6 most violent WWE matches of the 2000s

#5 Randy Orton Vs. Cactus Jack (Backlash 2004)

Orton proved himself when he toppled the Hardcore Legend is a bloody war at Backlash 2004.

An RKO out-of-nowhere cost Mick Foley his dream of winning inside Madison Square Garden at WrestleMania 20, but the former WWF Champion refused to stay down.

After confronting Randy Orton afterwards, the pair were set for a Hardcore match at next month's Backlash, both for the Legend Killer's Intercontinental Title, and with Evolution banned from ringside.

It was The Viper's maiden voyage into the world of Hardcore, and he held his own against the legendary Extreme Superstar, despite landing back-first into a pool of thumbtacks, and with the young Superstar only wearing his standard boots and trunks, there was no protection for his body.

Orton may have won the match, and further established himself as the Legend Killer, but paid a dear price to retain his Intercontinental gold.