Suddenly, Randy Orton’s music interrupted and out walked Orton sporting an over-sized t-shirt covering his torso. Cena sold disbelief at the interruption from Orton, who entered the ring with something to say about the WWE Title situation. Orton told Cena that with all due respect, he thinks any business that Cena had at WrestleMania has already been settled. He said Cena can blame The Rock and make matches for Mania next year, but the fact is…Cena lost. Orton said he thinks Cena should step aside and let someone like him, who actually won at WrestleMania, have an opportunity.

Cena began to reply, but John Morrison’s music interrupted. Morrison, in street clothes, marched to the ring with some business of his own to attend to. Morrison shot them a smile before addressing the situation. He said he’s seen this show before with Cena and Orton arguing over the #1 contender. Morrison said if there’s going to be a discussion about who’s next in line for the WWE Title, this discussion has to involve him.

Next with the interruption was Vickie Guerrero, who brought Dolph Ziggler to the ring with her. Vickie said someone new should have a title opportunity, but not Morrison. Vickie reminded Morrison she pinned him in a match a couple of weeks ago. She said the person who should be next in line should be…her. “Okay, okay, if it’s not me, then it should be Dolph Ziggler,” she said. Dolph said he didn’t come to Raw to waste time with Snooki and it’s obvious he’s the most talented in the ring. More importantly, he’s never faced Miz for the title, so the line starts with him. Ziggler told them that once he gets a title shot, they’ll all get a shot.

Next to interrupt was R-Truth, who hasn’t been on TV in a few weeks. Cole heeled on Truth, who made his way to the ring as Orton did some knee-bends to keep himself loose in the ring. Truth had to think about what city he was in before asking Bridgeport what’s up. Truth said the gospel truth is that he has never, never gotten a one-on-one WWE Title match. “Well, there’s a reason why,” Ziggler said under his breath. Mock bickering began, then the Raw GM buzzed in.

Cole stood up to announce an email he received from the GM on his iPad. He said everyone has made a compelling argument, so to end all of this, he’s going to give all five of them a chance to earn it. Please not Beat the Clock. Cole said the GM has come up with a new concept playing up the gauntlet. Two men start. This continues until all five have been in the match. The last man standing faces Miz for the WWE Title at Extreme Rules.

Randy Orton was the first man out. Mathews noted Orton has to survive four other men to become #1 contender. Dolph Ziggler, flanked by Vickie Guerrero, was out next.

RANDY ORTON vs. DOLPH ZIGGLER (w/Vickie Guerrero) — #1 Contender Five-man Gauntlet match

Miz had plenty of talking time on the four-man commentary booth while Mathews mainly handled play-by-play. Orton absorbed Ziggler’s early offense, then spiked Ziggler with his trademark DDT from the second rope. Orton pounded the mat looking for the RKO, but New Nexus members Davie Otunga and McGillicutty stormed the ring apron to distract Orton. Ziggler then rolled up Orton from behind to score a pin. Post-match: Mason Ryan joined Otunga and Mike in the ring. Ryan blasted Orton with an emphatic powerbomb before Nexus stood over Orton. Miz smiled. They faded to commercial with Nexus standing tall over Ziggler.

WINNER: Ziggler at 2:37.