WWE.com article: Has The Viper lost his bite to the cunning Del Rio?

Randy Orton kicked off the Oct. 26 edition of SmackDown with his usual quiet confidence and stoicism as he responded to Alberto Del Rio’s dogged pursuit of the nine-time World Title holder.
Unfortunately, Orton also forgot to keep his guard up.
Moments after promising to dole out “the single most brutal beating of [Del Rio’s] life” at WWE Hell in a Cell this Sunday (MATCH PREVIEW), The Viper fell prey to an assault from behind by longstanding rival Wade Barrett. The English brawler’s sneak attack was not only brief, but its purpose — to prove that Del Rio could play mind games with the third-generation Superstar — also came through loud and clear.
Just a few short months ago, the master of the RKO stood on the ring apron and stated his intentions to challenge Sheamus for his World Heavyweight Championship. Orton would come up short against Big Show, however, for the right to be The Celtic Warrior’s next No. 1 contender — thanks to two vicious ambushes by Del Rio. (WATCH) Then after being taunted by a seemingly fearless Del Rio in the weeks that followed, a timely distraction by The Mexican Aristocrat on Friday evening caused The Viper to succumb to Barrett’s Souvenir Elbow for a demoralizing defeat just two days before the upcoming pay-per-view.
It leaves the WWE Universe asking one question: Has Alberto Del Rio caused Randy Orton to lose his serpentine edge?

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DTA: 15 Superstars You Can't Trust

15: Randy Orton



Randy Orton is one of WWE’s most popular Superstars, but that doesn’t mean you should turn your back on him. The Viper’s prone to “snapping” at a moment’s notice, which makes it difficult for him to play well with others. Midway through a Six-Man Tag Team Match in early 2010, he decided he was through with Legacy underlings Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase. After Rhodes tagged himself into action, WWE’s Apex Predator coldly draped Rhodes over the middle rope and brought him into the ring the hard way, via a dome-compressing DDT. (He followed up with an RKO on the outside floor for DiBiase.) (WATCH)

In 2011, after a brawl with heated rival with Wade Barrett was broken up by several Superstars, Orton’s temper red-lined and he wound up delivering painful RKOs to the intervening grapplers, who included fan-favorites Trent Barreta and The Usos. More recently, The Viper unremorsefully went after Sheamus. Teaming with The Great White against Chris Jericho & Alberto Del Rio this past May, Orton did not take kindly to being Brogue Kicked by Sheamus, albeit inadvertently. Following his pinfall loss, WWE’s Apex Predator repaid The Celtic Warrior with a jarring — and largely unprovoked — RKO.

Being WWE’s Apex Predator means looking out for No. 1, and Orton has never lost sight of that.

http://www.wwe.com/classics/dta-15-superstars-you-cant-trust/page-8

The Divas' Favorite Demon:The twisted,romantic history of Kane

This was an odd one. For one wild series of events at the end of 2008, Kane got it into his head that the blond bombshell was harboring some secret feelings for the demon in red, going so far as to abduct Kelly backstage to try and persuade her to confess her love. Kelly didn’t bite, though, with Kane eventually formulating that she was protecting another Superstar who she actually did have feelings for. The Devil’s Favorite Demon seemed to think it was The Miz and acted accordingly, planting The Awesome One with a chokeslam and a Tombstone, but his brutal attempt at courtship ended before it began when he was forced to apologize for his actions by Stephanie McMahon one week later. He can’t win ’em all, apparently.

(PS: The mystery Superstar turned out to be Randy Orton, but he wasn’t interested in a relationship. Chalk it up to a rough patch for Kane and Kelly).

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WWE.com article: Who Wore It Better; AJ or Kelly Kelly?

                                    

The WWE Universe was buzzing about CM Punk's match against Daniel Bryan on Raw SuperShow, but it wasn't just about the intense action in the ring. Bryan's ex-girlfriend AJ showed her true colors by wearing a cutoff version of Punk's official T-shirt and matching armbands as she cheered on The Straight Edge Superstar from ringside. The Geek Goddess drew a wide range of reactions from our fans on Twitter, both for her fetching ensemble and for coming to the WWE Champion's aid after the match. (VIDEO | PHOTOS: AJ SHOWS OFF HER PUNK OUTFIT)

AJ isn't the first WWE Diva to don The Straight Edge Savior's look, however. During the Oct. 31, 2006 edition of ECW on SyFy, Kelly Kelly rocked the Halloween contest with her cutoff Punk T-shirt, taped-up wrists and assortment of lookalike tattoos. Kelly Kelly's outfit didn't notch her a victory in the contest, but it sure made Punk take notice of his admirer's fashionable effort.

So, members of the WWE Universe, which Diva looked better in Punk gear: AJ or Kelly Kelly? Cast your vote in this WWE.com poll and let us know what you think!

