DX-ploited by The Champ

WASHINGTON D.C. - When it comes to claiming WWE’s most coveted title, loyalty remains an expense some Superstars simply cannot afford.

While Triple H and Shawn Michaels insisted that competing in a Triple Threat Match for the WWE Championship would do little to sever the deep bond between them, the allure of gold proved too much for the DX cohorts, who quickly turned on one another. As their alliance frayed, WWE Champion John Cena eagerly leveraged his opponents’ betrayal into an intensely fought victory. (PHOTOS | WATCH: Post-match interview)

Things started out amicably enough. The Game and HBK even greeted the crowd together as DX’s entrance music pervaded the arena. Seconds after the opening bell, however, Michaels unexpectedly lulled his associate to sleep with Sweet Chin Music. With Triple H out cold, HBK and The Champ exchanged strikes.

As any member of the WWE Universe can tell you, though, never count out Triple H. The King of Kings rallied and the three-man clash took on a different, and dangerous, dynamic as the action moved outside the ring. It was there that The Game smashed HBK through the announcers’ table with a spine buster, leaving Triple H to contend with the WWE Champion. While the match nearly ended with several two-counts, in the end a fatigued Cena refused to quit against his equally exhausted rivals and managed to pin Triple H to retain his title.

While it remains to be seen whether or not DX will survive this latest chapter, WWE Champion John Cena appeared more than happy to close the book on Survivor Series 2009 with his title intact.