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Rated-RKO
Edge (left) and Randy Orton (right) inLouisville,Kentucky, 2006
Tag team
MembersEdge
Randy Orton
Lita(valet)
Name(s)Edge and Randy Orton
Rated-RKO
Combined
billed weight		496 pounds (225 kg)
DebutOctober 9, 2006
DisbandedMay 11, 2007
Years active2006–2007, 2008, 2011

Rated-RKOwas aprofessional wrestlingtag teaminWorld Wrestling Entertainment(WWE) consisting ofEdgeandRandy Orton,withLitaas their manager for a short while. The team's name was created by combining Edge's nickname, "The Rated-R Superstar",[1]with Orton's initials, RKO, which is also the name ofhis finishing move.[2]

Edge and Orton formed an alliance in October 2006 to challenge the team ofTriple HandShawn Michaels,collectively known asD-Generation X(DX), whom Rated-RKO felt were preventing them from becoming world champions. Rated-RKO would succeed in defeating DX, giving the latter their first loss since their reunion in June 2006. The following month, Rated-RKO won theWorld Tag Team Championship.Soon after, Lita left the group due to herreal-liferetirement.

In January 2007, Rated-RKO lost the World Tag Team Championship, which caused tension between the two. The group officially disbanded in May 2007, after Edge moved to theSmackDown!brand. Edge and Orton had occasional reunions until Edge's first retirement in 2011. Edge returned from a nine-year retirement at the2020 Royal Rumble,and seemingly was set to reunite Rated-RKO as he and Orton formed an alliance in the Royal Rumble match. Orton further hinted a revival the next night onRaw,only to attack Edge afterwards.

History[edit]

World Tag Team Champions (2006–2007)[edit]

On the October 2, 2006, episode ofRaw,interference from the newly reformedD-Generation X(DX) (Triple HandShawn Michaels)tag teamcost Edge his shot at theWWE Championshipheld byJohn Cenain aSteel Cage match.[3]This led to Edge approaching Randy Orton and asking him to join forces with him to "get rid of DX". In his stand, Edge explained to Orton why he should join him as a tag team partner, as he cited Orton's lack of success after being kicked out ofEvolution(Orton's former group), as well as the antics of DX taking up television time that he felt should rightfully go to the younger stars.[4]

Edge and Orton, calling themselves "Rated-RKO",[5]immediately became very outspoken against DX and began mocking them at every opportunity, including a sketch reminiscent of the ones DX did about their opponents on a usual basis.[6]This led to a tag team match on November 5, 2006, atCyber Sundaywith the fans choosing thespecial guest referee.At Cyber Sunday, the duo defeated DX, handing them their first team loss since they reunited whenEric Bischoff(the fan selectedreferee) allowed the use of asteel chairwithout calling for a disqualification.[7]Later in the night, Lita won theWomen's Championshipin the finals of a seven-woman tournament.[8]The following night onRaw,Edge and Orton facedRic FlairandRoddy Piperfor theWorld Tag Team Championshipwith Eric Bischoff as the guest referee. Rated-RKO lost the match, following help from DX.[9]

EdgeandRandy OrtonasWorld Tag Team Champions

The following week onRawhowever, they won the World Tag Team Championship from Flair and Piper in a rematch when they attacked Piper upon making his entrance, with Edge delivering aone man con-chair-toto Piper. As he was taken to the locker room by paramedics, Flair was forced to defend the titles by himself, and Rated-RKO won the match after Edge performed aspearon Flair.[10][11]The real reason for the sudden switch was later revealed to be Piper's diagnosis oflymphomaforcing him out of action.[12]On the November 20 episode ofRaw,Rated-RKO,Big ShowandKennylost to Triple H, Shawn Michaels, John Cena and Ric Flair.

