Chapter LV: No Way Out
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A/N: As promised here's the next chapter, I'll see what I can do about posting another one next week.
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No Way Out was live from Seattle Washington. This was a major stop on the Road to WrestleMania because this was where major changes that could affect the biggest event of the year would take place. Such changes involved the two Elimination Chamber Matches where the WWE Championship and the World Heavyweight Championship were on the line. Another huge change involved the big match between Machetti and Randy Orton, the winner would be declared the 2009 Royal Rumble Winner and would get to Main Event WrestleMania and fight for the world championship of their choice.
First up, had been Smackdown's Elimination Chamber where reigning WWE Champion Edge had attempted to defend his title. But the Rated R Superstar had been the first superstar pinned, guaranteeing a new champion. Vladimir Kozlov's undefeated streak had ended when he was pinned by Undertaker after the Last Ride. Big Show and Jeff Hardy had almost been pinned, leaving Undertaker and Triple H to fight it out for the championship. After reversing a Last Ride attempt, Triple H was able to hit the Pedigree and pinned the Dead Man to become the new WWE Champion.
The cameras then went to the back and showed Legacy members Ted DiBiase and Cody Rhodes lurking outside of a locker room labeled 'Machetti'. "The plans simple," Rhodes told DiBiase, "we wait until he comes out, then we jump him. Even if he does make it down to the ring for the match, Randy'll be able to finish him off."
"Excuse me," came a voice.
Rhodes and DiBiase turned around to see a delivery guy holding a box of pizza and a two liter bottle of soda. "I've got a delivery for a… 'Machetti'? I was told to bring it to this locker room."
"Oh he's in the—OW!" DiBiase cut off when Rhodes elbowed him in the side.
"We'll take that," said Rhodes, as he held out his hands. "How much do I owe you?"
"It's already paid for by the McMahon's," answered the delivery guy. "I just have to get it to Machetti. Is that either of you?"
Rhodes couldn't believe his luck and smiled, "Yeah, that's me. I'll take it."
"Alright, enjoy," said the delivery guy, he turned and headed off.
"This might sound like a dumb question, but why did you steal his pizza?"
"I don't know why he's getting it now, but he'll eventually come out here looking for it. When he does we'll be ready. And until then, we have a snack, it's not like we're competing tonight."
"Oh, sounds good then," said DiBiase. He grabbed the soda bottle and the two of them walked off screen.
The camera then cut and showed the pizza delivery guy walking towards the exit of the arena, but then Machetti came around the corner and cut them off.
"So, how'd it go?" he asked.
"They got it," answered the delivery guy. "But what I just did is unethical, and if the board of health gets wind of this I could…"
"Here's two hundred dollars for your trouble," interrupted Machetti as he held out the money.
"On the other hand," commented the delivery guy as he stared at the money in Machetti's hand, "I'm happy to help, good luck out there." The delivery guy took his money and walked off, leaving a smirking Machetti standing in the middle of the hallway. The cameras faded and went to the ring for the ECW Championship match.
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Jack Swagger had beaten Finlay to retain his ECW Championship, the cameras went to the bak and showed Randy Orton and Legacy in their private locker room. The Orton/Machetti match was up next so Orton and DiBiase were standing and looked ready to go, Rhodes on the other hand didn't look so good. He was sitting on the bench in the locker room holding a bucket in front of him, he looked sick to his stomach.
"You couldn't have waited until after the match to get sick?" asked Orton.
"It's not like he did it on purpose!" protested DiBiase, while Rhodes let out a groan, "He was fine when we got to the arena, you saw him. Then we intercepted that pizza that was being delivered to Machetti, we figured that since we wouldn't be actively competing tonight, we could eat it before it got cold, and now… well… just look at him!"
"Yeah, that looks bad," commented a voice. Orton and DiBiase turned and saw Machetti standing the doorway with that damned smirk on his face. "Food poisoning would be my guess… well… poisoned food to be more specific. Tsk, tsk, tsk, that's terrible. And right before the big match too."
"You planned this!" exclaimed Orton as he glared at Machetti.
