drilled him with a right but was sent into the corner. Christian tried to fight out of it but Orton snapped him with the hanging DDT.

Christian kicked up from the move. Orton went for the RKO but was shoved off. He started calling for a spear. He went for it but was snapped into a powerslam for another two count. Orton teased the punt kick but stopped, having second thoughts. He finally decided to go through with it but was speared for another two count.

They went back and forth reversing finishers until finally, Orton drilled Christian with the RKO.

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C.M. Punk then came out, flanked by Nexus members Otunga, Ryan, and McGillicutty. Before Nexus could hit the ring, the Raw GM buzzed in. Josh Mathews stepped to the podium and said Orton and Punk must resolve their issues tonight, so New Nexus is banned from ringside. After the other Nexus members freaked out, Punk calmly walked to the ring and ripped off a top turnbuckle pad. Orton flashed a smile, then the bell sounded to begin the match.

RANDY ORTON vs. C.M. PUNK — Last Man Standing match — Nexus banned from ringside
After a brief brawl on the outside at the start, they teased an exposed steel spot, but no contact was made. Back on the floor, Punk pulled out a kendo stick and popped Orton across the shoulder. Back in the ring, Punk cracked a stick across the ribs. Punk demanded a ten count on Orton as Punk did a ninja pose with the stick in-hand. Orton made it back to his feet and made a comeback with European uppercuts. They were only 4:00 in, but it seemed like they were at 14:00 building to a finish.

Punk cut off Orton’s comeback with more kendo stick shots, then landed a back suplex. Punk demanded a ten count before going for a springboard elbow smash, but Orton cut him off with a mid-air kendo stick shot. More kendo stick shots, then Orton fired up a comeback leading to a fallaway backbreaker. Orton wanted the spike DDT, but Punk caught Orton and catapulted him into the exposed steel. The crowd sounded like the home team’s reaction to a swing & miss strike three with the bases loaded.

Punk paused before landing a running knee in the corner. Punk teased the G2S, Orton teased the RKO, Punk teased the G2S, and then Orton threw Punk through a chair wedged in-between the middle turnbuckles. Punk flew to the floor, where ref Charles Robinson applied a ten count, but Punk got up in time. Orton executed a snap powerslam, Punk got up at eight, and Orton started clearing the announce table. Punk answered with a martial arts kick to the head and Punk collected himself on the Cole Mine. Orton used the down time to recover leading to him executing a back drop across the guardrail. Unique.

Back in the ring, Orton dropped down on the mat and teased the RKO, but Punk countered with a strike to the head. Punk then set up Orton for the G2S and connected, but not in flush. It wasn’t good enough for the win, as Orton reached his feet in nine. Punk went looking for a chair as his next weapon in the match. He then executed a Russian Legsweep onto the chair, which kept Orton down for an eight count only. Punk smirked as he set up Orton for another Russian onto the chair, but Orton blasted Punk out of nowhere with an RKO center ring. Orton reached his feet as Punk continued to sell. Punk then reached his feet at nine, then almost comically collapsed through the ropes to the outside.

On the floor, Orton clotheslined Punk over the guardrail into the front row. Orton wasn’t satisfied and tried his trademark spike DDT off the guardrail, but Punk slid out and rammed Orton back-first into the ringpost. Booker commended Punk on his effort thus far as Orton reached his feet at eight. Punk then placed Orton’s head inside a chair and rammed him head/throat-first into the ringpost. Lawler said he knows this is Extreme Rules, but that was too extreme. The announcers did the big set up for a medic needed out here, but Orton made it to his feet at eight for a “super-human comeback.”

Next, Punk tried to finish Orton with a G2S through the announce table, but Orton countered with an RKO onto the announce table. Punk remained stomach-first across the table, then made it to his feet at eight. Punk was wobbly and collapsed to the ground again. Suddenly, Orton got that look in his eyes. Orton backed away, then wanted the Punt, but Punk intercepted Orton with a lift-up drop across the ring steps. As the two men were on the floor, Booker said, “These are two guys out in the middle of the ring doing what should be done.”

At 18:30, Punk rolled Orton into the ring and wanted a top rope move, but Orton cracked Punk across the shoulder with a kendo stick. Punk was hung upside down, giving Orton an opening to crack the stick over Punk’s back over and over. Orton then slowly lifted up Punk, gave him a European, and climbed up top looking for some sort of unique high-risk move. Orton surveyed the crowd and proceeded to deliver a Super RKO from the top turnbuckle. Punk landed awkwardly, so there wasn’t a big pop for the move, then the ref began his count. Orton reached his feet at nine and Punk remained down for the count, giving Orton the win.

WINNER: Orton at 20:06.

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Punk advertised the G2S as he slowly dragged Orton to the middle of the ring. Punk took his time setting up to execute, then Orton slipped out and teased the RKO, but Punk countered with a kick strike that decked Orton for a two count. Punk then slowly made his way up top, balanced himself, readied, and Orton crotched him at the make-or-break moment. The camera zoomed in tight on Punk selling the effects while gasping for air. Orton then climbed up top, stood up there forever balancing himself and playing to the crowd, and then landed a superplex for a two count.

