Royal Rumble: Randy Orton vs. Jeff Hardy

[A.J.]

WWE Championship Match
(c) Randy Orton vs Jeff Hardy​

Jeff Hardy’s time may be now. The Intercontinental Champion has thrilled our fans for years with his breathtaking, devil-may-care approach to battles in the squared circle, first in a groundbreaking tag team with brother Matt and then as a singles competitor. Hardy has held the Intercontinental Championship four times and the World Tag Team Championship, but a singles World Championship has eluded him during his illustrious career.

At Royal Rumble, the “Rainbow-haired Warrior” could realize his lifelong dream when he faces Randy Orton for the WWE Championship.

Hardy earned the opportunity to face Orton with a career-defining victory over Triple H at Armageddon. Considered an upset by some experts, the win was nevertheless a career-defining moment for the Cameron, N.C., native. By defeating the 11-time World Champion and King of Kings, Hardy elevated himself to the upper echelon of WWE Superstars. He was now truly considered among the crème de la crème of athletes. WWE Championship opportunities have been few and far between for Hardy. He has plenty of championships in his trophy case, but he has never worn the WWE Championship. The Intercontinental Champion has admitted that his career will not feel complete with a singles World Championship.

Perhaps that desire – that need to make his career complete – has fueled Hardy’s incredible run over the last few months. Hardy is focused, hungry and ready to Swanton Bomb his place in history. That makes him a real threat to Orton’s title reign.

But taking the WWE Championship from Orton won’t be easy. The Legend Killer is as cold and sadistic as they come, and he becomes even more dangerous when someone tries to take away what he cherishes most, the WWE Championship. Orton has cemented his hold on the title in recent months, defeating all-time greats such as Triple H and Shawn Michaels and putting John Cena out of action. Though he possesses the gold, the Legend Killer is hungry and determined to forge his legacy and eliminate all threats to his reign.

In some ways, Orton vs. Hardy isn’t just about the WWE Championship; it’s about the future of WWE. Both are Superstars in the primes of their career, determined to build on their legacies. What will happen when they collide at Royal Rumble? The only way to find out is to check out Royal Rumble, live on pay-per-view on Sunday, Jan. 27.

 

[hbk&triple h]

This match is just going to be used to test if Jeff Hardy truly is main event material and nothing more than that. I don't really see this being that big of a feud. Just a little feud to pass some time. It won't be that great because Jeff Hardy isn't that great of a wrestler and Randy Orton can't caryy him. Plus, we have seen this match I don't know how many times on Raw, so this will be boring. But it is different from Triple H against Randy Orton for the bilionth time. I definitely see Randy Orton walking out of this match with his championship.

 

[SaSh]

So does this mean Batista vs Triple H is not happening anymore? I can't see Orton losing to Hardy at RR, so that would mean Orton would be going to WM as champion. Looks like a change of plans from WWE.

 

[SrWilson]

Anyone who thinks Jeff is walking out RR with the title is deluded.
I actually think HHH might come down and cost hardy the match, but if not then Orton will win clean with the RKO.
I think sadly hes a space filler like Holly was vs Brock "FINE AND DANDY" Lesnar.
Thats my opinion anyway and see how crowd reacts to him which I am sure will be a hell of alot better than Holly!

 

[karazmatic]

i can't believe you guys saying jeff isn't a good wrestler. of course he is or vince wouldn't of made him win that match against triple h. he wouldn't of made him be a four time wwe intercontental cahmpion would.

now back on to the subject i am a huge hardy fan( both hardyz) but i do think orton will get the win by that rule when both people are in the ring but are on the ground and get counted to ten. then jeff will ask for another title shot at no way out in a ladder match. then trips comes in and takes out hardy making orton win. then it will be a triple threat at mania with batista ( winning elimnation chamber) vs orton vs trips). making vince get both orton vs hhh and batista vs hhh

 

[joosh_7]

The only reason he won against HHH is so that Hardy could job to Orton for a while until WM when HHH or someone will take the title. If you didn't hear, the USA network want the title ON ORTON until WM at least and WWE wanted the title on HHH so expect to see him in the title picture during WM.

Anyway, Orton will easily win this and what should have been a good main event will be ruined.

 

[AnthonyMango/NoFate007]

Even though I'm not a big fan of Orton, and I like Hardy, I have to agree with the WWE that he's not ready for the top spot just yet. If he keeps working on it, I could see him getting the belt by Survivor Series. But he only has about a 1% chance of winning the title at the Royal Rumble.

