7 Awesome Wrestling Moments That Put Randy Orton On The Map

The Royal Rumble has, traditionally, been an occasion for the stars of tomorrow to stake their claim for a shot at the big time by staying the course in a chock a block ring populated by more experienced adversaries. In 2004, Orton entered at number two, and lasted more than half an hour before being taken out of the running by a returning Mick Foley (to be continued).

The Legend Killer claimed four eliminations - only one fewer than the eventual winner Chris Benoit - and it was a timely demonstration (with WrestleMania, and a marquee match involving The Rock, on the horizon) that RKO could hang with the very best. Evolution's prodigy spent much of his early run punching above his weight, but by the beginning of '04, he was already better than most of the roster.