Randy Orton
This article may need to be rewritten to comply with Wikipedia's quality standards. (December 2007) |
Randy Orton | |
---|---|
![]() | |
Born | Knoxville, Tennessee[1] | April 1, 1980
Professional wrestling career | |
Ring name(s) | Randy Orton |
Billed height | 6 ft 4 in (193 cm)[2] |
Billed weight | 245 lb (111 kg)[2] |
Billed from | St. Louis, Missouri[2] |
Trained by | "Cowboy" Bob Orton South Broadway Athletic Club Ohio Valley Wrestling |
Debut | March 18 2000[3] |
Randal "Randy" Keith Orton[4][5] (born on April 1 1980)[1] is an American professional wrestler currently signed to World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) wrestling on its Raw brand, where he is the reigning WWE Champion.[6] Orton is a third-generation professional wrestler; his grandfather Bob Orton, Sr., father "Cowboy" Bob Orton, as well as his uncle Barry O, all competed in the professional wrestling industry.[7]
Orton is a three-time world champion; a two-time WWE Champion and a former World Heavyweight Champion.[8][9] During his career in WWE, Orton acquired the moniker of being a "Legend Killer", disrespecting Hall of Famers and physically attacking veterans of professional wrestling outside of appropriate restrictions. He is also a former Intercontinental and World Tag Team Champion.[10][11]
Career
Randy Orton was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, on April 1 1980. Son to Elaine and "Cowboy" Bob Orton,[12] he is the oldest of two siblings.[13] Knowing from experience the hardships of life as a professional wrestler, Orton's parents tried to convince him to stay away from wrestling; his father warned that life in the ring meant a life on the road, away from family. He still agreed to try other venues first. After graduating from Hazelwood Central High School in 1998[5] (where he was an amateur wrestler), Orton enlisted with the United States Marine Corps. He was dishonorably discharged about a year later, after going AWOL on two separate occasions,[12] and disobeying an order from a commanding officer. Under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, Private First Class Orton was tried and convicted under a special court-martial, and was put into a military prison for thirty-eight days.[14]
Orton made his professional wrestling debut in 2000 with the Mid-Missouri Wrestling Association-Southern Illinois Conference Wrestling (MMWA-SICW) in St. Louis, Missouri, an organization that was an off-shoot of the old St. Louis Wrestling Club headed by Sam Muchnick between 1950 and 1983.[3] There, he was trained by such wrestlers as Ron Powers, Gary Jackson, Mark Bland, Jeremy Lightfoot, Phil E. Blunt and promoter Tony Costa as well as his father, Cowboy Bob Orton. During this time, Orton also refereed a few matches with World Organized Wrestling, a promotion where his uncle Barry O worked.[15]
World Wrestling Entertainment
2001−2002
Orton signed a deal with World Wrestling Entertainment and was sent to their developmental territory, Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) in Louisville, Kentucky, where he rose quickly through their ranks by becoming OVW Hardcore Champion on two occasions in 2001.[16]
Orton made his WWE television debut on SmackDown! on April 25 2002 as a face.[17] However, his persona as a face did not receive a positive response from fans.[18] Orton was then slowly transitioned into a narcissistic and self-centered heel.
Orton was then drafted to RAW, where he again received a large push as a face. Within weeks of his debut to the RAW brand, a shoulder injury left Randy sidelined for months. While recovering, Orton still appeared in his own "Randy News Network" segment, a weekly vignette featuring him talking at length on his condition. The show interrupted more interesting segments of Raw programming, gaining negative feedback from the audience.[19][20]
2003
After his injury healed, Orton joined the stable of Ric Flair, World Heavyweight Champion Triple H (also known as The Game), and relative newcomer, Dave Batista, known as Evolution. Seen as a link between Wrestling's Past (Ric Flair), Present (Triple H), and Future (Orton and Batista), the stable gained power over much of the roster, acquiring championship gold in 2003. Orton gained his first title with Evolution, and his success began an uneasy relationship with Triple H, who saw Orton as a threat to his dominance.
