Triple H has always idolised Ric Flair. In 2003, he saw an opportunity to recreate The Four Horsemen stable in the WWE, and put together himself, Flair, Batista and Randy Orton. The latter two were relative newcomers who had emerged from their developmental territory, OVW. This association with established main eventers pushed them to the top, and Orton won the Intercontinental Championship, and defeated many top stars on the way, such as Shawn Michaels, Rob Van Dam and Mick Foley. Calling himself The Legend Killer, he stated that he was the future of wrestling. This attitude, typical of a young man who has tasted fast success, started to irk Triple H. At SummerSlam 2004, Orton pinned Chris Benoit to become the youngest World Heavyweight Champion in WWE history. The next night on Raw, Orton defeated Benoit in a rematch and later that evening, a celebration of Ortons championship victory was held. After hugging his Evolution comrades, Batista hoisted Orton onto his shoulders and Triple H smiled and gave Orton a thumbs up. Then, after a pause, Trips smile disappeared and his thumb went down, reminiscent of a Roman emperor at the end of a gladiator fight. The timing was perfect. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFCTA6zgT90 Fans could see this coming to a degree, but Orton, blinded by success, could not. They left it a few seconds to allow for a close up of Ortons face as the helpless situation he was in sunk in, before Triple H said Now and Batista dropped back in a crushing Electric Chair Drop. The three members of Evolution attacked him and bloodied him. Orton was the top dog in the company and was now a babyface. A championship feud had been laid out for him with three new united opponents. This was the angle that turned Orton into a top drawing babyface for the WWE.
Dean Ayass is a well known name to British wrestling fans. A commentator, manager, booker and ring announcer who has been involved in the business since 1993, Dean's insight into the business is second to none.
