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» prologue; P R O V I N G • A L L • O R • N O T H I N G • W A S • N O • F L U K E«

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One could say the year of 2008 could be called the Year of Orton. After perhaps one of the most embarrassing and terrible starts of a career in 2007, that was highlighted only by a short Mid-South Heavyweight title reign Orton had done nothing, in a long time. He had watched as guys like Chris Jericho, Robert Roode, John Cena, and John Morrison all came into there own doing things that just didn’t seen possible. Whether it be going undefeated for nine matches in a row, to finally winning the Heavyweight title, to dominating his division. But there he sat on the sideline given very many chances and failing at them all. He was made fun of, disrespected, and was expected to never accomplish anything. He had progressed slower then guys who had joined half a year later then him. But in 2008 he broke out, starting out on a role and that led to two Television title reigns and one World Tag Team title reign. However nothing was more significant then the winning of his next title the WWE Heavyweight title, which he won at Road 2 Stardom II, when he defeated then champion Robert Roode. It was his career goal achieved but it ended far too soon when at All or Nothing II, he was defeated by Christian Cage. Then he did the unthinkable he defeated Christian Cage at Breaking Point II, making him a two time Heavyweight champion and bringing his career list to six title reigns. But that was not enough for Orton because ever since winning the Television title he has had higher and higher expectations. And after winning six belts and being the current Heavyweight champion, you’d think it might be enough. But for Orton he has one goal, to surpass guys like John Cena, Robert Roode, and Chris Jericho as the greatest of all time. Through out 2008 he has shown that goal loud and clear defeating some of the best but still he drives on trying to become the best. Now with 2008 coming to an end he faces a new challenge. Since the first days of his Heavyweight title reign one thing has become common, betrayal. And lately Orton has been the one feeling the wrath of his own actions. As his protégé Cody Rhodes first betrayed him three weeks ago, followed up by his best friend Edge betraying him the next week with a Spear. Both of them wanted one thing Orton’s Heavyweight title. Meanwhile as he had problems with his team he aligned himself with No Limits Champion, Triple H reforming Evolution leading to the announcement of Edge and Cody Rhodes versus Triple H and Randy Orton for both the No Limits and Heavyweight titles at Day of Reckoning. But on the very last Showdown of the year Orton attacked back taking out Rhodes thanks to a little devious, Trish Stratus seduction. However that was nothing compared to the beating Evolution gave Edge after a loss to Raven that left him out of the main event at Day of Reckoning being replaced by young gun Sterling James Keenan. So now it will the veterans in Triple H and Randy Orton carrying there gold high into the ring against young guns Cody Rhodes and Sterling James Keenan. With both titles on the line will we see Evolution continue there dominance or will the young guns get there first taste of big time gold?

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» scene.two; E R A S I N G • F R I E N D S «

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We head out to the parking lot behind the KeyArena in Seattle, Washington where inside the people are getting ready for WWE’s final PPV of the year. The camera focuses on the entrance to the parking lot where after a few seconds a long stretch black limo pulls up stopping. The driver steps out of the car walks around to the door in the back. He opens it up and after just a few seconds Trish Stratus steps out of the car brushing her hands down her tight black dress. She takes a few steps her heels clicking as she does, and then Randy Orton follows her out of the limo wearing a fly tux. Orton has his Heavyweight title over his shoulder as he walks over to Trish putting his arm around her.

» legend.killer; RANDY ORTON “Head out, I’ll call when we need you.”

Orton watches the driver head into the car and head off before looking down at his girlfriend smiling.

» the.jezebel; TRISH STRATUS “God we need to fire him, he is so annoying. I can’t think of anyone more annoying then that.”

Trish rolls her eyes as the couple heads towards the arena but are cut off by Todd Grisham. Trish looks at Orton with a nasty look on her face.

» the.jezebel; TRISH STRATUS “Forgot about him.”

Trish turns to Todd with the same nasty look as Todd gasps a few times having run over here as soon as he heard that the Heavyweight champion had arrived. Todd ignores Trish’s comment not knowing what she means to ask the champion a question.

» wwe.interviewer; TODD GRISHAM “Randy, Randy I just wanted to see if I could get a few questions about tonight’s huge show at Day of Reckoning, more importantly your huge main event match where both the No Limits and Heavyweight title will be on the line.”

Todd struggles between words breathing but making his point as Orton shrugs and nods.