Orton began as an underling to Triple H, used primarily to help during his title defenses. He often resorted to dirty tricks and illegal maneuvers, which, alongside Triple H and Ric Flair, two notable heels, made Orton a stronger heel than before. In 2003, Orton spent much of his time helping Triple H overcome challenges from Scott Steiner, Goldberg, and Kevin Nash, former World Championship Wrestling (WCW) superstars who were vying with The Game for the World Heavyweight Championship.[21]
Orton's position alongside Triple H made him a main-eventer, gaining fans and visibility in high-profile matches. He joined Triple H in a six-man Elimination Chambermatch for the World Heavyweight Championship at SummerSlam 2003, involved primarily to secure Triple H's title defense. During the match, Orton displayed great wrestling ability, demonstrating himself as main-event material apart from Triple H.[22]
Afterwards, Orton proclaimed himself "The Legend Killer", a young upstart so talented, that he touted himself as the future of professional wrestling. He embarked on numerous feuds with "legendary" wrestlers, gaining infamy for his blatant disrespect of many older, well-regarded names in wrestling history. Most famously, he spit in the face of Harley Race on the April 26 2004 edition of Raw.[23] At Unforgiven 2003 on September 21, Orton defeated Shawn Michaels in the first of many high profile matches billed as "Legend vs. Legend Killer", with the help of his stablemate and mentor Ric Flair.[24] After the match, Orton was interviewed by WWE.com and stated, "I may be the Legend Killer, but as far as I'm concerned, there's no killing the legend of Shawn Michaels."[25]
During this time, Orton began using what would become his signature finisher, the RKO, named after his initials. Orton soon defeated Rob Van Dam for the WWE Intercontinental Championship at Armageddon 2003 on December 14.[26] This was significant for two reasons: all of the mens titles on RAW were now within Evolution's grasp, and with this win, Orton started the longest Intercontinental title reign in seven years, holding the title for seven months.[27]
2004
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/92/Orton2004-whc.jpg/155px-Orton2004-whc.jpg)
Orton continued to establish himself as a "Legend Killer" throughout 2004, challenging the semi-retired wrestler Mick Foley. Famed for his hardcore matches and an ability to handle excruciating pain, Foley offered Orton a hardcore "Legend vs. Legend Killer" match if Orton would put his Intercontinental Championship on the line. In a bloody match involving thumbtacks and barbed wire, Orton defeated Mick Foley.[28]
In July, at Vengeance, Edge defeated Orton to win the Intercontinental Championship, ending Orton's seven month title reign.[29] Even after the loss of his Intercontinental Championship, Orton continued to rise in ranks within WWE, entering the World Heavyweight Championship scene.After becoming the #1 contender on July 26,[30] he gained heat with the fans as a potential champion. A month later, Orton's dream came true when he defeated Chris Benoit for the championship. To boost his ego even further, Orton now had the added distinction of being the youngest World Heavyweight Champion in wrestling history (age 24).[31] Benoit congratulated Orton after the match, shaking his hand for showing the ability to "be a man".[32]
The following night, Evolution threw Orton a mock celebration, only to reveal that they were not pleased with his new victory. While Batista had Orton propped on his shoulders in elation, Triple H gave him a pleased thumbs up; he abruptly changed it to a thumbs-down, and Batista dropped Orton to the mat.[33] Ric Flair and Batista brutally beat him in the ring as Triple H revealed his jealousy for Orton's title. He offered an ultimatum to the young champion to hand over the championship; Orton refused, spitting in Triple H's face and hitting him with the title belt.[34]
Orton's break-up with Evolution began a face turn and he continued to feud with his former stablemates.[35] After a month of this feuding, Orton finally lost his championship at Unforgiven 2004.[36] Seeking revenge, Orton lashed out at Evolution members, catching them by surprise during a show by giving them a large cake as a make-up gift, which he came out of, beating and humiliating the group.[37] After this, Orton experienced another push, becoming General Manager of RAW for a week following a match stipulation at the 2004 Survivor Series.[38] He continued to feud with Triple H, using his authority to place his opponents at severe disadvantages during title defenses.[39]
Orton continued to receive a strong push despite weakening fan reaction to his status as a face.[40] Still feuding with Triple H, Orton was granted another chance at the championship in January 2005. He lost a six-man championship Elimination Chamber match to Triple H on January 9 2005,[41] and then beat Batista on January 10 2005, for a rematch.[42] During the match, Triple H interfered, accidentally hitting Batista with a steel chair, which started a successful face turn for Batista. On January 30 2005, Orton again attempted to regain the title from Triple H but was unsuccessful, effectively removing him from the Heavyweight Championship scene.[43]
In the book, World Wrestling Insanity, Orton's quick push to champion followed by tremendous losses to Triple H between August 2004 and January 2005 is described as a huge setback to his career. Orton's booking is also heavily criticized because his character was built on trampling the competition and beating legends, and yet, when he won the championship, he lost it after only a month. The author also feels that Orton was given poor rematches, including an Elimination Chamber match where he lost decisively to Triple H. Afterwards, Orton's #1 contender's match with Batista was won by interference from Triple H, significantly devaluing the win.[40]
2005
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d7/Orton_05.jpg/175px-Orton_05.jpg)
Afterwards, Batista was given a strong push, dethroning Triple H from his Championship reign while Randy Orton was marginalized. He began an on-screen relationship with Stacy Keibler and briefly feuded with Christian, storylines far from the championship scene.[44] Orton's career had slumped, and he was nearing midcard status until the legendary "Superstar" Billy Graham made a rare appearance on February 28, advising Orton to "go where no wrestler [had] gone before". By coincidence, Orton then produced a copy of SmackDown! magazine, which featured The Undertaker on the cover.[45]
