11. Last Man Standing Match For The WWE Championship: Triple H Vs. Randy Orton (No Mercy 2007)
Triple H was not originally intended to be part of the WWE Championship picture at No Mercy, but a last-minute injury suffered by John Cena led to necessary changes to the card. After defeating Randy Orton in the nights opening match to capture the title, he would spend his night infuriating Vince McMahon, overcoming the hurdles (Umaga, multiple title defenses) placed before him to make it to the nights main event. There, he would defend against former champion Orton in a Last Man Standing match. The Game endured tremendous pain and punishment, the younger and fresher Orton working him over effectively, but Triple H proved just how resilient a champion he could be. The former heel turned fan-favourite fought through the suffering to put down The Viper time after time, just not for the ten seconds necessary to successfully retain his title. The champion even had his challenger positioned for a Pedigree through the announce table at one point. Unfortunately, Orton countered into an RKO, sending both of them crashing to the floor below. The third-generation star was able to make it to his feet first, winning the title despite a valiant effort from an overworked Triple H.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