» legend.killer; RANDY ORTON “Why not. However you’ll do it as I head inside because Trish and I want to head into our lockeroom.”

Trish nudges Orton with her elbow not wanting to be around Todd at all but Orton just looks at her stubbornly and leading her inside with Todd standing right beside him.

» wwe.interviewer; TODD GRISHAM “Well I’d like to start first of all with your attack on Edge a week ago on RAW. We know it took him out of this Day of Reckoning main event, but there have been some murmurs that it may have been career ending. We know Edge Speared you the week before but to take it to that limit, it seems almost too much?”

Todd looks up at Orton seeming almost intimidated asking him a question that contradicts his actions and his feelings are confirmed as Orton looks down at him anger in his eyes as he answers the questions.

» legend.killer; RANDY ORTON “Todd it goes like this, if you get punched do you punch back? Of course you do! That’s what happened to me with Edge. I felt like this was the one man, in this business who I could trust. You may not have seen it, but we were best friends. I let that men come into my house and eat dinner with Trish and I. I let him do that, I let him come over to my house Todd. We had a bond we were the best of friends. I brought that man from being at the bottom all the way to the top. And I even ended his career long title drought by GIVING him the WWE World Tag Team titles. But was that enough no? The man I thought had my back had his own agenda. He had been begging for a World title shot and Heavyweight title shot for months. Did I think much of it? No. I figured he was just vying for a change to Smackdown so he could get the World title. But no the man was working behind my back. And that’s why when he gave me that Spear it was over. He had officially proclaimed one thing and one thing only. He was no longer going to be a part of Rated RKOdes and he was going to go solo, go by himself. And well Todd I did what I did for a reason. Because I had to fight back, you see because nobody embarrasses me on my show. And Edge did just that by taking that cheap shot with a Spear. But yet some how through all this, I come off as the bad guy? Now how exactly does that work, I mean if you and these people think it’s ok to cheap shot the man that resurrected your career, if you think it’s ok to take somebody out the way he did, then so be it. Because in my books what he did was a cheap shot, he tricked me into thinking that he had my back. Basically Edge was using me to get to the top. And Edge that just doesn’t sit well with me and that’s why I took him out, because nobody betrays me. I did what I had to, to get the job done. So now the man that betrayed me has been taken out of the equation. Because any man that needs to ride someone else’s coattails to the top doesn’t belong in this business. What Edge thought was that he could get into the Heavyweight title race by taking me out, but that doesn’t happen. You have to earn your way into it, just like I did. And that’s why I actually hope its career ending. Because with Edge the desire and heart is not there, and really he just tries to take shortcuts any time he can. For a man that fought nearly two years to get where I am now, I am not going to let that happen. And that’s why I do hope that Edge never comes back because it will just be another career killed by Randy Orton, and Evolution. Because Edge is nothing to me and I actually consider him lucky because that beating was only half of what I had planned to give him, luckily he is now out of the main event and sitting at home watching it on TV. And you know whats even better Todd?”

Todd shakes his head no as they reach the door to the arena as Orton opens it up for Trish to walk through then walking in himself leaving Todd to scramble through and back beside them waiting for Orton to continue as they starts to walk around backstage.

» legend.killer; RANDY ORTON “I killed that little dream of his. I killed the little goal he had to finally get that Heavyweight title, to finally get that first taste of singles gold. But instead when his career is over as I so expect it to be. Well he will end that career as nothing more then a World Tag Team champion that only won the title because his leader laid down for him. And now you see that Edge is nothing but a phony. He wanted to go solo; he wanted to be his own man well you have to learn to fight like a man. And if my attack was any more of a cheap shot then his, I don’t see how so. But Todd its plain and simple Edge went from on top of the world to being taken out just like that. He went from main eventing Day of Reckoning to sitting at home icing his head. All because he couldn’t know his place. He thought he was the next big thing around here, and sure he was decent. But he would never have done anything more then win the Transatlantic title and that would have been with me getting him the match in the first place. But you see all I did was do what I do best. I crushed his hopes and dreams; I killed his heart with so little that was there was in the first place. But regardless if you are thinking I might show remorse for my actions? Thinking that maybe I feel bad about all this that I did to Edge? Trust me remorse doesn’t even enter on the subject. Because quite frankly I don’t need to be remorseful for this. He was the one who struck first with that very big cheap shot. And that’s why I don’t care that I killed his dream to one day be a big time champion. You see he doesn’t have the heart, the ability, or anything else needed to win that belt. And taking him out of this match though maybe it wasn’t needed because if you think I fear him, think again. This was not about Day of Reckoning, this was just revenge. Revenge against a man who led me to believe I could trust him with my life only to betray me at the first site of a chance at my belt. But if you think I need him think again.”