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Divas sizzle on Maxim’s Hot 100

Since gracing the cover of Maxim in December, the beautiful Kelly Kelly has been climbing the prestigious men’s magazine’s ranks, shooting up to No. 38 on Maxim’s Hot 100 of 2012! And this year, she’s joined by more familiar faces in the WWE Universe – Layla, Stacy Keibler and Maria Menounos.
“I am so excited," Kelly Kelly told WWE.com. "Honestly I had no idea. I thought maybe I’d end up in the 60s, or if I was lucky, in the 50s. But when I got 38, I thought this is the craziest thing!”
“I beat Kate Upton, who was on the cover of Sports Illustrated. I beat Adriana Lima, who’s in Victoria’s Secret – all of these big names. I couldn’t be happier!”
Last year, the former Divas Champion made the list at No. 82. But Kelly’s rise to the top is truly a testament to the power of the WWE Universe, as for the first time in Maxim history, the magazine’s readers weighed in on who should be on “the definitive list of the world’s most beautiful women.”
“I give all the credit to the WWE Universe," Kelly said. "They were sending me Tweets about voting, and I was constantly re-Tweeting them. I have more than 522,000 followers now and they were really on it. I give all the credit to them. I got this because of them. I can’t thank the WWE Universe enough for voting for me!” (FOLLOW @REALKELLYKELLY)
Divas Champion Layla also made Maxim’s Hot 100 for the first time, clocking in at No. 95.
“I’m in total shock," Layla said with a smile. "I’ve only been back about four weeks and I didn’t even know I was nominated. The WWE Universe voted me in!”
“I want to say thank you very much to everybody who voted me in. … I’ve never been in Maxim. So I feel very special. Thank you, guys. It’s awesome. It’s been a great 2012 so far. I couldn’t ask for anything more this year.”
Another notable name on the list is former WWE Diva Stacy Keibler at No. 51. It’s the bombshell’s seventh consecutive year being ranked by Maxim!
Also, Kelly Kelly’s WrestleMania XXVIII tag team partner Maria Menounos clocks in at No. 64. It’s the first time the "Extra" host and "Dancing with the Stars" alum earned the Maxim honor.
“I’m excited to be on the list with her,” Kelly Kelly said about Menounos. “I think we’re both hot girls and we competed at WrestleMania together, so it’s really cool to be on the Hot 100 with her.
“But I am glad I beat her,” Kelly laughed.
Kelly Kelly promised this isn’t the last time the WWE Universe will see her on Maxim’s Hot 100. She’s set a new goal for herself – to make the top 10!
“Hopefully I can get another cover out this year … and I’ll be in the top 10. That’s my dream!”
To see Maxim’s Hot 100 of 2012, visit maxim.com/hot-100/2012.

Four picks to be SmackDown's franchise player

Alex Rodriguez, Kobe Bryant, Peyton Manning and Alexander Ovechkin. Aside from being exceptional athletes and among the very best in their respective fields of battle, all four are true cornerstones: uber-talented stars that teams can build their entire franchises around. In the world of competitive play, they're known as "franchise players."

In professional sports, not every team has one of these extraordinary individuals. In fact, some don't even have one legitimately elite star. But in the squared circle, there's no shortage of in-ring warriors who could be considered standard-bearers for the Raw and SmackDown brands, and to a larger extent, WWE as a whole.

WWE.com takes an up-close look at Friday night's best, tackling the undeniably tough challenge of narrowing it down to four Superstars that stand as the face of SmackDown. These competitors are the linchpins of the notorious blue brand, persistently commanding the attention of the WWE Universe while crafting their own unique identity.

Click through to see our four picks, and then cast your vote in WWE.com's poll to decide who ultimately deserves to be called the franchise player for SmackDown.








Born and bred with WWE rushing through his veins, Randy Orton has walked with the best and learned from their incredible example. The third-generation warrior follows in the footsteps of his elite family, including his father, WWE Hall of Famer “Cowboy” Bob Orton. He then grew as a member of one of the top factions in WWE history – Evolution – standing in the mighty shadow of Triple H and WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair. After a lifetime of surrounding himself with greatness, there is no one better on the SmackDown roster to represent the entire show.

Orton also deserves to be Friday night’s franchise player because he is one of the top titleholders of all active WWE Superstars. He is a nine-time World Champion – winning his first World Heavyweight Title at age 24 – as well as an Intercontinental Champion and the 2009 Royal Rumble winner.

Perhaps the most important reason that WWE’s Apex Predator is the face of SmackDown has to do with his ability to be an extremely adaptable entertainer. He is a formidable opponent to any type of foe: Superstar or Legend, large or small, man or monster. He can compete in any type of match or any part of the arena, whether it’s a technical encounter or an all-out brawl, from Hell in a Cell, to Falls Count Anywhere, to the Fatal 4-Way World Title Match at WWE Over the Limit on May 20. Overall, he is a Superstar that shows no fear and is able to rise above in any situation, striking out of nowhere to emerge victorious.