Heeding Graham's advice, Orton claimed that he would set himself apart from all other wrestlers by ending The Undertaker's undefeated streak at WrestleMania.[46] Throughout March 2005, Randy Orton taunted Undertaker, claiming he was unafraid of the eerie Deadman. However, during Orton's promos insulting his opponent, he would immediately whimper and run for cover when signs of The Undertaker's appearance were near (lightning, darkness, smoke).[47] Orton gained heel heat through underhanded attacks, building suspense to his long-awaited match with The Undertaker at WrestleMania. He delivered an RKO to his unsuspecting on-screen girlfriend, Stacy Keibler, knocking her unconscious. This demonstrated intensity and unpredictability in Orton, and cemented his heel status. When "legend" wrestler Jake Roberts advised Orton not to underestimate The Undertaker, Orton RKOed him too.[48] In the weeks leading up to WrestleMania, he became more defiant and unafraid of the Deadman, taunting and assaulting him in the ring following distractions from his father. At WrestleMania 21, however, the heavily-hyped match was unsuccessful for Orton, as he lost despite his father's interference.[43]
The following night on RAW, Orton faced Batista, who had become World Heavyweight Champion. Orton stated on-screen that the match had aggravated a shoulder injury begun by The Undertaker, when in fact he was suffering from the third genuine shoulder injury of his career, putting him out for six months.[49] While sidelined, Orton appeared on RAW, declaring his intentions to gain revenge on Batista and take his title belt. Orton also claimed that he was ineligible for the WWE Draft Lottery because of his injury, but was told by a ceremonious Vince McMahon that night that he was indeed a candidate for the draft, leaving a possibility of a return to SmackDown!.[50]
Orton returned to WWE programming on the SmackDown! brand on June 16, announcing that he was the second SmackDown! pick in the 2005 draft lottery.[51] He rekindled his feud with The Undertaker, defeating him at SummerSlam 2005 following a distraction from his father.[52] After SummerSlam, an overconfident Orton announced that he was opening a retirement fund for The Undertaker, holding an over-sized check for him in the ring.[53] However, The Undertaker made his return by setting the check ablaze with a mysterious bolt of lightning.[54]
Randy Orton and The Undertaker feuded intensely from August to November, taunting each other in eerie pay-per-view specialty matches, featuring coffins, caskets, and druids.[55][56] At No Mercy 2005, Orton and his father defeated The Undertaker in a casket match by double-teaming and using weapons.[57] In November, they battled even more fiercely, hoping to finally settle the score between the veteran legend and the supposed "Legend Killer". On an episode of SmackDown!, Orton placed The Undertaker in the trunk of Eddie Guerrero's lowrider, reversing the car into the stage, creating a "deadly explosion".Orton later participated in the 2005 Survivor Series in an classic elimination match up as part of Team Smackdown against Team Raw , pinning Shawn Michaels for the victory and becoming the sole survivor for the third year in a row. The Event also marked the return of the Undertaker whom Orton had previously killed in Kayfabe terms.[58]
The feud was finally settled with a high-stakes match at Armageddon 2005. The Undertaker lured Randy Orton to a match at this pay-per-view event, offering to place his retirement at stake.[59] On December 16, The Undertaker entered the ring to deliver a promo, while one of his druids appeared to be standing in the ring. Confused, The Undertaker was RKOed in a surprise attack by Orton. The druid revealed himself to be Orton's father, giving Randy The Undertaker's urn (which, according to storyline, allowed whoever held it to control The Undertaker) and the possibility of a special advantage over The Deadman at Armageddon.[60] The Undertaker, however, overcame the odds and beat both Randy and Bob Orton in a Hell in a Cell match which ended their nine-month-long feud with The Undertaker as the victor.[61]
2006
Following Armageddon, Orton stayed off-air for two weeks, coming back to engage in a mid-card feud with Booker T and Chris Benoit. Orton agreed to help the injured Booker in a "best of seven" series with Chris Benoit for the WWE United States Championship.[62] Although Booker had won three matches previously and needed only one more win, Orton lost the first two due to botched interference.[62][63] In the deciding match with Benoit, Orton won with illegal help from Booker T, making him Champion.[64] In the following weeks, Orton squared off separately with Benoit and his accomplice Orlando Jordan, settling hostilities with them from his "best of seven" matches. Orton defeated Jordan with the aid of Booker T,[65] but lost to Benoit in a no holds barred match.[66]
Orton entered the 2006 Royal Rumble at number thirty and was eliminated by the second entrant, Rey Mysterio.[61] Because Mysterio had won a title shot through his Royal Rumble victory, Orton urged him to put it at stake in a match at No Way Out.[67] In the weeks preceding No Way Out, Orton made disparaging remarks about Eddie Guerrero, Mysterio's friend, in an attempt to gain heel heat.[68] However, as Eddie's death had occurred only months previously, many fans felt the comments were unwarranted and highly distasteful.[69][70][71] Orton won at No Way Out, earning Mysterio's title shot for the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 22.[72] However, in consideration of Mysterio's spirit, enthusiasm, and athleticism, General Manager Theodore Long re-added Mysterio to the WrestleMania 22 title match, making it a triple threat between Orton, Rey Mysterio, and then-champion, Kurt Angle.[73] On April 2 2006, at WrestleMania 22, Orton was pinned by Mysterio, making Rey the World Heavyweight Champion.[74]
On April 4 2006, WWE stated that Orton had been suspended for sixty days for "unprofessional conduct."[75] In a vague interview, Randy Orton stated, "my conduct was unbecoming of a champion, which is what I will be again when I return".[76] To cover for the suspension, a faked injury was devised, where Kurt Angle broke Orton's ankle during a grudge match.[77] In July, Orton said his suspension resulted from smoking marijuana backstage. While suspended, Orton spent four weeks at an anger management clinic.