AtSurvivor Series,Litalegitimatelyretired after losing the Women's Championship toMickie Jamesand left the group in the process.[13]Later that night, Team Rated-RKO, consisting of Rated-RKO along withJohnny Nitro,Mike Knox,andGregory Helms,were swept by Team DX (DX,Jeff Hardy,Matt Hardy,andCM Punk) with Orton being the last member eliminated in aten-man elimination match.[14]The night after Survivor Series, Edge and Orton beat Ric Flair until he was bloody and continued to beat him after dragging him to the ring, knowing that DX had already left the building.[15]In doing so, D-X claimed they had made their rivalry "personal".[16]On the December 4 episode ofRaw,Rated-RKO andMNMdefeated DX andThe Hardys.On the December 18 episode ofRaw,Rated-RKO andUmagabattled to a no contest against John Cena and DX after Cena and Umaga battled to the back. After the match, Edge and Orton attacked DX giving Michaels a double RKO on a steel chair and two con-chair-tos to Triple H on the announce table. AtNew Year's Revolutionin January 2007, Rated-RKO retained the World Tag Team Championship after fighting with DX to a no-contest in a match that saw Triple H suffer a legitimate torn rightquadriceps muscle.[17]The next night onRaw,Rated-RKO held a victory celebration and Shawn Michaels came out to the stage to confront Edge and Orton setting up a 2-on-1 handicap match the following week.

With Triple H out of action, Rated-RKO continued their on-screen rivalry with remaining DX member Shawn Michaels. They were able to schedule a two-on-onehandicap matchagainst Michaels, during which he was able to beat the odds and defeat both men, leaving Orton lying in the ring after a one-man con-chair-to as Edge stood and watched at ringside.[18]On the January 22 episode ofRaw,Edge defeated Michaels in a street fight with help from Orton. At theRoyal Rumble,both members of Rated-RKO made it to the final four in theRoyal Rumble match(they both were eliminated by Michaels) where The Undertaker won the match. The next night onRaw,the duo lost the World Tag Team Championship to the impromptu team of John Cena and Shawn Michaels.[19][20]On the February 15 episode ofRaw,Rated-RKO,Mr. Kennedyand MVP lost to John Cena, Shawn Michaels, The Undertaker andBatista.Internal dissension continued as both men laid claim to being the number one contender to the WWE Championship,[21]and Edge walked out on Orton on the February 26 episode ofRawduring a rematch for the World Tag Team Championship due to miscommunication.[22]

The relationship strained further after both men qualified for theWrestleMania 23Money in the Bank ladder match,which would grant the winner a championship match.[citation needed]For weeks Edge influenced variousauthority figuresinto putting Orton in matches that would cause Orton not to succeed.[23][24][25]

Breakup and subsequent reunions (2007–2011)[edit]

On the April 16, 2007 episode ofRaw,they reunited to take on John Cena in ahandicap matchbut lost the match due to interference from Michaels.[26]AtBacklash,the two were involved in aFatal Four-Way matchfor theWWE Championshipalong with Michaels and Cena. Cena ended up retaining the title after pinning Orton.[27]On the April 30 episode ofRaw,Edge and Orton met in a one-on-one match. Edge won the match by pinning Orton following aspear.[28]Edge then moved to theSmackDown!brand on the May 11 episode ofSmackDown!,after cashing in the Money in the Bank briefcase (which he had won fromMr. Kennedyon the May 7 episode ofRaw)[29]to win theWorld Heavyweight ChampionshipfromThe Undertaker.[30][31]With this move, Rated-RKO was officially disbanded. DuringRaw's 15th Anniversary episode on December 10, Rated-RKO reunited for "one night only" to partake in asix-man tag team match,teaming up withUmagato face the members of Orton's former group Evolution (Triple H, Batista, and Ric Flair). They lost the match after being disqualified.[32]

The team had a reunion on the April 21, 2008 episode ofRaw,when Orton and Edge teamed withJohn "Bradshaw" Layfield(JBL) andChavo Guerrero Jr.to take on John Cena, Triple H, The Undertaker, andKanein a winning effort.[33]