Punk rolled to the floor to recover, then trapped Orton in the corner to ram him knee-first into the ringpost. Punk followed with a figure-four around the ringpost that drew Ric Flair whoos from the crowd. Back in the ring, Punk went to work on the knee some more. They were locked together on the mat selling a struggle for leverage on the mat. Orton then exploded on Punk with clotheslines, followed by a snap powerslam. “Here comes Orton,” Cole noted in a deep voice. Orton smashed Punk with a right hand assault before executing an Angle Slam for a nearfall.

At 10:00, Orton slowly made his way to his feet and stood over Punk, who surprised him with kick strikes, then a leg sweep into a neck vice submission. Cole sold that Orton was in jeopardy not able to use his bad leg to push away. “He’s tapping!” Cole heelishly declared with no hint of Orton tapping. Orton then rolled both of them to the ropes and forced a rope break. Punk, standing on the apron, tried to pull up Orton, who blocked by ramming Punk head-first into the ringpost. Orton capitalized with the trademark spike DDT off the second rope. The crowd popped as Orton “went to that place” teasing the RKO. The camera zoomed in tight on Orton’s eyes as he measured Punk. Orton then left his position as Punk continued to sell on the mat. Orton backed up to the corner looking for The Punt, but he sold that his leg gave out.

Punk smiled as Orton sold the knee work center-ring. Punk continued to smile as he pulled himself up in the corner. He slowly approached Orton, who suddenly teased the RKO after playing opossum, but Punk just barely slipped out of Orton’s trap. Punk smiled again, then went to the corner for a trademark springboard forearm smash, but Orton caught him with a mid-air RKO that popped the crowd. Orton with the cover and the win.

WINNER: Orton at 14:46. Nice match. The finish was well-done getting over Orton as this generation’s cerebral assassin outsmarting his opponent. (**3/4)

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Randy Orton was out first to a strong reaction and he slowly entered the Chamber structure. Cole and Mathews bickered back-and-forth about Miz cashing in his MITB briefcase on Orton, who eventually found a pod to his liking. R-Truth’s music hit and Cole said this works to his advantage entering near the end of the match and not being one of the two to start. Cole then heeled on Truth, saying he has no chance of headlining WrestleMania.

C.M. Punk was out third and they cut to a shot of Orton glaring toward the entrance ramp. Punk entered the Chamber and stared at Orton, who seethed on the other side of the pod glass. The fourth man out was John Cena, who made an “eating cereal” gesture on the stage before entering the Chamber to a mixed reaction. Cole said it’s Cena’s fourth entry in the Chamber and he has two wins (including last year). Punk bounced up and down in his pod as Cena did his usual ring intro. Sheamus was out fifth, so he’ll start the match against John Morrison, who was the last man out to the Chamber. The announcers noted Morrison has a “parkour” advantage being able to use all dimensions of the Chamber to create offense.

RAW ELIMINATION CHAMBER MATCH: RANDY ORTON vs. JOHN CENA vs. JOHN MORRISON vs. C.M. PUNK vs. SHEAMUS vs. R-TRUTH — #1 contender to WWE Title match

Sheamus quickly knocked down Morrison as a group of vocal males could be heard chanting, “Cena sucks.” Morrison made a comeback and flew over the top rope with a flying forearm onto Sheamus, who was standing on the platform. The two men traded blows while standing on the platform, then Morrison spider-man’ed onto the Chamber wall for a swift kick to Sheamus’s head, knocking him back into the ring for a nearfall. After a replay, suddenly the crowd was hot with dueling pro/con Cena chants. Sheamus then cut off Morrison, who came back with a fallaway kick to the face. Morrison teased Starship Pain, but Sheamus knocked him off the turnbuckle into a pod.

At 3:50, the first man to enter the match from a pod was…Randy Orton to a strong reaction. Orton cleaned house, including a powerslam on Sheamus. Then, one for Morrison. Booker called it a “scoop powerslam,” combining Cole’s “scoop” with the actual powerslam. Morrison suddenly went crashing through a pod via Orton. Close to getting diminishing returns on that visual and audio effect. Orton then dropped Sheamus with the classic DDT from the second rope onto the Chamber platform. The camera showed Punk looking on with glee watching destruction in front of him.

Orton followed up on Morrison with a big superplex out of Punk’s pod corner for a nearfall. Not much focus on Cena in his pod here, mainly Punk and Orton. Orton then executed a superplex on Sheamus as they cut to a shot of Miz and Riley watching the match on a monitor backstage. Orton was in complete control as the countdown clock went down. Orton stood in front of Punk in case it was him. And it was. He’s psychic. Punk couldn’t get out of his pod, though. Orton just slowly inched toward Punk, who was completely stuck. Orton acted like he was calling an audible and unloaded on Punk with right hand blows. Ref Chioada desperately tried to unlock the pod from the outside and Punk eventually just slid out of his pod. Punk then found himself inside the match where Orton dropped him with the RKO. Orton with a cover and Punk was gone.

*Punk eliminated via Orton at 9:00*

Punk began slithering out of the Chamber, then the Raw GM suddenly buzzed in an interruption. Cole rolled his eyes and walked to the podium. Booker said he forgot the GM was here tonight. Cole read an email that due to a “malfunctioning pod,” Punk was not given a fair chance to compete. Therefore, Punk has been reinstated to the match. Punk re-entered his pod and laughed maniacally as Orton stared inside. So, Punk is back in the Chamber match.