Machetti shrugged as he looked from Rhodes, who just threw up in his bucket, to Orton, "If by 'planned' you mean, added a secret ingredient to the pizza that's guaranteed to make you sick, then paid the delivery guy two hundred dollars – of the McMahon's money of course – to walk passed your two lackeys on the way to my locker room, then yes, I planned it."
"You bastard!" yelled DiBiase, "He could've been allergic, he might've needed to go to the hospital!"
"Says the guy whose leader punted an old man in the head," countered Machetti as he turned his gaze to DiBiase. "But that leaves me to wonder… if the puking patsy over there ate my pizza, then what happened to the soda I got with it?" DiBiase's eyes went wide. "I think I'm forgetting to mention something important… what was it? Oh, right, the laxatives!"
As if on cue, DiBiase suddenly grabbed his stomach and ran from the room obviously intent on finding the nearest toilet. Machetti smirked at Orton, "Good help is so hard to find these days, isn't it? Looks like you'll be facing me alone tonight. Me, on the other hand, I'll have the new Diva's Champion in my corner. Speaking of which, I should go meet her. See you out there Randy!"
"I hate that guy," muttered Orton.
"Me too…" groaned Rhodes as he pulled his face out of his bucket for a moment, only to immediately stick it back in so he could throw up again. Legacy had just been neutralized, leaving Orton to face Machetti, who would have Maria in his corner, on his own. That match was up next.
The cameras faded and showed a video package highlighting the history between Orton, the McMahon's, and Machetti. First it showed Orton punting Mr. McMahon in the head, then Orton and Machetti both hitting the floor at the same time to end the Royal Rumble, Orton threatening to take legal action against the McMahon's, Machetti joining forces with the McMahon's, Stephanie announcing the Machetti/Orton Match, Shane McMahon attacking Orton with help from Machetti, Shane announcing the No-Holds-Barred Match, Machetti revealing that he was the Mastermind behind the McMahon's decisions, Orton managing to beat Shane after being brutalized during the match, and finally Machetti bribing the Great Khali to throw the match on Smackdown, leaving Machetti going into the match in much better condition than Orton was.
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The cameras went to the arena where Lillian Garcia was standing the middle of the ring, "This next match is scheduled for one-fall, and the winner will be declared the 2009 Royal Rumble Winner!"
Riot Time hit and the fans cheered as Machetti came out from the back accompanied by Maria who was wearing her newly won Divas Championship around her waist. "Introducing first, being accompanied by Divas Champion Maria, from Detroit Michigan, weighing in at two hundred twenty-two pounds, MACHETTI!" The fans cheered as Machetti ran down the entrance ramp with Maria racing after him. Both of them slid into the ring and Maria stood in the middle of it and blew a kiss to the fans while Machetti climbed up into the corner and backflipped into the middle of the ring. Blue pyro exploded up out of the ring posts as Machetti landed in the middle of the ring right next to Maria. Machetti and Maria turned to face the entrance ramp while Machetti's theme music cut.
Voices sounded through the arena and a seemingly reluctant Randy Orton came out from the back… alone. "And the opponent, form St. Louis Missouri, weighing two hundred forty-five pounds, RANDY ORTON!" While Machetti might've manipulated Shane and Stephanie McMahon into helping him get his match and get Orton into his current, less-than-stellar condition, Orton had punted the Chairman of the WWE in the head, thus the fans directed their dislike towards Orton and booed loudly as he made his way down the ramp and slowly got into the ring. Maria gave Machetti a kiss on the cheek for luck, whispered something in his ear that caused Machetti to smile, then got out of the ring, leaving Machetti and Orton with only the referee separating them. The referee glanced at the two competitors and saw they were as ready as they'd ever be and called for the bell, this match was finally underway.
The two competitors circled around the ring for a few seconds then met in the middle for a lock up. Machetti quickly kneed Orton in the stomach then grabbed him and flipped him into a sitting position with a snapmare before he quickly jumped up and dropkicked him in the back. Orton groaned and rolled away from Machetti and attempted to get back up, but Machetti hit a running dropkick to the side that sent Orton rolling across the ring and over to the ropes. Machetti ran after Orton then dropped down and connected with a baseball slide, sending Orton under the bottom rope and down to the floor with a thud. Machetti watched from the ring as Orton pulled himself up off of the floor, then held the top rope and launched himself over it and onto the outside. Machetti spun around in midair before he connected with Orton and took him down to the floor, CORKSCREW BODY PRESS!
