25 Best Moments Of WWE Monday Night RAW (Year-By-Year)
14. 2004: Thumbs Down
In 2004, WWE seemed set to go all the way with Randy Orton.
After impressive victories in the past year over the likes of Shawn Michaels and Mick Foley, the third generation superstar was crowned at SummerSlam with a clean victory over Chris Benoit, becoming the youngest ever World Champion (nuts to you, Brock Lesnar).
The night after, however, was where things got interesting. Hoisted on the shoulders of Evolution, Randy looked to be earning Triple H's praise with a thumbs up. Unfortunately, much to young Randall's shock, his mentor gave an infamous thumbs down, and Evolution began beating down on him. Triple H's resentment had gotten the better of him, and now his protégé was his enemy.
This was a great soap opera twist, and set in motion the eventual disbanding of the Evolution stable. One by one, Triple H would chip away at all his allies and be left with nothing, and it all started with one hand gesture. It's a great part of an even greater story.