Randy Orton
Randy Orton | |
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Born | [1][2] Knoxville, Tennessee[1][2] | April 1, 1980
Professional wrestling career | |
Ring name(s) | Randy Orton |
Billed height | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)[3] |
Billed weight | 245 lb (111 kg)[3] |
Billed from | St. Louis, Missouri[3] |
Trained by | "Cowboy" Bob Orton South Broadway Athletic Club[4] Mid Missouri Wrestling Alliance Ohio Valley Wrestling[4] |
Debut | March 18, 2000[5] |
Randal "Randy" Keith Orton[6][7] (born on April 1, 1980)[2] is an American professional wrestler currently signed to World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) wrestling on its Raw brand.[1] 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.[1][8]
Before being promoted to the main WWE roster, Orton trained in and wrestled for Mid-Missouri Wrestling Association-Southern Illinois Conference Wrestling for a month. He was then sent to Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW). There, Orton became OVW Hardcore Champion on two separate occasions.[9]
After signing with WWE, Orton became a member of the stable Evolution, which quickly led to his capture of the WWE Intercontinental Championship, his first title with the company.[10] Orton also acquired the moniker "The Legend Killer" during a storyline where he began disrespecting Hall of Famers and physically attacking veterans of professional wrestling outside of appropriate restrictions.[3] In 2004, Orton became the youngest World Heavyweight Champion, when he won the title at the age of twenty-four.[11] His title win resulted in his departure from Evolution and feud with his former stablemates. In 2006, Orton joined forces with Edge in a tag team known as Rated-RKO. As a team, Orton and Edge held the World Tag Team Championship.[12] After the team disbanded, Orton, during mid-2007, won the WWE Championship twice in one night.[13] He is also the winner of the 2009 Royal Rumble match.[14]
Early life
Orton was born on April 1, 1980 in Knoxville, Tennessee.[1][2] Son to Elaine and "Cowboy" Bob Orton,[15] he has two younger siblings—Becky and Nathan.[16] Knowing from experience the hardships of life as a professional wrestler, Orton's parents tried to convince him to stay away from wrestling,[1] and his father warned him that life in the ring meant a life on the road, away from family.[3] Orton attended Hazelwood Central High School, where he was an amateur wrestler.[3][1] After graduating from Hazelwood in 1998,[7] Orton enlisted with the United States Marine Corps. There, he was dishonorably discharged a year later, after going AWOL on two separate occasions and disobeying an order from a commanding officer.[17] 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.[15]
Career
Wrestling training
Orton made his wrestling debut in 2000 at the Mid-Missouri Wrestling Association-Southern Illinois Conference Wrestling (MMWA-SICW) in St. Louis, Missouri, an offshoot of the historic St. Louis Wrestling Club headed by Sam Muchnick.[5] There, he was trained by both the promotion and his father, Cowboy Bob Orton.[15] He only wrestled at the promotion for one month,[18] where he performed with such wrestlers as Ace Strange and Mark Bland.[5][18] Orton also refereed a few matches with World Organized Wrestling, a promotion where his uncle Barry Orton worked.[4]
In 2001, Orton signed a deal with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and was sent to their farm territory, Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) in Louisville, Kentucky, where he continued his training. During his time in OVW, Orton wrestled the likes of Rico Constantino and The Prototype and teamed with Bobby Eaton during a tag team title tournament. He won the OVW Hardcore Champion on two separate occasions by defeating Mr. Black on February 14, 2001 and Flash Flanagan on May 5, 2001.[9]
World Wrestling Entertainment
2002–2003
Orton's first televised WWE match was against Hardcore Holly on SmackDown! on April 25, 2002.[19] Soon after, Orton became a face (crowd favorite) and was placed in a series of matches with Holly.[20][21][22][23] In September 2002, Orton was drafted to the Raw brand, where he defeated Stevie Richards in his debut on the show.[24][25] Within weeks of his debut on the Raw brand, Orton suffered a shoulder injury,[26] leaving him sidelined for months.[27][28] While recovering, Orton still appeared on Raw, in his own "Randy News Network" segment, a weekly vignette featuring him talking about his condition.[27][29] The show interrupted other segments of Raw programming, which caused Orton to slowly transition himself into a narcissistic and self-centered heel (villain).[30]
