View source for Randy Orton

{{short description|American professional wrestler (born 1980)}}
{{distinguish|Randy Dorton}}
{{protection padlock|small=yes}}
{{good article}}
{{Use American English|date=April 2024}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{Infobox professional wrestler
|name        = Randy Orton
|image       = Randy Orton RR24 (cropped).jpg<!-- Please do not replace this image with a fair use one. This image is free and free images are favored on Wikipedia. See "Wikipedia:Image use policy" for more information. -->
|image_upright =
|caption     = Orton in 2024
|birth_name  = Randal Keith Orton
|birth_date  = {{birth date and age|1980|4|1|mf=y}}
|birth_place = [[Knoxville, Tennessee]], U.S.
|relatives   = [[Bob Orton Jr.]] (father)<br />[[Barry Orton]] (uncle)<br />[[Bob Orton]] (grandfather)
|spouse      = {{plainlist|
* {{marriage|Samantha Speno<br />|2007|2013|end=divorced}}
* {{marriage|Kimberly Kessler<br />|2015}}
}}
|children    = 2
|height      = 6 ft 5 in<!-- Please do not change the height or weight. These are the measures as officially stated and they should not be changed. --><ref name="WWEProfile">{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/randyorton |title=Randy Orton bio |access-date = April 17, 2024 |publisher=[[WWE]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240409165624/https://www.wwe.com/superstars/randy-orton |archive-date=April 9, 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|weight      = 275 lb<!-- Please do not change the height or weight. These are the measures as officially stated and they should not be changed. --><ref name="WWEProfile" />
|billed      = [[St. Louis, Missouri]]<ref name="WWEProfile" />
|trainer     = Bob Orton Jr.<br />[[Fit Finlay]]<br />Mid Missouri Wrestling Alliance<br />[[Ohio Valley Wrestling]]<ref>{{cite web |title=The kids from OVW that changed WWE |url=https://www.wwe.com/classics/kids-from-ovw |website=WWE |access-date=October 19, 2020}}</ref>
|debut       = March 18, 2000<ref name="MMWA-SICW" />
|retired     =
|module      = {{Infobox military person
| embed         = yes
| embed_title   = Military service
| branch        = [[United States Marine Corps]]
| serviceyears  = 1998–1999
| rank          = [[File:USMC-E2.svg|23px]] [[Private first class#United States Marine Corps|Private First Class]]
| unit          = [[File:1st Battalion 4th Marines Insignia.png|23px]] [[1st Battalion, 4th Marines]]
}}
|signature=Randy Orton Signature.png
|ring_names='''Randy Orton'''}}

'''Randal Keith Orton''' (born April 1, 1980) is an American [[Professional wrestling|professional wrestler]]. Since 2000, he is signed to [[WWE]], where he performs on the [[SmackDown (WWE brand)|SmackDown brand]]. Widely regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/why-randy-orton-is-one-of-the-all-time-greats |title=Why Randy Orton is one of the all-time greats in WWE |first=Aaron |last=Gales |website=Sportskeeda |date=February 17, 2020 |access-date=February 13, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.si.com/extra-mustard/2016/07/26/wwe-wcw-ecw-100-best-wrestlers-all-time |title=A definitive ranking of the 101 greatest wrestlers |first=Luke |last=Winkie |magazine=Sports Illustrated|access-date=February 13, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thesportster.com/randy-orton-case-goat-wwe/ |title=Looking at Randy Orton's Case for the GOAT in WWE |date=May 7, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2021/05/jim-ross-reiterates-that-randy-orton-is-the-best-wrestler-in-the-world/ |title=Jim Ross on Randy Orton Being the Best Wrestler |date=May 22, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dailyddt.com/2020/08/12/wwe-randy-orton-goat/ |title=WWE: Is Randy Orton establishing himself as the G.O.A.T.? |date=August 12, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/5-reasons-randy-orton-real-goat-wwe |title=5 reasons why Randy Orton is the greatest Superstar of all time |date=August 18, 2020}}</ref> Orton has the tied-third most world championship reigns in the company's history, and a career spanning over 20 years.<ref name="WWEProfile"/>

Orton is a third-generation professional wrestler; his grandfather [[Bob Orton]], father [[Bob Orton Jr.]], and uncle [[Barry Orton]] were all wrestlers. Before being signed by the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE), he trained in and wrestled for the Mid-Missouri Wrestling Association-Southern Illinois Conference Wrestling (MMWA-SICW). He was then signed by the WWF and was sent to [[Ohio Valley Wrestling]] (OVW), where he held the [[OVW Hardcore Championship]] twice. 

