Fatal 4-Way clash on a global scale

Fatal 4-Way stands as an international incident

WWE has truly become a worldwide entertainment juggernaut, hosting monumental events all over the planet. Now, at WWE Over the Limit, the Fatal 4-Way World Heavyweight Title Match will act as a microcosm for this global phenomenon. That’s because when the four Superstars step into the ring to compete for championship gold, only one of them will be introduced as hailing from the United States of America.

Anarchy emerged out of a Tag Team Match between World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus & Randy Orton and Alberto Del Rio & Chris Jericho on the May 7 edition of Raw SuperShow ( WATCH | PHOTOS) – prompting the GM of both Raw and SmackDown, John Laurinaitis, to rule that the fierce competitors would settle things in a Fatal 4-Way showdown at WWE Over the Limit. ( MATCH PREVIEW) Though it might not have occurred to the Executive Vice President of Talent Relations at the time, he was actually setting the fuse on an international incident of epic proportions.

Fatal 4-Way clash on a global scale

Randy Orton: A real American hero

It is somewhat easy to forget about where a Superstar like Randy Orton originates from, when his serpentine intensity and unpredictable nature tend to make him larger-than-life.

Still, if one looks deeper into the eyes of The Viper, they will see a solid foundation that is pure red, white and blue. WWE’s Apex Predator hails from St. Louis, Mo., a third-generation Superstar raised in the good ol' USA. Clearly, being a nine-time World Champion isn’t the only thing he has going for him as he heads into the imposing pay-per-view contest. He will, in effect, have the home country advantage as well.

The son of WWE Hall of Famer “Cowboy” Boy Orton certainly embodies American ideals, raised with a strong will to win regardless of the odds. Could his homegrown spirit prove the difference in the title match of mayhem that he is now preparing for?

Fatal 4-Way clash on a global scale

Sheamus: The Celtic Warrior

Long before America decided to go green, Sheamus had embodied it completely. Raised amid the tradition and splendor of Dublin, Ireland, The Celtic Warrior has always championed himself a proud Irishman. It’s this identity that helped him become the Emerald Isle's first-ever WWE and World Heavyweight Champion.

Whether he is sporting his trademark fiery red hair, personalizing finishing maneuvers with the mark of his beloved homeland – from the Irish Curse to the Brogue Kick to the Celtic Cross – or intimidating opponents with his famous Irish temper, the Celtic tenacity of The Great White has helped make him one of WWE’s elite.

However, the luck of the Irish does not necessary guarantee that the World Heavyweight Champion will hold onto his illustrious title, especially when one of his opponents could very well be “the best in the world at what he does.”

Fatal 4-Way clash on a global scale

Chris Jericho: The competitive Canuck

Though there is no denying that Chris Jericho has built himself into an international sensation in his own right, the first-ever Undisputed WWE Champion hails from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Like many Canadians who have laced up the boots – a prestigious list that includes WWE Hall of Famers Bret “Hit Man” Hart and “The Rated-R Superstar” Edge, to name a few – Jericho carries with him a heritage of excellence into any in-ring encounter. His experience and dedication are intensified by the fact that he is extremely well-schooled in his craft. This includes expert tutelage with the legendary Hart family, which makes “The Ayatollah of Rock and Rolla,” quite simply, Canadian wrestling royalty.

Still, Jericho is not the only competitor that will bring the elite characteristics of his homeland to Over the Limit.

Fatal 4-Way clash on a global scale

Alberto Del Rio: The Mexican Aristocrat

Despite his dangerous ability and cunning ruthlessness, Alberto Del Rio is, at heart, a true Mexican Aristocrat – linked by blood to Spanish royals Ferdinand and Isabella.

Regarding matters within the squared circle, however, it is also important to recognize that the elitist grappler from San Luis Potosi, Mexico, emerged from the lucha libre tradition that is such a vibrant part of his country’s history. His father was famed ring-warrior Dos Caras, and his uncle, the recently inducted WWE Hall of Famer Mil Mascaras. At Over the Limit, Del Rio will carry all of that valuable knowledge, experience and combative lineage into the whirlwind Fatal 4-Way.

The advantages that the Superstars will bring to the May 20 Fatal 4-Way World Heavyweight Title Match are as diverse as their backgrounds. Although things have definitely changed since the days of booing Russia’s Nikolai Volkoff and the Iron Sheik for singing the Soviet National Anthem in the ’80s, the WWE Universe can’t deny that the unique roots of the four competitors involved will play a central role in determining who walks away from the contest as the World Heavyweight Champion.

Fatal 4-Way clash on a global scale

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