The three turn the corner as Orton again breaks into talk more about Edge.

» legend.killer RANDY ORTON “Because Edge didn’t do anything for me. I carried Edge around; he didn’t do a damn thing to help me back. All I wanted was to know that he had my back and that he would be there if I ever need him. But instead he just wanted more and more, using me to propel his career. But I will say this I won’t miss him one bit, because I don’t need him. Because I have everything I need, I have everything possible. And I didn’t need him to do it, and that goes for Cody Rhodes to. Because I have done all this by myself I won the Heavyweight title and every other title before I had anybody! Although I did have a bit of help getting this baby back.”

Orton taps his Heavyweight title looking down at Trish who gives Todd an arrogant smirk taking in the compliment as Orton continues.

» legend.killer; RANDY ORTON “You see Todd for people to even assume that Rated RKOdes was the reason I won the Heavyweight title that’s a travesty. If I remember correctly they had nothing to do with the matter. But the fact remains that stage of my life has ended. I don’t even look back on what could have been because the potential with those two wasn’t exactly too high where as the potential for me is well never-ending. Because if you haven’t noticed I have been slowly showing that I can continue getting better even when it seems like I have reached my summit. I feel like I haven’t even reached my prime yet, I haven’t even come close to the very best I can be. I mean it’s been two years and I went from chump to six time champ. And if you think that’s the most I can do that’s a record and I am not even at my best. Six titles and I haven’t even come within half of my potential. And that’s why I no longer need Cody Rhodes and Edge because I felt like I needed to help someone else, but why should I? If they aren’t going to make me any better, help me out, then why should I. So that’s why I don’t need them any longer. From here on out it will be Randy Orton, with his lovely girlfriend Trish Stratus alongside him. And then we have the chapter of my career, my new team. With Rated RKOdes thrown in the trash we have created a stronger, better, and even more powerful alliance including Trish and I, and of course Triple H and ‘Smackdown General Manager’ Stephanie McMahon. Now Todd I know you don’t know all that much about power but even you can see that we have quite a bit. So yeah we put everyone on notice a couple weeks ago and if they didn’t hear, well maybe that attack Edge will refresh there memory a little bit. Maybe that will show everyone just how dangerous, we truly are. Because with Trish’s tricks, Stephanie’s position of authority, Triple H’s talent, and my brains well it just goes to show that sometimes things can be perfect. And that’s why I am glad to turn over from Rated RKOdes to Evolution because at least in one of these I am not caring anybody. This is more of a team effort, he controls Smackdown and I continue my dominance over here on Showdown. We don’t have a true leader but as Heavyweight champion, you know you could give me that moniker. But with Evolution you will see us take over, I will dominate as I always do on Showdown, and Triple H will dominate over on Smackdown. Because you see Todd there’s not a damn person that can stop us, nobody can beat Evolution.”

Right then the couple stops at a door in the backstage area with Todd quickly realizing and stops with them. The camera zooms up on the name on the door reading simply ‘Evolution’. Orton opens the door for Trish heading in letting Todd get the door for himself. They walk inside with the camera following them, there in the lockeroom looking through a bad with his own tuxedo on similar to Orton’s, Triple H stands there looking through his bag with his No Limits title over his shoulder. Triple H looks up looking at Todd looking a little annoyed that he is here.

» the.game; TRIPLE H “Why bring this problem to me?”

Orton grins looking at Todd who stands there acting as if he doesn’t care as Triple H walks over to Orton and the two exchange in a handshake.

» legend.killer; RANDY ORTON “If it’s my problem it’s the whole team’s problem, I figured you could give me a little break from this nut.”

Orton looks over at Todd as Trish walks off behind Orton and Triple H looking around for something as Orton speaks with assertiveness at Todd.

» legend.killer; RANDY ORTON “Shoot.”

Todd clears his throat apparently a little nervous around these two individuals as Orton and Triple H wait getting a little angry.

» wwe.interviewer; TODD GRISHAM “Well something tats been on my mind for awhile was, why exactly the two of you started this little group, Evolution back up?”

Todd smiles as Orton and Triple H both motion for the other to go ahead and answer but Triple H reluctantly answers mouthing “You got the next one” to Orton as he turns to Todd.