Orton returned from his suspension in June on the RAW brand, exacting revenge on Kurt Angle for injuring (in kayfabe) his ankle. According to storyline, Angle was still bitter with Orton because of his performance at WrestleMania 22, where his pinfall caused the loss of Angle's Championship. The two faced off at One Night Stand, where Angle won, but had a rematch at Vengeance, where Orton won.[78]
Throughout July 2006, Orton feuded with "the legendary" Hulk Hogan, cutting humorous promos insulting the aging Hulkster. He also flirted with Hogan's 18-year-old daughter Brooke.[79] Through tricky maneuvers, Orton evaded many attacks from Hogan, in a similar fashion to his feud with The Undertaker. At SummerSlam 2006, Orton faced Hogan in a Legend vs. Legend Killer match, a match cleanly won by Hulk Hogan.[80]
Following the sabotage of Edge's title opportunities by the newly-reformed D-Generation X (Triple H and Shawn Michaels), Edge approached Orton, asking him to join forces in defeating the dominant tag team. Orton, whose Championship reign had been severely cut short by Triple H in 2004, reluctantly agreed, forming the tag team Rated-RKO. The two became the first to finally defeat DX since their reunion,[81] and quickly dominated RAW's lackluster tag team division to become champions.[82]
2007-present
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/aa/Randy_Orton_05_pose.jpg/195px-Randy_Orton_05_pose.jpg)
In 2007, Rated-RKO continued their feud with DX. They viciously beat Ric Flair with steel chairs to enrage DX.[83] At New Year's Revolution, Rated-RKO faced DX in a title defense, but the match was declared a no-Contest when Triple H suffered a legitimate injury during the match.[84]
With Triple H out of action, Rated-RKO continued to feud with remaining DX member Shawn Michaels. Michaels teamed with John Cena, defeating Rated-RKO for the championships on January 29.[85] The two suffered a series of frustrating losses to Cena and Michaels in the following months, building hatred towards one another. Worsening matters, they became rivals in their goals of achieving the WWE Championship, forcing them to join forces as well as backstab each other. Neither Edge nor Orton won the Championship, and they lost their claims as #1 contenders after a failed match with Cena at Backlash.[86] Blaming each other for their losses, Orton and Edge seemed to be set for a feud, but Edge's move to Smackdown abruptly ended their potential feud.
Orton remained in Raw as a singles star. He also continued his "Legend Killer" persona, attacking Shawn Michaels viciously with a more powerful moveset than seen before. Using frequent attacks to the head (including an elevated DDT and a running punt to the face), Orton beat Michaels senseless at Judgment Day 2007. When the wounded and concussed Michaels collapsed in the ring, the referee was forced to stop the match and award Orton the victory. Michaels was then taken out of the arena on a stretcher.[87]
After Orton had "killed the legend" of Shawn Michaels, he began to feud with ECW's Rob Van Dam. During a match between the two on Raw, Orton concussed Van Dam in a similar fashion to Michaels, executing an RKO.[88] At One Night Stand 2007 Orton lost a Stretcher match to Rob Van Dam, when he rolled Orton over the line.[89] However, Orton got his revenge. After the match was officially over, Orton viciously attacked Van Dam ending in a running kick to the head and an elevated DDT onto the concrete floor. Van Dam suffered a concussion as a result of the attacks. The next night on Raw Orton continued his rampage by "taking out" Ric Flair with the same tactics he employed against Shawn Michaels and Rob Van Dam.[90]
On the July 2 edition of Raw, Orton was involved in an altercation with Dusty Rhodes and his son Cody, showing disrespect to Rhodes, another "Legend", by slapping him across the face.[91] This ignited a short feud between Rhodes and Orton which culminated at The Great American Bash. There, Orton defeated Rhodes in a Texas Bullrope match by slamming him with a cowbell. After the match, Orton had his sights on delivering a running kick to Rhodes, but was interrupted by Cody.[92]
The following night on Raw, Orton defeated Cody, who had challenged him to a match. At the end of the match, Orton had Cody set up for a kick, until Dusty Rhodes made the save. But, instead, Rhodes fell victim to Orton, who went onto deliver the kick. Rhodes was then carried out of the arena on a stretcher. Later that night, Orton was announced as the new Number One contender for John Cena's WWE Championship.[93] The next week, Orton had a match with Sgt. Slaughter; he went onto continue his attacks and sent him to the hospital.[94] Weeks before SummerSlam, Orton would sneak attack WWE Champion John Cena, by delivering RKO after RKO.[93][95][96] Orton was unsuccessful at SummerSlam, losing a WWE Championship title match to Cena who pinned Orton after executing an FU.[97]
The following night on Raw, Orton demanded a rematch for the WWE championship, but was declined by RAW General Manager William Regal. Orton then went to take his demands to Mr. McMahon, who also refused to give Orton a rematch unless he proved himself. With that he went and interfered in Cena's match that night by assaulting Cena and having him in place for the running kick, but instead on delivering the kick, he went and assaulted Cena's father, who was at ringside, and delivered the devastating kick to his head.[98] Orton was granted his title rematch against Cena at Unforgiven, where he won his match by disqualification when Cena was disqualified for refusing to stop punching Orton in the corner.[99] Cena retained the WWE Championship because a title cannot change hands by DQ. After the match, Mr. Cena, who was again at ringside, punted Orton in the head.[99]
