10 Greatest Randy Orton Matches Ever
3. Randy Orton Vs. Christian (Over The Limit 2011)
A few weeks before Christian's heel turn, Orton and 'Captain Charisma' were already engaged in a Face vs. Face feud for the World Heavyweight Championship.
The pair showed mutual respect in the build up and throughout the match, Christian saying he held no grudges after dropping the title to Orton on SmackDown, merely five days into his first reign. Randy admitted that his opponent was "one hell of a competitor" and that they were in the midst of a "feel good story".
The Face vs. Face dynamic was, and still is, very rarely used in WWE and was alien to what both competitors had done before. Notable exceptions include Hogan vs. Warrior and 'Taker vs. Michaels, both taking place at WrestleManias.
However, the risk was worth the reward. Christian and Orton gave everything they had and made the title feel important. In a refreshing instance, Orton was conflicted and stopped himself from using his signature punt, out of sheer respect for the former champion and for the sake of the sporting contest.
In the end, Orton was victorious and even hesitated stepping on the turnbuckle to hold the title aloft. The two shook hands to rapturous applause, topping their first encounter and all their others to follow. However, their entire rivalry is worth a watch.