*Punk reinstated at 10:45*

Orton, Sheamus, and Morrison resumed the action trading finisher teases. Morrison sold an ankle injury landing on the Chamber platform, then Sheamus raked his face across the Chamber wall. The countdown clock expired again and this time it was…John Cena at 12:45. Sheamus wasted no time attacking Cena before Cena could leave his pod. Sheamus eventually dragged Cena into the ring and dropped him with a backbreaker across his knee. Morrison then came flying at Orton and Sheamus with a springboard splash. Morrison was selling about four different injuries to body parts as they cut to Miz and Riley watching backstage again.

Sheamus came flying over the top rope with a shoulder tackle on both Cena and Morrison, who were battling on the platform. Sheamus celebrated, so Orton smashed him from behind and the two men battled center-ring. Orton with a Thesz Press before landing right hand strikes. Sheamus absorbed the attack, then dropped Orton with a backbreaker. They cut to a shot of Gekko with his head tilted sideways observing the action. The countdown clock expired again and R-Truth entered at 16:20. Sheamus tried to attack Truth like he did to Cena, but Truth turned the tables and smashed Sheamus’s head into the pod multiple times. Uncomfortable spot, especially since Sheamus suffered a concussion in this match last year.

Truth cleaned house on the other wrestlers inside the ring, including the Lie Detector on Cena. Sheamus then creamed Truth with a Brogue Kick and covered Truth for a quick exit. *Truth eliminated via Sheamus at 17:31* Four men in, Punk in a pod as they reset. The crowd resumed a dueling pro/con Cena chant as Orton and Cena took a breather while Sheamus and Morrison battled. Orton and Cena picked up where they left off at the Royal Rumble with a mid-match battle center-ring trading right hand blows. Orton won that battle and began a methodical attack on Cena.

At 20:00, Booker said he sees Orton going to WrestleMania to see The Miz. And, so, the clock expired and Punk was the last man in. Cena cut off Orton, who measured Punk, but Orton dropped Cena with an RKO on the platform. Punk smiled, waited for an opportunity, and cut off Orton. In the ring, Punk mocked Orton’s RKO warm-up and went for the G2S and connected. Punk made the cover and Orton is gone. Booker sold total surprise. Cole said he wasn’t.

*Orton eliminated via Punk at 21:33*

The vocal males chanted Punk’s name as Punk measured Cena for a flying knee. Sheamus then took a knee, but Sheamus came back with a double sledge to the forehead and the camera zoomed in on Punk’s back after Punk ate the steel platform. Sheamus and Morrison started battling and they took the fight to the top of a pod. Sheamus drove a boot into Morrison’s face before teasing the High-Cross from the top of a pod. The crowd reacted, then Morrison blocked and kicked Sheamus off the top rope onto the mat. Morrison then pulled himself up and measured Sheamus for a super-high-risk move. Morrison climbed onto the roof of the dome and spider-man’ed across the roof to the center of the roof. Sheamus had to wait for a bit as Morrison came flying onto him with sort of a flying clothesline. Morrison covered Sheamus for the next elimination.

*Sheamus eliminated via Morrison at 25:16*

The announcers sold that Morrison may have taken too much out of himself making the drop onto Sheamus. Cena and Punk took center-ring for the next exchange. Cena did the usual comeback routine, mainly to boos, and dropped the Shuffle on Punk. Cena waited for Punk to get up, but Punk rolled under the ropes to the Chamber platform. Cena stalked Punk for the Attitude Adjustment on the platform, but Punk elbowed out. Morrison then came flying onto both men, and all three crashed to the platform. Punk recovered first and covered Cena on the platform for a nearfall.

Back in the ring, Punk sold a shoulder injury. Back on the platform, Morrison went for a running knee smash on Cena, but Cena ducked and Morrison ate the pod glass. Morrison sold a right knee injury like crazy. Back in the ring, Punk covered Cena for a nearfall. Punk then applied a rear naked choke submission and landed Danielson elbow strikes as Cena closed his eyes and sold fading out. Cena transitioned into an electric chair, though, and Morrison came flying off the top with a one-legged clothesline. Not pretty, but Morrison made a cover for a nearfall. Morrison continued to sell the right knee as there was audible chatter in the ring.

Cena got up at 30:00, looking completely out of it. Cena dropped Morrison with the AA, but Punk smashed Cena with a knee strike to the face. All three men sold on the mat as there was more chatter in the ring. Punk then connected with a springboard clothesline onto the Chamber platform, but Cena kicked out of a pin attempt. Punk sold a right elbow injury/cut, then catapulted Cena face-first into a Chamber pod. Cena sold being completely lifeless as there was a hush in the crowd. Punk tried to catapult Morrison, but Morrison spider-man’ed onto the pod, then onto the Chamber wall, then hit a flash kick on Punk. Morrison tried to hit the Starship Pain, but Punk moved and grappled Morrison for the G2S. Punk with the cover and Morrison was gone.

*Morrison eliminated via Punk at 32:50*

So, it’s Cena vs. Punk. Punk turned around and Cena teased the AA, but Punk grabbed the top rope. Cena then AA’ed Punk over the top rope onto the platform, creating a loud thud that drew a reaction. Cena quickly made a cover and it was good for a three count and a ticket to WrestleMania. Backstage, Miz stoically looked on, not affected by the decision. Riley looked on confidently as well as Miz held up his WWE Title belt. Cena got to his feet, acting completely out of it, and had his hand raised.

