Randy Orton def. Sheamus at WWE Battle Ground 2015

Randy Orton def. Sheamus at WWE Battle Ground 2015

ST. LOUIS – The very physical rivalry between Sheamus and Randy Orton came to a head at WWE Battleground in The Viper’s hometown. There was no love lost between the two former WWE World Heavyweight Champions – leading to a very offense-heavy contest – but the unpredictability of WWE’s Apex Predator reigned supreme.

View photo of the brutal battle

Feeling the energy of his hometown crowd inside the Scottrade Center, Orton was relentless early in the contest both in and out of the ring. Although he struggled early on, The Celtic Warrior was able to stop his opponent’s momentum by executing three consecutive Irish Curse backbreakers. Managing to slow the pace of the match, Sheamus took control and quickly dispelled any offense by The Viper.

The experience of Orton – and the knowledge of his bitter rival – eventually helped him egain momentum, diving away from an attack that resulted in Sheamus hitting the steel ring post. Maintaining the physical strategy of the bout, Orton continued to attack outside the ring, tossing his opponent onto the announce table.

An exchange of near-falls ultimately led to Sheamus countering an RKO and leveling The Viper with a devastating Brogue Kick. Rather than attempt a pinfall, The Celtic Warrior mercilessly applied more punishment in the form of a Cloverleaf. Despite writhing in pain, Orton refused to submit, and eventually reached the ropes to break the hold.

Sheamus pulled Orton to his feet – a decision that proved to be The Celtic Warrior’s undoing. Seemingly with everything he had left, The Viper hit an RKO out of nowhere to secure the victory.

Home field advantage was certainly in Orton’s favor, but the very physical battle left no doubt that when Sheamus decides to cash in his Money in the Bank contract, the WWE World Heavyweight Champion is in for a very brutal encounter.