At No Mercy, Orton was awarded the WWE Championship by Mr. McMahon after John Cena relinquished the title due to an injury the previous week. He then lost the title to Triple H in the opening match of the show, the third shortest reign in WWE history.[100] Later in the night, Orton enacted his rematch clause in a Last Man Standing match, and defeated Triple H to regain the WWE Championship, becoming a two-time WWE Champion in one night.[101]
Orton successfully defended the WWE Championship at Survivor Series against Shawn Michaels, when he hit the RKO on Michaels for the win.[102] The stipulation of the match was, if Michaels used Sweet Chin Music the match would officially be stopped and Michaels would never get a chance at the WWE title, but if Orton would have gotten himself disqualified he would have lost the title. However, before Survivor Series, Orton and Michaels faced-off at Cyber Sunday, where Orton got disqualified when he low blowed Michaels, giving the upper hand to Orton as he retained the title. The following night on Raw, Chris Jericho returned to the WWE. His Armaegodden title match resulted in Orton retaining after JBL kicked Jericho in the head as he had the Walls of Jericho locked in. At Armaegodden, Jeff Hardy defeated Triple H to earn himself a WWE Championship match at the Royal Rumble. After weeks of giving Orton the twist of fate, and even a 30 foot Swanton Bomb, Randy Orton hit the RKO to retain the title. John Cena made a suprise return earning himself a championship match at WrestleMania 24. He demanded he use his cmatch at No Way Out. After a short feud with Mark Henry, John Cena beat Randy Orton by disqualification. Randy Orton is scheduled to defend his title against Triple H at WrestleMania24.[103]
Controversy
While on RAW, Orton was accused of harassing fellow WWE employees Amy Weber and Rochelle Loewen, leading to the departure of Weber from the company, while Loewen was transferred to SmackDown! (she was later released). Loewen (who has called Orton "an animal") claimed that he vandalized her possessions and subjected her to harassment.[104] Mark Jindrak has refuted several of Loewen's accusations in an interview with Voice of Wrestling and claims that Orton had apologized to Loewen at the time of the 2005 Royal Rumble. Fellow WWE Diva Search contestant (and eventual winner) Christy Hemme has also stated in an interview with The Sun that she does not believe that Orton harassed Weber and Loewen.[105]
On March 19 2007, Sports Illustrated posted on its website an article in its continuing series investigating a steroid and HGH ring used by a number of professional athletes in several sports. That article mentioned several current and former WWE wrestlers, including Orton who was alleged to have obtained clomiphene citrate, anastrozole and the steroids stanozolol, nandrolone, oxandrolone, and testosterone.[106] WWE has since made a statement on this situation, mentioning that the allegations preceded the Talent Wellness program WWE launched in February 2006.[107]
Personal life
In November 2005, Orton announced his engagement to his girlfriend Samantha Speno.[12][108] They married on September 21 2007.[109][110] In December 2007, Orton announced that he and his wife are expecting their first child, due in the summer of 2008.[111]
Orton has a tattoo of his wife's name on his right arm.[112] He also has designed signature tattoos on his wrists, upper biceps and on his upper back finishing his shoulders.[113] He got the tattoo on his upper back while he was in Ohio Valley Wrestling and gets his tattoos touched up once a year.[114] He also had a tattoo on his left arm which read "USMC" for United States Marine Corps but got it covered up after he received a bad conduct discharge and was sent home.[114]
Orton suffers from hypermobile shoulders.[115]
Orton is a fan of metal bands Metallica and Pantera.[2]
In wrestling
- Finishing and signature moves
- RKO (Jumping cutter) - occassionally elevated
- Running punt to an opponent's head
- O-Zone (Overdrive) - 2002
- Wheelbarrow suplex - OVW
- Randy Orton Stomp (Multiple stomps while circling a fallen opponent)[116]
- Inverted headlock backbreaker
- Chinlock
- Jumping knee drop
- European uppercut
- Gutwrench elevated neckbreaker
- Standing dropkick
- Body scissors
- Scoop powerslam
- Rapid forearm shots to head and chest of a seated opponent
- Elevated DDT
- Managers
- Nicknames
- Legend Killer[117]
- Theme music
- Burn In My Light by Mercy Drive – after Orton was kicked out of Evolution
- Line In The Sand by Motörhead – while Orton was part of Evolution
- This Fire Burns by Killswitch Engage – used for one week, eventually became the theme for CM Punk
Championships and accomplishments
- Ohio Valley Wrestling
- World Wrestling Entertainment
- Pro Wrestling Illustrated
- PWI Most Improved Wrestler of the Year award in 2004
- PWI Most Hated Wrestler of the Year award in 2007
Notes
- ^ a b "SLAM! Sports biography". CANOE. 2004-10-07. Retrieved 2007-07-10.
