10 Wrestlers Who Couldn't Hide Their Anger At A Botch

3. Randy Orton Calls Kofi Kingston Stupid

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WWE

Kofi Kingston made it to the pinnacle of WWE - before Brock Lesnar brutally toppled him from it - but it took years and years. The duration informed the KofiMania storyline, which probably did as much to undermine the run as it did to inform the key moment.

He took so long because, in part, he was demoted following his first breakthrough moment. He showed real intent and personality throughout a 2009 mini-programme opposite Randy Orton. They even gave the man a vehicle to destroy. F*ck a World Title; that's when you know WWE really cares about you.

For three weeks.

Thrilling crowds with memorable set-piece angles and exciting, unique in-ring work, it all went to sh*t on January 11 - and this was after WWE had cooled Kofi off following his grand acceptance at Madison Square Garden. Orton defeated Kingston and John Cena in the RAW main event, the timing of which was botched.

Only slightly, mind, but that was enough for WWE to condemn Kingston to nothing midcard exile for years and years.

Orton did his stamps-the-mat spot ahead of the RKO, but Kingston rose to his feet too early, detracting from the suspense of the drama. In truth, this was Kingston's fault. Orton did this spot so often that Kofi really should have learned the rhythms of Orton's tedium.

As it happened, he didn't, and Orton by screaming "F*cking stupid" threw a complete sh*t fit.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!