» the.game; TRIPLE H “First of all Todd, I don’t think there is anything little about this group. You are looking at greatness and you have the nerve to call us little? Well Todd you’re too weak for me to even care about, but here’s the scoop. Todd we recreated Evolution because fate brought us together, perhaps destiny as Orton would say brought us together. If it hadn’t been for Trish and Stephanie little kiss and make up session would that have brought us back together? No, but instead here we stand again together for that reason. Now sure we were a little reluctant to rejoin, because it’s no secret that Randy and I haven’t had the most friendly times together. But we both saw a chance to continue our dominance only now together. Because in the long haul, one is great but two is better. And together it makes us all the more dominant, and coming from a No Limits and Heavyweight Champion, dominance is basically our middle name. So now you will all get to see us continue to grow, ready to take over WWE once and for all. Because if there’s one thing that Evolution goes hand and hand with that is success. And that’s something Orton and I cherish quite a bit, so Todd that’s the simple reason. You see because we can’t get enough success we each want more, and together we will achieve that. Me on RAW and Randy on Smackdown, together ruling our respected shows. That’s why you will see Evolution continue its dominance, because that’s what we do. And these title belts are two of the biggest in WWE, with me currently holding the No Limits until I get my much deserved World title shot, and Orton with his Heavyweight title over on Showdown. We are here to dominate, and that’s why we rejoined in the first place.”

Todd shakes his head but Orton quickly cuts him off to say his own little piece.

» legend.killer; RANDY ORTON “Now I know you may not know what we are talking about Todd seeing as you are the last person I would come to, about success. After all you do hold a mic for a living, that’s nice right?”

Orton smirks giving Todd a sarcastic pat on the back as Trish walks out of the bathroom walking over to Triple H’s side.

» the.jezebel; TRISH STRATUS “Hey Trips, where’s Stephanie?”

Triple H rubs his chin for a second thinking then answering quickly.

» the.game; TRIPLE H “She’s out doing something for RAW, so yeah she won’t be back for a bit.”

Trish groans and moves over to Orton’s side to be able to see whats happening with the interview as the three wait for there next question.

» wwe.interviewer; TODD GRISHAM “I just thought I’d ask you about the prospect of say you two swapping belts, or perhaps losing your belts entirely tonight.”

Orton and Triple H look at each other with a little bit of tension in the air as Orton turns to answer the question. » legend.killer; RANDY ORTON “You honestly think that we are going to lose our belts? You think Cody Rhodes that no name they grabbed as his partner have the slightest chance in hell of beating us? Todd if this was a fairy tale maybe they would. If this was a book that ended with “And then he rode off happily ever after” maybe that could happen. But this is not some little story book of a fairy tale. This is wrestling where the impossible is nothing. But really anything is possible so yeah they do have lot one in a million chance of winning. I mean who knows Triple H and I could both coincidentally twist our ankles or something, then hurt our knees, and then get both arms broken. I mean there is that chance for those guys but really the chances are very, very slim. And the chances that they take these belts from us Todd, you can consider unlikely. Because they just don’t stack up, we are much more superior leaving it to me, to think that there chances aren’t exactly too high in my eyes. And this won’t be one of those little underdog stories because in those stories the men that overcame the odds usually had a little bit of credibility no matter how small it was. But with Rhodes and this nobody the credibility is just not there. I don’t fear them and I don’t honestly see them as a threat to our titles. Because I don’t see this being really a worthy match up for the two of us at Day of Reckoning. I mean after all it’s a main event, of the last show of two thousand and eight. You’d think ICW would end it with a bang but instead we get this little easy match up? I mean really its fine with me after all; I always love a match that doesn’t involve much effort. But I mean this belongs more on the lower card. However it is the official in ring return of Evolution, so I guess that is a reason for the fans to watch. But Todd to answer your question no we are not worried, about losing our belts.”

Orton and Triple H nod as Todd gives off an eerie look to the duo, bouncing back with a comment.

» wwe.interviewer; TODD GRISHAM “What about the other half of the comment, what if the two of you end up exchanging titles? What if you end up having to do that, you didn’t quite answer that.”

Orton stares at Todd the tension still floating in the air as Triple H snaps back at Todd with fury in his voice.

» the.game; TRIPLE H “Todd I believe the man just answered that did he not? He answered the question so hurry up and move on. You know unlike you Evolution have things to do. In case you forgot we are wrestling in the main event tonight, so yeah let’s hurry it up. And pay attention so you don’t miss the answer.”

