Ranking Every Randy Orton Vs. Triple H WWE Match Ever
5. Royal Rumble 2005
Once Triple H screwed Randy Orton out of the World Heavyweight Championship at Unforgiven 2004, the idea was to heat up Orton as a babyface in the months that followed and make fans want to see him unseat Triple H as champ at WrestleMania 21.
Unfortunately for Orton, plans changed and that spot was ultimately given to Batista. Instead, he was given his golden opportunity at the Royal Rumble in 2005. It was fairly obvious that Triple H was leaving Fresno with the title around his waist, but that didn't stop Orton from giving it his all and putting in one of his better performances of his young career.
Although they never came close to stealing the show, this bout played to their strengths as rivals and had a big fight feel to it. Of course, it wouldn't be an Orton vs. HHH match without a sledgehammer tease from The Game, but before he could use it, he decided against it. He then obliterated Orton with a Pedigree and effectively ended their rivalry once and for all (or at least for another year or so before it was revisited again).
HHH working over Orton's knee throughout and even stole his signature taunt at one point, giving this match a slight edge over the others.