On the April 26, 2010, episode ofRaw,Edge cost Orton (who had turned face after feuding with his former group The Legacy) a number-one contender's match by spearing him during a triple threat match against Batista andSheamus.[34]Orton and Edge faced off atOver the Limitin May, though Orton dislocated his right shoulder and the match concluded with a double countout.[35]

On the January 28, 2011 episode ofSmackDown,Edge and Orton reunited in a winning effort againstDolph ZigglerandThe Miz.[36]On the February 18 episode ofSmackDown,they reunited once again and teamed up withJohn Morrison,R-Truth,Rey Mysterio Jr.,and John Cena to defeat Kane, Ziggler, Sheamus,CM Punk,Drew McIntyre,andWade Barrettin a 12-man tag team match.[37]On the April 11 episode ofRaw,Edge announced his retirement due to a neck injury preventing him from being medically cleared.[38]

Later interactions (2020–2021)[edit]

On January 26, 2020, at theRoyal Rumblepay-per-view,Edgereturned from injury, wrestling for the first time since 2011, then reuniting withRandy Ortonto eliminateThe O.C.(Luke GallowsandKarl Anderson).[39]The following night onRaw,Orton would interrupt Edge, attacking him with the RKO and then deliver a Con-Chair-To, a move Rated-RKO used in their run as a tag team, thus turning Orton heel in the process.[40]They would face each other in aLast Man Standing matchatWrestleMania 36,which was won by Edge and a singles one–on–one match atBacklash,which was won by Orton.Wrestling Observer Newsletterreported that the match was pre-recorded on June 8, while the rest of the Backlash card aired live on June 14.[41]The pre-recorded nature of the Edge vs. Randy Orton match allowed WWE to utilize "unique production techniques and camera angles." One production technique was amplified crowd noise. WWE also used the classicMadison Square Gardenmicrophone that was used duringWrestleMania I,with previous recordings of the lateHoward Finkeldoing introductions for both wrestlers. RefereeCharles Robinsonalso wore a classic light blue ref shirt with black bowtie.[42] WWE then billed the match as "The Greatest Wrestling Match Ever."[43]

The next year, atRoyal Rumble,they participated in theRoyal Rumble matchas the first two entrants, with Edge entering at #1 and Orton entering at #2. Both would last until the final two where Edge eliminated Orton to win the match.[44]

