On the January 20, 2020, episode of Monday Night Raw, WWE fans witnessed an intense battle between two of the most physically dominant and charismatic superstars of their generation—Randy Orton and Drew McIntyre. This match was particularly significant as it built momentum for the upcoming Royal Rumble pay-per-view, where both men would play pivotal roles.
The bout began with both competitors standing toe-to-toe in the center of the ring, locking eyes in a display of mutual respect mixed with intense competition. The bell rang, and the two immediately engaged in a collar-and-elbow tie-up, each testing the other’s strength. Orton, the seasoned veteran, tried to use his technical prowess and methodical pace to gain control, while McIntyre relied on his superior power and agility.
Orton took the early advantage, applying a side headlock and keeping McIntyre grounded, attempting to slow the pace. But the Scottish Warrior quickly fought out of it, using his brute strength to shove Orton into the ropes before landing a massive shoulder tackle that sent the Viper crashing to the mat. The crowd roared as McIntyre showcased his dominance, flexing and taunting Orton.
Undeterred, Orton responded with his signature quick-strike offense, catching McIntyre off guard with a thumb to the eye, followed by a vintage backbreaker. The Apex Predator then began his methodical dissection, targeting McIntyre’s limbs and back, stomping on his opponent’s joints in his signature sadistic style.
After several minutes of Orton controlling the pace, McIntyre mounted a comeback. The Scottish powerhouse countered an attempted DDT with a belly-to-belly suplex, launching Orton across the ring. As Orton staggered to his feet, McIntyre followed up with another devastating suplex and climbed to the top rope, looking for a diving clothesline. However, Orton’s veteran instincts kicked in as he sidestepped the maneuver, causing McIntyre to crash hard onto the mat.
Sensing an opportunity, Orton went for his patented hanging DDT off the ropes. He connected, planting McIntyre’s head into the mat, and then dropped to the canvas, pounding the mat in preparation for the RKO. The crowd was electric as Orton prepared to strike.
However, McIntyre had the move well-scouted. As Orton leaped for the RKO, McIntyre shoved him away and capitalized with a Claymore Kick attempt—but Orton dodged it at the last second. The back-and-forth continued, with both men reversing each other’s signature moves in a thrilling display of counter-wrestling.
Just as the match reached its climax, The O.C. (AJ Styles, Luke Gallows, and Karl Anderson) stormed the ring, attacking both men and forcing the referee to call for the bell. The match was ruled a no contest, but that didn’t stop McIntyre from delivering Claymore Kicks to each member of The O.C. before standing tall.
Though there was no decisive winner, McIntyre made a powerful statement ahead of the Royal Rumble, proving he was ready to headline WrestleMania.