In short, Randy Orton is SmackDown's clear franchise player.

10 instances of Superstars going Over the Limit

The Viper kisses Stephanie

In March 2009, Randy Orton was ringleader of the brazen Legacy stable – an irreverent three-Superstar group that included second- and third-generation competitors Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase, respectively. Rhodes and DiBiase faithfully followed the orders of Orton, so it came as little surprise when Rhodes interfered when Orton & DiBiase took on then-WWE Champion (and heated Orton rival) Triple H.
Rhodes’ interference caused the match to be tossed out in barely a minute’s time. However, what unfolded from there most definitely went over the limit of decency.
The Legacy handcuffed Triple H to the ropes and then intimated that they would attack him with his own weapon of choice, a sledgehammer. With her husband in very real danger, Stephanie McMahon raced to the ring and tried to convince Orton not to go after The Game. Instead of hearing her out, though, Orton fell McMahon with a draping DDT and then, in a diabolical maneuver, kissed her in full view of Triple H.

Watch it here

10 explosive instances when Superstars snapped

No. 1: The Game makes a house call on The Viper

(WATCH | HOT HEAD PHOTOS)
Superstars harming one another inside the squared circle is an inescapable part of competition in WWE. Sometimes battles spill over into ringside and even to the back. However, taking the fight directly to a Superstar’s house is the act of a truly infuriated Superstar.
When Randy Orton went after Triple H’s wife Stephanie McMahon, he drew the uncontrollable rage of The Game. But, he could not have known just how ferocious the retribution would prove to be.
On the March 9, 2009 episode of Raw SuperShow, WWE Champion Triple H did not come to the ring for his Handicap Match against Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase, giving the then-Legacy teammates the victory by forfeit. Appearing live via satellite from his residence in St. Louis, Mo., Randy Orton angrily addressed the absent King of Kings, calling the champion’s actions “cowardly.”
As WWE’s Apex Predator warned from his home that he might skip his upcoming WrestleMania title match against Triple H, the doorbell rang. But before Orton’s wife could answer it, The Game ferociously battered down the front door with a sledgehammer. Seeing the menacing fury in the face of his unwelcome visitor, Orton made a break for it and Triple H began to stalk The Viper throughout his own house.
Hunting from room to room, the irate King of Kings stopped at nothing to find his prey in a nerve-racking contest of hide and seek. The WWE Universe watched with bated breath as the enraged title holder crept throughout Orton’s domicile.
In an attempt to thwart his pursuer’s aggression, The Viper sprung out of nowhere and tackled him. His plan backfired, however, as his infuriated attacker turned the tables. The Game savagely attacked his prey. Then – in a moment of pure fury – he hurled him through a glass window onto the front lawn.
Not only had the glass been shattered, but also WWE fans’ expectations about just how far Superstars would go for vengeance. Outside, Triple H continued the assault, raining down on Orton with wild punches and kicks, before the police arrived and detained The Cerebral Assassin.
The term “breaking and entering” has rarely been so apropos. Randy Orton’s home and body were damaged by the unrelenting and frightening attack of The King of Kings, leaving no doubt that this colossal outburst stands as the most astonishing “Hot Head Moment in WWE History” of all.

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12 arm injuries that impacted the WWE

Injury No. 12: Orton shoulders steals the headlines

Within weeks of being drafted from SmackDown to Raw in Sept. 2002, Randy Orton suffered a separated shoulder that put the rookie Superstar out of action for months. Though such an injury would entice most competitors to step out of the spotlight and focus on rehabilitation, Orton chose to keep the WWE Universe apprised of his every move.
Orton interrupted the regularly scheduled programming on Raw in the weeks that followed with periodic updates of his status on a segment known as the “Randy News Network,” or RNN for short. RNN allowed Orton to speak freely and directly to the WWE Universe about his current status, but often used the occasion to inform everyone about of the minutiae of his life while openly soliciting for get-well wishes from the WWE Universe.

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7 Must Watch Beat The Clock Challenge times

December 6, 2011: Randy Orton def. Dolph Ziggler in 7:51

In one of the more thrilling Beat the Clock Challenges, Randy Orton and Wade Barrett each competed for the opportunity to choose the stipulation for their match at TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs. Barrett set the time at 7:53 with a win over Ezekiel Jackson and did everything in his power to ensure Orton would not match the mark against Dolph Ziggler. Despite Barrett’s interference, The Viper pulled off a last-second win to beat Barrett’s time by 2 seconds, giving him the chance to pick the stipulation. (PHOTOS) Barrett burst forth with a sneak attack, but Orton fended off the assault and ultimately selected a Tables Match – making an example out of Ziggler in the process.