After his injury healed, Orton joined the Evolution stable, which consisted of Ric Flair, Triple H, and relative newcomer, Dave Batista. The group was pushed on Raw from 2003 to 2004, with the height of their dominance occurring after Armageddon in 2003 when all of the men's titles on Raw were held by the members of Evolution.[31] In 2003, Orton spent much of his time helping Triple H overcome challenges from Scott Steiner and Goldberg, former World Championship Wrestling (WCW) superstars who were vying with Triple H for the World Heavyweight Championship.[32][33][34] Orton joined Triple H in a six-man Elimination Chamber match for the World Heavyweight Championship at SummerSlam and was involved primarily to secure Triple H's title defense.[35]
Afterwards, Orton proclaimed himself "The Legend Killer", a young upstart who was so talented that he touted himself as the future of professional wrestling. He embarked on numerous storyline feuds with "legendary" wrestlers and gained infamy for his blatant disrespect of many older, well-regarded names in wrestling history. He defeated Shawn Michaels at Unforgiven, in the first of many high profile matches billed as "Legend versus Legend Killer", with the help of his stablemate and mentor Ric Flair.[36] Orton then spat in the face of Harley Race on the April 26, 2004 edition of Raw.[37][38]
During this time, Orton began using the move that would become his signature finisher, the RKO, a jumping cutter, named after his initials. Orton soon defeated Rob Van Dam for the WWE Intercontinental Championship at Armageddon on December 14, 2003.[39] With this win, Orton started the longest Intercontinental title reign in seven years, holding the title for seven months.[40]
2004–2005
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 versus Legend Killer" match if Orton would put his Intercontinental Championship on the line. In a bloody match involving thumbtacks and barbed wire, Orton defeated Foley.[41]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/92/Orton2004-whc.jpg/135px-Orton2004-whc.jpg)
In July, at Vengeance, Edge defeated Orton to win the Intercontinental Championship, ending Orton's seven month title reign.[42] After the loss of his Intercontinental Championship, Orton continued to rise in ranks within WWE, entering the World Heavyweight Championship scene. After becoming the number one contender on July 26,[43] he defeated Chris Benoit for the championship with the added distinction of being the youngest World Heavyweight Champion in wrestling history at age twenty-four.[44] Benoit congratulated Orton after the match, shaking his hand for showing the ability to "be a man".[45]
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 and then abruptly changed it to a thumbs-down, which was followed by Batista dropping Orton to the mat.[46] Ric Flair and Batista attacked Orton in the ring as Triple H revealed his jealousy for Orton's title. He ordered the young champion to hand over the championship, but Orton refused, spitting in Triple H's face and hitting him with the title belt.[47] Orton's break-up with Evolution began a new storyline for him as a face when he continued to feud with his former stablemates.[48] A month later, Orton lost his championship at Unforgiven.[49] 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 it to beat and humiliate the group.[50] After this, Orton experienced another push, becoming General Manager of the Raw brand for a week following a match stipulation at Survivor Series.[51] He continued to feud with Triple H, using his authority to place his opponents at severe disadvantages during title defenses.[52] Orton was granted another chance at the championship in January 2005 but lost a six-man championship Elimination Chamber match to Triple H at New Year's Revolution.[53] On the January 10 edition of Raw, Orton defeated Batista to earn a match against Triple H at the Royal Rumble for the World Heavyweight title.[54] At the Royal Rumble, Triple H defeated Orton to retain the World title.[55]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d7/Orton_05.jpg/155px-Orton_05.jpg)
