Christian Returns Against Randy Orton In "Unsanctioned Match" During Tonight's RAW (Photos, Videos)
Tonight's WWE RAW main event saw former World Heavyweight Champion Christian return to the ring for an Unsanctioned Match against Randy Orton.
This was Christian's first time stepping in the ring to get physical since he was forced to retire due to concussion issues in March 2014. While he didn't really get physical, he did take bumps in the ring.
The match started with an interruption from WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair, who appeared earlier during a backstage segment to try and talk Christian out of the match, as did Big Show. Christian told Flair he appreciated the concern, but he couldn't let Orton get away with what he said earlier in the show. The bell then rang and The Nature Boy turned on Christian by hitting him with a low blow.
Christian then went down and Orton delivered a punt kick. Christian was laid face-down before Orton took his time turning him over, then covering for the pin to win. The match ran at 1 minute from bell to bell.
There's no word yet on what WWE has next for the Orton vs. Edge and Christian feud but he is obviously not injured. WWE posted a teaser earlier on Monday and said there were rumors of both Edge and Orton suffering injuries during "The Greatest Wrestling Match Ever" at WWE Backlash on Sunday, which was won by Orton. There was no mention of Orton being injured but it was later confirmed that Edge suffered a torn triceps in his right arm. He underwent surgery and is already back at home rehabbing the injury. There's no official timetable for his return but an injury like that usually requires 8 months or so for recovery.
Stay tuned for updates. Below are a few shots from tonight's Orton vs. Christian feud on RAW:
The Greatest ... Ever?@RandyOrton kicks things off on #WWERaw! pic.twitter.com/ZbqeyyNZGw
? WWE (@WWE) June 16, 2020
"I stand here victorious after The Greatest Wrestling Match Ever, which makes me the greatest wrestler ever, and I don't need a @WWE Title to prove it!" – @RandyOrton #WWERaw pic.twitter.com/Om9ZTttPmD
? WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) June 16, 2020
Tread lightly, @Christian4Peeps... #WWERaw pic.twitter.com/0YMmyf9s64
? WWE (@WWE) June 16, 2020
What's it gonna be, @Christian4Peeps?
The ?? is ticking. #WWERaw pic.twitter.com/iHzn632TRV
? WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) June 16, 2020
Does @Christian4Peeps want ONE ... MORE ... MATCH bad enough to face @RandyOrton in an #UnsanctionedMatch TONIGHT?! #WWERaw pic.twitter.com/1QOcHQ1ywO
? WWE (@WWE) June 16, 2020
ONE. MORE. MATCH?!@RandyOrton wants @Christian4Peeps in an #UnsanctionedMatch TONIGHT on #WWERaw! pic.twitter.com/mgcf9lNFWD
? WWE (@WWE) June 16, 2020
Do you think @Christian4Peeps should accept @RandyOrton's challenge for an #UnsanctionedMatch tonight? #WWERaw
? WWE (@WWE) June 16, 2020
Nothin' like a @WWETheBigShow pep talk to put some things in perspective...
Should @Christian4Peeps accept @RandyOrton's challenge tonight?! #WWERaw pic.twitter.com/PsHxb4m5U5
? WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) June 16, 2020
"I ACCEPT."@Christian4Peeps will get ONE MORE MATCH when he battles @RandyOrton in an #UnsanctionedMatch TONIGHT on #WWERaw! pic.twitter.com/hgAXc8L9z5
? WWE (@WWE) June 16, 2020
Despite @RicFlairNatrBoy's warnings, @Christian4Peeps still wants a piece of @RandyOrton tonight. #WWERaw pic.twitter.com/ndfuS4mg9p
? WWE (@WWE) June 16, 2020
IT'S NEXT.
Who's leaving #WWERaw with the win in this #UnsanctionedMatch: @Christian4Peeps or @RandyOrton?
? WWE (@WWE) June 16, 2020
He's hearing voices...#WWERaw @RandyOrton pic.twitter.com/INOkMgbuc3
? WWE (@WWE) June 16, 2020
CAPTAIN CHARISMA IS BACK.@Christian4Peeps is about to compete on #WWERaw for the first time in SIX years! pic.twitter.com/iu9zvyLpFe
? WWE (@WWE) June 16, 2020
NAITCH to the rescue?!@RicFlairNatrBoy does NOT want to see @Christian4Peeps do this... #WWERaw pic.twitter.com/mmp45Ykedd
? WWE (@WWE) June 16, 2020
The dirtiest. player. in. the. game.#WWERaw #Unsanctioned @RicFlairNatrBoy pic.twitter.com/5jCCNPCiSx
? WWE (@WWE) June 16, 2020
Dirtiest Player In The Game.#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/2YK39VhyfH
? WWE on FOX (@WWEonFOX) June 16, 2020
The sadism of @RandyOrton knows no bounds. #WWERaw pic.twitter.com/ge3hVcWSFR
? WWE on FOX (@WWEonFOX) June 16, 2020
"THIS IS YOUR FAULT! I DIDN'T WANT THIS TO HAPPEN! WHY ARE YOU HERE?!"@RandyOrton has defeated @Christian4Peeps in this #Unsanctioned Match on #WWERaw. pic.twitter.com/wxgtUW27yh
? WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) June 16, 2020
"I finished the last chapter of @EdgeRatedR's redemption. I don't want to finish the last chapter of yours ... but I HAD TO."#WWERaw @RandyOrton pic.twitter.com/SvMobnO8ON
? WWE (@WWE) June 16, 2020
WHAT. JUST. HAPPENED?!
This #Unsanctioned Match between @RandyOrton & @Christian4Peeps took a significant turn following the actions of @RicFlairNatrBoy!#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/iwa4Zv3bKO
? WWE (@WWE) June 16, 2020
We're still reeling in the aftermath of #WWERaw as #RawTalk begins streaming on @WWENetwork...
And @RandyOrton is ?????????????? @Christian4Peeps?
?? https://t.co/mEtFCkYeOf pic.twitter.com/Tumo0YoLnk
? WWE Network (@WWENetwork) June 16, 2020
Theeeeeerrrrrrrrrrre he is.#RawTalk @RandyOrton pic.twitter.com/sgDvrtnt4C
? WWE Network (@WWENetwork) June 16, 2020