The Complete History of the WWE Championship - Part 17

Randy Orton (August 18, 2013 - September 15, 2013)

Randy Orton cashed in to dethrone Daniel Bryan at SummerSlam 2013

Randy Orton had not held the WWE Championship for three years when he won the Money in the Bank briefcase on July 14, 2013, at the annual Money in the Bank pay per view event.

Many wondered at the time what the value was of having a former six-time WWE Champion win a match which is usually reserved for stars on the rise seeking their first World title.

However, doubts over Daniel Bryan's capabilities as WWE Champion led to WWE booking Orton as a fail-safe.

The contingency booking was enacted at SummerSlam on August 18, 2013, when RKO dethroned Bryan for the belt moments after he had defeated John Cena for it.

Orton's reign was set to brief, however.

The pair contested a rematch at Night of Champions on September 15. The title was held up after referee, Scott Armstrong was deemed by WWE management to have delivered a fast count from Bryan on Orton.

On the night, Bryan had been crowned the new WWE Champion, but was stripped of the belt the following night on RAW.