- ^ a b c d "Randy Orton's WWE Profile". WWE. Retrieved 2007-07-10.
- ^ a b "MMWA-SICW Archive - [[March 18]], 2000 results". MMWA-SICW.com. Retrieved 2007-08-14.
{{cite web}}
: URL–wikilink conflict (help) - ^ "Name search engine". Intelius People Search.
- ^ a b "Hazelwood Central Alumni - Class of 1998". Hazelwood Central Alumni. Retrieved 2007-08-17.
- ^ a b "Randy Orton's first WWE title reign". WWE. Retrieved 2007-08-10.
- ^ WWE: The Most Powerful Families in Wrestling (DVD). World Wrestling Entertainment. 2007.
- ^ "W.W.W.F./W.W.F./W.W.E. World Heavyweight Title". Wrestling-Titles.com. Retrieved 2007-10-08.
- ^ "World Heavyweight Title (W.W.E. Smackdown!)". Wrestling-Titles.com. Retrieved 2007-10-08.
- ^ "W.W.F./W.W.E. Intercontinental Heavyweight Title". Wrestling-Titles.com. Retrieved 2007-10-08.
- ^ "W.W.W.F./W.W.F./W.W.E. World Tag Team Title". Wrestling-Titles.com. Retrieved 2007-10-08.
- ^ a b c "Orton at NNDB". NNDB.
- ^ "Randy Orton - Biography". IMDB. Retrieved 2007-07-18.
- ^ Before They Were WWE Superstars 2 (DVD). WWE. 2003.
- ^ "Orton's early career". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2007-08-22.
- ^ a b "OVW Hardcore Title". Wrestling-Titles. Retrieved 2007-07-10.
Randy Orton 01/02/14 & 01/05/05 Jeffersonville, IN
- ^ "SmackDown results - April 25, 2002". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2007-07-10.
- ^ "SmackDown results - May 30, 2002". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2007-07-10.
- ^ Michael McAvennie (2003). "WWE The Yearbook: 2003 Edition". Pocket Books. pp. 305–306.
- ^ Michael McAvennie (2003). "WWE The Yearbook: 2003 Edition". Pocket Books. p. 314.
- ^ "RAW results - January 20, 2003". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2007-07-10.
- ^ "2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts". Wrestling’s Historical Cards. Kappa Publishing. 2007. pp. 113–114.
- ^ "RAW results - April 26, 2004". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2007-07-10.
- ^ Martin, Finn (2003-10-22). "Power Slam Magazine, issue 112". Boldberg grabs gold (Unforgiven 2003). SW Publishing. pp. 22–23.
- ^ Phil Speer (2003-09-21). "Orton beats HBK in "biggest match" of career". WWE. Retrieved 2007-07-28.
- ^ a b "Inside WWE Title History Intercontinental 20031214 - Randy Orton". WWE. Retrieved 2007-07-10.
- ^ "W.W.F./W.W.E. Intercontinental Heavyweight Title". Wrestling-Titles. Retrieved 2007-08-23.
Randy Orton 03/12/14 Orlando, FL
- ^ "Backlash 2004 results". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2007-08-23.
- ^ "2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts". Wrestling’s Historical Cards. Kappa Publishing. 2007. p. 116.
- ^ "RAW results - July 26, 2004". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2007-07-11.
- ^ a b "Inside WWE Title History World Heavyweight 20040815 - Randy Orton". WWE. Retrieved 2007-07-10.
- ^ Steven Schaeffer (2004-08-16). "WWE SummerSlam Report, 8-15-04 - Live from the Air Canada Center". Lords of Pain. Retrieved 2007-08-23.
Chris Benoit recovered and held his hand out to Randy Orton, telling him to "Be a man!" Randy shook his hand, to a great ovation by the crowd as Randy nuzzled the belt that made him the youngest champion in WWE history.