 

[bioshock]

I agree this is nothing more then a test to see if Jeff Hardy is ready for the big time. Do I think he has a chance in hell of winning? No not in a million years, only way Hardy leaves the Rumble as the new WWE Champion is buy Orton being injured during the match. Heck even then I think Orton would still win injured. lol

Outcome? I see Hardy getting the win via DQ or countout, just so they can have one more match at No Way Out, or SNME if there there is one before WM24. Which I think would make for something like a street fight or something like that for NWO or SNME.

 

[Italian MVP]

Yeh i agree with most of you in saying that this is just a test for Jeff to see if he can handle the Main Event scene. I Think its guareenteed Orton will retain but it should be an entertaining match. It is somthing different than seeing HHH vs Orton all the time. Jeff will probably do a high flying move and Orton will do a super RKO for the victory. Will Jeff still be in the rumble match though?

 

[TheOneBigWill]

Will Jeff still be in the rumble match though?

I can't see why he would be. Normally the wrestlers involved in the Championship matches are NOT involved in the Royal Rumble. The only few times its happened, is when 'said' wrestler attacked another Rumble entrant & took his spot. (like Kurt Angle attacking, I think Scotty 2 Hotty)

As far as my take on this match. I think its simply a pass for Randy Orton to head on to Wrestlemania. I still can't see Randy as the type of heel to headline a World Championship match at a Mania, but theres no way Jeff Hardy would (at least in my opinion) be any better.

Jeff Hardy's Wrestlemania role will almost always be involved in some sort of ladder match, most likely once again with Money in the Bank match. Which, as far as that goes.. I could very likely see Jeff winning the MITB match, depending on how good the reaction goes for him in this match. If the reaction is good, then W.W.E. will put Hardy over with a MITB victory.. & allow him to become World Champion, likely during the slow time of the year.

 

[Billy mac]

This match is just going to be used to test if Jeff Hardy truly is main event material and nothing more than that.

Yea i have to agree with you, but what wouldnt surprise me is a hardy win n then at wrestlemania HHH v Hardy, yes i no Hardy is not really hyped but he has loads of experience remember hardy debuted 4 the wwe in 1993 now 14 years ago he debuted b4 hhh. but hardy has had troubles

i think that orton might drop the title here i hav been dissapointed by rkos title run, when he was numba 1 contenda 2 eminem (john cena) he was doin rkos on chairs on tables now he is gettin himself dq'd 4 da title.

i think hardy will win here he will then v hhh at wrestlemania n dnt be surprised if hhh is heel by then, n they did hype hardy up at cyber sunday, n now its his turn, n he wil win, n hold the title.

But wats guna hapen 2 da ic title.

billy
___________

this post made u REST...IN...PEACE

 

[TheOneBigWill]

Yea i have to agree with you, but what wouldnt surprise me is a hardy win n then at wrestlemania HHH v Hardy, yes i no Hardy is not really hyped but he has loads of experience remember hardy debuted 4 the wwe in 1993 now 14 years ago he debuted b4 hhh. but hardy has had troubles

i think that orton might drop the title here i hav been dissapointed by rkos title run, when he was numba 1 contenda 2 eminem (john cena) he was doin rkos on chairs on tables now he is gettin himself dq'd 4 da title.

i think hardy will win here he will then v hhh at wrestlemania n dnt be surprised if hhh is heel by then, n they did hype hardy up at cyber sunday, n now its his turn, n he wil win, n hold the title.

But wats guna hapen 2 da ic title.

billy

Billy, man I'm not meaning it in a bad or disrespectful way.. but buy a vow, or relearn the whole alphabet. Reading most of your posts is equal to a blind person running their hand through glass, then trying to read brail.

Now, to try & answer some of your questions through my own opinion..

Jeff Hardy, 14-15 yr. vet or not.. hasn't been the "Main Event" for a number of reasons. One being he simply isn't talented enough to maintain the audiences attention through a Main Event match. He's a gimmick king. The crowd will only & always love him, because he "kills" his body by taking major bumps.

The fact that Hardy has had major history with being on time & showing up also makes it hard for the company to put faith in him carrying "THE" main Championship of the company.

Regarding Randy Orton, the DQ ending to his match with Jericho was more J.B.L.'s fail than Orton's.

