Backstage: John Cena was shown applying his Nexus armband. Randy Orton then walked in to a big pop from the live crowd. Orton said let’s just put our cards on the table. He said he knows it’s eating Cena up to be part of Nexus. He said he also knows Cena has to protect Barrett, so he has no problem kicking Cena in the head and putting him out of his misery. Cena told Orton that if he even tries, he’ll break his leg off.

Randy Orton came to the ring as Cena’s partner. Cole plugged Orton vs. Barrett at Bragging Rights, which hasn’t been focused on thus far in two weeks of PPV build-up. Orton and Cena kept their distance from each other, then the NXT theme music hit to bring out Husky and McGillicutty (Hennig). The NXT Rookies slowly made their way to the ring before Nexus’s music hit to bring out Barrett, followed by Slater, Gabriel, and Otunga. They stood on the entrance stage and stared into the ring, where Orton returned their glares.

WWE champion RANDY ORTON & JOHN CENA vs. HUSKY HARRIS & MICHAEL MCGILLICUTTY
Cena started things off as the aggressor working over Hennig. Cena pounded and stomped and kicked away at Hennig, who rolled out of the ring to the floor and nearly crashed into the Bragging Rights trophy. “Is that good enough for you?!” Cena shouted toward Nexus on stage as they cut to break.


Back live, Randy Orton delivered a textbook dropkick on Hennig for a two count. Cole recapped that Orton and Cena worked well as a tag team during the commercial. Cena tagged back in and tried to fight off both Nexus candidates before Hennig landed a dropkick on Cena to cut him off. Harris then tagged in and started pounding away on Cena with clubbing forearms. Husky then got down into a defensive lineman stance and charged Cena for a big splash in the corner. Hennig re-entered and got a piece of Cena before Harris re-entered and landed a flying clothesline/splash type move for a two count. The crowd to rally behind Cena again, then Cena avoided a big splash from Husky. Orton begged for a tag as Cena crawled over to his corner and made the tag.


Orton came in hot and landed a big powerslam on Hennig. Orton did his IED facial expressions before taking Hennig off the second rope spike DDT. Orton shot a look toward Barrett on the stage, then teased the RKO on Hennig. Harris tried to enter the ring, but Cena nailed the Attitude Adjustment on Harris, which looked impressive. Orton then dropped Hennig with the RKO and made the pin for the win.


WINNERS: Orton & Cena at 7:53. Harris stood out more than Hennig, who did most of the selling for Cena and Orton during the match. Decent story to the match leading to the post-match taking precedent over the in-ring. (*3/4)

Post-match: Cena thanked Orton and offered a handshake, but Barrett cut him off. Barrett ordered Cena out of the ring, otherwise he would have him fired. Cena rolled out of the ring and was told to stand next to the announce table. Orton was left alone in the ring as Barrett told Cena he has the best view of the demise of Orton to come. Nexus hit the ring apron in unison to surround Orton in the ring. Cena sold being distraught over this. Orton managed to escape to the outside and ram Barrett into the ringpost, but Nexus outnumbered him and pounded down on Orton ringside. Cena watched with dismay, then Nexus rolled Orton back into the ring. Orton fought them off, but Nexus beat down Orton. Cena continued to stand by, unable to do anything.

Barrett ordered a subdued Orton to his feet, then he was fed to Slater for a neckbreaker type maneuver. Slater was selling a left arm injury before and after his spot in the segment. Next up was Otunga, who landed a dominator center ring. Slater screamed down at Cena to do something about it. Of course, next was Gabriel. Gabriel went up top for the 450 splash, peered into the crowd, thought it over, then landed the 450 Splash. Orton sold his ribs and writhed in pain as Cena continued to sell concern from ringside.

Barrett took the mic and told Cena to get in the ring now. He screamed at Cena when Cena wouldn’t move. Cena stared at the Bragging Rights trophy as if he were looking for answers, then slowly entered the ring per Barrett’s orders. Barrett told Orton to pick up Orton and give him an AA right now. “Do it…or you’re fired,” Barrett told him. Cena slowly walked over to a lifeless Orton and slowly picked him up. Barrett cut off Cena and said he doesn’t want him stealing his spotlight. Cena dropped Orton and Barrett picked up Orton to give him the Wasteland center ring. Orton arched his back and writhed in pain before selling like a body outline at a crime scene. Cena slipped out of the ring, leaving Nexus in the ring to stand over Orton’s fallen body. Barrett then led the troops out of the ring as Nexus’s music hit. Orton began to writhe, then Barrett stopped on the stage and admired their work. The camera zoomed in on a smiling Barrett to conclude the segment.

SMACKDOWN invades RAW