ONE! The referee started the ring out count when both superstars hit the floor. Maria came around the corner to see if Machetti was okay but Machetti sat up and shook his head at her, "No matter what happens, stay away from him. Don't let him get near you under any circumstances." Maria nodded, Orton was the type of person who'd use her against Machetti, but if Orton couldn't get near her, he wouldn't be able to do anything to her. TWO! Machetti got up and pulled Orton up to his feet then whipped him hard into the steel steps. A loud clang rang out as Orton's body slammed into the steel. THREE! Machetti once again pulled Orton back up off of the floor then rolled him into the ring and got in after him. Machetti crawled over to Orton and covered him for the first pin attempt of the match, ONE… TW—but Orton kicked out. This match held a ticket straight to the main event of WrestleMania, these men would have to destroy each other to get the win. And taking into account the devious plans and mind games that had gone on before the match, there was no doubt that both competitors intended on doing just that.
Machetti got up and pulled Orton up to his feet then whipped him into a corner. Machetti ran at Orton and did a handspring followed by a front-flip, TURNBUCKLE SENTON! Machetti slammed back-first into Orton and drove him back into the corner, then dropped down to the floor, but Machetti quickly sprang back up and hopped onto Orton's shoulders. Machetti fell backwards and launched Orton out of the corner and across the ring, HURRICURANA! Machetti got back up and hoisted himself up onto the top rope, then turned around to face his opponent, he launched himself out of the corner and did a backflip, SHOOTING STAR PRESS—ORTON MOVED—BUT MACHETTI LANDED ON HIS FEET! Orton stared in surprise as Machetti grabbed him, booted him in the stomach, then lifted him up and swung him around before driving him face-first down into the mat, IMPALER!! Machetti rolled Orton onto his back and hooked his leg for a pin, ONE… TWO… T—Orton kicked out again!
Machetti got back up and ran to the ropes, then bounced off and came back with a handspring followed by a backflip, HANDSPRING MOONSAULT! Machetti rolled off of Orton and got back up, then hopped over Orton and ran to the ropes. When he reached them he grabbed onto the top one and hoisted himself up and onto it, then launched himself backwards across the ring with a backflip, SPRINGBOARD MOONSAULT!! Machetti once again slammed down onto Orton before he bounced off and rolled away. Machetti got back up and rushed at Orton then jumped up into the air and did a backflip before he once again came crashing down on top of Orton, RUNNING SHOOTING STAR PRESS! Machetti quickly hooked Orton's legs for a pin, ONE… TWO… TH—Orton managed to kick out. While it may have still been early in the match, having your two hundred twenty-two pound opponent land on you three times in a row will certainly soften you up in the long run. Machetti seemed to realize this and smiled as he got back up to his feet and stared down at Orton who was holding his stomach.
Orton eventually staggered back up to his feet, but Machetti was waiting for him. The second he turned around to face him, Machetti rushed in and leveled Orton with a clothesline. Orton got back up but Machetti ran at him again but this time took him down with a flying forearm. Orton hit the mat and pulled himself up for a third time, but Machetti grabbed him and flipped him through the air with a quick arm drag. Orton rolled away from Machetti and used the ropes to pull himself back up, but Machetti grabbed him pulled him away from the ropes then sent him flying with another arm drag. For the fifth time a now very dizzy Randy Orton staggered up off of the mat, only for Machetti jumped up into the air, spin around and drive his feet into Orton's chest, CORKSCREW DROPKICK! Orton went crashing down to the mat and was sent rolling under the bottom rope and down to the floor.
