WWE Royal Rumble: The Miz Vs. Randy Orton (WWE Championship)

The following is from our live coverage of WWE Royal Rumble. To access our full coverage, click here. For quick notes during each match, follow us on Twitter by clicking here.

Josh Matthews interviewed The Miz backstage. Miz said there is a reason why he's champion and Randy Orton is not. Riley said Miz would outclass and beat Orton and go to WrestleMania as WWE Champion. Miz finished with: "I'm the Miz and I'm awesome!"

Randy Orton's music hit and we're off!

WWE Title Match:
The Miz (c) vs. Randy Orton

Orton took the early advantage and took the match outside of the ring. He dominated Miz on the outside and then brought him back in the ring for a two count. Orton continued to dominate and collect a couple of two counts in the process. Alex Riley finally ran interference to allow the Miz to take control of the match.

Miz continued to dominate the match for the next several minutes. The two traded the advantage several times.

Late in the match, they went to the outside of the ring and Miz sling-shotted Orton into the ringpost. Orton made it back in the ring and tackled Miz. The two traded punches, but Miz was met with a big clothesline when he charged at Orton, followed by a powerslam. Orton did the Garvin stomp and dropped a knee on Orton and secured a two count. Shortly after, Orton hit a back suplex for another two count. Miz retreated outside of the ring and grabbed the belt to head to the back, but was met with a clothesline to the floor.

A little later Orton hit a DDT as Miz got back in the ring and the new Nexus made their way to the ring. With the referee distracted, Riley came in the ring but Orton tossed him out onto Nexus. Orton hit an RKO but CM Punk hit the ring and hit a GTS on Orton. Punk put Miz on Orton, the referee came back into the ring and counted three!

The Miz defeated Randy Orton via pinfall to retain the WWE Championship.