The Complete History of the WWE Championship - Part 14

Randy Orton (April 26, 2009 - June 7, 2009)

Randy Orton: Sidelined Triple H at Backlash 2009

Randy Orton took out his long-time mentor and rival Triple H at Backlash 2009, when his Legacy team, consisting of himself, Ted DiBiase Jr and Cody Rhodes, downed the team of Triple H, Batista, and Shane McMahon.

It was a specially stipulated encounter where if Orton would win the title if any member of the champion's team was pinned, submitted, disqualified or counted out. As it turned out, Orton punted "The Game" in the head to win the WWE Championship once more.

This was Orton's third WWE Heavyweight title reign and his fourth World title overall.

Another of RKO's former Evolution stablemates Batista was next in line. Batista challenged Orton the following month. RKO edged past Batista via DQ in a singles match at Judgment Day, but fell to "The Animal" inside a Steel Cage at Extreme Rules in June.

Orton was scheduled to enjoy a long reign but it was interrupted due to the perception amongst creative in WWE that Batista failed too often in Championship matches.

Orton would not be separated from the WWE Championship for long; just six days in fact.