Randy Orton is credited as one of the most remarkable and tenured WWE superstars of all time. The Viper build his illustrious career winning multiple championships, accolades and battling the likes of many top-tier WWE superstars in high-profile matches over the years.
A major highlight that has defined his WWE career has been his iconic rivalry with the man who Michael Cole calls The Greatest of All Time, John Cena. The duo came up in the Ruthless Aggression and were prime fixtures of the era post that delivered many memorable moments and matches in WWE history.
One of those matches took place in 2008, which will always be considered memorable not for the quality of the match, but the way it ended. The Viper did not even pin the Peacemaker star and used one of the cheapest tricks in the book to end an important showdown with the WWE Championship on the line.
How did Randy Orton end his match with John Cena in under a minute?
John Cena had been out of action with a torn pectoral muscle at the hands of Randy Orton in the storyline. The 16-time WWE Champion made his surprise return as the #30 entrant in the 2008 Royal Rumble match and last eliminated Triple H to earn a title shot at WrestleMania 24.
The Peacemaker star chose his arch-rival, Randy Orton, who at the time was the reigning WWE Champion. However, Cena made it clear that he did not wanted to wait until WrestleMania and instead decided to cash in his opportunity at the pay-per-view before it i.e No Way Out.
The match began between Randy Orton and John Cena at the event, with both exchanging blows and trying to establish dominance. After a 15-minute bout, Orton was about to pick up a count out win but Cena came back in the ring at the nine count.
The Viper, shocked to see that, decided to end the match in a different way. As the referee, Mike Choida, was checking on him, Randy Orton purposely slapped him across the face and got himself disqualified. This left John Cena shocked, who missed out on winning the WWE Championship and going to WrestleMania.
Randy Orton purposely hitting the referee to get disqualified against John Cena and retain his championship will always be the ultimate heel move 😂 pic.twitter.com/W4FNuFQoDg
— Wrestling Pics & Clips (@WrestleClips) February 19, 2025
In a fit of rage, Cena laid a beatdown on Orton, looking at the events that transpired. However, John Cena defeated Randy Orton on the next RAW in a non-title match and was added to the WrestleMania 24 match for the WWE title featuring Randy Orton and Triple H.
Are John Cena & Randy Orton going to be a part of WrestleMania 41?
John Cena and Randy Orton have been considered iconic WWE rivals in history. The duo is at the veteran stages of their careers. John Cena kicked off his farewell tour on the debut edition of RAW on Netflix, which featured multiple stars and celebrities.
The Cenation Leader came up short in the 2025 Men’s Royal Rumble match. However, he is next set to compete in the Men’s Elimination Chamber, with the winner earning a World title shot against the man WWE can make their own Homelander, Cody Rhodes, at WrestleMania 41.
As for Randy Orton, he has been out of action for a few months since being attacked by Kevin Owens on SmackDown. While Cena will be an active part on the road to WrestleMania 41, we will have to wait and see if the same can be said for his historic rival and WWE’s Apex Predator, Randy Orton.
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