Orton began an on-screen relationship with Stacy Keibler and briefly feuded with Christian in February 2005.[56] On the February 28 edition of Raw, "Superstar" Billy Graham made an appearance, in which he advised Orton to "go where no wrestler [had] gone before".[57] Orton then produced a copy of SmackDown! magazine, which featured The Undertaker on the cover.[58] 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.[59] Throughout March 2005, Orton taunted The Undertaker, claiming he was unafraid of the eerie Deadman. On the March 21 edition of Raw, Orton turned heel once more after he delivered an RKO to his unsuspecting on-screen girlfriend, Stacy Keibler, knocking her unconscious.[60] During Orton's promos, he would immediately run for cover when signs of The Undertaker's appearance were near (lightning, darkness, or smoke).[61] When "legend" wrestler Jake Roberts advised Orton not to underestimate The Undertaker, Orton performed an RKO on Roberts as well.[62] In the weeks leading up to WrestleMania, Orton became more defiant and unafraid of the Undertaker, taunting and assaulting him in the ring following distractions from his father, "Cowboy" Bob Orton. At WrestleMania 21, however, the heavily hyped match was unsuccessful for Orton, as he lost despite his father's interference.[55]
The following night on Raw, Orton faced Batista, who had become World Heavyweight Champion. Orton stated on-screen that his match with The Undertaker had aggravated a shoulder injury.[63] While sidelined, Orton appeared on Raw and claimed that he was ineligible for the WWE Draft Lottery due to his injury. He was informed by WWE Chairman Vince McMahon that he was indeed a candidate for the draft, leaving a possibility of a return to SmackDown!.[64] Orton returned to WWE programming for the SmackDown! brand on June 16, announcing that he was the second pick in the 2005 draft lottery.[65] He rekindled his feud with The Undertaker, defeating him at SummerSlam following a distraction from his father.[66] Two months later, Orton and his father Bob Orton defeated The Undertaker in a Handicap Casket match.[67] The following month, Orton was a participant in the Annual elimination match of Team SmackDown against Team Raw at Survivor Series. In the match, Orton was the last remaining wrestler in the match, as he pinned Shawn Michaels to get the victory for Team SmackDown.[68] At the event, The Undertaker, who had been absent since Orton had apparently killed him on an episode of SmackDown!,[69] returned by emerging from a flaming casket.[68] The feud was finally settled with a Hell in a Cell match at Armageddon, where The Undertaker offered to retire if he lost.[70] On December 16, The Undertaker entered the ring to deliver a promo while one of his druids appeared to be standing in the ring. The Undertaker sustained an RKO from Orton in a surprise attack. The druid revealed himself to be Orton's father, who gave Orton the Undertaker's urn, which, according to the storyline, allowed whomever held it to control The Undertaker.[71] The Undertaker, however, beat both Ortons in a Hell in a Cell match, which ended their nine-month-long feud with The Undertaker.[72]
2006–2007
Following Armageddon, Orton entered the January 2006 Royal Rumble as the thirtieth wrestler to enter the match, but he was eliminated by Rey Mysterio.[72] Mysterio won the match at a title shot, and Orton urged him to put the title shot at stake in a match at No Way Out.[73] In the weeks preceding No Way Out, Orton made disparaging remarks about Eddie Guerrero, Mysterio's friend, in an attempt to gain heel heat.[74] Guerrero's death had occurred only months previously, and many fans felt the comments were unwarranted and highly distasteful.[75][76][77] Orton won at No Way Out, earning Mysterio's title shot for the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 22.[78] General Manager Theodore Long re-added Mysterio to the WrestleMania 22 title match, however, making it a Triple Threat match between Orton, Mysterio, and then-champion, Kurt Angle.[79] On April 2, at WrestleMania 22, Orton was pinned by Mysterio, making Mysterio the World Heavyweight Champion and ending their on-screen rivalry.[80]
On April 4, 2006, Orton was suspended for sixty days for "unprofessional conduct."[81] In an interview, Orton stated, "my conduct was unbecoming of a champion, which is what I will be again when I return".[82] To cover for the suspension, a faked injury was devised, where Kurt Angle broke Orton's ankle during a grudge match.[83] In July, Orton said his suspension resulted from smoking marijuana backstage.[84] Orton returned from his suspension in June to the Raw brand,[85][86] where he engaged in a storyline feud with Hulk Hogan. Orton began cutting promos insulting the aging Hogan and flirted with Hogan's eighteen-year-old daughter Brooke.[87][88] At SummerSlam, the two met in a "Legend vs. Legend Killer" match, which Hogan won.[89]
