Twenty former WWE and World Heavyweight Champions — ranging from Rey Mysterio to Bret Hart to WWE COO Triple H — enter the ring for the Championship Ascension Ceremony.
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The King of Kings, a former holder of both World Titles, presides over the event.
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The WWE Universe in Seattle, not far from Daniel Bryan's hometown of Aberdeen, Wash., makes clear that The Beard is a favorite.
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Even Shawn Michaels tries to quash the "Daniel Bryan" and "Yes!" chants.
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Former World Heavyweight Champion Mark Henry acknowledges the moment.
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This Sunday at WWE TLC, both World Titles will hang in the balance in a truly historic bout to determine The Champion of Champions.
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WWE Champion Randy Orton enters the squared circle.
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World Heavyweight Champion John Cena charges to the ring.
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Triple H asks both champions to attach their titles to an apparatus in a symbolic gesture.
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The Viper claims Cena lacks ruthless aggression and takes a poke at his ego. "You say you don’t care about being the face of WWE. That’s a lie. I know you, John. Image is everything to you.”
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The Champ counters, suggesting Daniel Bryan is Orton's polar opposite, in that Bryan had to work for everything he has gotten.
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Cena asks if either of Bryan's parents was a Superstar, like Orton's father and grandfather were.
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WWE's "Yes!" man replies that his father was a log scaler.
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“A guy like you has been given every single thing in the WWE," Cena tells Orton, saying WWE's Apex Predator has been sheltered by Triple H and Stephanie McMahon.
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At WWE TLC, "I will be at my very best. I just hope that you are, too," Cena says.
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As the World Titles ascend toward the ceiling ...
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... Orton fires off a cheap shot, sending the championship ceremony into bedlam.
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During the pull-apart, Triple H separates CM Punk and the WWE Champion, leading to Punk getting hold of The King of Kings.
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Suddenly, Triple H's best friend, HBK, Superkicks Punk!
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Bryan drives into his mentor with a Running Knee Smash.
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Orton tries to RKO Bryan, but The Beard shoves him off, inadvertently sending Orton into Stephanie.
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Triple H then Pedigrees the WWE Champion ...
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... and Cena is left standing with The Authority as Raw comes to a close days before the huge match to determine The Champion of Champions.