The following is from WWE.com:
Title Turmoil
April 7, 2008
Randy Orton has reigned as WWE Champion since October 2007. Nonetheless, his victory in the Triple Threat Match at WrestleMania XXIV over John Cena and Triple H was nothing if not surprising.
Pundits had dismissed his chances of emerging victorious as less than 1-in-5. Yet there he was on Raw last Monday night holding the title aloft for all to see. While there’s little doubt that both Cena and The Game have designs to recapture the gold from the Legend Killer, Orton also seems to have picked up another two more possible contenders for the throne: JBL and a resurgent Matt Hardy.
JBL confronted the reigning WWE Champion and, in typical Layfield fashion, made no bones about his intentions to gun for the title. For his part, Hardy returned to Raw last Monday seeking revenge for a punt to the head that Orton delivered to him shortly after his appendix surgery. In a match between Orton and Hardy, the Legend Killer came out on top that night, but it’s unlikely that anyone has heard the last of Hardy.
Can Orton really fend off every Superstar he has gunning for him? Is the “Age of Orton” on borrowed time?
And how exactly will Shawn Michaels respond after the roller coaster ride of emotion he’s been on recently? First, he ends the career of his dear friend, Ric Flair, at WrestleMania, then, the following night, Flair forgives him for sending him into retirement.
Exactly how spent is The Showstopper, and how much will it affect him in the ring?
In other Raw action, Santino Marella just can’t seem to let go of his ex-girlfriend, Maria. The Italian Stallion felt the need last Monday night to challenge Maria to an Anything Goes Match, thinking he could exact some measure of revenge for their split. Unfortunately for Marella, the Playboy cover girl was fueled by anger, and with the rest of WWE’s gorgeous Divas fueled by Santino’s big mouth, it was the Italian export who found himself on the losing end of a bunny beat down.
After suffering the ultimate humiliation at the manicured hands of Maria and the Divas, have we heard the last of the jealous ex, or will the Italian Stallion be back for more?
Don’t miss Raw Monday night at 9/8 CT on USA Network to see what happens.
 |
 |
 |
||
 |
 |
 |