After the newly reformed D-Generation X (DX) (Triple H and Shawn Michaels) cost Edge the WWE Championship numerous times, Edge approached Orton and asked him to join forces to defeat the team. Orton, whose championship reign had been ended by Triple H in 2004, agreed, forming the tag team Rated-RKO. The two became the first to defeat DX since their reunion and quickly dominated the Raw brand's tag team division to become tag team champions.[90][91] As part of the angle, Rated-RKO attacked Ric Flair with steel chairs to enrage DX on November 27.[92] 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.[93]
With Triple H out of action, Rated-RKO continued their on-screen rivalry with remaining DX member Shawn Michaels. Michaels teamed with John Cena to defeat Rated-RKO for the tag team championship on January 29.[94] Orton and Edge suffered a series of losses to Cena and Michaels in the following months, building hatred towards one another. Edge and Orton also became rivals in their goals of achieving the WWE Championship. Neither Edge nor Orton won the Championship, and they lost their claims as number one contenders after a failed match with Cena at Backlash.[95] Orton then continued his "Legend Killer" persona, attacking Shawn Michaels. Using frequent attacks to the head, including an elevated DDT and a running punt to the face, Orton defeated Michaels at Judgment Day. When the kayfabe wounded and concussed Michaels collapsed in the ring, the referee was forced to stop the match and award Orton the victory.[96] Orton continued his attacks when he engaged himself in feuds with Rob Van Dam,[97] Ric Flair,[98] Dusty Rhodes,[99] and Sgt. Slaughter.[100]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/aa/Randy_Orton_05_pose.jpg/175px-Randy_Orton_05_pose.jpg)
On the July 23 edition of Raw, Orton was named as the number one contender at SummerSlam for John Cena's WWE Championship.[99] Weeks before their scheduled match at SummerSlam, Orton attacked Cena on three separate occasions by performing RKOs on him.[99][101][102] At SummerSlam, Orton lost the title match to Cena, who pinned Orton after executing an FU.[103] The following night on Raw, Orton demanded a rematch for the title, but his request was declined by Raw General Manager William Regal. Orton then took his demands to Mr. McMahon, who also refused to give Orton a rematch unless he proved himself. That night, Orton interfered in Cena's match by assaulting Cena and kicking Cena's father, who was at ringside, in the head.[104] Orton was granted his title rematch against Cena at Unforgiven and won by disqualification when Cena refused to stop punching Orton in the corner.[105] Cena retained the WWE title because a title cannot change hands by disqualification. After the match, Cena's father, who was again at ringside, kicked Orton in the head.[105] At No Mercy, Orton was awarded the WWE Championship by Mr. McMahon after Cena was stripped of the title due to an injury the previous week, which also ended the Orton-Cena storyline prematurely.[106] Orton then lost the title to Triple H in the opening match of the show, making Orton's reign the third shortest in WWE history.[107] Later in the night, Orton defeated Triple H in a Last Man Standing match to regain the title, thus becoming a two-time WWE Champion in one night.[108]
Following No Mercy, Orton continued his feud with Shawn Michaels, who made his return on the October 8 edition of Raw and performed Sweet Chin Music on Orton.[109] The two met in a title match at Cyber Sunday after a match was made in which the fans would get to vote on either Michaels, Jeff Hardy or Mr. Kennedy as the opponent.[110] As a result, Michaels was voted to face Orton.[111] In the match, Orton was disqualified when he performed a low blow on Michaels, but Orton retained the title.[111] In a scheduled rematch,[112] Orton successfully defended the title at Survivor Series against Michaels when he performed the RKO on Michaels for the win.[113] The stipulation of the match was that if Michaels used Sweet Chin Music, the match would be stopped and Michaels would never get a chance at the WWE title, but if Orton got himself disqualified, he would lose the title.[114]
2008–present
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/47/Orton_Royal_Rumble_2009.jpg/180px-Orton_Royal_Rumble_2009.jpg)