- ^ "RAW results - August 16, 2004". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2007-07-11.
- ^ "RAW results - August 23, 2004". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2007-08-23.
- ^ "RAW results - August 23, 2004". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2007-07-11.
- ^ Martin, Finn (2004-09-22). "Power Slam Magazine, issue 123". Panic Stations! (Unforgiven 2004). SW Publishing. pp. 24–25.
- ^ "RAW results - September 19, 2004". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2007-07-11.
- ^ "Survivor Series 2004 Results". PWWEW.net. Retrieved 2007-08-06.
- ^ "RAW results - October 25, 2004". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2007-07-11.
- ^ a b World Wrestling Insanity. pgs 102-106
- ^ Evans, Anthony (2005-01-21). "Power Slam Magazine, issue 127". Tripper strikes back (New Years Revolution 2005). SW Publishing. pp. 30–31.
- ^ "RAW results - January 10, 2005". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2007-07-11.
- ^ a b "2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts". Wrestling’s Historical Cards. Kappa Publishing. 2007. p. 117.
- ^ "RAW results - February 14, 2005". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2007-08-23.
- ^ "RAW results - February 28, 2005". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2007-08-06.
- ^ "SmackDown results - March 17, 2005". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2007-08-23.
- ^ "RAW results - March 28, 2005". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2007-08-23.
Randy Orton says his undefeated streak started last year and years from now people will talk about HIM! The lights suddenly went out and a very impressive video played chronicling all of Undertaker's victims! Randy Orton fled the ring in fear after all four corner posts caught on fire..
- ^ "RAW results - March 14, 2005". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2007-08-23.
- ^ "Profile on Online World of Wrestling". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2007-08-23.
April 2005: Randy Orton has shoulder surgury under Dr. James Andrews and will be out of action for six months.
- ^ "RAW results - May 16, 2005". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2007-08-06.
- ^ "SmackDown results - June 16, 2005". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2007-08-06.
- ^ "SummerSlam 2005 Results". PWWEW.net. Retrieved 2007-08-09.
- ^ "SmackDown results - August 25, 2005". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2007-08-06.
- ^ "SmackDown results - September 9, 2005". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2007-08-06.
- ^ "SmackDown results - September 16, 2005". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2007-08-23.
- ^ "SmackDown results - September 23, 2005". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2007-08-23.
- ^ "No Mercy 2005 Results". PWWEW.net. Retrieved 2007-08-23.
- ^ "SmackDown Special results - November 29, 2005". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2007-08-23.
- ^ "SmackDown results - December 9, 2005". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2007-08-23.
- ^ "SmackDown results - December 16, 2005". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2007-08-23.
- ^ a b "2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts". Wrestling’s Historical Cards. Kappa Publishing. 2007. p. 119.
- ^ a b "SmackDown results - December 30, 2005". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2007-08-23.
- ^ "SmackDown results - January 6, 2006". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2007-08-23.
- ^ "SmackDown results - January 13, 2006". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2007-08-23.
- ^ "SmackDown results - January 20, 2006". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2007-08-23.
- ^ "SmackDown results - January 27, 2006". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2007-08-23.
- ^ "SmackDown results - February 3, 2006". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2007-08-23.
- ^ "SmackDown results - February 10, 2006". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2007-08-23.
- ^ "SmackDown results - February 3, 2006". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2007-08-24.
- ^ "SmackDown results - February 10, 2006". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2007-08-24.
- ^ "SmackDown results - February 24, 2006". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2007-08-24.
- ^ "No Way Out 2006 results". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2007-08-23.
- ^ "SmackDown results - February 24, 2006". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2007-08-23.
- ^ Hurley, Oliver (2006-04-20). "Power Slam Magazine, issue 142". WrestleMania In Person (WrestleMania 22). SW Publishing. pp. 16–19.
- ^ Daniel Pena (2006-04-04). "Breaking News: Randy Orton Suspended For 60 Days". Lords of Pain. Retrieved 2007-08-23.
- ^ Brown, Timothy (2006-04-06). "Randy Orton Speaks Out On His Suspension". Headline Planet. Retrieved 2007-08-22.
- ^ "SmackDown results - April 14, 2006". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2007-08-23.
- ^ "Vengeance 2006 Results". PWWEW.net. Retrieved 2007-08-09.
- ^ "Saturday Night's Main Event results - July 15, 2006". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2007-08-23.
- ^ "2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts". Wrestling’s Historical Cards. Kappa Publishing. 2007. pp. 121–122.
- ^ Elliott, Brian (2006-11-06). "K-Fed costs Cena at Cyber Sunday". SLAM! Sports. Retrieved 2008-01-17.
- ^ a b "Edge & Randy Orton's World Tag Team Title reign". WWE. Retrieved 2007-07-10.
- ^ "RAW results - November 27, 2006". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2007-08-23.
