17 Greatest Roman Reigns WWE PPV Matches
4. Reigns vs. Orton (Summerslam 2014)
This match came about after Roman Reigns costed Randy Orton an opportunity at the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. Orton felt like Reigns had stolen the title opportunity from him. This match would serve as the Roman's first true 1-on-1 Pay-Per-View match.
The pacing of this match was more than superb. Orton would be in control throughout most of the time, creating that good comeback feel for Roman. And that's what it felt like when he landed a second-rope Samoan Drop.
Randy would reverse a spear with a beautiful power slam then later stop a Superman Punch with his RKO. Roman would not be pinned after either move.
Roman would offer a reversal of his own when he was able to leg-sweep Orton mid-punt. This set up a spear and a winning pinfall.
This match was simply amazing. On a weaker card it would have stolen the show. It was a brilliant statement match for Reigns in his push to the main event.
Sadly for him he would soon have to take a few months off after this due to injury, resetting sentiment that Roman still needed way more to earn his push.