Orton would debut on the main roster in 2002, soon joining the [[Evolution (professional wrestling)|Evolution]] [[Stable (professional wrestling)|stable]], and as part of the group would become the youngest [[World championships in WWE|world champion]] in WWE history after he won WWE's [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE, 2002–2013)|World Heavyweight Championship]] in 2004.<ref name="WWEProfile" /> He would be kicked out of the stable as a result, and enter singles competition. Orton has held the [[WWE Championship]] [[List of WWE Champions|10 times]] and the World Heavyweight Championship [[List of World Heavyweight Champions (WWE, 2002–2013)|four times]]. He was the final holder of the World Heavyweight Championship, which he unified with the WWE Championship to become the WWE World Heavyweight Champion in [[TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs (2013)|2013]]. Orton is recognized by WWE as having the third-most world championship victories in history at 14, only behind prominent rival [[John Cena]] (17) and [[Ric Flair]] (16) and tied with [[Triple H]] (also 14). In total, he has won 20 championships in WWE.

A prominent wrestler throughout his time in WWE, Orton has also won the [[Royal Rumble match|Royal Rumble]] twice ([[Royal Rumble (2009)|2009]] and [[Royal Rumble (2017)|2017]]), and the [[Money in the Bank ladder match]] once in [[Money in the Bank (2013)|2013]]. He is the [[Triple Crown (professional wrestling)|17th Triple Crown]] and [[Grand Slam (professional wrestling)|18th overall Grand Slam]] Champion, and has headlined numerous major WWE events, including their flagship annual event, [[WrestleMania]], twice ([[WrestleMania 25|25]] and [[WrestleMania XXX|30]]). Since [[Survivor Series (2021)|2021]], he holds the record of most [[List of WWE pay-per-view and livestreaming supercards|pay-per-view (PPV)]] matches in WWE.<ref name="NewPPVrecord">{{Cite web |last=Casey |first=Connor |date=November 21, 2021 |title=John Cena Congratulates Randy Orton on Breaking a Huge WWE Pay-Per-View Record |url=https://comicbook.com/wwe/news/wwe-john-cena-congratulates-randy-orton-breaking-wwe-pay-per-view-record-most-matches-177/|access-date=November 21, 2021 |website=WWE}}</ref>

== Early life ==
[[File:RandyOrtonUSMarines.png|thumb|upright|Orton as a [[United States Marine Corps|United States Marine]] in 1998]]

Randal Keith Orton was born in [[Knoxville, Tennessee]], on April 1, 1980, to a family of mostly [[German Americans|German]] ancestry.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wrestlinginc.com/1654715/randy-orton-says-ancestry-com-told-hes-70-german-ahead-wwe-bash-berlin/|work=Wrestling Inc.|date=30 August 2024|last=Piker|first=Sam|access-date=3 March 2025|title=Randy Orton Says Ancestry.com Told Him He's 70% German Ahead Of WWE Bash In Berlin}}</ref> His mother Elaine was a nurse<ref>{{cite tweet |user=RandyOrton |number=480443964617932800 |date=June 21, 2014 |title=RT @SpunkySchell: @ElaineOrton & other nurses... Enjoy! |access-date=February 12, 2020}}</ref> and his father [[Bob Orton Jr.]] was a professional wrestler.<ref name="pwhof" /><ref name="slam">{{cite web |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/orton.html |title=Slam! Sports biography |date=October 7, 2004 |publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]] |access-date=April 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150429201227/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/orton.html |archive-date=April 29, 2015 |first=John |last=Milner |author2=Richard Kamchen|work=canoe.com }}</ref> Orton is a grandson of [[Bob Orton]] and nephew of [[Barry Orton]], both professional wrestlers.<ref name="2003 DVD">{{cite video |date=2003 |title=Before They Were WWE Superstars 2 |medium=DVD |publisher=[[WWE Home Video]]}}</ref> He has a younger brother named Nathan, who is a stand-up comedian,<ref>{{cite web |title=About me |url=https://www.nathanortoncomedy.com/ |website=Nathan Orton |access-date=February 28, 2020 |archive-date=February 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220211145951/https://www.nathanortoncomedy.com/ |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet |user=RandyOrton |number=685637114189496320 |title=Go follow my brother Nate, @orton_nathan, he's new to Twitter and an up and coming comic. Go give him some shit. |access-date=February 28, 2020 |date=January 8, 2016}}</ref> and a younger sister named Rebecca.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://randy-orton.com/about-randy/life-career-facts/ |title=Randy Orton basic facts |access-date = January 25, 2009 |publisher=Randy-Orton.com |url-status=dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20091231100944/http://randy-orton.com/about-randy/life-career-facts/ |archive-date = December 31, 2009}}</ref> Knowing the hardships of life as a professional wrestler, his parents tried to convince him to stay away from the business<ref name="pwhof">{{cite book |title=The Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame: The Heels |last=Oliver |first=Greg |year=2007 |publisher=ECW Press |isbn=978-1-55022-759-8 |page=205}}</ref> and his father warned him that life in the ring meant a life on the road and away from family.<ref name="WWEProfile" />

