About Randy Orton
Lists:
The Best Wrestling Champions In of All Time
The Best Finishing Moves in Wrestling History
The Best Wrestling Champions in 2025
The Best Randy Orton Movies Ranked By Votes
Funny Randy Orton Memes
Full Name:
Randal Keith Orton
Ring Name(s):
- Randy Orton
- “The Legend Killer”
- “The Viper”
- “The Apex Predator”
Born:
April 1, 1980 – Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
Height:
6 ft 5 in (196 cm)
Weight:
250 lbs (113 kg)
Billed From:
St. Louis, Missouri
Trained By:
- Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW)
- Bob Orton Jr. (his father)
- WWE Performance Coaches
Family Legacy
Randy Orton is a third-generation wrestler:
- Grandfather: Bob Orton Sr. (1950s-70s wrestler)
- Father: “Cowboy” Bob Orton (WWE Hall of Famer and former WWE star)
- Uncle: Barry Orton (former pro wrestler)
He was groomed for wrestling from an early age but initially considered a military career before being discharged from the Marine Corps.
WWE Debut
- WWE TV Debut: 2002 on SmackDown
- Originally portrayed as a clean-cut babyface
- Quickly moved to WWE Raw and joined Evolution, launching his career into the main event
Career Highlights & Achievements
14-Time World Champion
- WWE Championship (10x)
- World Heavyweight Championship (4x)
2× Royal Rumble Winner
- 2009
- 2017
1× Intercontinental Champion
- One of his earliest titles during his “Legend Killer” run
1× United States Champion
4× WWE Tag Team Champion
- With Edge (Rated-RKO), Bray Wyatt, Riddle (RK-Bro), and Luke Harper (Freebird Rule)
Money in the Bank Winner (2013)
Main-Evented Multiple WrestleManias
- WrestleMania 25 vs. Triple H
- WrestleMania 30 vs. Batista & Daniel Bryan
- WrestleMania 33 vs. Bray Wyatt
Notable Eras & Personas
The Legend Killer (2003–2005):
- Gimmick centered around defeating wrestling veterans
- Feuded with icons like Mick Foley, The Undertaker, and Shawn Michaels
- This era launched his credibility and heel persona
The Viper / Apex Predator (2007–present):
- Cold, calculating, ruthless personality
- Unpredictable and sadistic in-ring psychology
- Introduced the “Punt Kick” and made the RKO one of WWE’s most famous finishers
Evolution Member (2003–2004):
- Teamed with Triple H, Ric Flair, and Batista
- Youngest member of the group and youngest World Heavyweight Champion in WWE history (24 years old)
Tag Teams:
- Rated-RKO with Edge (2006–2007)
- RK-Bro with Riddle (2021–2022), a wildly successful comedy-meets-intensity team
- Brief alliances with The Wyatt Family and The Authority
In-Ring Style
- Methodical, psychological style – targets limbs, weak spots
- Signature move: RKO (jumping cutter), known for hitting it “outta nowhere”
- Other moves: Punt Kick, Spike DDT from the ropes, Dropkick, Superplex
Known for timing, storytelling, and a natural ring presence, Orton is considered one of the most technically sound wrestlers in WWE history.
Notable Feuds
- John Cena – One of WWE’s most iconic rivalries (over 20 matches)
- Triple H – Intense personal storyline in 2009
- The Undertaker – 2005 feud during Orton’s “Legend Killer” era
- Bray Wyatt – Involved betrayal and supernatural elements (2016–2017)
- Edge – Real-life comeback feud in 2020, leading to “Greatest Wrestling Match Ever” at Backlash 2020
- Seth Rollins, Drew McIntyre, Daniel Bryan, Roman Reigns, and others
Recent Years & RK-Bro (2021–2022)
- Formed an unexpected and wildly popular tag team with Riddle called RK-Bro
- Won Raw Tag Team Championships twice
- Blended serious persona with Riddle’s comedy, showing Orton’s range and crowd connection
- Orton helped elevate Riddle’s status while rejuvenating his own character
Injury and Return (2022–2023)
- Sidelined in mid-2022 with serious back issues
- Underwent back fusion surgery
- Returned at Survivor Series: WarGames 2023, receiving a thunderous ovation
- As of 2024–2025, Orton is back in action and working as a top-tier veteran babyface
Randy Orton’s 20 greatest RKOs of all time
No move in WWE history is as sudden, stunning, or iconic as Randy Orton’s RKO. With perfect timing and deadly precision, “The Viper” has turned the RKO into one of wrestling’s most electrifying finishers. From shocking counters to high-flying takedowns, these are the 20 greatest RKOs that left fans speechless and opponents flat on the mat. Get ready to relive the most unforgettable “Outta Nowhere” moments of Randy Orton’s legendary career.
Legacy and Reputation
- One of the greatest WWE superstars of all time
- Known for longevity, consistency, and smooth in-ring work
- Has adapted through the Ruthless Aggression Era, PG Era, Reality Era, and modern-day WWE
- Influential to a generation of younger talent
Signature Traits
- “RKO Outta Nowhere“ – viral move with meme-worthy moments
- Snake-like psychology, calm menace
- Cold-blooded promos and legendary heel turns
- Professional maturity from a once rebellious prodigy to respected locker room leader
Outside the Ring
- Appeared in WWE Studios films like 12 Rounds 2: Reloaded, The Condemned 2
- Guest appearances on Shooter and other TV shows
- Married to Kim Orton; has 5 children
- Once controversial for attitude issues early in his career, but has since become a model veteran and locker room leader
WWE Hall of Fame Potential
- Guaranteed first-ballot Hall of Famer
- Will be remembered as one of the most technically gifted, decorated, and iconic wrestlers in WWE history