After weeks of intensity between the two, Orton defeated Jeff Hardy to retain the WWE Championship at the Royal Rumble.[115] Following this, he re-engaged in his feud with John Cena, who had returned from injury and won the 2008 Royal Rumble match.[115] Instead of cashing in his title opportunity at WrestleMania XXIV, Cena decided to face Orton for the title at No Way Out.[116] Orton lost the match after getting himself intentionally disqualified, thus retaining the title.[117] At WrestleMania, Orton retained the WWE Championship in a Triple Threat match involving Cena and Triple H. Orton won the match by pinning Cena after a Pedigree from Triple H.[118] The following month, at Backlash, Orton lost the title to Triple H in a Fatal Four-Way Elimination match, which also included Cena and John "Bradshaw" Layfield.[119] After failing to win the title back at Judgment Day,[120] Orton faced Triple H in a Last Man Standing match at One Night Stand for the title.[121] Orton lost the match and legitimately broke his collarbone.[122]
He made his in-ring return on the November 3 episode of Raw losing to CM Punk by disqualification, after Ted DiBiase, Jr. interfered.[123] As retaliation Orton went on to punt DiBiase in the head.[123] On the December 1 episode of Raw, Orton proposed that he along with Cody Rhodes and Manu form an alliance.[124][125] The following week, they made it official, by defeating Batista and Triple H, Orton's former stablemates, in a three-on-two handicap match, dubbing themselves The Legacy.[126] On January 25, 2009, Orton won the 2009 Royal Rumble match, by last eliminating Triple H.[14]
Controversy
While on the Raw brand, Orton was accused of harassing fellow WWE employees Amy Weber and Rochelle Loewen, which led to the departure of Weber from the company. Loewen, who has called Orton "an animal", claimed that he vandalized her possessions and subjected her to harassment.[127] Fellow WWE Diva Search contestant (and eventual winner) Christy Hemme has stated in an interview with The Sun that she does not believe that Orton harassed Weber or Loewen.[128]
On March 19, 2007, Sports Illustrated posted an article on its website as part of 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.[129] WWE has since made a statement on this situation, claiming that the allegations preceded the Talent Wellness program WWE launched in February 2006.[130]
Personal life
In November 2005, Orton announced his engagement to his girlfriend Samantha Speno.[131] They married on September 21, 2007.[132][133] In December 2007, Orton announced that he and his wife were expecting their first child, a daughter.[134][135] Orton and his wife welcomed Alanna Marie Orton on July 12, 2008.[136]
He had a tattoo on his left arm which read "USMC" for United States Marine Corps but covered it up after receiving a bad conduct discharge from the service. He was sent home after serving thirty-eight days in military prison at Camp Pendleton in California.[17]
Orton suffers from hypermobile shoulders.[137] After being medically cleared to wrestle, after he broke his collarbone in a Last Man Standing match at One Night Stand against Triple H, Orton re-injured his collarbone in a motorcycle accident.[138][139]
In wrestling
- Finishing and signature moves
- Diving crossbody – 2002[4]
- O–Zone[4] (Overdrive) – 2002
- RKO (Jumping cutter) – 2003–present
- Running punt to an opponent's head[4] – 2007–present
- Wheelbarrow suplex[4] – OVW
- Body scissors[4]
- Chinlock[4]
- Dropkick
- European uppercut[4]
- Falling clothesline[4]
- Gutwrench elevated neckbreaker
- Inverted headlock backbreaker[4]
- Jumping knee drop
- Randy Orton Stomp[140] (Multiple stomps while circling a fallen opponent)
- Rapid forearm shots to head and chest of a seated opponent
- Rope hung spike DDT[4]
- Scoop powerslam
- Theme music
- "Voices" by Rich Luzzi[142]
- "This Fire Burns" by Killswitch Engage - Used for one week; Eventually became the theme for CM Punk
- "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
- "Evolve" by Jim Johnston (WWE production music) - While Orton was in Evolution
- "Blastin'" by Jim Johnston (WWE production music)
Championships and accomplishments
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a3/Orton_WWE_Champion.jpg/175px-Orton_WWE_Champion.jpg)
- Pro Wrestling Illustrated
- PWI Most Hated Wrestler of the Year (2007)[143]
- PWI Most Improved Wrestler of the Year (2004)[144]
- PWI Rookie of the Year (2001)[145]
- PWI ranked him #1 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2008[146]
Notes
- ^ a b c d e f g Oliver, Greg (2007). The Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame: The Heels. ECW Press. p. 205. ISBN 1550227599.