Post-match: They replayed the final big moments of the Chamber match before they showed Cena celebrating inside the Chamber. Back to a shot of Miz holding up his WWE Title belt. Cole said it’s the match the whole world is waiting for at WrestleMania: Miz vs. Cena. Cena saluted a camera inside the cage, then Cole signed off the broadcast four minutes before the top of the hour (10:56 EST).

WINNER: Cena at 33:12 to become #1 contender to the WWE Title.

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WWE champion THE MIZ (w/Alex Riley) vs. RANDY ORTON — WWE Title match
The match started similarly to Edge vs. Ziggler with Orton dominating Miz. Cole went back to TLC when Miz “beat” Orton to claim Orton has to prove something. Striker was slow to reference Miz using chicanery to beat Orton in the tables match, prompting another rant from Cole. Orton continued to dominate before Miz landed an elbow smash, but Orton fired back with right hand strikes to the forehead. The commentary was pretty horrible early on before Riley helped get some heat on the match by slingshotting Orton throat-first across the top rope behind the ref’s back. Cole continued to focus on everything except the match as Miz slowed down the pace. Lawler finally cut off Cole and firmly stated, “One day. One day, you are going to get yours.”

Miz continued to work over Orton, who fired back with a right hand to the forehead. Miz then cut off Orton with an elbow smash for a one count. They went to a replay of Orton landing a haymaker, but Miz not backing down and maintaining control of the match. Miz went back to a reverse chinlock center-ring as Cole talked up Miz as a five-tool athlete. Orton and Miz ducked clotheslines, then Orton landed a back drop to get some breathing room. Miz then hit an emphatic boot to the face and Cole declared Miz’s journey to WrestleMania before Orton kicked out at two.

Miz went up top looking for a high-risk move, but Orton cut him off. Orton landed a right hand to the jaw before executing a one-step, one-arm superplex from the top rope. Very fluid, but it only resulted in a two count. Riley paced ringside as the crowd waited for something to happen. Orton blocked left-hand jabs before the two men started trading bombs and kicks. Orton then landed a fallaway backbreaker and the crowd came to life. Orton measured Miz for his trademark DDT from the second rope, but Miz back-dropped Orton over the top rope to the floor. Miz then hugged the ref so he couldn’t see Riley put the boots to Orton ringside.

Back in the ring, Miz continued to work over Orton and slow the pace. Cole talked about himself as Orton fought back with right hand strikes before Miz dumped Orton to the outside. They were at the base of the announce desk. Orton teased a powerbomb, but Miz blocked and slingshot Orton face-first into the ringpost. Orton sold being KO’ed and Miz quickly re-entered the ring. The ref began his ten count and Miz smiled to the crowd. At six, Orton stirred. At seven, Orton reached his feet. At eight, Orton slid back into the ring and suddenly nailed Miz with a double knee smash out of nowhere. Orton landed two right hand strikes, then Miz came back with left-hand blows.

Orton suddenly exploded out of the corner with a clothesline before nailing the trademark snap powerslam. “That’s what I was afraid of,” Cole said. Orton began stomping on Miz before landing a flying knee to the face for a two count. At 16:00, Orton measured Miz and delivered a boot to the gut. Riley suddenly hopped on the apron and Orton chased him off. Miz then hit the Reality Check, but Orton kicked out in time. Orton teased the RKO, Miz teased the Skullcrushing Finale, then Orton hit the Angle Slam for a two count.

Miz rolled to the floor and demanded the WWE Title belt. Riley talked to Miz as Miz suddenly walked into a thunderous clothesline from Miz on the floor. Orton threw Miz back into the ring, then chased off Riley with a slow, deliberate walk toward him. Orton returned to the ring, where Miz dropped him for a two count. Miz slowly reached his feet and went for a running boot, but Orton ducked and rolled up Miz for a two count. Orton nailed a European uppercut, then caught Miz with the spike DDT from the second rope. Cole said it doesn’t look good for Miz. Orton dropped down to the mat setting up for the RKO and Miz slowly made his way to his feet.

Suddenly, the New Nexus members sans C.M. Punk walked to the ring. Orton was distracted as Riley snuck in the back door. Orton grabbed him, though, and chucked Riley clear over the top rope onto all of the Nexus members. Back in the ring, Miz wanted the Skullcrushing Finale on Orton, but Orton countered with the RKO. It looked like a new champ, but C.M. Punk suddenly snuck in the back door and grabbed Orton to execute the Go 2 Sleep. Punk draped Miz on top of Orton, slid back out of the ring, the ref returned to the ring, and Miz scored a three count on Orton to retain the WWE Title. Cole jumped up and down declaring Miz the winner. Lawler wondered aloud what this is all about with Nexus and Miz. Miz sold being completely KO’ed after taking the RKO. Riley then helped him out as Cole declared him still WWE champion.

WINNER: Miz at 19:50.

40-MAN ROYAL RUMBLE MATCH
#39. Orton jumped Del Rio ringside and rammed him into the ring steps. Miz said he’s surprised Orton is in the match after the beating he gave him. Orton cleaned house on everyone with RKOs. He then chucked Orton at 60:42. Sheamus was out next at 60:48. Orton and Cena then slowly turned around to face each other. There was zero reaction as they seemed to be waiting for a Big Reaction to the not-so-epic showdown.

