Chris King Looks Back: Edge vs Randy Orton in the “Greatest Wrestling Match Ever”

Chris King takes a look at the memorable WWE Backlash 2020 “Greatest Wrestling Match Ever” featuring Edge and Randy Orton!

Edge made his shocking return at the 2020 Royal Rumble and immediately reunited with his former Rated-RKO member Randy Orton. It all seemed like old times as both superstars shared respect with each other. The following night on Monday Night Raw after Orton proclaimed he wanted to get Rated-RKO back together, he hit a vicious RKO and CON-CHAIR-TO on Edge. 

‘The Viper’ was in his mind trying to protect his former partner after being out of the business for nine years but, Edge wanted to write his own storybook ending to his career. After Orton took out Edge’s wife Beth Phoenix, both men went to war in a Last Man Standing match at WrestleMania,,, in which Edge was victorious. This did not sit well with The Viper, who had gone back to his sick and sadistic ways. In order to prove who the better wrestler is, WWE announced they would compete in the Greatest Wrestling Match Ever at Backlash. 

The production for this match was legendary as both superstars were introduced by Howard Finkel via a Madison Square Garden-esque microphone, which made it feel like a big deal. Even the referee, Charles Robinson, was dressed up with a blue collared dress shirt and bow tie. The iconic match started with Edge attempting trying to outwrestle his opponent, but The Viper outsmarted him at every turn. Edge delivered a kick to Orton on the outside to gain some advantage. ‘The Master Manipulator’ utilized Orton’s weakened shoulder to keep him locked in a headlock, slowing down his opponent’s attack. 

Orton tried to hit a superplex on the outside, but Edge hit a flying clothesline, and The Viper started to bleed. It’s been all Edge so far in this match as he locked in a crossface on his friend-turned-rival. Orton turned things around with a nasty modified neckbreaker that sent Edge gasping for air. The Viper kept the punishment going as he slung his opponent into the pixie glass, barricade, announce table, and even the steel steps neck first. The Viper slowed everything down with a stiff sleeper hold, keeping Edge on the mat. 

In the third quarter both superstars started pulling out tricks, including the late great Eddie Guerrero’s Three Amigos suplexes. While the assault continued, Orton hit a massive Superplex off the top rope for a solid two-count. The Viper tried to take advantage of his rival’s neck with a super-draping DDT, but Edge countered with an Edge-E-Cution for another two count. After a modified chokehold, Orton hit an Angle Slam to give him some reprieve.

The Viper dumped Edge to the outside and was able to capitalize with his patented draping DDT. The Master Manipulator hit Edge-O-Matic for a near fall. Edge wanted a spear but instead managed to hit Christian, his long-time tag team partner’s, signature move, the Unprettier, for a two count. The Viper bounced back and hit a Pedigree, paying homage to Orton’s former Evolution leader HHH. Edge then hit a Rock Bottom! After several unique pinfall attempts by Edge, The Viper struck with an RKO for a 2.99 count. 

The finishing minutes of this classic match saw Orton going for a punt kick, and Edge hit two devastating spears for a solid two count! He went up for a flying attack, and Orton caught his rival into an RKO for yet another near fall. Edge locked in the Anti-Venom submission, but The Viper hit a low blow followed by a vicious Punt for the three-count! 

Was this the greatest wrestling match ever… No, not really. This was a solid match, though, as both superstars tried to utilize everything in their playbooks and even some homages to the greats of WWE. I think at this point of COVID, WWE was trying to use any taglines or unique creativity to produce great wrestling content. Edge unfortunately suffered a torn triceps injury that would keep him out of the ring until the 2021 Royal Rumble. The Viper would go on to become WWE Champion once again later that year!