WWE SummerSlam 2011: Christian vs. Randy Orton, a Double Turn in the Works?

Since May of this year, Christian and Randy Orton have been engaged in a heated rivalry over the prestigious world heavyweight championship over on the revamped SmackDown. 

Coincidently, the feud began at the start of their match on the May 6th broadcast of SmackDown, the infamous episode in which Christian's first world-title reign came to abrupt end at the hands of Randy Orton.

Following that match Christian walked off, displaying signs of frustration and confusion to close the show.

As time progressed, it became known that Christian's subsequent heel turn this past June was fueled by his obsession with the world heavyweight championship.

However, one has to wonder: Was Orton's spot in this rivalry originally meant for the now-retired Edge?

Word going around is that the highly anticipated feud between Edge and Christian was finally coming to fruition following the Extreme Rules pay-per-view, more than likely over the gold strap.

Turning Christian heel in either situation would have—and has—turned into a huge mistake.

Since turning his back on the WWE universe two months ago, what has changed about Christian from his cocky character back in 2005 before he departed the company? 

Absolutely nothing.

As of now, Captain Charisma still enters to the same babyface-like entrance music, dons the same attire he's had since 2009, and uses the same exact high-risk offense that the crowd has gotten behind during nearly all of his matches.

From my perspective Christian's persona screams face and has lost all momentum and edge since June.

Moreover, Randy Orton is the complete opposite.

Although he may be just as over with the fans as John Cena, Orton was certainly born to play the crazed monster we've seen him as during his numerous reigns as WWE champion on Raw a few years back.

Sure, the audience may love his punt-kicking and delivering finishers on the announcing table, but how in the hell does that translate to face behavior? I'm pretty sure a "hero," in other words, would not display such behavior. His current character has grown stale in the minds of some.

Some, myself included, have even called the Viper the John Cena of Friday nights.

The Champ is known for sometimes "burying" rising, moneymaking talent—names such as R-Truth, The Miz, and Wade Barrett come to mind.

Randy Orton has essentially mimicked the same tactics with Christian over on SmackDown.

It seems to be very difficult for Christian to get over as a heel, using cheap heat at some points in order to do so. Christian deserves the world title, but not in the flunky fashion in which they're portraying him now.

Personally, I believe a double turn would be best if the feud were to continue past tonight's SummerSlam event, even though that may be extremely difficult to accomplish.

Their once-hot feud has since died tremendously over the past few months, with its ultimate downfall being the disqualification finish that ended their third consecutive PPV match back at last month's Money in the Bank.

One can only hope that Captain Charisma can some how go over clean against Orton in their no-holds-barred bout at tonight's event as the rivalry has certainly run its course.

If turning Christian back to his original character is out of the question, then the least Creative can do is attempt to rebuild Christian up as a legitimate heel with promos such as the one he delivered at the conclusion of this week's SmackDown.

I don't want to see him complaining and becoming the second coming of his CLB gimmick from six years back.

Thanks for reading, Bleachers, and make sure to drop comments regarding how you think the feud between Christian and Randy Orton should be resolved.

But hey, I'm not telling you anything you don't already know. GSM out.

Visit my web site at Next Era Wrestling and my WrestleRant video blog for more of GSM's writings, along with WWE/TNA news, recaps and more. Follow me on Twitter @SAVE_US_GSM.