And #40 was Kane. No Triple H, Christian, Jericho, Bourne, Divas, or any other surprises. Kane went after Orton, then targeted Jackson to eliminate him at 62:35. Rey went for a top-rope move on Kane, then eliminated him at 63:29. Barrett immediately cut Rey at 63:37. So, it’s down to the Final Four men of Del Rio, Cena, Barrett, and Orton. Well, and Santino, who was still on the outside after not being eliminating.

Orton and Cena had another stare down looking for that big pop, but no reaction. They traded right hand bombs, then Barrett interjected himself into the action. Del Rio and Barrett took control, then Cena dropped Del Rio with the AA. Suddenly, Riley tried to distract Cena, Cena took the bait, and Miz snuck in the back door to eliminate Cena at 66:30. Miz and Riley then took off to the back. Cena smirked, then walked over to Cole and pointed a finger at him. Cole sold peeing his pants, then Cena walked off to the back.

In the ring, it was Orton, Del Rio, and Barrett with Santino somewhere in the building. Barrett suddenly eliminated Orton at 68:37. Del Rio then snuck in the back door and eliminated Barrett at 68:39. The bell sounded, but no sign of Santino. Santino then slid into the ring as the other referees noted Santino was still alive. They called for the re-start as Santino warmed up the Cobra and dropped Del Rio. Santino started doing a parade around the ring. He didn’t realize he had to eliminate Del Rio, then he slowly picked him up and tried to run Del Rio over the top rope, but Del Rio countered by throwing Santino over the top rope at 69:48.

Post-match: They replayed Miz eliminating Cena, then Miz and Riley taking off to the back. Back to a replay of Santino dropping Del Rio with the Cobra before Del Rio eliminated Santino. Fireworks shot off as Del Rio celebrated, Ricardo went nuts proclaiming Del Rio the winner, and Cole wondered who Del Rio will face at WrestleMania 27.

WINNER: Del Rio at 69:49.

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The bell rang at 8:21 to start this. Orton aggressively beat on Miz in the opening minute. Miz avoided a charge in the corner and took over the offensive. Cole made his case that Miz should be Superstar of the Year. Orton beat up Miz at ringside for a couple minutes. When he tried to slide a folded ladder into the ring, Miz kicked the ladder into Orton. They tried to slam each other onto the ladder. Miz knocked Orton backward by ramming him with the base of the ringside steps. Miz lay a limp Orton onto a table at ringside, but the table collapsed. Lawler gave Miz a hard time for not setting up the table right. They returned to inside the ring at 6:00. Miz clotheslined Orton in the corner and then set up a table in the corner. Orton countered and then set up Miz for a superplex onto a table, but Riley moved the ladder out of the path. Striker said there are no DQs in a ladder match, which is absurd because if that’s the case, Riley might as well just join in and make it a two-on-one match from the start and use chairs and ladders, too. I mean, no DQ either means no DQ or it doesn’t.

Orton snap-powerslammed Miz at 9:00. Miz rolled to the ring apron. Orton kicked him and then DDT’d him off the second rope. At ringside Orton clotheslined Riley when Riley charged at him. He then slide a table into the ring. Orton gave Miz a backbreaker in the ring and then pounded the mat. Orton waited for Miz to stand, then set up a powerbomb. Riley distracted Orton. Miz got up and set up the Skull Crushing Finale. Orton powered out, but the ref got knocked over. Orton then gave an interfering Riley an RKO. With the ref and Miz down at ringside and Riley down in the ring, Orton surveyed the situation. He picked up Riley and gave him a powerbomb through a table. Miz then gave Orton a Skull Crushing Finale from behind at 12:00. Miz then rolled Riley out of the way and lay Orton over the broken table. he then revived the ref at ringside and showed him Orton. The ref then called for the bell and awarded Miz the win. Cole declared, “That was awesome!” He praised Miz for taking advantage of the circumstances. He said champions find a way to win.

The ref saw the replay and called for the match to restart as Miz was celebrating at ringside. Orton went after Miz at ringside aggressively. Cole said it was ridiculous, but Lawler said justice was prevailing. Orton threw Miz into the ring. As he tried to climb into the ring, Miz shoved Riley into Orton, knocking him off the ring apron through a table for the official win.

WINNER: Miz in 14:00 to retain the WWE Title.

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WWE champion RANDY ORTON vs. WADE BARRETT — WWE Title match
John Cena special referee — Free or Fired for Cena
Before the bell sounded, Cena asked Orton to hand over the WWE Title belt. Cena showed it to Barrett, then held it up for the crowd to see. Cue the bell. All three men held their places in the ring before Orton and Barrett circled and locked up. The crowd chanted “RKO” as Orton drove Barrett to the corner, then backed away. Another lock up and stalemate. Orton then grabbed a headlock and put Barrett on the mat. Orton then landed a shoulder knock down and Barrett backed away to his corner.

The men circled the ring again before Orton landed a clothesline out of the corner. Cena became involved trying to apply the rules, which gave Orton an opening to land a classic dropkick. Orton then pounded on Barrett with right hands that Cena gave him leeway on. On the floor, Orton attacked Barrett and rammed him into the ring steps. Back in the ring, Barrett took control and whipped Orton hard into the corner turnbuckle before standing on his throat. Barrett then hit a boot to the head and settled into a chinlock.

