Randy Orton Must Cash in His Title Shot at SummerSlam to Maintain Momentum

After over 18 months stuck in the upper midcard and away from the World title scene, Randy Orton stormed back to relevance by winning the much-coveted briefcase at the Money in the Bank pay-per-view.

Orton's victory was somewhat of a surprise. Daniel Bryan seemed a much more likely victor. Or maybe even Rob Van Dam, who was making his big return to the company after a six-year hiatus.

But Orton, who had been stuck with a stagnant face character and lacked any real direction for ages?

With his high-profile victory, though, it appeared that WWE was willing to overlook the wrestler’s flaws—namely his two drug test failures—and push him as a top star once more.

The following night on Raw, Orton made his intentions to current WWE champion John Cena crystal clear: He was not going to foolishly give him notice of when he intended to cash in—as Cena did with CM Punk last July—and would do it at the most opportunistic moment.

Technically, Orton is still a babyface, but that probably won't last long. The star has been gearing up for a heel turn for ages now.

And what better way to do it than by cashing in at SummerSlam next month?

Interestingly, it has been reported by F4Wonline, via Wrestlezone, that this is one scenario currently being talked about, with the idea being that Daniel Bryan could defeat Cena for the belt only to be swiftly challenged by an emerging Orton seconds later. Presumably this would be Orton's official heel turn.

Certainly, the star shouldn't drag out his title shot for almost a year like others, including Dolph Ziggler and Edge, did.

For the first time in a long time he has momentum, and the company would be foolish to squander it by making him wait months to cash in the briefcase.

What good could possibly come of waiting? All it would do is greatly weaken the Orton character and force him back into the moribund role he used to be in.

Orton swooping in and seizing the title at SummerSlam might cut short the Bryan/Cena singles program, but really, how much mileage does that have anyway? Their feud lacks any tension, especially with both of them being good guys.

It would also give us a chance to see Orton/Bryan or Orton/Cena, two very intriguing feuds. Can you imagine the technical masterpieces Orton and Bryan could churn out?

It would be great to see Cena and Orton revive their chemistry for another program, too.

Take my advice, WWE. Have Randy Orton cash in his title shot at SummerSlam. Not only would it be a brilliant moment that would get everyone talking, it will help solidify Orton's career rejuvenation.