- ^ a b c d "SLAM! Sports biography". CANOE. 2004-10-07. Retrieved 2007-07-10.
- ^ a b c d e f "Randy Orton's WWE Profile". WWE. Retrieved 2007-07-10.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m "Randy Orton Bio". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2008-07-16. Cite error: The named reference "OWOW" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
- ^ a b c "MMWA-SICW Archive - March 18, 2000 results". MMWA-SICW.com. Archived from the original on 2008-02-10. Retrieved 2007-08-14.
- ^ "Name search engine". Intelius People Search.
- ^ a b "Hazelwood Central Alumni - Class of 1998". Hazelwood Central Alumni. Retrieved 2007-08-17.
- ^ WWE: The Most Powerful Families in Wrestling (DVD). World Wrestling Entertainment. 2007.
- ^ a b c "OVW Hardcore Title". Wrestling-Titles. Retrieved 2007-07-10.
Randy Orton 01/02/14 & 01/05/05 Jeffersonville, IN
- ^ "W.W.F./W.W.E. Intercontinental 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.W.F./W.W.F./W.W.E. World Tag Team Title". Wrestling-Titles.com. Retrieved 2007-10-08.
- ^ a b "History of the WWE Championship". WWE. Retrieved 2007-08-10.
- ^ a b Plummer, Dale (2009-01-26). "Orton triumphs, Cena survives, Hardy falls at Royal Rumble". SLAM! Sports. Retrieved 2009-01-26.
{{cite web}}
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ignored (|author=
suggested) (help) - ^ a b c Before They Were WWE Superstars 2 (DVD). WWE. 2003.
- ^ "Randy Orton basic facts". Randy-Orton.com. Retrieved 2009-01-25.
- ^ a b Zack Zeigler. "Orton's tattoo secrets". WWE. Retrieved 2007-10-11.
- ^ a b "MMWA-SICW archives - April 22, 2000". MMWA-SICW. 2000-04-22. Archived from the original on 2007-09-28. Retrieved 2008-03-23.
- ^ "SmackDown! results - April 25, 2002". PWWEW.net. 2002-04-25. Retrieved 2008-03-01.
- ^ "SmackDown! results - May 2, 2002". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2008-03-22.
- ^ "SmackDown! results - May 9, 2002". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2008-03-22.
- ^ "SmackDown! results - May 16, 2002". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2008-03-22.
- ^ "SmackDown! results - September 9, 2002". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2008-03-22.
- ^ "Raw results - September 23, 2002". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2008-03-23.
- ^ "Raw results - September 23, 2002". PWWEW.net. 2002-09-23. Retrieved 2008-03-23.
- ^ "Raw results - October 14, 2002". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2008-03-12.
- ^ a b Oppliger, Patrice A. (2003). Wrestling and Hypermasculinity. McFarland. p. 112. ISBN 0786416920.
- ^ "Raw results - January 20, 2003". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2008-03-12.
- ^ "Raw results - October 28, 2002". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2008-03-12.
- ^ Michael McAvennie (2003). "WWE The Yearbook: 2003 Edition". Pocket Books. pp. 305–306, 314.
- ^ "WWE Armageddon 2003". PWWEW.net. Retrieved 2008-03-23.
- ^ Jennette, Brad (2003-01-20). "411's WWE Raw Report 01.20.03". 411mania.com. Retrieved 2008-03-12.
- ^ "No Way Out 2003". PWWEW.net. Retrieved 2008-03-23.
- ^ "Survivor Series 2003 Results". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2008-03-23.
- ^ "2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts". Wrestling’s Historical Cards. Kappa Publishing. 2007. pp. 113–114.
- ^ Martin, Finn (2003-10-22). "Power Slam Magazine, issue 112". Goldberg grabs gold (Unforgiven 2003). SW Publishing. pp. 22–23.
- ^ Race, Harley (2004). King Of The Ring: The Harley Race Story. Sports Publishing LLC. p. 164. ISBN 1596701625.
- ^ "Raw results - April 26, 2004". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2007-07-10.
- ^ 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 "History Of The World Heavyweight Championship - 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.
- ^ 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 2008-04-02.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "Brawl in Birmingham". PWWEW.net. 2005-03-21. Retrieved 2008-03-24.