Edge walked over to the spot and he and Randy Orton dragged a horribly bloodied Ric Flair to the ring.. Edge & Randy Orton said DX were a bunch of cowards and challenged them to come out and save their friend.. Edge gave Ric Flair a vicious conchairto on the ringside floor and then Randy Orton gave him one another!
- ^ "New Years Revolution 2007 Results". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2007-07-10.
- ^ "Pro Wrestling Illustrated". Arena Reports. Kappa Publishing. 2007. p. 134.
{{cite news}}
: Unknown parameter|month=
ignored (help) - ^ Elliott, Brian (2007-04-29). "No filler makes for a consistent Backlash". SLAM! Sports. Retrieved 2008-01-17.
- ^ "Judgment Day 2007 Results". PWWEW.net. Retrieved 2007-08-08.
- ^ "RAW results - May 28, 2007". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2007-07-10.
- ^ "One Night Stand 2007 Results". PWWEW.net. Retrieved 2007-08-06.
- ^ "RAW results - June 4, 2007". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2007-07-10.
- ^ "RAW results - July 2, 2007". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2007-07-10.
- ^ "The Great American Bash 2007 Results". PWWEW.net. Retrieved 2007-08-06.
- ^ a b "RAW results - July 23, 2007". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2007-07-24.
- ^ "RAW results - July 30, 2007". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2007-08-08.
- ^ Clayton, Corey (2007-07-18). "Legend Killer strikes on Saturday Night". WWE. Retrieved 2007-11-13.
- ^ "RAW results - August 20, 2007". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2007-08-29.
- ^ Robinson, Bryan (2007-08-26). "Champ's legend lives on". WWE. Retrieved 2007-11-17.
- ^ McAvennie, Mike (August 29, 2007). "Should Cena step up... or step down". WWE.com. Retrieved 2007-11-07.
- ^ a b "Unforgiven 2007 Results". PWWEW.net. Retrieved 2007-09-17.
- ^ Robinson, Bryan (2007-10-07). "Kings of Kings reigns supreme again". WWE. Retrieved 2007-10-08.
- ^ Robinson, Bryan (2007-10-07). "Championship hot potato: Legend Killer's time comes after all". WWE. Retrieved 2007-10-08.
- ^ Robinson, Bryan (2007-11-18). "Cementing a 'one-man dynasty'". WWE. Retrieved 2007-11-19.
- ^ "Cyber Sunday 2007 Results". PWWEW.net. Retrieved 2007-11-19.
- ^ Starrs, Stu (2005-06-16). "WWE Diva Rochelle Loewen talks about hazing from Randy Orton, claims he hated her". Lords of Pain. Retrieved 2007-08-22.
- ^ Rothestein, Simon (2005-06-16). "Hemme is Christy clear". The Sun. Retrieved 2007-08-22.
- ^ "Wrestlers allegedly tied to drug ring". Sports Illustrated. 2007-03-18. Retrieved 2007-03-22.
- ^ "A Statement From World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc". WWE. Retrieved 2007-03-22.
- ^ "Randy Orton Interview". NZPWI. 2005-11-04. Retrieved 2007-08-22.
- ^ "But as we reported here earlier, WWE superstar Randy Orton missed last night's show and this weekend's house shows because he married his fiancée Samantha Speno this past Friday". Retrieved 2007-09-27.
- ^ "WeddingChannel.com - Search Results". WeddingChannel.com. Retrieved 2007-09-27.
- ^ "Wife of WWE Superstar Pregnant". Retrieved 2007-12-21.
- ^ "Randy Orton Tattoo". Orton-Source.com. Retrieved 2007-08-18.
- ^ Zeigler, Zack. "Randy Orton tattoo photos". WWE. Retrieved 2007-10-11.
- ^ a b Zack Zeigler. "Orton's tattoo secrets". WWE. Retrieved 2007-10-11.
- ^ "An interview with Randy Orton, conducted by Silver Vision". Silver Vision. Retrieved 2007-08-22.
- ^ Ross, Jim (2007-01-31). "Rumble… Raw… Bret/Austin… Goldberg… Government Mule". Retrieved 2007-08-22.
The Garvin Stomp- In all due respect to Ronnie "Hands of Stone" Garvin, it has been suggested to me that I call the move the "Randy Orton Stomp" to which I have done.
- ^ "Prelude to a final curtain call?". WWE.com. Retrieved 2008-02-04.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|accessyearmonthday=
ignored (help) - ^ "Randy Orton's second WWE title reign". WWE.com. Retrieved 2007-08-10.
References
- James Guttman (2006). World Wrestling Insanity: The Decline and Fall of a Family Empire. Toronto. pp. 235 pages. ISBN 1550227289.
- "2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts". Wrestling’s Historical Cards. Kappa Publishing. 2007.
External links
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fa/Wikiquote-logo.svg/34px-Wikiquote-logo.svg.png)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/30px-Commons-logo.svg.png)