The Legacy: Father vs. Son

Chapter 2: Reforming

One week after the heartbreaking betrayal of his respected mentor Randy Orton, Alex was still processing of what led to the unprovoked RKO from the man who created and shaped him. He was scheduled for an interview segment for tonight's SmackDown with Cathy Kelley.

Cathy: ladies and gentlemen, my guest at this time, WWE Champion Alex Auditore

Alex walked in frame with the title on his shoulder with a sad look on his face.

Cathy: Alex, let's go review what happened last week on SmackDown

They turned to the screen in front of them to watch the RKO of betrayal. Alex turned back and breathed deep as Cathy continued the interview.

Cathy: what are your thoughts on that? Randy Orton, a man you looked up and trusted your whole career stabbed you in the back like that?

Alex: well Cathy, like you mentioned, I have trusted this man from the very beginning of my career; it started with a slap to my face. But after seeing that, it took me a whole week to process it. I have learned everything Randy Orton has taught me, both physically, mentally and methodically. But I did forget an unwritten rule of his... don't trust a snake. If Orton wants a shot at this title, he has to earn it. An RKO can keep me down, but not for long and you only became a 14 time world champion because you lost it 14 times. Mentor- Randy, if you're listening, all you have to do is find me, and if you're somewhere lurking like the snake you are, then watch my match against your old friend, Cody Rhodes

The segment ended and the main event for tonight is a non-title match as for the first time ever, Alex takes on Cody Rhodes one on one.

As the show went on, there was a women's one on one as Natalya looks for a victory in the column as she takes on the crazed Nikki Cross. Displaying sudden ruthlessness on the former women's tag team champion, Natalya didn't give Cross that much breathing room as she ended the match quick with a tight Sharpshooter, forcing Nikki to tap out quick. However, Nattie kept the hold on after the bell while the referees tried to break the hold.

Natalya finally let go and exited the ring while the referees checked on Cross; as Nattie backed up to the ramp, from behind walking out was the Viper himself as he gave Natalya an applause and nod of approval. Natalya was confused for a second until Orton whispered something in her ear. Natalya then smirked and nodded as she followed the Viper to the back which caused some curiosity among the WWE Universe.

(In the locker room)

Alex was wrapping his hands in wrist tape getting ready and got a surprise visit from the new signee to the women's division, Cora Jade.

Alex: well hello there, you must be Cora Jade

Cora: I am! It's an honor to meet you, the champion himself!

Alex: well I am not one who brags a lot, but yes I am. What can I do for you?

Cora: well you see, I'm new to the main roster, you may have seen me on NXT

Alex: ah yes, I assumed you want to avenge your loss against your idol Natalya?

Cora: yeah I do!

Alex: well you better watch your back, did you saw what she did to Nikki Cross? And it appears she aligned herself with my mentor

Cora: Nattie can't run and hide forever

Alex: Cora, do what you must. What I can give you is that you shouldn't underestimate yourself, get into your opponents' heads and strike when the time is right

Cora smiled and nodded as she took the WWE Champion's advice by heart. Excited, she thanked the veteran and left the locker room while Alex smirked and nodded.

Alex: she has a bright future ahead

(Main event)

It was time for the blockbuster pay-per-view worthy main event as the Pinoy Pharaoh takes on the American Nightmare for the first time ever. Both men made their entrances to loud pops from the crowd and were both ready for a fight.

Alex Auditore vs. Cody Rhodes - Non-title match

The two men shook hands Ring of Honor style and proceeded to lock up in a test of strength with the champion backing Rhodes to the corner, the referee counted to force a break and Alex let go before landing a vicious chop on the American Nightmare's chest. Alex smirked and taunted Rhodes to bring the fight, Cody responded back with a hard chop of his own, which fazed the champion as the Pharaoh called it even between them.

Alex launched Cody to the ropes, only for Rhodes to duck an incoming clothesline, but the Pharaoh fired back with a jumping dropkick, knocking Rhodes down. Alex went for quick cover, but Cody managed to kick out at one.

(Fast forward)

As the match went on, Randy Orton and Natalya walked out and stood on the stage and watched the match from there before deciding to make their way down to ringside for a front row seat. After taking down Rhodes with a superkick, Alex turned to see his former mentor at ringside.

With his back turned, Alex begged Randy to come into the ring.

Alex: come on Randy! I'm right here!

Orton climbed to the ring apron slowly, but backed out as Cody got back up and got Alex in position for Cross Rhodes, but the WWE Champion got out of the hold and takes down Rhodes with a spinebuster; however, Alex was ambushed from behind by Orton's signature inverted headlock backbreaker, calling for the bell to ring and end the match in disqualification in Alex's favor.

Orton then picked Alex up and and hung him on the ropes, in position for his signature hanging DDT and then drops the champion head first. But then Randy saw that Alex was on his knees in prone position. Randy smirked and got the opposite corner, looking for the career ending punt kick. However, Cody stopped the Viper in his tracks.

Rhodes helped Alex up, but to the surprise of the Viper, Cody smirked and got Alex in position for the Cross Rhodes and takes down the champion with his finisher. Rhodes smirked and shook hands with Orton, signifying a Legacy reunion. Natalya joined the two men in the ring as they stood over the grounded champion.

SmackDown ended with Randy Orton raising the arms of Cody Rhodes and Natalya, reforming a new version of Legacy as the old theme played.