Machetti wasn't going to let Orton escape, not with a one-way ticket to WrestleMania on the line. He quickly followed Orton out of the ring and pulled him up off of the floor then dragged him across the ringside area and slammed Orton's face down onto the top of the Smackdown Commentary Table. ONE! Orton staggered backwards and groggily held his head but Machetti grabbed him then whipped him… RIGHT INTO THE STEEL STEPS! Orton groaned and flopped down onto to the floor after his back made contact with the hard steel for the second time in the match up. TWO! But without giving Orton any time to recover, Machetti pulled him back up to his feet and slammed his face down onto the top step. THREE! Seeing how he still had seven counts to get back in the ring, Machetti didn't stop there and slammed Orton's face down into the steps again and again as the referee continued to count. FOUR! FIVE! SIX! SEVEN! Having done enough damage with the steps Machetti pulled Orton off of them once more, then rolled him back into the ring. Machetti quickly scrambled into the ring after his dazed opponent and went for another pin, ONE… TWO… TH—but Orton managed to kick out again!
Machetti got back up and went to the corner, then quickly climbed up onto the top rope as Orton struggled to get up to his feet. Orton was groggy and didn't look like he knew where he was, he stared around the ring and couldn't find his opponent, then he turned around… Machetti launched himself up out of the corner and did a front-flip before he landed on Orton's shoulders, FLIP SENTO—ORTON CAGUHT HIM! Orton held onto Machetti and took a couple of seconds to get a better hold then turned to the side and charged across the ring, RUNNING POWERBO—MACHETTI COUNTERED WITH A HURRICURANA! Orton went stumbling across the ring and ended up in the ropes, leaning on the middle one. The fans cheered loudly, Orton was in 619 position! But Rey Mysterio was on later tonight, this was Machetti. Machetti got up and raced towards the ropes, then vaulted over the top rope and grabbed Orton's head on the way down, AND SNAPPED HIS HEAD DOWN ON THE MIDDLE ROPE!! Machetti landed on the floor as Orton rolled away from the ropes and clutched at his throat. Maria quickly helped up Machetti, who assured her that he was perfectly fine. Machetti climbed up onto the ring apron, then hoisted himself up onto the top rope and springboarded across the ring before he came crashing down on his opponent, SPRINGBOARD BODYSPLASH!! Machetti hooked Orton's legs and went for another pin, ONE… TWO… THR—ORTON KICKED OUT!
Machetti stood back up and pulled Orton up to his feet then whipped him into the corner. Machetti charged across the ring at Orton and jumped up into the air, TURNBUCKLE BODYSPLA—Orton caught Machetti and drove his face down onto the top turnbuckle, FLAPJACK ONTO THE TURNBUCKLE! Orton dropped Machetti and allowed him to stagger backwards then charged at him and LEVELED him with a big clothesline. Orton dropped down onto the mat beside Machetti and got his arms around Machetti's head for a side headlock. Orton applied as much pressure as he could to the hold, hoping to wear Machetti down, and possibly even the playing field. "Don't let him have control!" Maria called out from ringside, "Get out of it!" While still in Orton's side headlock, Machetti bent himself in half and got his legs around Orton's head, HEAD-SCISSORS! Machetti squeezed his legs around Orton's head, forcing Orton to release his hold and roll away. Before Orton could regain control of the match, Machetti rolled away from him and got back up to his feet. Once again the two superstars stood facing each other from across the ring, both men had proven that they'd go to any lengths to win this match and go on to WrestleMania, this match was just getting started.
The two superstars slowly approached each other, then Orton lashed out and swung at Machetti for a punch, but Machetti ducked it then swung his leg at Orton for a low kick, only for Orton to raise his leg and block most of it. Orton shoved Machetti backwards then rushed him and went for a clothesline, but Machetti ducked under Orton's arm, causing his opponent to run passed him. Orton put on the brakes and turned to face Machetti, but Machetti jumped up into the air and swung his leg around, SPINNING WHEEL KICK! Machetti's foot connected with Orton's face, knocking him down to the mat, but Orton rolled over to the ropes and used them to pull himself up before Machetti could completely capitalize. Machetti rushed at Orton and went to attack him while he was still leaning against the ropes, but Orton ducked down and launched Machetti up into the air and over the top rope, BUT MACHETTI LANDED ON THE APRON! Orton spun around and swung at Machetti in an attempt to knock him off the apron, but Machetti ducked under Orton's strike then shot his head through the ropes and drove his shoulder into Orton's stomach. Orton staggered backwards but remained close enough to the ropes for Machetti to shoot back up and connect with a forearm to the face, sending Orton stumbling backward into the middle of the ring. Machetti grabbed the top rope and hoisted himself up and onto it, then springboarded across the ring at Orton. Machetti grabbed Orton as he reached him, then swung around him and eventually drove the Legend Killer's head down to the mat, SPRINGBOARD TORNADO DDT!! Machetti quickly rolled Orton onto his back and went for a pin, ONE… TWO… TH—but Orton kicked out.
