When it comes to WWE factions, Evolution is always up in the mix when the best ever groups are discussed, and it is easy to see why. With four legendary members in Triple H, Ric Flair, Batista, and Randy Orton, and a reign of dominance over Monday Night Raw with many world title reigns between them, Evolution is an illustrious and successful faction. It was key to creating two stars in Batista and Randy Orton. Although Orton had made a name for himself as a heel, WWE opted to turn him babyface, and this was done by Evolution turning on him.

Evolution Planned To Have A Triple H Vs Randy Orton SummerSlam Main Event

In 2003, the final form of Evolution was created when Randy Orton joined forces with the other three members to complete a supergroup full of both experience and potential. The group would become incredibly successful over the next two years, with HHH winning the World Heavyweight Championship on multiple occasions, during what was known as the “Reign of Terror” as he dominated WWE in that period.

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Evolution pose with their gold

Flair and Batista would become Tag Team Champions, and Orton would become Intercontinental Champion, completing a full sweep of Raw’s championships. However, as 2004 progressed, things began to come crashing down for the group, as HHH would lose the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 20, with Orton losing the Intercontinental Title too a little later. During this time, Orton’s star power had risen, as his feud with Mick Foley put him on the map as an incredible performer. In the lead-up to SummerSlam, HHH attempted to win back the World Title on an episode of Raw. On the same night, Orton looked to win a number one contender battle royal, with the plan from the group being an all-Evolution title match, which would ensure the title stayed with HHH.

Triple H Was Jealous Of Randy Orton Winning The World Heavyweight Championship

HHH would lose his title match, but Orton would win the battle royal. In the build to SummerSlam, Evolution was by his side as he looked to become the youngest World Heavyweight Champion of all time, with it seeming as though their priority was to keep the belt within the faction. Orton won the match, marking his first World Title win of many. The next night on Raw, Orton successful defended the belt, and a celebration ensued.

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Batista held Orton up on his shoulders, holding the title high. In what has become one of the most iconic turns of all time, HHH gave Orton a thumbs down, with Batista dropping Orton, and the remaining trio beating the holy hell out of him. It was a fantastic moment, and it instantly got the fans behind Orton as a babyface.

Triple H Attacks Randy Orton

The next week on Raw, it became clear that the reason for this turn was because of HHH’s jealousy due to the fact that he wasn’t champion. It was all about ego, and HHH wanted the spotlight, regardless of whether or not his protégé was champion. He demanded that Orton give the title back, and in return he would be forgotten about with no repercussions. This showed that HHH had taken it personally that Orton had won the championship. Orton refused, and spat in HHH’s face, beginning their feud.

Randy Orton’s Title Reign And Babyface Run Was A Failure

Unfortunately, WWE dropped the ball with Orton’s rise to stardom, as he would instantly lose the World Title to HHH at the Unforgiven PPV. With the spotlight back on HHH, it made the entire angle feel pointless, as it should have been the genesis of Orton’s rise to consistent main eventing. Over the next few months, WWE ran a similar story with Batista, who would win the Royal Rumble. This led to a babyface turn for him as he dethroned HHH at WrestleMania 21, in a much more successful break-up and push for a member of Evolution, with several great matches between the pair. Whilst this should have been done with Orton, WWE rectified their mistakes by turning Orton heel once again and reigniting his legend killer gimmick.

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Randy Orton 1st World Title Reign

The angle and storyline leading up to Evolution kicking out Orton was great, and it showcased just how despicable of a heel HHH was back then, with his ego not letting even a friend and ally achieve success in his place. All the ingredients were there to create a brilliant storyline and a hero in Orton. Things didn’t work out too well in that aspect, but Orton still managed to become a star anyway. The members of Evolution have always been intertwined, with this turn being the genesis of subsequent feuds between HHH, Orton, and Batista over the years, with their time both in the group and their exits producing some all-time moments.