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Randy Orton is among the best and most decorated WWE Superstars in pro wrestling history. He is also one of the company’s longest-serving employees, celebrating his 22nd year with the company in 2024.
Despite the countless epic matches, unforgettable rivalries and 14 world titles, though, the version of Orton in today’s WWE Universe is the best we have ever seen.
Yes, he is older now and fending off a bad back that probably would have retired a lesser athlete, but with age comes experience. With experience comes a greater understanding of the industry, its fanbase and the little things that elevate a professional wrestler from great to one of the best to lace a pair of boots.
The Viper is in that stratosphere.
Orton does not need to be someone he’s not. He has more natural charisma in his pinky than most of his peers have in their entire body and knows how and when to utilize it to his advantage.
The 44-year-old has excellent awareness in the ring, on the mic, and in his physical performance. Watch how he tilts his head, narrows his eyes, gives the occasional wink, or maneuvers his body like that of a serpent waiting to strike.
All little things, but all enhancing his performance. These are the tools of a virtuoso performer who has perfected his craft over time and knows exactly when and where to place them for maximum effect.
Eleanor @Its_Eleanor
Randy Orton staring at the Undisputed WWE title belt 👀
Solo Sikoa vs. Cody Rhodes at Money In The Bank & then Randy Orton vs Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam?
SOUNDS GOOD TO ME! #WWECastle pic.twitter.com/7UedCahg3u
The same goes for his in-ring performance, where a younger Orton may not have recognized the opportune time to lower a shoulder, fire up the crowd, or place that picture-perfect snap powerslam.
He does all of that expertly now.
Then there is his selflessness and willingness to put others over in hopes of growing the business and leaving it better than he found it.
There is no denying Orton is a megastar in an industry where few still exist.
It is not unusual for the Knoxville, Tennessee native to work with a guy who needs a bump up the card or a shot of adrenaline ahead of a big push. We saw him take Matt Riddle under his wing as part of the RK-Bro tag team and elevate his star to previously unknown levels, and more recently, he has been key to helping establish the revamped Bloodline as a threat.
On August 31, The Legend Killer enters Bash in Berlin to challenge Gunther for the World Heavyweight Championship in a match that’s as much about establishing The Ring General’s title reign as highlighting the veteran.
He is not a guy whose ego is inflated by wins and losses, as evidenced by the fact he hasn’t won a singles match at a premium live event since defeating “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt at WrestleMania 38 in 2021.
That selflessness allows him to utilize his undeniable star power to strengthen the industry’s long-term future while doing little damage to himself.
Listen to the reaction he commands when he walks through the curtain. The people sing his theme tune as he climbs the turnbuckles for his trademark pose. It’s deafening, indicating that Orton is as over now as he has ever been without winning a singles match on a big stage in nearly four years.
His promo work is at its best, too. Much less drier than when he was trying to be a cold, calculating heel in the late 2000s, he has allowed his real personality to shine, and it has only further connected him with audiences.
Add to that a ring game that is more mature and thoughtful than ever before, especially as he looks to maximize the number of years he has left as an active competitor, and you have a version of Orton that is head and shoulders above any incarnation of the future Hall of Famer we have witnessed before.
Orton told Marca (h/t Sean Rueter of Cageside Seats) that he had recently signed a five-year contract extension. WWE does not offer that kind of deal unless it believes he will remain a major asset to the promotion and its success over the next five years.
The Viper could have allowed his brand and name value to carry the load for him, but he has not. He has continuously evolved as a performer, improved his performance and ensured his place in wrestling history. He has improved an industry that has been very good to him and his family.
This is the best Orton we have ever seen, and it would not be surprising if this article is rewritten in two years to reflect the new best Orton we have ever seen. He cannot help himself, and pro wrestling and its fans are all the better for it.