Five Superstars for Brock Lesnar to battle

Predestined for wrestling greatness, Lesnar and Randy Orton were both fingered early in their training in WWE’s talent development program as naturals for the squared circle. Lesnar, backed by a lengthy resume of amateur wrestling titles (chief among them, the 2000 NCAA heavyweight championship), transitioned seamlessly into the professional ranks. For Orton, a third-generation Superstar, championship glory seemed almost a birthright.

Although Orton and Lesnar crossed paths during Lesnar’s first WWE tenure, the shaggy-haired Orton of 2002 bore little resemblance to The Viper of today. No shortness of grit, the young Orton at the time undeniably lacked the killer instinct that has since come to define him. Is that added element of remorselessness – informed by a decade of ring time and numerous championship encounters – enough to make Orton a credible opponent for Lesnar?

Randy Orton Predicts Rock vs. Cena, Hypes Match With Kane

Randy Orton recently spoke to CNYKiss.com to promote his match against Kane at Sunday’s WrestleMania 28, which he caims is the fourth biggest match on the card. Here are some highlights of what Orton said about:

Not Being In A Top Match This Year: “Being a part of WrestleMania is big enough whether I’m in a title match or not or whether I’m in a main event match. WrestleMania, there’s four main event matches every year. They have four top billed matches. We might still be one of those top four. We’ll know more as we get closer to the show and they start running ads and promos and vignettes for the matches. You definitely have Rock-Cena, Punk-Jericho, Triple H-Taker, and I think we might be that fourth. You never know, Sheamus and Daniel Bryan could take that from us. It is a title match, but I think there might be a little more people out there that want to see Kane-Orton as opposed to Sheamus-Daniel Bryan. That’s just me. Sheamus has been around a couple years, Daniel Bryan has been around less. I don’t know, I don’t know, we’ll just wait and see what happens. But no matter what match I have at WrestleMania, as long as I’m healthy and I can make the show and be a part of it, that’s good enough for me. This will be my eighth WrestleMania, I believe, that’s in a row, so with the few injuries I’ve had throughout my career, especially earlier on, I haven’t missed a WrestleMania, 20 all the way through 27.”

Triple H Returning At MSG Last Week: “He doesn’t do too many live events, so I think that was special for him. I think he’s getting the ring rust off, knocking it off and getting ready for April 1 is what he’s doing there, but there will always be a place in his heart for coming and entertaining the fans, whether it’s on TV or not. It just goes to show that anything can happen at The Garden.”

Rock vs. Cena: “Don’t be fooled, this isn’t all show right here. There is some legitimate hatred between these two guys and I think it’s going to make it all the more interesting, because they get in that ring with that many people, 80,000 some odd people, who knows what’s going to happen? Now what’s going to happen when we take the gloves off?”

Who Will Win Rock vs. Cena: “Oh, John Cena. I’d love to see him win 1-2-3 fair and square in the ring, no kind of stipulations last minute, no kind of run-ins at the last minute, no big schmoz going off the air where you see ten Rock Bottoms. I want to see John Cena hit an Attitude Adjustment in the middle of the ring.”

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Vote for Kelly Kelly as "Favorite Buttkicker" for the 2012 Nick Kids' Choice Awards!

WWE Universe, vote for Kelly Kelly at the 2012 Nick Kids' Choice Awards! The former Divas Champion is nominated for "Favorite Buttkicker"!

It was certainly a great year for one of WWE's favorite Divas. On Raw: Power to the People in June, the WWE Universe voted that they wanted to see Kelly Kelly battle it out for the Divas Championship against Brie Bella. She did not disappoint, winning her first-ever Divas Title! (WATCH)

Kelly Kelly joins a list of nominees including movie stars Tom Cruise, Taylor Lautner and Jessica Alba. (See all the nominees)

The Nick Kids' Choice Awards air live on Saturday, March 31 at 8/7 CT on Nickelodeon.

Vote for Kelly Kelly here.

Randy Orton to be re-evaluated

WWE medical personnel have confirmed that Randy Orton suffered a concussion on Raw SuperShow when World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan smashed Orton over the head with his title. (WATCH | PHOTOS | RESULTS). Orton's condition will be re-evaluated on Feb. 27– two weeks after the incident took place.

"Randy sustained head trauma following his match with Big Show, in which Daniel Bryan interfered, and he was evaluated in the training room immediately afterward," WWE physician Dr. Michael Sampson told WWE.com. "Due to his symptoms as well as his neurological evaluation, he was diagnosed with a concussion. We will be doing more testing to see how he's going to do as far as short term vs. long term."

The injury rendered The Viper unable to compete in the 2012 World Heavyweight Championship Elimination Chamber Match.

Stay with WWE.com for more updates as more news of Orton's medical status becomes available.

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