Finally, I seriously can't see Triple H. v. Jeff Hardy headlining Wrestlemania.. if it ever happens, W.W.E. has serious creative writing issues, because the match didn't even come close to headlining Armageddon.

 

[Billy mac]

Billy, man I'm not meaning it in a bad or disrespectful way.. but buy a vow, or relearn the whole alphabet. Reading most of your posts is equal to a blind person running their hand through glass, then trying to read brail.

mate oviously u havent got msn or anythin like that, its calld slang mate sumtimes ppl dnt hav time 2 do spell cheks kk.

yes jeff hardy hasnt been a main eventer but he had the experience 2 be a main eventer if he didnt hav drug problems.

i totally agree, hardy n hhh wont headline mania but mate from the wwe's eyes anything is possible.

yes it was jbls fault but u rekon wwe cud of stuk it out n really make jericho the saviour but seriously i rekon those 2 months of save us videos was a waste of time.

billy

 

[Riddler Phoenix]

Jeff won't win the wwe title at RR. However, i disagree with you all about Hardy being talented. You want a superstar without talent, look at Mark Henry, or the Great Khali. Neither of them could do shit in that ring, and if it weren't for their size, Hardy would wipe the floor with them. But let's not forget that even these untalented spacefillers get pushes. Khali was world champ, unfortunately. So i think it's a matter of time before Hardy has the title, but it definitely won't be walking into Mania

As far as the IC title, they need to take it off him if they want his push to work. I think it holds him back. They should give it to someone that needs it, like Carlito.

 

[TheOneBigWill]

mate oviously u havent got msn or anythin like that, its calld slang mate sumtimes ppl dnt hav time 2 do spell cheks kk.

Actually, I do have MSN.. & somehow I manage to type & spell as correctly as I can. I guess I'm just odd & weird to take the proper amount of time to not break keys off my keyboard, to save time..

yes jeff hardy hasnt been a main eventer but he had the experience 2 be a main eventer if he didnt hav drug problems.

Thats not exactly it, through my eyes. His drug issues have kept him from becoming a solid wrestler through storylines.. because you can't place faith & dedication in someone who can't follow the rules.

But to me, its all a matter of talent, mic ability & passion. Jeff Hardy doesn't so great skills in any of the three. The man has tons of charisma, but his wrestling skills are confusing to most average fans. Many take big bumps for "technical" ability. And mic. skills aren't completely key, as superstars like Brock Lesnar, Bobby Lashley & even Batista have all sucked on the mic.. but become World Champions.. however, they try their hardest to show passion within their promos.. Jeff just fails at making me believe he's "into it."

i totally agree, hardy n hhh wont headline mania but mate from the wwe's eyes anything is possible.

Again, I think you're confusing W.W.E.'s theory of "anything being possible" to what the rest of the world would consider "anything" to be. Through OUR eyes.. anything is "anything." Through W.W.E.'s eyes.. "anything" is "only what they want to happen."

yes it was jbls fault but u rekon wwe cud of stuk it out n really make jericho the saviour but seriously i rekon those 2 months of save us videos was a waste of time.

billy

The "Save_Us" videos weren't a waste.. granted I think they went on way too long. But what did you expect W.W.E. to do? Chris Jericho JUST returned, & giving him the World Championship would be awful through the eyes of seeing how glorious the World Title is. If its just randomly given to any returning Superstar, especially one that hasn't been there for what, 2 years? Then its not worthy to consider it a World title.

And before you try to compare the two.. Edge unjustly was stripped of the World title because of injuries. Jericho left the company because he was burnt out. I hardly think giving the Main Championship to a guy that JUST came back from being "burnt out" is hardly the right thing to do.

 

[Marquis]

I don't see hardy picking up the victory here. Orton will probably DQ since its so popular in wwe now indays and feud with jeff till who ever wins the rumble picks up the belt at wm.

 

[playground8]

I agree with you guys, Jeff won't get te title until after mania. He'll win the mitb match for sure, and he WILL eventualy be the champ which i think is a good thing.

His mic skills, have improved a lot, i was impressed on raw with the Vince mini-angle.
He can give a way more entertaining main event than a lot of the guys at the top (Batista, Cena, Lashley, Khali, Henry, RKO, Umaga), i actually see him carrying this guys throughout matches any time.