- ^ "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 surgery 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.
- ^ "No Mercy 2005 Results". PWWEW.net. Retrieved 2007-08-23.
- ^ a b "WWE Survivor Series 2005". PWWEW.net. Retrieved 2008-03-19.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "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.
- ^ Sokol, Chris (2006-02-20). "Main events salvage No Way Out". CANOE. Retrieved 2008-05-12.
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- ^ 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.
- ^ "Wrestling Information Archive - Other WWF Information". Retrieved 2007-12-20.
- ^ "Raw results - June 5, 2006". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2008-03-24.
- ^ "WWE vs ECW Head-to-Heat results - June 7, 2006". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2008-03-24.
- ^ "Raw results - July 3, 2006". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2008-03-24.
- ^ "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 "History Of The World Tag Team Title - Edge & Randy Orton". WWE. Retrieved 2007-07-10.
- ^ "Raw results - November 27, 2006". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2007-08-23.
- ^ Dale Plummer and Nick Tylwalk (2007-01-08). "Cena retains, Triple H injured at Revolution". CANOE. Retrieved 2008-05-12.
- ^ "Pro Wrestling Illustrated". Arena Reports. Kappa Publishing. 2007. p. 134.
{{cite news}}
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- ^ "Judgment Day 2007 Results". PWWEW.net. Retrieved 2007-08-08.
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- ^ "Raw results - June 4, 2007". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2007-07-10.
- ^ a b c "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.
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- ^ McAvennie, Mike (2007-08-29). "Should Cena step up... or step down". WWE. Retrieved 2007-11-07.
- ^ a b "Unforgiven 2007 Results". PWWEW.net. Retrieved 2007-09-17.
- ^ "ECW results - October 2, 2007". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2008-03-19.
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- ^ a b "Royal Rumble 2008 results". Online World of Wrestling. 2008-01-27. Retrieved 2008-04-01.
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- ^ Martin, Adam (2008-02-17). "No Way Out PPV Results - 2/17 - Las Vegas (Two Chambers, & more)". WrestleView. Retrieved 2008-04-01.
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- ^ DiFino, Lennie (2008-05-19). "One night stood up". WWE. Retrieved 2008-06-02.
- ^ Tello, Craig (2008-06-01). "Orton suffers broken collarbone". WWE. Retrieved 2008-06-02.
- ^ a b Golden, Hunter (2008-11-03). "Raw Results - 11/3/08 - Tampa, FL". WrestleView. Retrieved 2009-01-05.
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- ^ 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.
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- ^ Eck, Kevin (2008-04-27). "Orton taps bad side to raise up". Baltimore Sun. Retrieved 2008-04-28.
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- ^ Robinson, Keith (2008-08-11). "Orton involved in motorcycle accident". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 2008-08-11.
- ^ Baines, Tim (2008-11-22). "Maturity arrives for Randy Orton". SLAM! Sports. Retrieved 2008-11-25.
- ^ 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) - ^ Gray, Richard (2008-05-27). ""Voices" By Rev Theory Written Specifically For Randy Orton". WrestlingNewsWorld. Retrieved 2008-05-27.
- ^ Pena, Daniel (2008-02-18). "Hornswoggle Wins Pro Wrestling Illustrated's Rookie Of The Year Award; More 2007 Award Results Revealed". Lords Of Pain. Retrieved 2008-04-13.
Most Hated Wrestler Of The Year - Randy Orton (36%)
- ^ "Awards der Pro Wrestling Illustrated: 2004" (in German). Genickbruch: Die Wrestlingseite des alten Europa. Retrieved 2008-04-13.
- ^ Abreu, Donnie (March 13, 2002). "Tough talent choices lay ahead for WWF". SLAM! Wrestling. Retrieved 2009-01-09.
- ^ "Randy Orton tops "PWI 500" list". World Wrestling Entertainment. 2008-07-21. Retrieved 2008-07-22.
- ^ "History Of The WWE Championship - Randy Orton". WWE. 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)
- WWE profile
- Online World of Wrestling profile
- Randy Orton at IMDb
- Template:TV.com person
- SLAM! Bio and Story archive