We head backstage to see Samoa Joe be interviewed. Joe is asked if Reigns is rattled and he says yes, Reigns is a man who has lost a step, who can’t pull out the win on the big stage. Joe says tonight Reigns will open his eyes and see him above him. Tonight he turns the big dog into a whimpering puppy.
Back live and out comes the future Hall of Famer, Randy Orton. It’s been ten years since we last saw Randy Orton take on the current US Champion…
WWE United States Championship Match
(C) Jeff Hardy Vs. Randy Orton
Maybe it’s just me, but Orton looks like he’d rather be anywhere else tonight. They lock up, shoot to the ropes, and Hardy knocks Orton down with a running shoulder tackle. Hardy applies a waistlock but Orton counters with a back elbow and knocks Hardy down for a two count. Jeff sends Randy out of the ring, then hits a running dropkick through the ropes and a clothesline off of the apron.
Orton gets threw into the ring but when Jeff looks to climb back in he eats a perfect dropkick. Orton drops Jeff onto the barricade multiple times before heading back inside. Hardy goes up for Whisper in the Wind, but Orton pushes him off the turnbuckle and he falls into the tree of woe, where Orton unleashes some kicks. Back outside the ring and Hardy hits poetry in motion off the steps to knock Orton into the barricade. Hardy attempts a springboard and Orton nails him with another dropkick to send him crashing into the floor. The Viper goes outside and drops Hardy across the barricade three times. He brings Jeff back into the ring and slows the pace down. Orton grounds Jeff with a headlock.
Jeff catches Orton with an atomic drop, low blow leg drop and dropkick for another two count. Hardy avoids an RKO attempt, but Orton comes back connecting with his snap powerslam for a two count. Hardy misses his corner dropkick when Orton moves. Orton drops Hardy with his DDT off the ropes. Hardy connects with a Twist of Fate and then a Swanton Bomb for the win.
Winner: Jeff Hardy
I thought that was a decent match, despite Orton’s lack of motivation. I’d like to see the feud continue.