Orton attended [[Hazelwood Central High School]], where he was an amateur wrestler.<ref name="WWEProfile" /><ref name="pwhof" /> After graduating in 1998,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.skysports.com/more-sports/news/14204/7364859/superstar-of-the-year |title=Superstar of the Year |date=December 9, 2011 |access-date = November 19, 2016 |publisher=[[Sky Sports]]}}</ref> he enlisted with the [[United States Marine Corps]]. At the base, he received a [[bad conduct discharge]] in 1999 after [[going AWOL]] on two occasions and disobeying an order from a commanding officer.<ref name="ink">{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/superstarink/articles/randyorton |title=Orton's tattoo secrets |author=Zack Zeigler |access-date = October 11, 2007 |publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}</ref> Under the [[Uniform Code of Military Justice]], he was tried and convicted under a special [[court-martial]], subsequently spending 38 days in the [[military prison|brig]] at [[Camp Pendleton]].<ref name="2003 DVD" /><ref name="ink" /> He previously had a Marine tattoo on his left arm, but covered it up after receiving his bad conduct discharge.<ref name="ink" />

== Professional wrestling career ==
=== Training and early career (2000–2001) ===
{{Professional wrestling sidebar}}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]].<ref name="MMWA-SICW">{{cite web |url=http://www.mmwa-sicw.com/archives/index.php?archive_id=6 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080210042613/http://www.mmwa-sicw.com/archives/index.php?archive_id=6 |archive-date = February 10, 2008 |title=MMWA-SICW Archive&nbsp;— March 18, 2000 results |access-date = August 14, 2007 |url-status=usurped |publisher=Mid-Missouri Wrestling Association-Southern Illinois Conference Wrestling}}</ref> There, he was trained by both the staff of the promotion and his father, [[Bob Orton Jr.]]<ref name="2003 DVD" /> He wrestled for the promotion where he performed with wrestlers such as Ace Strange and Mark Bland.<ref name="Archive – April 22, 2000">{{cite web |url=http://www.mmwa-sicw.com/archives/index.php?archive_id=2 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070928191422/http://www.mmwa-sicw.com/archives/index.php?archive_id=2 |archive-date = September 28, 2007 |title=MMWA-SICW archives — April 22, 2000 |access-date = March 23, 2008 |date=April 22, 2000 |url-status=usurped |publisher=Mid-Missouri Wrestling Association-Southern Illinois Conference Wrestling}}</ref> Orton also [[Referee (professional wrestling)|refereed]] a few matches with World Organized Wrestling (WOW), a promotion where his uncle [[Barry Orton]] worked.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Dilbert|first=Ryan|title=Forgotten Members of Famous WWE Families: Barry Orton|date=4 September 2015|access-date=13 January 2025|magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]]|quote="His [Barry's] nephew Randy actually began his career with WOW as a referee."|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2560266-forgotten-members-of-wrestling-families-barry-orton}}</ref>

