10 Best WWE Ruthless Aggression Era Matches
4. Randy Orton Vs. Chris Benoit - SummerSlam 2004
Randy Orton had an exceptional 2004. It was the year he began to flourish, and it was the year Vince McMahon decided to fast track him to become the top guy in the company (albeit a little too fast).
Randy was still a member of Evolution, had grown into a competent wrestler and had featured prominently in every show since the previous summer. He'd had had a lengthy reign as Intercontinental Champion and didn’t appear to have reduced his stock when he dropped the title.
By summer 2004, Randy was well on his way to facing the Rabid Wolverine, who had overcome all challenges from Evolution leader, Triple H. Prior to the match, Randy didn’t appear to be a viable threat to the Crippler, but fans knew the contest would be interesting nonetheless.
The match which proved Randy Orton was worth the hype - even if his aftermath face turn was executed too quickly for fans - remains one of his best to this day. A technical bout, which pitted legend against legend killer, this is not to be missed.