Orton strikes at Backlash

Orton and The Legacy celebrate

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A sadistic punt to the skull saw the WWE Championship change hands as Randy Orton ended Triple H's reign at an action-packed Backlash.

With the odds stacked firmly in the Legend Killer's favour, The Game wilted under intense pressure from The Legacy before eventually relinquishing his crown.

The three-on-three match up saw Triple H, Batista and Shane McMahon go head-to-head with Orton, Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase in a match set by RAW general manager Vickie Guerrero.

The contest began as a three-on-two match-up when The Game chased Orton from ringside, leaving his Legacy colleagues to fend for themselves - a job they were struggling to do until The Viper returned to the ring.

Batista then lined DiBiase up with a steel chair and, just as he prepared to deliver a knockout blow, Triple H stepped in to prevent a disqualification which would have cost him the gold.

Distracted, The Legend Killer pounced, delivering a shattering RKO on his nemesis. However, to the amazement of Orton and the WWE Universe alike, Triple H showed all his spirit and resolve to kick out of the subsequent pin.

Not to be deterred, Orton struck again - this time with a sadistic punt to the temple.

There was no way back for the game this time and a new WWE Champion was crowned.