Machetti got off of Orton and pulled him up to his feet, but Orton suddenly lashed out with his leg and booted Machetti in the stomach. Machetti staggered backwards but came back with an uppercut, causing Orton's head to snap back. Orton staggered backwards and Machetti rushed at him for a clothesline, but Orton stopped Machetti in his tracks with another boot to the stomach. Orton followed up by kneeing Machetti in the stomach then stepped passed him and grabbed a hold of him before he dropped down AND HIT HIS SIGNATURE BACKBREAKER! Orton pressed Machetti's shoulders down to the mat and went for a pin, ONE… TW—but Machetti kicked out. Orton stood back up and kicked Machetti in the side then began stomping on Machetti, first the stomach, then the chest, then the left shoulder, then the chest again, then the right shoulder, the chest again, and another stomp to the stomach. When Orton finally stopped he jumped up into the air then came crashing down elbow-first on Machetti's chest. Orton quickly hooked Machetti's legs and went for another pin, ONE… TWO… T—but again Machetti kicked out.
Orton stood up and stared down at Machetti, who rolled onto his stomach and tried to push himself up off of the mat. But Orton kicked Machetti in the side sending him rolling across the ring. Machetti attempted to get up again, but Orton repeated his previous actions and kicked Machetti under the bottom rope and onto the ring apron. Orton grinned evilly as he reached in between the top and middle rope and pulled Machetti up off of the apron. Orton attempted to pull Machetti through the ropes, not doubt in an attempt to hit his infamous hanging DDT, but Maria, who had been standing at ringside, grabbed Machetti's leg and pulled as hard as she could. Machetti was yanked off of the apron and slammed down to the floor while Orton went face-first into the top rope, only to bounce backwards. The referee was about to say something about Maria's interference but Orton glared at him and yelled, "Don't you dare!" Maria had grabbed Machetti and pulled him down to the floor, if the referee ended the match via disqualification it would be awarded to Machetti because he was the one being interfered with. NO ONE wanted that. This match needed to have a decisive finish and Orton wasn't about to lose his chance to go to WrestleMania on a technicality.
Orton decided to do something about the Divas Champion's interference, so he got out of the ring and advanced on her. But Maria quickly turned and ran, knowing that if Orton got his hands on her, it wouldn't end well. Orton chased Maria around the corner and across the side of the ring, but then Maria veered to the side and rolled into the ring. She darted across the ring and slid out the other side, Orton got in and ran after her, BUT MACHETTI JUMPED UP ONTO THE APRON! Machetti caught Orton with a surprise shot to the face, sending the Legend Killer staggering backwards. Machetti grabbed the top rope and hoisted himself onto it, then springboarded across the ring. While in midair Machetti spun around before he collided with Orton, knocking them both down to the mat, SPRINGBOARD SPINNING CROSSBODY!! Machetti stayed on top of Orton and went for a pin, ONE… TWO… T—but Orton kicked out! Machetti rolled off of Orton and sat on the mat, he glanced out of the ring at Maria and nodded his thanks, because of her distraction Orton had lost control of the match.
Machetti stood up then reached down and pulled Orton up to his feet, he went to whip Orton into the ropes, but Orton reversed it. Machetti went passed Orton but managed to put on the breaks then quickly spun around to face his opponent. But Orton lashed out his leg and booted Machetti in the stomach then grabbed him and whipped him across the ring into the ropes, only when Machetti reached the ropes he jumped up onto the middle one then backflipped off of it and springboarded across the ring. Machetti flew over Orton and grabbed him as he came down from behind and drove the back of Orton's head down to the mat, OVERCASTLE TAKE OVER! Machetti rolled off of Orton and got back up, Orton slowly rolled over onto his stomach and started to push himself up off the mat, but Machetti ran across the ring, did a handspring then flipped through the air and came down leg-first on the back of Orton's neck, HANDSPRING LEG DROP! Orton's face was driven down to the mat with such authority that he bounced off and landed on his back. Machetti shot back up to his feet and ran to the corner before he leapt up onto the top rope, he glanced over his shoulder at his prone opponent then backflipped out of the corner and across the ring, MOONSAULT! Machetti slammed down on top of Orton then hooked his legs and went for a pin, ONE… TWO… TH—BUT ORTON KICKED OUT!
