10 Awesome WWE "Nearly Moments"

Orton and Hardy were, in many ways, the perfect rivals: the former - a third-generation wrestler - was destined for greatness from almost the moment he came out the womb, whilst Jeff had to climb his way to the top, given only a small leg-up by his adoring fans.

And although Orton, the defending WWE Champion, was certainly the favourite going into their clash at the 2008 Royal Rumble, his opponent - off the back of a win over Triple H a month prior - was at last beginning to look like a credible challenger.

On the night, Jeff saw his opportunity at the big time come and pass. And there were no shenanigans needed: the story of the Charismatic Enigma punching above his weight and, ultimately, coming up just - desperately - short, was understated perfection.