Championships and accomplishments[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^"Edge's WWE Profile".World Wrestling Entertainment.RetrievedJanuary 13,2010.
  2. ^Tello, Craig."RK-Ode".World Wrestling Entertainment.RetrievedJanuary 12,2010.
  3. ^Hoffman, Brett (October 2, 2006)."Checkmate".World Wrestling Entertainment.RetrievedJanuary 7,2008.
  4. ^Zeigler, Zack (October 9, 2006)."Cyber Sunday Blockbuster".World Wrestling Entertainment.RetrievedJanuary 7,2007.
  5. ^Golden, Hunter (October 23, 2006)."Raw Results – 10/23/06 – Chicago, IL (K-Fed's back & HHH vs. Orton)".WrestleView.RetrievedJanuary 13,2010.They [Edge and Randy Orton] bemoaned their misfortunes last week and said this week things would be different. Orton said they were Rated Rko and the two biggest superstars the business has ever seen.
  6. ^Golden, Hunter (October 16, 2006)."Raw Results – 10/16/06 – Los Angeles, CA (K-Fed gets FU'd, & more)".WrestleView.RetrievedNovember 30,2009.
  7. ^Zeigler, Zack (November 5, 2006)."Bischoff creates controversy".World Wrestling Entertainment.RetrievedJanuary 7,2008.
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  9. ^Dee, Louie (November 6, 2006)."Payback is a Dick".World Wrestling Entertainment.RetrievedJanuary 7,2008.
  10. ^Zeigler, Zack (November 13, 2006)."Rated-RKO Champions".World Wrestling Entertainment.RetrievedJanuary 7,2008.
  11. ^"Rated RKO's first World Tag Team Championship reign".World Wrestling Entertainment.RetrievedJanuary 19,2008.
  12. ^"Roddy Piper diagnosed with lymphoma".Slam! Sports.Canadian Online Explorer. November 29, 2006. Archived from the original on July 19, 2012.RetrievedJanuary 12,2010.{{cite news}}:CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  13. ^Martin, Adam (November 26, 2006)."Survivor Series PPV Results – 11/26 – Philadelphia, PA (New champs)".WrestleView.RetrievedNovember 30,2009.
  14. ^Elliott, Brian (November 27, 2006)."WWE kills 'Survivor Series'".Slam! Sports.Canadian Online Explorer.Archived from the original on June 29, 2012.RetrievedNovember 30,2009.{{cite web}}:CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  15. ^Dee, Louie (November 27, 2006)."R-K-Anarchy".World Wrestling Entertainment.RetrievedJanuary 7,2008.
  16. ^Plummer, Dale (December 5, 2006)."Raw: DX gets a little revenge".Slam! Sports.Canadian Online Explorer.Archived from the original on July 14, 2012.RetrievedDecember 7,2009.{{cite web}}:CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  17. ^Plummer, Dale; Nick Tylwalk (January 8, 2007)."Cena retains, Triple H injured at Revolution".Slam! Sports.Canadian Online Explorer.Archived from the original on July 13, 2012.RetrievedNovember 30,2009.{{cite web}}:CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  18. ^Keller, Wade (January 15, 2007)."Keller's WWE Raw Report 1/15: Ongoing" virtual time "coverage of live show".PW Torch.RetrievedDecember 7,2009.
  19. ^Golden, Hunter (January 30, 2007)."Raw Results – 1/29/07 – Dallas, TX (Rumble fallout; New tag champs)".WrestleView.RetrievedJanuary 12,2010.
  20. ^Parks, Greg (January 29, 2007)."1/29 WWE Raw Review: Parks's ongoing" virtual time "alt perspective".PW Torch.RetrievedDecember 7,2009.
  21. ^Caldwell, James (February 5, 2007)."Caldwell's WWE Raw Report 2/5: Ongoing coverage of live edition of Raw".PW Torch.RetrievedDecember 7,2009.
  22. ^Golden, Hunter (February 26, 2007)."Raw Results – 2/26/07 – Fresno, CA (Trump makes pick & 'Tag Titles')".WrestleView.RetrievedNovember 30,2009.
  23. ^Golden, Hunter (March 12, 2007)."Raw Results – 3/12/07 – Washington, DC (Trump & McMahon + more)".WrestleView.RetrievedDecember 8,2009.
  24. ^Golden, Hunter (March 13, 2007)."ECW on Sci Fi Results – 3/13/07 – Trenton, NJ (Lashley & Orton, more)".WrestleView.RetrievedDecember 8,2009.
  25. ^Golden, Hunter (March 19, 2007)."Raw Results – 3/19/07 – Indianapolis, IN (WM Reverse Night & more)".WrestleView.RetrievedDecember 8,2009.
  26. ^Golden, Hunter (April 16, 2007)."Raw Results – 4/16/07 – Milan, Italy (New WWE IC Champion, more)".WrestleView.RetrievedJanuary 12,2010.
