How would you handle losing a promotion because of an exec's snap judgment?

Okay, so obviously there is a story that goes along with this question, read it or just answer, either way you will be helping me out.

Last week a senior member of my department was “let go” for various reasons and instead of promoting from within the department our Director is hiring someone outside for the roll.

I was angry and confused when I heard that I would be passed up. I may not have been as angry if the person they were hiring had more experience than me, but they don’t. In fact they barely have 1/2 of my experience and as if to add insult to injury I know this person and was giving them career advice not 2 weeks ago.

After confronting my director on the issue I was informed that he was going to look to me for the position, but was stifled by our EVP because he felt I may not be able to give orders. Now if you have ever met me you would know that I do have a quite streak at times, but an introvert I am not and orders and/or confrontation I do not avoid. I was also told that despite my Directors objections that our EVP does not back down on snap judgments and that right or wrong it was his way.

I’m f*cking pissed off, our EVP made a decision without knowing my work history or really anything about me at all. I want to make everyone involved in this fiasco feel stupid by showing that I am the right choice and getting the second senior position on my yearly review (October) anyway. How would you handle a stubborn judgment like this when it starts effecting your career and income?