Orton’s announcement sends shockwaves through Raw
By Anthony Cali
November 22, 2004

BUFFALO, NY – Upon hearing Randy Orton’s shocking announcement at the conclusion of Raw, the atmosphere backstage at the HSBC Arena became chaotic.

Every Superstar within listening distance of a monitor rushed towards the entrance way in a frenzy. Their chance had come. Their prayers had been answered. Next week on Raw, every Raw Superstar (with the exception of Orton) will be involved in an over-the-top-rope Battle Royal, and the winner of the unique contest will walk away the World Heavyweight Champion.

In his nine title reigns, Triple H has fought off some worthy competition. He’s even been victorious after fending off several challengers at a time, but never, in the history of WWE has a champion been in a more precarious situation. In order to retain his title, The Game will have to fend off close to twenty five very capable challengers.

“I’ve concentrated on being a tag team specialist,” Robert Conway told WWE.com, “but a chance like this doesn’t come every day. Sylvain and I may work together and watch each other’s backs for some of the contest, but when push comes to shove, if I have to throw his @$$ over the top, to win, I will, because that title belongs to me.”

“This is awesome,” Christian said with a grin. “I mean, I’ve worked so hard for a World Heavyweight Title shot, and next week, will be the culmination of that dream. Nobody deserves this more than me. The peeps and I are going to be celebrating all night long.”

With the stakes at an all-time high, it is certain that both rivalries and alliances will be put aside. And with fellow Evolution members Ric Flair & Batista involved in the fracas, also vying for the ultimate prize in the business, things could get very interesting. Will Flair look to capture that record breaking 17th World Title, or might the monster Batista decide that his time to run with the ball is now?

One Superstar to keep an eye on is Chris Benoit, especially considering how in January of this year, “the Crippler” outlasted 29 other Superstars in an hour-plus Royal Rumble contest, even after entering number-one. Can lightening strike twice, or will gargantuans like Gene Snitsky, Viscera and Rosey prove to be too much mass to remove from the ring? Also, after months of complaining, perhaps Edge will make the most of the opportunity, or maybe a Stevie Richards, Maven, Christian, Val Venis, or Eugene will be in the headlines next Tuesday morning.

Should one of these twenty-plus challengers win the contest, it will mean that Orton’s no championship clause will be null and void, freeing up the “Legend Killer” to refocus on the World Heavyweight Championship he lost at Unforgiven in September.

“I really don’t care who wins,” Orton revealed moments after returning to the backstage area. “I know I can beat anyone on the Raw roster if given the opportunity. And if Triple H out of the title picture, I’ll finally have my chance to regain what I never should have lost in the first place – the World Heavyweight Championship.”

Be sure to tune in to Raw this Monday (9PM Eastern/ 8PM Central) to see for yourself who has what it takes to become the next World Heavyweight Champion.

Credit: WWE.com