10 Greatest Randy Orton Matches Ever
The Viper can deliver when expected, and sometimes, "from outta nowhere."
When fans reminisce and debate about the greatest wrestling matches of all time, names such as Shawn Michaels, Kenny Omega and Will Ospreay are constantly mentioned.
One name which rarely falls into that discussion, despite his consistency across a near two-decade career, is Randal Keith Orton. 'The Viper', or whatever you want to call him, is renowned for his various nicknames and personality changes, three-lettered finisher and for his memorable feuds with the likes of John Cena, Triple H and, most recently, Edge. Yet, he is not one to steal the show for his in-ring ability, which has often been criticised as being too "slow" and "methodical".
That being said, that doesn't mean he hasn't ever brought the house down as the 'The Apex Predator' has produced more than a handful gems throughout the years. Sometimes when it was expected, and, in some cases, "from outta nowhere".
Note: Royal Rumbles and traditional 5-on-5 Survivor Series matches are excluded with limited number of tag and multi-man contests listed in order to highlight Orton's singles match capabilities.
10. Randy Orton Vs. John Cena - 60 Minute Iron Man (Bragging Rights 2009)
The Apex Predator vs. The Leader of the Cenation wasn't any ordinary rivalry. It was, in John Cena's words, "THE rivalry." This dated all the way back to 2007, when Orton punted Cena's father in the head. Throughout 2009, Cena and Orton would trade victories and the WWE Championship strap. Firstly in a singles match at SummerSlam, followed by an I Quit match at Breaking Point, then a Hell in a Cell contest at the following PPV of the same name.
To settle the score once and for all, Cena proposed a 60 minute Iron Man match and Orton raised the stakes, adding the stipulations of Anything Goes and, should Cena lose, he would be gone from RAW for good. This would be their final confrontation and the company's first 60 minute variation of the match since Chris Benoit defended his World Heavyweight Championship against Triple H on RAW five years prior.
The two men stole the show, in an event which was predominantly hyped around brand supremacy. The stipulation complimented Orton's in-ring style and was paced steadily, with plenty of well-placed falls. A fitting way to 'end' their feud, Cena leaving with the title and the bragging rights.