During the second half of 2011, Wade Barrett and Randy Orton had some cracking tussles. Any time the pair met in brawls or actual matches, they seemed to work well together. Barrett brought out the best in Randy, and it seemed like the same could be said the other way around. One injury to Orton ruined the entire rivalry. During a 'Falls Count Anywhere' Match, Barrett shoved his rival down a set of steps. Orton injured his back here, and was forced to take some time off. Once he did return, there were hopes that the intense brawling prevalent in the feud would continue. It didn't, WWE booked Orton to coolly eliminate Barrett from the 2012 Royal Rumble bout. Then, Barrett found himself staring at the lights again for the babyface. In early-February, Orton defeated him in a 'No Disqualification' encounter, and that was the end of their series together. It was decidedly one-sided, how could officials hope for Barrett to come out of the rivalry with any momentum?
Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.