5 Times WWE literally handed a title to a wrestler without them winning a match

A reward from WWE, we would call it
A reward from WWE, we would call it

#3 Vince McMahon awarded Randy Orton the WWE Championship

John Cena's injury resulted in Randy Orton becoming the new WWE Champion, thanks to Vince McMahon
John Cena's injury resulted in Randy Orton becoming the new WWE Champion, thanks to Vince McMahon

In 2007, John Cena was forced to vacate his WWE Championship due to injury. Just six days later at No Mercy, Vince McMahon promised the WWE Universe that he would crown a new champion. Instead of having the vacated title reclaimed in a match, he literally handed the belt to Randy Orton. Sadly for Orton, he did indeed have to defend that title immediately, a match he lost to Triple H, losing the title just minutes after "winning" it.

Because of the hatred towards his son-in-law, McMahon issued Triple H a challenge to face Umaga at the show. The Game was able to win his match, but just barely. As soon as it was over, Orton and McMahon realized that The Game couldn't even lift his hand up without requiring support. Orton struck when the iron was hot and was allowed a rematch, where he faced Triple H in a Last Man Standing match and by the end of the night; he was champion again.

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