Machetti stood up and pulled Orton up to his feet, he went to whip Orton across the ring, but Orton reversed and sent Machetti into the ropes. Machetti bounced off of the ropes and came back as Orton jumped up into the air, AND DROPKICKED MACHETTI IN THE FACE!! Machetti went crashing down to the mat but Orton quickly capitalized and pulled him back up then whipped him into the corner. When Machetti slammed against the turnbuckles Orton ran for the corner, TURNBUCKLE CLOTHESLINE! Orton slammed into Machetti and drove him further back into the corner then grabbed him and lifted him up so he was sitting on the top rope. Orton climbed up onto the middle rope across from Machetti then pulled Machetti up so he was standing on the top rope, Orton climbed up onto the top rope too, then threw Machetti's arm over his shoulder. After a quick glance behind him, Orton grabbed the side of Machetti's tights and launched Machetti up and over his head while he pushed out from the corner, SUPERPLEX!! Both Orton and Machetti slammed down to the mat, Orton was the first to recover and crawled over to Machetti and went for a pin, ONE… TWO… THR—MACHETTI KICKED OUT! Orton glared at Machetti and went for another pin, just to be sure, ONE… TWO… T—but Machetti kicked out again.
Orton slowly stood up and glared down at Machetti, seeing how he hadn't gotten the pin after that superplex, he'd have to do something where he WOULD be able to pin Machetti. Orton backed up and watched Machetti struggle up to his feet, then dropped down to his hands and knees and started slapping the mat, willing Machetti to get up to his feet faster so he could finish him off. Orton slapped the mat impatiently as Machetti slowly pushed himself up to one knee, then onto both knees, then onto one foot, he was standing, he turned around, Orton launched up off of the mat and grabbed him, RK—NO! Machetti shoved Orton off and away from him. Orton staggered into the middle of the ring, but then turned to face Machetti, but Machetti ran towards him then dropped down and rolled passed him at the last second. Before Orton could even turned around Machetti sprang back up off of the mat and clipped Orton's leg with his shoulder, knocking Orton onto his back. Machetti scrambled back up and crossed Orton's legs into a Figure-4 then rolled him over onto his stomach. THE DETROIT DEATHLOCK IS LOCKED IN! Machetti applied pressure to the hold and bent Orton's leg around his other one, in an attempt to humiliate Orton by forcing him to tap out and give up his WrestleMania dreams.
Orton yelled out as pain shot through his legs, but he was determined not to tap out. There was too much on the line here tonight. While his legs hurt like hell at the moment, it could've been worse, Machetti hadn't worked them over as much as he could have, he only had a painful submission hold locked in on his legs, Orton just need to get out of it and he'd be able to get back into the match. Orton growled and thrashed on the mat and launched himself forward in an attempt to reached the ropes, but he was still stranded in the middle of the ring, he had a long way to go and it didn't look like Machetti was about to let him get there. Struck by sudden inspiration Orton rolled forward and Machetti was launched into the ropes, he bounced off and turned around, Orton sprang up off of the mat and dropped Machetti with his three lettered finisher, RKO! ORTON NAILED THE RKO! The fans booed and Maria looked worried as Orton scrambled on top of Machetti and hooked his legs for the pin, ONE… TWO… THRE—MACHETTI SOMEHOW KICKED OUT!! Orton sat up and stared at the referee in shock, he held up three fingers but the referee shook his head and informed him it was only two. But because he simply couldn't believe it, Orton went for another pin, ONE… TWO… THRE—AGAIN MACHETTI BARELY KICKED OUT!!
