10 Massive WWE Babyface Pushes That Were Doomed To Failure

10. Randy Orton

A babyface turn so badly mishandled that it still now looks like an intentional hijack, Randy Orton's 2004 exit from Evolution removed every bit of cool 'The Legend Killer' had worked hard to establish as the cynical heel wunderkind of the group headed up by Triple H and Ric Flair.

Dethroning World Heavyweight Champion Chris Benoit at SummerSlam 2004 seemed a little ahead of schedule at the time, but it was wholly unacceptable for Triple H to declare pretty much the same thing on camera the very next night as he orchestrated a turn on the new titleholder by stablemates Flair and Dave Batista.

Rather than leaving of his own free will, Randy was forcibly ostracised, which marked the first misstep. The following week, 'The Game' demanded contrition, which Orton teased before spitting in his former boss' face, sneak attacking him then bailing into the crowd. Thus, his latest 'heroic' trait was cowardice.

Finally, after just three weeks on top, Randy dropped the title to Hunter in their first pay-per-view meeting. WWE's next great hope for babyface supremacy had been portrayed as an extradited cowardly loser. How could it fail?

To top it off, Randy was a naturally arrogant blowhard, and didn't suit the persona. And his obvious failings to resonate with the crowd opened up a door for Batista to storm through, taking all of his heat and his WrestleMania 21 Title match with Triple H in the process. Orton was already a heel again by the time the show came around.