 After the newly reformed D @-@ Generation X ( DX ) ( Triple H and Shawn Michaels ) cost Edge the WWE Championship numerous times , Edge approached Orton and asked him to join forces to defeat the team . Orton , whose championship reign had been ended by Triple H in 2004 , agreed , forming the tag team Rated @-@ RKO . The two became the first to defeat DX since their reunion and quickly dominated the Raw brand 's tag team division to become tag team champions . As part of the angle , Rated @-@ RKO attacked Ric Flair with steel chairs to enrage DX on November 27 . At New Year 's Revolution , Rated @-@ RKO faced DX in a title defense , but the match was declared a no @-@ contest when Triple H suffered a legitimate injury during the match . With Triple H out of action , Rated @-@ RKO continued their on @-@ screen rivalry with remaining DX member Shawn Michaels . Michaels teamed with John Cena to defeat Rated @-@ RKO for the tag team championship on January 29 . After losing the tag team titles , both Edge and Orton focused on the WWE Championship , causing friction in the group . They would lose a triple threat match against Shawn Michaels to earn a title match at WrestleMania 23 . They both competed in the Money in the Bank ladder match at the same event , but the match was won by Mr. Kennedy . Finally , they faced off in a fatal four way for the title against Cena and Michaels at Backlash , however Cena retained the title . Their alliance was effectively ended once Edge was drafted to Smackdown . Orton then continued his " Legend Killer " persona , attacking Shawn Michaels . Using frequent attacks to the head , including an elevated DDT and a running punt to the face , Orton defeated Michaels at Judgment Day . When the kayfabe wounded and concussed Michaels collapsed in the ring , the referee was forced to stop the match and award Orton the victory . Orton continued his attacks when he engaged himself in feuds with Rob Van Dam , Ric Flair , Dusty Rhodes , and Sgt. Slaughter . During this time the commentators noted how Orton slithers around and stalks his victims like a snake ; this led to " The Viper " becoming a nickname for Orton . 