Orton glared at Machetti but then a smug grin appeared on his face, he decided he was fine with Machetti kicking out there, now he'd be able to finish him off for good. Orton stood up and backed up into the corner, he pulled his leg back and waited for Machetti to get in position. Orton was gonna take out Machetti right here, right now, as he waited Orton turned and grinned at Maria who was staring in the ring in horror. Clearly she knew what was coming, the fans were booing loudly, they knew what was coming, the referee looked reluctant to let the match continue, even he knew what was coming. The only person in the arena that didn't seem aware of Orton's sinister intentions was the man they were directed towards: Machetti. The Motor City Madman finally pushed himself up onto his hands and knees which prompted Orton to charge out of the corner, Maria screamed loudly, "HEADS UP!" PUNT KI—MACHETTI SPRANG UP OFF THE MAT—SPINNING WHEEL KICK!! Orton was caught off guard and was knocked flat on his back, Machetti rolled over and draped his arm over Orton's chest for a pin, ONE… TWO… THR—ORTON GOT A SHOULDER UP!
Both competitors laid flat on their backs in the middle of the ring, Machetti was still shaking off the after effects of that RKO, the kick he had landed on Orton had been out of instinct and desperation. Orton had just about reached his limit, after that No-Holds-Barred Match with Shane and all the punishment he had taken thus far in this match, he didn't have very much left. From the looks of it, the match could go either way, the superstar that got up first would probably gain control of the match. The referee stood over the two superstars and started the double knock out count, it'd be horrible for such an important match to end this way, but those were the rules. If neither competitor was able to reach his feet after the ten count, the match would be rendered a draw, just like the Royal Rumble, that wasn't something anyone wanted. ONE! Machetti rolled away from Orton and laid flat on his back, while beside him Orton wasn't showing many signs of life. TWO! THREE! Finally the competitors started to stir Orton rolled onto his stomach and began the difficult task of forcing his body back up to its feet. Machetti still seemed to be out of it. FOUR! Orton pushed himself up onto his knees, FIVE! Machetti finally started to move and sat up while Orton staggered up t one leg, SIX! Orton stood back up while Machetti pushed himself up onto his knees.
Rather than give Machetti a chance to get back up, Orton went over to Machetti and grabbed him, but Machetti hit Orton with a punch to the stomach. Orton staggered back two steps then came back, but Machetti hit him with another stomach shot, then managed to fight back up to his feet. But Orton rushed in and booted Machetti in the stomach then grabbed him and whipped him towards the corner, only for Machetti to reverse it at the last second sending Orton into the corner instead. Machetti ran into the corner and jumped up onto Orton's shoulders but Orton caught Machetti and shot him up and over his head. But Machetti landed on the top rope behind Orton then springboarded backwards off of it and landed on Orton's shoulders, then fell backwards, REVERSE HURRICURANA! Orton was sent flying across the ring while Machetti pulled himself back up with the ropes, he quickly climbed up onto the top rope and stared out across the ring at Orton. Machetti launched himself out of the corner and did a backflip, then came down legs-first on top of Orton, SHOOTING STAR PRESS LEG DROP! Machetti rolled over and hooked Orton's legs for a pin, ONE… TWO… THRE—ORTON MANAGED TO KICK OUT!!
Machetti sat up and looked down at Orton in surprise, after everything he had been put through, Orton had still managed to kick out of that. He was clearly determined not to lose an to go on to WrestleMania, Orton was giving this match everything he had left. This would make finally beating him even more enjoyable because Machetti would know that he had beaten Orton when he had given everything he had and that it still wasn't enough. Machetti got up and pulled Orton up off of the mat with him, he kicked Orton in the gut then grabbed him for a side headlock, IMPALE—ORTON PUSHED HIM OFF! Machetti staggered backwards but like a viper Orton surged forward and jumped up RK—NO! MACHETTI PUSHED ORTON OFF! Orton went across the ring into the ropes and bounced off, Machetti caught him as he came back and lifted him up in front of him, MACHETE'S BLA—ORTON HIT A REVERSE DDT! After countering Machetti's finisher and driving the back of his head down to the mat, an exhausted Randy Orton rolled on top of Machetti for a cover, ONE… TWO… THR—MACHETTI KICKED OUT!