So WWE wants to go for Batista vs HHH vs RKO for the 100th time, fine, but Hardy's on his way to that spot.

About the IC title, i think it's great he's still got it, back in the day (attitude era), the guy carrying the IC title was really close to the main event. It meant something to have that title cuz the next step was the big one. So i wouldn't give it to some mid-carder just yet (Carlito, Umaga). Let's bring some worth back to the IC title.

 

[johncenalover23]

Jeff is good as the IC Champ and I think they should keep him thatt because he carries it well. I think Triple H or HBK should go for the WWE Title and not let jeff win the title cause it wouldn't fit him well and if he ever did lose the ic title I hope it goes to a good superstar like kennedy or marella even though I don't like them, but they are really good wrestlers.

 

[ABS]

Guys Jeff jsut beat the best int his buisness Triple H not everyone gets the chance to , you think he will jsut walk away the loser of this match and just have his chance like a few months later ? Then why have him beat HHH now and not at that time ? Probably at that time people will forget he beat HHH and thus making him beat HHH a use-less win wich didn't have much purpose. Triple H was the final push he needed. So don't be shocked if Hardy walked away with the Champ at the Rumble and if he didnt he will some how be involved in the Champion ship scene up until he wins it. He might even be in the Champion ship in Maniain a triple threat match. So guys be ready to see Jreff being champ somewere from here till backlash.

 

[theoptimusman]

Orton will get the clean win....which will lead to Hardy going into denial...but returning after maybe 2-4 weeks with a huge pop and possibly jumping into the title scene after Backlash ! As for this current moment....It is a mere test of strengths !

Orton wins with some sort of high flying hardy move into an RKO.

OPT

 

[karazmatic]

Actually, I do have MSN.. & somehow I manage to type & spell as correctly as I can. I guess I'm just odd & weird to take the proper amount of time to not break keys off my keyboard, to save time..



Thats not exactly it, through my eyes. His drug issues have kept him from becoming a solid wrestler through storylines.. because you can't place faith & dedication in someone who can't follow the rules.

But to me, its all a matter of talent, mic ability & passion. Jeff Hardy doesn't so great skills in any of the three. The man has tons of charisma, but his wrestling skills are confusing to most average fans. Many take big bumps for "technical" ability. And mic. skills aren't completely key, as superstars like Brock Lesnar, Bobby Lashley & even Batista have all sucked on the mic.. but become World Champions.. however, they try their hardest to show passion within their promos.. Jeff just fails at making me believe he's "into it."



Again, I think you're confusing W.W.E.'s theory of "anything being possible" to what the rest of the world would consider "anything" to be. Through OUR eyes.. anything is "anything." Through W.W.E.'s eyes.. "anything" is "only what they want to happen."



The "Save_Us" videos weren't a waste.. granted I think they went on way too long. But what did you expect W.W.E. to do? Chris Jericho JUST returned, & giving him the World Championship would be awful through the eyes of seeing how glorious the World Title is. If its just randomly given to any returning Superstar, especially one that hasn't been there for what, 2 years? Then its not worthy to consider it a World title.

And before you try to compare the two.. Edge unjustly was stripped of the World title because of injuries. Jericho left the company because he was burnt out. I hardly think giving the Main Championship to a guy that JUST came back from being "burnt out" is hardly the right thing to do.

do you just love to argue. man you don't care about any one except for canadians. but mainly edge. edge is good but i don't think he deserves the title more than hardy. heck why give the title to edge only to loose it back to taker. it would be more pointless than having ortons one month reign in 2004.

gee's just give some love to other deserving superstars

 

[Shocky]

do you just love to argue. man you don't care about any one except for canadians. but mainly edge. edge is good but i don't think he deserves the title more than hardy. heck why give the title to edge only to loose it back to taker. it would be more pointless than having ortons one month reign in 2004.

gee's just give some love to other deserving superstars

Edge doesn't deserve the title more then Jeff Hardy, I just spit coffee everywhere. Let's not look past that everytime they have been in the ring together, Edge has made both of the Hardy's look like his bitch in the ring. Whether it be a spot monkey fest at Wrestlemania, or Edge making Matt Hardy look incredibly weak in their feud during 2005. Edge is where he is at because he is the most over heel in the company, if not the most over star in the company. Why give the belt to Edge just to lose it to Taker, um because Edge has been a thorn in the Undertaker's side for the better part of a year, it builds up for a huge Title vs. Streak match at Wrestlemania, and the two have never had a main event level feud, something you can't really say anymore with regards to the Undertaker.

