Top 5 Randy Orton-John Cena matches of all time

Randy Orton and John Cena

WWE’s latest effort to revive their falling pay-per-view business, TLC, is just around the corner. And ever since the conclusion of a torrid Survivor Series, headlines have been filled with the title unification match between Randy Orton and John Cena at the event. For some, this might be just a champion vs. champion match which will end in one title being axed, but for the WWE, it’s reboot of a feud that always produces the goods when called upon. From OVW to WWE, the Orton and Cena have had some of the most entertaining matches in the business, so here is a look at the top five from the lot.

5- WWE Championship Hell in a Cell Match, WWE Hell in a Cell 2009

Hell In a Cell, 2009

Fresh of their I Quit encounter in the preceding pay-per-view, Orton and Cena went into this match announced by Trish Stratus with a score to settle. Cena set foot into the steel structure as the reigning champion only to see one of the most vicious incarnations of The Viper. Both superstars took unthinkable punishments and illustrated the cruelty of the Hell in a Cell matches. After going to and fro at various levels, making Orton tap out in front of an unconscious referee was not enough to land Cena a win. The match finally came down to a punt kick from Orton which smashed the Champ’s skull, giving Orton the taste of some gold again.

4 -WWE Championship Match, SummerSlam 2007

SummerSlam 2007

After their encounters in OVW, this was the first time Orton and Cena squared off inside a WWE ring. Throughout the buildup of the match, reigning champion Cena was made to look vulnerable to a superior Orton. Cena was on the receiving side of many attacks from the apex predator which reached the epitome with a RKO into the chair. The opening minutes of the match showed no different scenario as Orton was seen dominating. But as it progressed Cena started showing his true colors and showed the world why he is known for his “never give up” attitude. Cena walked out of Summerslam as the Champion after crushing Orton with an FU which was baptized as the Attitude adjustment later.

3- Tables Match, Raw, Sept. 13, 2010

Raw, September 2010

Though there were no titles up for grabs in this match, it still managed to live up to the hype of being the first tables match on Raw in a span of three years. The match came as a buildup for the six pack challenge for the WWE championship that was to be held on that Sunday and that resulted in a string of interference featuring the lights of then WWE Champion Sheamus, Edge, Chris Jericho and the Nexus. But all of them failed to steal the limelight as Cena and Orton fought off the interlopers. Fife tables were broken on the match but the last one proved to be the match deciding one, when Orton gave Cena a ride through the wood with an RKO.

2- WWE Championship Anything Goes Iron Man Match, Bragging Rights 2009

Bragging rights, 2009

After their showdown at Hell In a Cell, Orton and Cena headed straight into Bragging right to fight it out in a classic iron man match with a twisted anything goes stipulation. The one hour epic took both men to extreme limits and saw the fans stunned at the edge of their seats. Finishers were thrown off for fun as each RKO and Attitude adjustment showed the fans how high the stakes were. Orton even to extents of using the pyro techniques to his advantage and with the match tied at five falls each and seconds to go, a bloodied Cena emerged with a STF to make Orton tap out and crawl out of the pay-per-view as the new champion.

1- WWE Championship “I Quit” Match, Breaking Point 2009

Breaking Point, 2009

Another one from the infamous feud in 2009, this match showcased unbelievable intensity between the two. The match served as a test for Cena’s “Never Give Up attitude” and the Champ had to go through some brutal beating to keep the trait intact. Orton worked on his opponent’s skull with steel steps and TV monitors before handcuffing Cena to the ring and crushing with kendo sticks. But Cena turned the tables quickly as Orton found himself handcuffed and tapping out to the STF. Orton admitted defeat to the sheer perseverance of Cena and the fans got to witness one of the brutal matches between the two. And the expectations will be soared to undefined heights as the two will battle it out once again at TLC to crown a Unified Champion.