At 9:00, both men came to their feet and started trading bombs trying to get the crowd involved. Orton then ran over Barrett with a knockdown clothesline followed by a powerslam. Orton fired himself up a bit, then clotheslined Barrett over the top rope to the floor. However, Barrett rammed Orton back-first into the ringpost. Back in the ring, Barrett ran into a fallaway backbreaker from Orton for a two count. Moments later, Barrett came back with a flying elbow drop from the second rope and scored a nearfall that Cena emphatically called out as a two count. Barrett with another nearfall, which led to Barrett questioning Cena’s cadence.

Barrett set up Orton for the Wasteland, but Orton slipped out, only to run into the Black Hole Slam for a two count. Striker at first called it the Boss Man Slam before actually saying the phrase “Black Hole Slam.” Silence for a while as Barrett and Cena intensified their discussion. The crowd began a dueling “Let’s go Cena” and “Cena sucks” chant despite Cena not in the match. Orton tried to cut those off setting up for the RKO, but Barrett rolled to the outside. Orton then dropped him with a clothesline on the floor and rolled Barrett back into the ring.

Orton was slow re-entering the ring and Barrett hit him with a boot to the head. Barrett then dropped Orton with Wasteland center ring. Barrett rolled him over, but Orton grabbed the bottom rope just before three to break Cena’s count. Barrett verified, but still had a word for Cena. Barrett suddenly shoved Cena, who looked away and tried to hold himself. Cena then bumped Barrett, which led to Orton dropping Barrett with the RKO. Orton made a cover, then Cena counted one…two…pause…three. Striker shouted, “Cena’s Free!” Cole corrected him: “Cena’s Fired.” Striker muttered that he got caught up in the moment.

Post-match: Cena then sat down in the corner and contemplated this that he’s fired. The moment didn’t really have that momentous feel to it. Nexus hit the ring and tried to attack Cena, but Cena and Orton fought them all off. Cena and Orton were left alone in the ring, then Cena grabbed the WWE Title belt from ringside, re-entered the ring, and handed it back to Orton. They embraced, then Orton posed with the WWE Title. Cena was still in the corner as the announcers remained silent.

Orton walked out of the ring with possession of the WWE Title before looking back to the ring and holding his arms up in the air. Orton patted the entrance stage on the way out before the camera returned to Cena standing in the corner.

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WWE champion RANDY ORTON vs. WADE BARRETT (w/John Cena) — WWE Title match
Orton dominated in the first minute as Cena simply stood by non-reactionary on the outside several feet away from the ring. Some of the males chanted, “Fire Cena,” as Orton worked over Barrett. The chant gained momentum and the announcers ignored it. Barrett then tossed Orton to the outside, leading to a stare down between Cena and Orton. Barrett didn’t like Cena’s reaction to an opportunity, so he rolled out of the ring to challenge Cena with his eyes. Back in the ring, Barrett rocked Orton into the corner with kicks before Orton fired back with a clothesline. Barrett continued to work over Orton as Cena watched from a distance.

Barrett didn’t appreciate Cena’s lack of effort, so he screamed at him ringside. Orton snuck up behind Barrett and clotheslined him into the ring steps as Cena backed up to the announcer table. Orton stared down Cena, then rolled Barrett back into the ring and applied a chinlock. The match moved back to the floor where Barrett reversed a whip sending Orton flying into the ring steps. Back in the ring, Barrett landed three left hand jabs to Orton and made a cover for a two count. Barrett went to the second rope, paused, and delivered a flying elbow drop for another nearfall.

At 8:00, Barrett shoved a boot into Orton’s face in the corner as the camera continued to focus on Cena staring into the ring from ringside. Barrett continued to score nearfalls as the crowd waited for something to get excited about. Barrett slowly came to his feet and dragged Orton to the outside before ramming him head-first into the guardrail in front of a fan dressed as a clown and a man wearing a Peyton Manning jersey. The clown or Peyton shouted, “You suck!” toward Barrett as he rolled Orton back into the ring and slapped on a chinlock.

Orton sold a comeback, was cut off, then finally gave the audience some hope with right hand strikes, followed by a dropkick. Orton positioned Barrett on the second rope for his patented spike DDT, but Barrett slipped out and the ref was bumped. Barrett knocked down Orton with a clothesline as Barrett shouted at Cena to get on the ring apron. Orton suddenly bumped Barrett into the apron, bumping Cena off the apron to the floor. Nexus then stormed the ring and Orton tried to fight them off. Striker ominously said Barrett is going to be the new WWE champion. We know that’s not happening now.

Nexus held up Orton, who accepted right hand strikes from Nexus members. Cena suddenly stormed the ring and tackled Nexus members. Barrett knocked down Orton in the confusion, then Barrett screamed at Cena. Cena said that if Barrett gets DQ’ed, he loses. Barrett accepted the explanation, then went on the attack, but Orton made his comeback as the ref came back to life. Orton dropped Barrett with the spike DDT from the second rope before he started pounding the mat with his fists.

