Randy Orton (c) vs. Cactus Jack - WWE Backlash 2004 (4.18.2004) Hardcore Match for the Intercontinental Championship

I feel like this is the match that solidified Randy Orton as a top guy.

That tack spot made me an Ortin fan. Didn't think he would take it.

Was just rewatching this the other day. Still holds up as one of Orton’s best performances. Loved thumbtack bump + the RKO onto barbed wire finish

Probably one of the best hardcore matches WWE ever put together. Foley kicking out of the RKO!?!? Awesome stuff

To me, this is Randy Orton’s best match of his entire career

One of the reasons I became a fan of orton was because of this match

What doesn’t get talked about is how Foley damn near got impaled by doing that elbow drop onto Orton. That piece of wood was just sticking out. Really elevating the match for me

Was going to say modern classic but it was 20 years ago so now it’s just a classic. Crazy that both of these men have taken a bump in the last month

Me and Allan 3 minutes into brunch

Ah yes, when the "Monster" Cactus Jack was unleashed for his 5-6 straight loss. As Foley-Fanatic, a MickaManiac if you will, I couldn't muster up much enthusiasm. It's like "Okay Mick, I know you're gonna lose, You haven't won a match in literal years." The did not surprise me

Cactus Jack made Triple H. Now he made Hunter's protege.