Orton got off of Machetti and stood up then staggered over to the ropes and leaned against them. This was really starting to get annoying, Machetti was really persistent and wasn't giving up, this wasn't just a match, this was a battle and no matter what the exhausted Randy Orton did, Machetti somehow managed to persevere and continue. The only way he could beat Machetti was if he knocked him the hell out, luckily, Orton had a few moves that could do that. Orton kicked Machetti in the side and rolled him into his back then took a few steps back, once again looking to hit Machetti with the punt kick. Orton brought his leg back and waited for Machetti to push himself off of the mat, he looked groggy and didn't seem to know where he was, but what Orton was missing what the reason he missed the last time he attempted to kick Machetti in the head. Maria was crouched down below the ring apron behind Machetti, and was low enough that Orton couldn't see her, but Machetti could hear her. Machetti finally pushed himself up onto his hands and knees and an oblivious Orton charged, PUNT KI—SPEAR!! Machetti speared Orton down to the mat then went off on him with a barrage of closed fist punhes, he only stopped when the referee pulled him off.
Machetti stared down at Orton then went to the closest corner and climbed up onto the top rope, Machetti had his back to Orton and carefully glanced over his shoulder to make sure Orton was still in position, then backflipped out of the corner and launched himself across the ring, Machetti did a complete backflip, then kept moving and came down back-first, SUICIDE BO—ORTON MOVED!! Machetti slammed back-first into the mat and thrashed around while holding his back, Orton grinned and crawled over to Machetti, the slapped the mat with his hands and waited for him to get back up. Still holding his back Machetti sat up and was facing away from Orton, and slowly began to fight up to his feet, seemingly oblivious to the viper that was poised to strike behind him. Machetti cast a quick glance at the HD-Tron he was facing and stood up then turned around, Orton sprang up off of the mat, RK—MACHETTI CAUGHT HIM—SMALL PACKAGE!! Orton was caught off guard as Machetti pinned his shoulders to the mat with a quick and very surprising pin, ONE… TWO… THREE! MACHETTI JUST PINNED RANDY ORTON!! MACHETTI IS GOING TO WRESTLEMANIA!!
Riot Time hit while Machetti rolled away from Orton and stood up, he smirked when he noticed his opponent sit up and stare at him in shock. The match had ended in an instant and Orton never saw it coming. Machetti's plan had succeeded and his had failed, Machetti was going to WrestleMania and he wasn't. In a matter a five seconds his fate had been decided. Orton glared at Machetti and Maria, who had gotten in the ring to celebrate with her boyfriend. Machetti was off to bigger and better things, while the McMahon's were now free to deal with Orton how they saw fit. Orton wasn't about to go out without a fight, he surged off of the mat and charged at Machetti and Maria. Machetti saw Orton coming and pushed Maria out of the way then dropped down, DROP TOE HOLD! Orton tripped and slammed head-first into the middle turnbuckle in the corner. Machetti grabbed Orton and pulled him up, then turned him around and lifted him up in front of him, Machetti launched Orton over his head and did a backflip, MACHETE'S BLADE!! Machetti slammed down on top of Orton but quickly rolled off and got back up, he went to the corner and climbed up onto the top rope, then with his back to Orton he backflipped out of it, SUICIDE BOMB!! Machetti slammed back-first onto Orton then rolled off and slid out of the ring.
Lillian Garcia stood up and finally made the announcement, "Ladies and gentlemen, here is your winner and 2009 Royal Rumble Winner, MACHETTI!" Maria joined Machetti outside of the ring and the two of them headed to the back. Machetti had beaten Orton tonight, and just to add insult to injury, had left him lying out cold in the middle of the ring once the match was over. Machetti had beaten Orton and was now moving on to WrestleMania. But who would he challenge, the new WWE Champion Triple H, or whoever was going to win the World Heavyweight Championship in the Raw Elimination Chamber. The night still wasn't over, HBK versus JBL was up next.
---x---
Machetti beat Orton so he's the official 2009 Royal Rumble Winner, now he get to challenge for any championship he wants in the Main Event of WrestleMania. What will he do, and what will happen to Orton now that he no longer has his Royal Rumble rights to combat the McMahon's legal action?
'Till Next Time…
Peace!