Suddenly, Cena snuck in the back door and scooped up Barrett. He dropped him with the Attitude Adjustment and the ref called for the bell. Barrett was announced as the winner via DQ, which drew silence since it was one of those groan-inducing, predictable cop-out finishes for Barrett to win. Cena grabbed the title belt and started to hand it over to Orton, who dropped Cena with the RKO. That drew a mild pop from the males. Orton celebrated with the title, then dropped Barrett with the RKO as Barrett tried to sneak attack him. The announcers tried to explain the finish and Cena working Barrett’s system as Orton celebrated. They replayed the key moments of the match as Cole said Barrett will be livid going forward. Orton held up the title belt in the ring as the show concluded.

WINNER: Barrett via DQ at 14:34, Orton retains the WWE Title.

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Cole noted that Orton said he’ll do anything, regardless of honor, to win this match, and that makes him especially dangerous in a Cell. At 1:00 Orton clotheslined Sheamus over the top rope to the floor. Sheamus threw Orton into the Cell wall, then entered the ring. At 4:00 they returned to ringside where Sheamus reverse whipped Orton into the cage and then clotheslined him. He picked up the ringside steps and threw them toward Orton, but Orton ducked out of the way. He then picked up Sheamus and rammed him into the wall of the cage twice. Striker said it’ll be interesting how Sheamus feels after getting his first taste of the Cell. Orton picked up the ringside steps and hit Sheamus in the head with them. This is where WWE loses a lot of fans because they want to see blood in these situations. Sheamus reversed an Orton suplex attempt and then knocked him off the ring apron into the cage at 6:00.

Sheamus went on methodical offense against Orton. He removed a turnbuckle pad, but Orton blocked Sheamus’s attempt to ram his head into the exposed turnbuckle. At 10:00 Sheamus remained in control inside the ring, mixing stomps and mat holds. Orton made a comeback at 11:00 and knocked Sheamus into the corner without the turnbuckle pad. Both were slow to get up. They exchanged punches in center-ring. Orton slipped out of Sheamus’s arms and hit two clotheslines and a snap powerslam and a belly-to-belly for a two count. Orton was selling a lingering rib injury. Sheamus went for a one-arm slam, but Orton elbowed free and then set up for the RKO. Sheamus blocked it and then sent Orton into the ropes and hit him with a knee to his injured ribs on the rebound.

Sheamus brought the base of the ringside steps into the ring. Orton escaped a slam attempt and then powerslammed Sheamus onto it. Orton snapped Sheamus’s neck over the top rope and then dragged him off the ring apron with a DDT onto the floor. Orton continued to sell his ribs. Sheamus got up and shoved Orton into the ringpost. Back in the ring, Sheamus climbed onto the steps with Orton in hand. He gave him a backbreaker. The announcers had to explain how that hurt more because there was no give underneath Sheamus’s feet upon impact unlike on the mat. Sheamus then gave Orton his thrust kick tot he jaw for a believable near fall at 18:00. Orton’s kickout got a nice pop from the crowd.

Sheamus grabbed a chair at ringside. He bashed Orton across the back and hip with it several times, then made another cover for a two count. Sheamus grew frustrated. Sheamus wildly swung a chair at Orton, but Orton ducked and he hit a sudden RKO. Sheamus rolled out of the ring. Orton was disappointed he couldn’t make the cover. He followed Sheamus to the floor. Orton rolled to the floor and set up a punt kick. Sheamus, though, avoided the kick and then countered immediately with a thrust kick to Orton’s face.

Sheamus rolled Orton into the ring and made the cover. Orton kicked out right before three at 21:00. Sheamus pounded the mat in frustration. He got up, played to the crowd, and moved the ring step base to center-ring again. Sheamus set up his High Cross, but Orton countered by sweeping Sheamus’s legs. Some fans chanted “RKO! RKO!” Orton delivered with an RKO on the steps. He covered Sheamus and scored the three count.

Orton held the title belt in the air afterward and let a little half smile escape. He wrapped the title belt around his waist and then climbed the cage. He walked on top of the roof and held his belt in the air.

WINNER: Orton in 23:00

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WWE champion SHEAMUS vs. JOHN CENA vs. RANDY ORTON vs. CHRIS JERICHO vs. EDGE vs. WADE BARRETT — Six-Pack Challenge for the WWE Title — Elimination match
Chaos broke out and Jericho scored an early nearfall on Orton. Cole noted the history of the WWE Title and got over the legacy of the belt. There was a Bruno Sammartino reference in there. Jericho and Cena then came face-to-face and teed off on each other. Orton then smashed Jericho with an RKO. Suddenly, a three count and Jericho is gone.

FIRST ELIMINATION: Jericho at 1:30 via Orton. After the pinfall, Jericho knelt down on the mat and sold that he was stunned. Orton simply backed up to the corner and stared at Jericho, who slowly ducked under the ring ropes. Edge sold that he was stunned as the crowd chanted, “Y2J.” Lawler said Edge and Jericho were probably planning some sort of alliance in the match. All eyes were on Jericho as he slowly made his way up the entrance ramp to the stage. Jericho finally disappeared as the announcers sold shock over the elimination.

They reset with Wade Barrett suddenly in the middle of a big circle. The other four ganged up on Barrett before Edge and Sheamus clotheslined Barrett over the top rope. Cena and Orton then cleared the ring, bringing the match back to the TV main event Monday night on Raw. Barrett then “spoiled the party” attacking Cena to interrupt the heated stare down. Cena and Orton suddenly delivered simultaneous dropkicks to clear the ring again. Yes, Cena with a dropkick.

