Randy Orton

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Orton's rise began in developmental territory Ohio Valley Wrestling, where he won the OVW Hardcore Championship twice before debuting on the main roster in 2002. Initially a fan favorite, he transitioned into a narcissistic heel after a shoulder injury sidelined him, leading to his creation of the 'Randy News Network.' He soon joined the Evolution stable alongside Ric Flair, Triple H, and Batista. In 2004, at age 24, Orton defeated Chris Benoit at SummerSlam to become the youngest world champion in WWE history after winning the World Heavyweight Championship. This victory immediately resulted in his expulsion from Evolution. He later adopted the 'Legend Killer' persona, feuding with veterans like Shawn Michaels and Mick Foley, the latter of whom he described as his favorite career match despite losing it at Backlash. His signature finisher, the RKO (jumping cutter named after his initials), became a staple during this era.

In Their Own Story

The defining chapter of Orton's early career involved a brutal feud with The Undertaker following WrestleMania 21. After an on-screen relationship with manager Stacy Keibler ended with him performing an RKO on her, he turned heel and was managed by his father, Bob Orton Jr. At SummerSlam in August 2005, he defeated The Undertaker via distraction from his father. Two months later at No Mercy, the duo defeated The Undertaker in a handicap casket match; they subsequently locked him inside and set it on fire. The rivalry concluded dramatically at Survivor Series, where Orton was the last man remaining for Team Raw before The Undertaker emerged from a flaming casket to attack him. In 2013, Orton won the Money in the Bank ladder match and later became the final holder of the World Heavyweight Championship, which he unified with the WWE Championship to become the WWE World Heavyweight Champion.

Reader's Guide

Fans can track Orton's success through his record-setting achievements, including two Royal Rumble victories in 2009 and 2017. He is recognized as the 17th Triple Crown and 18th Grand Slam Champion in history. His career highlights include headlining WrestleMania three times (25, 30, and 42 – Night 1). In total, he has won 20 championships in WWE, with 10 WWE Championship reigns and four World Heavyweight Championship reigns. Since 2021, he holds the record for the most pay-per-view matches in WWE history. His journey from a Marine Corps recruit who received a bad conduct discharge in 1999 to a global superstar demonstrates his resilience. He trains in the MMWA-SICW and was part of the legendary 'OVW 4' class alongside John Cena, Brock Lesnar, and Dave Bautista.

Did You Know?

• Orton received a bad conduct discharge from the United States Marine Corps in 1999 after going AWOL twice and spent 38 days in the brig at Camp Pendleton.
• He is recognized by WWE as having the third-most world championship victories in history with 14, tied with Triple H.
• Orton won the World Heavyweight Championship at age 24, making him the youngest world champion in WWE history.
• At No Mercy 2005, he and his father Bob Orton Jr. locked The Undertaker in a casket and set it on fire after a handicap match.
• Since 2021, Orton holds the record for the most pay-per-view matches contested in WWE history.