Backstage, Randy Orton was shown walking down the hallway with the WWE Title belt over his shoulder. He has Gabriel next.

Orton’s music hit to bring out the champion to a decent reaction. Orton took his time entering the ring, then stared down at Gabriel, who stared back to create some tension before the opening bell.

WWE champion RANDY ORTON vs. JUSTIN GABRIEL (w/Otunga and Slater) — non-title match


Gabriel tried an early leg kick, which Orton no-sold before knocking him to the floor. Orton rolled Gabriel back in the ring, then glared at Slater and Otunga. Orton kicked Otunga in the gut before teasing a punch, but the ref stepped in-between and gave Nexus the boot. Orton smiled as Otunga sold that he was upset about the plan being foiled. Or was he pretending to be upset with a master plan in mind? Gabriel’s alone and Orton’s in control going to break.

Back from break, Orton was toying with Gabriel, who tried to fight back with leg strikes before Orton decked him with a dropkick for a two count. Orton followed with a huge Irish Whip in the corner for another two count. Gabriel then used his quickness to avoid Orton’s offense and stun him with kick strikes. Gabriel followed with a slingshot sentaun from the ring apron after teasing the 450 Splash, which resulted in a two count. Orton then came back with an uppercut, only to take a jawbreaker and double-foot kick to the face from Gabriel. Gabriel made a cover, but Orton kicked out as they hit the top of the hour.

Orton fought out of a reverse chinlock, which showed too much light, before taking a knee to the gut. Gabriel with another nearfall, then another chinlock as Cole reset the show. Orton then escaped the chinlock with a side suplex. He ducked a desperation spin kick and hit the trademark backbreaker for a two count. Orton proceeded to make his comeback, including a snap powerslam off the ropes. The crowd came to life as Orton teased the RKO, but not before hitting a nice belly-to-belly suplex popping his hips for a two count.

Gabriel then cut off Orton with a kick to the head and went up top. The crowd came to life shrieking in horror as Gabriel went for the 450 Splash. He went for the 450, but seemed to overshoot the move, and he caught Orton flush in the shoulder on the way down as Orton was trying to roll out of the way. Both men sold the move as the crowd wondered what was next. They slowly came to their feet after a few moments, then Orton shot Gabriel a look and dropped him with the RKO. Orton with the pin for the win.

Post-match: Orton stopped selling a shoulder injury following the 450 Splash to his upper body and celebrated in the corner with his Orton pose. They replayed the finish and cut back to Orton looking over his shoulder at the Videotron to admire his work. Orton posed some more as Cole plugged Orton vs. Barrett at Bragging Rights. One tight zoom on Orton with a determined look in his eyes concluded the segment.

WINNER: Orton at 11:02.