Roman Reigns def. Randy Orton

LOS ANGELES – Roman Reigns brought the sold-out STAPLES Center to its feet at SummerSlam, defanging The Viper Randy Orton with a thunderous Spear.

Match photos

Orton came to WWE Network’s pay-per-view looking for retribution, feeling that Reigns had cost him an opportunity at the WWE World Heavyweight Title several weeks ago. For his part, Reigns was stepping through the ropes looking for one thing: respect.

Regardless of their respective motives, the red-hot rivalry between two of WWE’s most ruthless grapplers was destined to leave scorched earth from the opening bell.

While Reigns opened the match with an aggressive offensive, the 12-time World Champion would fire back in a hurry, lighting the fuse on an absolutely explosive assault that was highlighted by an earth-shattering Superplex.

Throughout the match, every time his powerful adversary would begin to mount an offense, Orton would launch a counter-strike that would allow him to maintain control.

With every moment that passed, the WWE Universe truly came to know what Reigns was made of, as the resilient Superstar battled his way back, even leveling Orton with his trademark boot on the ring apron.

Yet, The Viper would not relent, driving Reigns onto the announce table and then into the unforgiving steel ring steps.

Then, back in the ring, the tough-as-nails Reigns took charge, picking Orton up on his back, dropping him off the top rope and down onto the canvas. He followed up with the Superman Punch. However, Orton countered his Spear attempt with an intense Powerslam. He then ultimately stopped a second Superman Punch attempt with the RKO. Still, miraculously, Reigns kicked out!

Then, seconds later, when Orton decided to turn to “Plan P” in the form of the Punt, Reigns got himself out of the way and delivered an epic Spear for the victory.

Indeed, Superman had overcome Kryptonite, with Roman Reigns made a tremendous statement at SummerSlam. And now that he has bested WWE’s Apex Predator at The Biggest Party of the Summer, will the black-clad warrior look to refocus his energy on the WWE World Heavyweight Title? Find out Monday night on Raw at 8/7 CT, only on USA Network!