Randy Orton and Drew McIntyre formed one of the most intriguing WWE feuds in recent memory during the final quarter of 2020.

The two superstars faced off at three pay-per-view events - SummerSlam, Clash of Champions and Hell in a Cell. They went toe-to-toe in four separate WWE Championship matches.

Orton continued to perform his best work as a merciless and unforgiving heel. He was the ideal opponent for McIntyre, who enjoyed a massive singles push as the top babyface on Raw.

During an interview with Steve Austin on Broken Skull Sessions (h/t Fightful.com), Orton revealed something interesting: He wasn't initially keen on feuding with the former WWE Champion:

"Originally, I had no interest being in there with him. We got closer and closer and he grew on me. We had three or four pay-per-view matches and I slowly learned more about this guy. I watched (Austin's interview with Drew) and I felt that."

I've gotten to know him to the point where I know he has a good heart and I know he loves this business and this business has given everything to me and I know he feels the same way. Here we are, let's do what we can to elevate each other and make what we love as great as we can.

For me to be a threat to you, that helps me, but now you have a hole to dig out of and overcome. Now, he's got me on my heels. We eventually got there, but it took a couple of months to get there. He's good in my book."

Following McIntyre's victory over Brock Lesnar to become the new WWE Champion at WrestleMania 36, WWE pitted him against the top heels on the roster.

He had successful title defenses against Seth Rollins, Bobby Lashley and Dolph Ziggler before moving on to a long-term program with Orton. McIntyre defeated him at SummerSlam and Clash of Champions, but the Viper finally scored a victory at Hell in a Cell.

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Orton's 14th World Championship reign didn't last long, however. McIntyre regained the title on the Nov. 16 episode of Monday Night Raw, and he held it for 96 days before losing it to The Miz (following a successful Money in the Bank cash-in) at Elimination Chamber.

The Miz held it for eight days before losing the title to Lashley on Raw. The latter is now set to defend the title against McIntyre at WrestleMania 37.

A Top-Notch Program From Start To Finish

There have been many instances where WWE dragged on a feud when it was totally unnecessary. But the lengthy feud between Orton and McIntyre was brilliant throughout, thanks to creative booking to go along with excellent chemistry between the two superstars. Orton is one of the best heels in the business, and he did an excellent job in enhancing McIntyre's main event push. It wouldn't be surprising if we saw the two stars feud again in the not-so-distant future, given the success of their first program.

NEXT: Tyson Fury Reveals He Was Supposed To Face Drew McIntyre At A UK PPV