Again, Orton and Cena circled around each other before coming face-to-face. Orton teased the RKO, but Cena blocked. Orton then set up Cena for the spike DDT, but Cena teased the AA. Barrett canceled everything out before Sheamus clotheslined Barrett and tried to pin Cena in the ring, but Cena kicked out. Sheamus then went to work on Cena in the ring as the other three men were on the outside. Sheamus teased the High Cross Outsider’s Edge from the top turnbuckle, but Cena blocked. Cole slipped in a note that Sheamus has “for all intents and purposes” ended Triple H’s career. Edge then entered the ring and cut off Cena at the knee. Cena sold the knee as Sheamus and Edge began to work him over. They wanted a double superplex and executed it. Edge made the cover, but Cena kicked out and rolled to the outside.

Edge and Sheamus then went to the floor and attacked Barrett. They sent him flying into the guardrail, with Barrett making a loud thud crashing into the rail. The next target was Orton, who the heels rolled into the ring and tried to isolate. Orton suddenly came firing out of the corner and went nuts on the heels until Sheamus blind-sided him with a big double axe handle. Edge then went to work on Sheamus, with their alliance out the window. Edge suddenly had eyes for a spear, but Sheamus moved and hit the Irish Curse backbreaker. The intensity suddenly picked up with more men in the ring and some finishing move teases. Cena then smashed Edge with the Attitude Adjustment and made a quick pinfall to eliminate Edge.

SECOND ELIMINATION: Edge at 15:02 via Cena. Barrett finally re-entered the picture, cleared the ring, and went to work on Cena. Barrett wanted the Wasteland overhead backbreaker, but Cena shifted into the AA. Barrett countered with a DDT and made a cover, but Cena kicked out. And now Barrett is in control of the match. Check that, Cena fired back on the offensive and delivered the sit-out slam to set up the Five Knuckle Shuffle. Cena teased the AA, then dropped it when Sheamus re-entered. Cena then slapped on the STF on Sheamus. The champ’s in trouble. Sheamus teased a tap out, but eventually grabbed the bottom rope for a break. Great nearfall tease.

Suddenly, Nexus members came storming down to ringside. In the confusion, Barrett caught Cena from behind and nailed the Wasteland Slam. Barrett with the cover and Cena is gone, which drew a reaction.

THIRD ELIMINATION: Cena via Barrett at 18:32. Nexus then beat down Orton and rolled him into the ring at the feet of Barrett. The crowd came to life rallying behind Orton, then Nexus suddenly got on the ring apron. Out of nowhere, Cena blasted the Nexus members with chair shots. Orton then wildly cleared the ring. Barrett tried to hit Orton with Wasteland, but Orton slipped out and hit a backbreaker. Orton pounded the mat, then waited for Barrett and smashed him with the RKO center ring. FOURTH ELIMINATION: Barrett via Orton at 20:33.

Sheamus snuck back into the ring and waited for Orton to get up, then he absolutely smashed Orton with the Brogue Kick. Sheamus had the pin, but Orton kicked out just before three. Huge pop for the nearfall. Sheamus flipped out, then went for the High Cross, but Orton slipped out and nailed the RKO. Orton with the cover and there’s a new WWE champion. The crowd exploded for Orton winning the title. Orton took the belt and posed in the ring as Striker wondered aloud what this means for Hell in a Cell in two weeks. They replayed the highspots of the match, including Nexus costing Cena. (Set up for a match going down at Hell in a Cell.) After the replays, they cut to Orton celebrating the WWE Title victory in the ring. Orton paraded around the ring and soaked in the moment as they stayed with the celebration for a while. No sign of Miz with the MITB cash-in. They replayed the finish again to keep stretching this out with the match ending pretty early. Cole signed off at 9:47 p.m. CST with one more Orton celebration.

WINNER: Orton at 21:27 to capture the WWE Title.

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Orton pounded the mat as Sheamus returned to the ring. He hit the DDT off the second rope and then played to the crowd some more. The crowd popped and some feared he was going to pop his shoulder out again. He went for the RKO, but Sheamus blocked it. Cole mis-called it and declared that Orton hit it before realizing he didn’t. From a certain angle it definitely looked like a typical RKO, but Sheamus did push him off. Sheamus went for a quick pin and got a near fall. He set up the High Cross, but Orton escaped. Orton went for an RKO again, but Sheamus escaped and thrust kick him in the face. Orton kicked out. Sheamus threw a fit as Lawler exclaimed, “What?! How did Randy Orton survive that?”

Sheamus grabbed a chair from ringside as Lawler wondered if Sheamus wondered if he beat Orton. The ref tried to yank the chair from Sheamus. Sheamus yanked it back and sent the ref tumbling to the floor. The ref called for the bell and DQ’d Sheamus. Sheamus smiled.

WINNER: Orton via DQ in 18:00.

-Afterward Sheamus held the chair and waited for Orton to stand. Orton ducked a swing and kicked Sheamus between his legs. Orton then picked up the chair. He yanked Sheamus to the floor, cleared the announce table, and then set up Sheamusf for a RKO on the table. The table didn’t collapse. Sheamus tumbled to the floor as Orton huffed and puffed.