The previous year, Orton formed a stable known as The Legacy which featured up and comers Ted DiBiase and Cody Rhodes. The Viper would become frustrated, leading to a number of verbal confrontations and an assault on DiBiase. The unrest in the group would lead to a number of matches where each member's place in the group would be on the line. The tension between the trio staved off until the Royal Rumble where Rhodes prevented Orton from winning the WWE Championship. The same would happen at the Elimination Chamber where Rhodes' involvement led to DiBiase eliminating The Apex Predator. The following night on Raw, Orton turned on his associates and the triple threat match was booked for Mania at the University of Phoenix Stadium. Rhodes and DiBiase spent most of the Mania match double teaming Orton. However, when DiBiase attempted to pin Orton, he was stopped by Rhodes. This, inevitably, made the two youngsters brawl with each other which led to Orton taking advantage, punting Rhodes and RKOing DiBiase Jnr. to win the match.
