Last year placed 4 Randy Orton started 2014 as the WWE Champion. He held the belt until April, and then transitioned into a feud with The Shield as part of the reformed Evolution. What that basically means, is that Orton was the WWE's main event act for the entire first half of the year. Like him or not, he was effective in that main event role, giving gravitas to firstly Daniel Bryan and then the young guns in The Shield. His ring work held up well. He had a satisfying match with John Cena at Royal Rumble and was victorious in the talent filled main event of Elimination Chamber. In between that, there were great TV matches with Cesaro and passionate mic work that helped to sell the Mania feud with Daniel Bryan. Orton's dropping of the title was one of the better main events in Mania history. He then bounced into great efforts against The Shield and remained at the top of WWE's cards in matches against Reigns, Chris Jericho and John Cena. He's too rarely great, but remains consistently good. His falling down this list is mainly due to new talent progressing. Highlight of the year: Main event match at WrestleMania 30.
