In the world of professional wrestling, the return of a superstar can electrify the atmosphere like nothing else. This was precisely the case at Survivor Series: WarGames 2023 when Randy Orton made his much-anticipated return to in-ring action. The WWE Universe welcomed him back with open arms, and as he exited the arena, Orton teased the possibility of gracing the squared circle for another decade. His statement sparked discussions among fans and fellow wrestlers alike, as many of his peers have either hung up their boots or are nearing the end of their illustrious careers. Yet, Orton remains a formidable force in WWE, with his sights set on future championship glories.
Orton’s commitment to wrestling is unwavering, and in a conversation with Sports Illustrated, he expressed his gratitude towards WWE executives like Nick Khan and Triple H for their support of the talent. He highlighted the flexibility of his current schedule, which allows him time to heal from injuries without being pressured to compete. Orton emphasized the importance of this, saying, “If something is bugging me and I don’t want to put my body through the physical toll of a match, I can still make the TV, cut a promo, and hit an RKO or two. That is going to enable me to do this for a long time.” He praised the company’s evolution and its newfound care for the wrestlers’ well-being.
Since his comeback, Orton has not shied away from high-profile matches. He took on Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship at the Royal Rumble and is set to compete in the Elimination Chamber against five other top superstars. The stakes are high, as the winner will become the number one contender for Seth Rollins’ World Heavyweight Championship. Orton’s schedule has been packed with significant events, proving his dedication to remaining at the pinnacle of the industry.
Orton’s confidence in the ring was recently put to the test following a period of recovery from a back injury. At Survivor Series: WarGames, he was faced with executing an RKO on JD McDonagh from a considerable height. Recounting the moment on WWE’s The Bump, Orton admitted to feeling nervous but managed to deliver the move flawlessly, saying, “I was like, ‘Oh sh*t. Am I standing where I need to’ (…) Like, I started second-guessing myself, and, but here he [JD McDonagh] comes, and (…) How am I not going to grab a hold of that big ol’ head?” The successful maneuver helped to restore his confidence.
While Orton’s achievements are already legendary, he remains nonchalant about the prospect of surpassing the records of icons like Ric Flair and John Cena for the most world title wins. He acknowledged that it might happen but insisted that it wasn’t something that kept him up at night. Orton’s focus remains on the present, where he continues to be a dominant and influential figure in the world of professional wrestling.