  27. ^Elliott, Brian (April 29, 2007)."No filler makes for a consistent Backlash".Slam! Sports.Canadian Online Explorer.Archived from the original on July 18, 2012.RetrievedJuly 16,2008.{{cite web}}:CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  28. ^Starr, Noah (April 30, 2007)."Khali's claim".World Wrestling Entertainment.RetrievedJanuary 7,2008.
  29. ^DiFino, Lennie (May 7, 2007)."Gold digging".World Wrestling Entertainment.RetrievedJanuary 7,2008.
  30. ^Lennon, Patrick (May 11, 2007). "WWE hits the buffers".Daily Star.
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  32. ^Robinson, Bryan (December 10, 2007)."Triple Reunion for the Game".World Wrestling Entertainment.RetrievedJanuary 19,2008.
  33. ^Keller, Wade (April 21, 2008)."Keller's WWE Raw Report 4/21: Ongoing" virtual time "coverage of live King of the Ring tournament".PW Torch.RetrievedDecember 8,2009.
  34. ^Plummer, Dale (April 26, 2010)."Raw: Feeling a draft".Slam! Sports.Canadian Online Explorer. Archived from the original on July 14, 2012.RetrievedMay 24,2010.{{cite web}}:CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  35. ^Bishop, Matt (May 23, 2010)."Batista quits to end disappointingOver The Limit".Slam! Sports.Canadian Online Explorer. Archived from the original on July 13, 2012.RetrievedMay 24,2010.{{cite web}}:CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  36. ^Hillhouse, Dave (January 29, 2011)."Smackdown: Babyfaces behaving badly".Slam! Sports.Canadian Online Explorer.Archived from the original on June 29, 2012.RetrievedJanuary 31,2011.{{cite web}}:CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  37. ^Hillhouse, Dave (February 19, 2011)."Smackdown: 600 birthday smacks".Slam! Sports.Canadian Online Explorer.Archived from the original on July 16, 2012.RetrievedFebruary 21,2011.{{cite web}}:CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  38. ^Plummer, Dale (April 11, 2011)."Raw: Edge calls it a career".Slam! Sports.Canadian Online Explorer.Archived from the original on July 21, 2012.RetrievedApril 18,2011.{{cite web}}:CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  39. ^Powell, Jason (January 26, 2020)."WWE Royal Rumble results: Powell's live review of the Royal Rumble matches," The Fiend "Bray Wyatt vs. Daniel Bryan in a strap match for the WWE Universal Championship, Becky Lynch vs. Asuka for the Raw Women's Championship".Pro Wrestling Dot Net.RetrievedJanuary 26,2020.
  40. ^Powell, Jason (January 27, 2020)."01/27 WWE Raw Results: Powell's review of Edge's return, Royal Rumble winners Drew McIntyre and Charlotte Flair, Seth Rollins and Buddy Murphy vs. Samoa Joe and Kevin Owens for the Raw Tag Titles, Liv Morgan vs. Lana".Pro Wrestling Dot Net.RetrievedJanuary 28,2020.
  41. ^Lambert, Jeremy (June 8, 2020)."WWE Reportedly Filmed Certain Matches For WWE Backlash, News On What Was And Wasn't Taped".Fightful.RetrievedJune 8,2020.
  42. ^Fiorvanti, Tim; Coyle, Sean (June 14, 2020)."WWE Backlash: Randy Orton defeats Edge in the 'Greatest Wrestling Match Ever'".ESPN.RetrievedJune 15,2020.
  43. ^Powell, Jason (May 25, 2020)."5/25 WWE Raw Results: Powell's live review of WWE Champion Drew McIntyre on MVP's VIP Lounge, Nia Jax vs. Charlotte Flair vs. Natalya for a Raw Women's Championship match at WWE Backlash, Andrade vs. Apollo Crews for the U.S. Title".Pro Wrestling Dot Net.RetrievedMay 29,2020.
  44. ^Powell, Jason (January 31, 2021)."WWE Royal Rumble results: Powell's live review of the Royal Rumble matches, Drew McIntyre vs. Goldberg for the WWE Championship, Roman Reigns vs. Kevin Owens in a Last Man Standing match for the WWE Universal Championship, Sasha Banks vs. Carmella for the Smackdown Women's Championship".Pro Wrestling Dot Net.RetrievedJanuary 31,2021.
  45. ^"World Tag Team Championship official title history".World Wrestling Entertainment.RetrievedJanuary 7,2008.
  46. ^"WWE Women's Championship official title history".World Wrestling Entertainment.RetrievedJanuary 7,2008.

External links[edit]

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