Ranking Each Of Randy Orton’s 12 World Title Wins

Though Orton defeated Daniel Bryan in their WWE Championship bout at Hell in a Cell 2013, the title had technically been vacant beforehand, and it’s that noteworthy detail that represents a blemish on the subsequent title win.

The title had been vacated for the most suspect of reasons: Triple H had nullified Bryan’s recent victory over Orton at Night of Champions, citing referee Scott Armstrong’s slightly fast count and concluding that Bryan had been in collusion with the official. Armstrong had of course confessed, but in reality, the whole thing was a stitch-up engineered by Triple H to once again screw over Bryan.

On top of that shadiness, the resultant Hell in a Cell match itself was just as controversial. Shawn Michaels had been brought in as guest referee for the contest, but he threw all impartiality out the window when he intervened, striking Bryan with some Sweet Chin Music, allowing Orton to pick up the victory and with it, the vacant title.

Notice how Triple H didn’t think to reverse the decision this time...