Todd seems a bit confused but none the less carries on with the interview asking the next question hesitantly.

» wwe.interviewer; TODD GRISHAM “The last time the two of you were together well you ended up breaking up because of what many would say too big of ego’s colliding, whose to say that, that won’t happen again?”

Orton and Triple H look at each other deciding who will answer this but instead Trish steps up to answer.

» the.jezebel; TRISH STRATUS “That was then Todd this is now. As you can perhaps see with those four eyes of yours, these two have become more intelligent, mature, and also better friends. You see things change, people change. And the jealousy between these two are none existent any longer. Besides they are both on separate shows after all with Triple H over on Warzone and Randy on Showdown. They now have the same goals, yet different ones as well. Both are heading in the same yet different ways. We have a team goal then a singles goal, that’s why I think these two will be fine.”

Orton looks at Trish nodding his head as Triple H goes to put his two cents in on the matter as well.

» the.game; TRIPLE H “Before it was all about ourselves and not the team. But now with how dominate we now have the ability to manage two things at once. Our own careers, and then the teams. That’s why we will be fine, and that’s why we will win at Day of Reckoning. Evolution isn’t a matter of four guys trying to do whats best for themselves; it’s now two guys doing whats best for themselves as well as the team. This is a team and as a team we will work great together.”

Orton looks back at Triple H nodding agreeing with Triple H then finally throwing in his opinion as well.

» legend.killer; RANDY ORTON “Besides it wasn’t our ego’s that caused us to disband, oh no. It was simply put, a battle with two men going after the same belt. Now last I checked any team would disband doing that. R-Cage-O, Rated RKOdes, and just about any team you can ever remember disbanded because the two, three, or however many guys were in the group wanted the same thing. We wanted the same belt, but now the goals have changed. The way I see it, Triple H is worthy of the World title over there on Warzone and I am obviously already the Heavyweight champion over here. I mean he doesn’t want my belt, that’s why he won’t get the pin here tonight; he will let me take it. Because he’s on Warzone and I am on Showdown after all.”

Orton looks over at Triple H a little anxiety perhaps from Orton as he continues looking back at Todd.

» legend.killer; RANDY ORTON “And you know Todd you keep asking questions, questions that seem to be trying to test the real partnership between the two of us. Now I don’t know about Triple H but it’s really starting to get under my skin. You people need to get over the past and start looking to the future. This is a new era of Evolution and until we make a mistake and give you reason to think that then don’t say a damn thing about. We have come together and we are basically undefeated since. Todd we are a TEAM now and until prove otherwise you and everyone can stop talking about the end of Evolution. Because this team will rise up and do what we want until the day one of us decides to end it. And you know what Todd I was really looking forward to a one on one match with Cody Rhodes so I could embarrass him. But you know this gives me another chance entirely. This gives Triple H and I the chance to shut up all of the people like you up, we have the chance to prove all of what I am saying right now. And when we go out there and yet again I will prove everybody wrong. Nobody thought Evolution would ever be together again yet again we prove them wrong. And tonight we will go out there and prove everybody wrong, because we are Evolution. And with that name comes success. That’s why Triple H is the No Limits Champion, and I am the Heavyweight Champion. And that’s why guys like Cody Rhodes and Edge will never be successful. They don’t even know what success is because they didn’t have to work for it. They were handed it by me, they were given it by yours truly. That’s why he won’t be able to step up this week. Evolution is simply put used to the fame and glory, and used to main eventing. In case you have forgotten the last two PPV’s, it was I in the main event. Because when you want someone to steal the show you go to the best man suited for the job. I have been doubted every time I enter a team. Whether it was Rated RKOdes or R-Cage-O and both teams ended because the other person ended up jealous of me. This won’t happen again because Evolution is now the big thing on the scene. And this week we face off with two chumps, and we will show them why we are champs!”

Trish chuckles and taps Orton’s belt as Triple H does the same with his, all three with big grins on there faces as Triple H points to the door.

» the.game; TRIPLE H “Now get out of here, we have work to do.”

Triple H smirks turning back to Orton as Todd heads to the door with the cameraman with him as they catch the final little bit.

» legend.killer; RANDY ORTON “All right now let’s find out who this James Keenan guy is.”

The door is slammed shut by Triple H as the segment comes to an end fading away to commercial.