=== World Wrestling Federation / World Wrestling Entertainment / WWE (2000–present) ===
==== Ohio Valley Wrestling (2000–2002) ====
In 2000, Orton signed a deal with the then [[WWE|World Wrestling Federation]] (WWF) and was sent to its [[Farm team#Professional wrestling|developmental territory]], [[Ohio Valley Wrestling]] (OVW) in [[Louisville, Kentucky]], where he continued his training. During his time in OVW, he wrestled the likes of [[Rico Constantino]] and [[John Cena|The Prototype]] and teamed with [[Bobby Eaton]] during a [[tag team]] title tournament. He won the [[OVW Hardcore Championship]] twice by defeating Mr. Black on February 14, 2001, and [[Flash Flanagan]] on May 5, 2001, respectively.<ref name="OVWHardcoreTitle">{{cite web |url=http://www.ovwrestling.com/titles |title=OVW Hardcore Championship (retired) |access-date = April 3, 2011 |publisher=[[Ohio Valley Wrestling]] |url-status=dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110405184334/http://www.ovwrestling.com/titles |archive-date = April 5, 2011}}</ref> On several occasions he faced Rico Constantino on combined WWF/OVW events, and also lost to The Prototype (John Cena) in a tag match on July 28 in Jacksonville, Indiana. He also began appearing on several WWF house shows that were unaffiliated with OVW, the first being on May 1, 2001, when he faced [[Billy Gunn]]. After taking the mic and promising to beat Gunn, Orton was defeated.<ref>{{cite web |title=The history of WWE |date=January 16, 2023 |url=http://www.thehistoryofwwe.com/01.htm}}</ref> That fall he began appearing regularly on WWF house shows and dark matches, facing [[Chuck Palumbo]], [[Stevie Richards|Steven Richards]] and [[Shawn Stasiak]], but mostly wrestling in tag team matches. Orton's promotion to the main roster made him a member of OVW's now legendary Class of 2002 as part of what has now been dubbed as the "OVW 4" alongside the aforementioned Cena as well as [[Brock Lesnar]] and [[Dave Bautista]]. In his farewell match in OVW, Orton was defeated by The Prototype (Cena).<ref>{{Cite web |title=See where Cena, Orton, Lesnar, and Batista developed their Ruthless Aggression |url=https://www.wwe.com/classics/kids-from-ovw|access-date=September 20, 2021 |website=WWE}}</ref>

==== Main roster debut; Evolution (2002–2004) ====
{{Main|Evolution (professional wrestling)|l1=Evolution}}

One of Orton's first official WWF appearances was March 16, 2002, at [[WrestleMania X8]]'s Fan Axxess, where he was defeated by [[Tommy Dreamer]]. Orton's first televised WWF match was a victory against [[Hardcore Holly]] on ''[[WWE SmackDown|SmackDown!]]'' on April 25, 2002.<ref name="ryan"/> Soon after, Orton became a [[Face (professional wrestling)|face]] and was placed in a rivalry with Holly.<ref name="ryan">{{cite magazine|last=Ryan|first=Stuart|title=Randy Orton: The Legacy of WWE's Newest Icon|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/157423-randy-orton-the-legacy-of-wwes-newest-icon|date=17 April 2009|access-date=13 January 2025|magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]]}}</ref> In September 2002, Orton was traded to the [[Raw (WWE brand)|Raw]] [[WWE brand extension|brand]], where he defeated Stevie Richards in his debut on the show.<ref name="ryan"/> Within weeks of his debut on the Raw brand, Orton suffered a [[Separated shoulder|shoulder injury]], leaving him sidelined for months.<ref name="ryan"/> While recovering, Orton still appeared on ''[[WWE Raw|Raw]]'' in his own ''Randy News Network'' (''RNN'') segment, a weekly vignette featuring him talking about his condition.<ref name="ryan"/> The show interrupted other segments of Raw programming, which caused Orton to slowly transition himself into a [[Narcissism|narcissistic]] and self-centered [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]].<ref>{{cite news |author=Michael McAvennie |title=WWE The Yearbook: 2003 Edition |publisher=Pocket Books |year=2003 |pages=305–306, 314}}</ref>

