cena vs orton

Randy Orton sees the WWE Championship differently than the other Superstars. It doesn’t just represent sports-entertainment’s most coveted prize; to Orton, a third-generation Superstar, it represents his destiny.

Orton has yearned to hold the WWE Championship since he became the youngest World Heavyweight Champion in history in 2004 – at SummerSlam. But his championship reign was only a month, far too short for the man who has prided himself on destroying legends. And now Orton has the opportunity at déjà vu – and perhaps his destiny – at this year’s SummerSlam when he faces John Cena for the WWE Championship.

As WWE Champion, Cena is a legend in the making. He has held the championship for 24 of the last 27 months and has been on an incredible roll in his third reign as champion. From Edge to Umaga to Shawn Michaels and Bobby Lashley, he has turned back the challenges of all comers for 11 months.

However, Cena has not faced Orton one-on-one with the WWE Championship on the line. The two have faced off in tag team matches and with several other competitors involved in WWE Championship matches, but they’ve never battled mano-a-mano. At SummerSlam, Orton has the opportunity to fulfill his potential and become the champion that so many have predicted he will be.

Perhaps no one – or any other multi-generational star – on the WWE roster has as much God-given ability as Orton. As the son of WWE Hall of Famer “Cowboy” Bob Orton Jr. and grandson of Bob Orton Sr., he comes from a prestigious wrestling lineage. He grew up around the business, regularly seeing Hall of Famers such as “Rowdy” Roddy Piper and Andre the Giant at his dinner table. It’s no exaggeration when people say Randy Orton was born to wrestle.

That’s what makes part of his career so disheartening. Instead of showing reverence to his father, grandfather and other legends, he spits on those who paved the way for him. Instead of winning championships, Orton has been obsessed with decimating legends like Dusty Rhodes and ending careers prematurely. Just ask Shawn Michaels and Rob Van Dam. With Cena, Orton could perhaps snag the WWE Championship and end another promising career.

Cena has to be careful because Orton is cold, calculating and sadistic. The WWE Champion may be facing his most dangerous opponent. But if Cena is able to turn back Orton's challenge, he will not only extend his championship reign, but may cement his own legacy – and destiny – as one of the greatest champions in WWE history.

Check out Cena's new Beware of Dog t-shirt and Orton's Skull t-shirt at WWEShop...