Now onto topic. I for one am glad to see Jeff Hardy get this push, just so I don't have to listen to his fans bitch and moan about Jeff Hardy not getting a push. This is simply a filler feud. The Royal Rumble Title matches are always dull and simply use filler guys to see if they are worth a damn. These matches usually have low expectations because everyone is paying to see the rumble, not bad title matches.

Last year we had Umaga, which has turned into a gem of sorts, and Kennedy, which proved he wasn't ready for the main event spotlight. Two years ago you had Edge, which that worked, and Mark Henry, not so well. Guys like Test, Bob Holly, and Mark Henry shouldn't be anywhere near a title match on pay per view, that is why they have these matches at the Royal Rumble, they are disposable and no one wants to see them in the Rumble.

This is why Hardy is in this spot. He isn't a proven main eventer, he's barely a proven mid carder. He spends most of the match flopping around like a fish out of water. His matches are distracting and have zero psychology about them. It's just a bunch of random moves thrown together to get a cheap pop from the crowd. I have a feeling Hardy, much like his brother Matt, is going to melt wants the main event spotlight shines on him.

 

[TheOneBigWill]

do you just love to argue. man you don't care about any one except for canadians. but mainly edge.

Thats actually not true. Shawn Michaels happens to be my all-time favorite wrestler. And while Edge is definately a strong 1A caliber wrestler to me as well, he will always rank slightly beneath H.B.K.

Now that being said. I'm not even "arguing" I'm "debating" & if you can't deal with it, don't post. I find it funny when people want to argue my opinion & tell me to "accept" what everyone else has to say.. when those same people apparently can't even "accept" what my own opinion is.

edge is good but i don't think he deserves the title more than hardy. heck why give the title to edge only to loose it back to taker. it would be more pointless than having ortons one month reign in 2004.

I think C.A. explained it best.. but more or less, Edge v. Undertaker will single-handedly sell Wrestlemania 24. Both are "undefeated" at Wrestlemania, or at least I'm sure they'll be billed that way. Edge is a Champion.. Taker is a challenger.. they're headed head-on & what better stage than Wrestlemania to have them collide?

Let me guess, you'd rather see Batista v. Undertaker 4907807 at Wrestlemania? Or perhaps, Jeff Hardy v. Undertaker? Let me explain what would happen to Jeff Hardy if he went toe-to-toe with Undertaker at Wrestlemania.. he'd be flattened within the first 10 minutes, & Taker's streak would continue going on. At least with Edge, it gives the general impression that it could be in serious danger of ending. (And I dare you to tell me its not, then if it happens, show your face around here afterward)

I'm NOT saying Edge "will" defeat Undertaker.. but I am saying I definately believe he, more than anyone else has the greatest chance to do so.

gee's just give some love to other deserving superstars

What makes Jeff Hardy deserving? What has he done? Edge has carried both the Raw & Smackdown brands on his back as their Champion.. Jeff Hardy barely holds on to the Intercontinental Championship & thats only because noone else on the mid-card level is truly deserving to take it from him.. yet.

Finally, don't misunderstand me. I (like everyone else) LOVE that Jeff Hardy is getting this chance. But I don't believe it'd last, or even work. Jeff lacks a lot of things, & he's mainly just one big demolition derby/bump fest waiting to happen. If it wasn't for his "caution to the wind" attitude.. I guarantee you he wouldn't even be where he is, right now.

 

[Steamboat Ricky]

I'm going to go out on a limb and agree with everyone else: Jeff won't win. I'm not sure why everyone thinks Jeff is so over right now. I haven't watched RAW yet this week, but the reaction to his win at Armageddon was kind of ordinary if you ask me.


But I predict that we will see a continuation of the "boyhood dream" of Jeff Hardy angle. It worked well for HBK, and the underdog story is something that will never go out of style. I see Jeff getting the strap at Summerslam if he performs well against Orton.

 

[nyr1135]

well man i suggest u watch this weeks RAW. the crowd went nuts when hardy hit the swanton and got the pin.

i also agree that hardy wont win at the rumble. i just saw on wrestlezone then a source believes that hardy wont be keeping his number 1 contendership for much longer. i hope this is not true and hardy gets the chance to prove that he can handle it in the main event.