John Cena retained the Undisputed WWE Championship against hometown favorite Randy Orton on Saturday.
The St Louis crowd were vociferous in their support of Orton throughout the WWE Backlash main event.
The match was marked by a very deliberate and methodical pace, with long holds and theatrics aimed at the live crowd.
Those in attendance, however, remained engaged in the match.
At one point, Orton countered an Attitude Adjustment with the RKO mid-move, leaving both men laying.
Orton fully hit an RKO but could not capitalize. He then went for the punt but Cena dodged and hit another AA for a near-fall.
After Referee Chad Patton took a bump, Cena grabbed the title belt to use as a weapon. As Cena swung the belt, Orton hit another RKO, but only for a two count.
Outside the ring, Chad Patton took a second bump. While he was out, Orton delivered an AA of his own to Cena onto the announce desk.
With the ref still not stirring, Orton set up a table at ringside. He then delivered yet another AA to Cena through the table.
Back in the ring, Orton hit an RKO. Replacement referee Eddie Orengo could not make it to the ring in time to count three. Cena then tried for another belt shot, but hit Orengo.
Nick Aldis and a bunch of officials then came to the ring to check on the referees. They all ate an RKO.
As he looked for a finish, R-Truth interfered to stop Orton, who gave Truth an RKO. This distraction allowed Cena to hit a low blow on Orton and land another belt shot.
Chad Patton recovered in time to finally count three at almost 28 minutes.