After his injury healed, Orton joined the [[Evolution (professional wrestling)|Evolution]] [[glossary of professional wrestling terms#stable|stable]], which consisted of [[Ric Flair]], [[Triple H]], and relative newcomer [[Dave Bautista|Batista]].<ref name="ryan"/> He was injured once again in February 2003, and returned on May 26, 2003 as a masked man, interfering in a 2-1 Handicap match between [[Kevin Nash]] and [[Shawn Michaels]] vs. Triple H. He then proceeded unmasked himself and re-joined the stable.<ref name="ryan"/> The group was [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Push|pushed]] on ''Raw'' from 2003 to 2004, with the height of their dominance occurring after [[Armageddon (2003)|Armageddon]] in 2003 when all of the men's titles on ''Raw'' were held by Evolution members.<ref name="Armageddon 2003">{{cite web |first=Nick |last=Tywalk |author2=Dale Plummer |date=December 14, 2003 |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2003/12/15/288020.html |archive-url = https://archive.today/20120629043112/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2003/12/15/288020.html |url-status = usurped |archive-date = June 29, 2012 |title=WWE Armageddon a flop |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer |work=Slam! Sports |access-date = August 26, 2009}}</ref> In 2003, Orton spent much of his time helping Triple H overcome challenges for the [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE, 2002–2013)|World Heavyweight Championship]].<ref>{{cite web |first=Brad |last=Jennette |url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/tv_reports/30593/411s-WWE-Raw-Report-01.20.03.htm |title=411's WWE Raw Report 01.20.03 |access-date = March 12, 2008 |date=January 20, 2003 |publisher=411mania}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news/1046059526.shtml |title=Full WWE No Way Out PPV Results – 2/23/03 – Montreal, Quebec |last=Droste |first=Ryan |date=February 23, 2003 |publisher=WrestleView |access-date = August 26, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news/1069042990.shtml |title=Full WWE Survivor Series PPV Results – 11/16/03 – Dallas, Texas |last=Martin |first=Adam |date=November 16, 2003 |publisher=WrestleView |access-date = August 26, 2009}}</ref> He joined Triple H in an [[Elimination Chamber]] match for the World Heavyweight Championship at [[SummerSlam (2003)|SummerSlam]] on August 24, involved primarily to secure Triple H's title defense, and was eliminated by [[Bill Goldberg|Goldberg]], but the stable managed to fulfill its purpose and Triple H went on to eliminate Goldberg and retain his title.<ref>{{cite news |title=2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts |work=Wrestling's Historical Cards |publisher=Kappa Publishing |year=2007 |pages=113–114}}</ref>

Orton then began proclaiming himself the "Legend Killer",<ref name="ryan"/> with his gimmick becoming that of a young upstart who was so talented that he touted himself as the future of wrestling. He embarked on numerous feuds with older, well-respected names in wrestling and gained infamy for blatantly disrespecting them. With the help of his stablemate and mentor Ric Flair, Orton defeated [[Shawn Michaels]] at [[Unforgiven (2003)|Unforgiven]] on September 21 in the first of many high-profile matches billed as "Legend vs. Legend Killer".<ref name="PS112">{{cite news |author=Martin, Finn |title=Power Slam Magazine, issue 112 |work=Goldberg grabs gold (Unforgiven 2003) |publisher=SW Publishing |date=October 22, 2003 |pages=22–23}}</ref> During this time, Orton began using the move that would become his signature finisher, the ''RKO'', a [[Cutter (professional wrestling)#Jumping cutter|jumping cutter]] named after his initials.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/raw/randyorton/rkode/ |title=RK-Ode |first=Craig |last=Tello |publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment |access-date = April 6, 2009 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100104080959/http://www.wwe.com/superstars/raw/randyorton/rkode/ |archive-date = January 4, 2010 |url-status=dead}}</ref> He defeated [[Rob Van Dam]] for the [[WWE Intercontinental Championship|Intercontinental Championship]] at [[Armageddon (2003)|Armageddon]] on December 14.<ref name="Intercontinental Title">{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/intercontinental/322760 |title=Inside WWE Title History Intercontinental 20031214 – Randy Orton |access-date = July 10, 2007 |publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment |url-status=dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080329093738/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/intercontinental/322760 |archive-date = March 29, 2008}}</ref> With this win, Orton started the longest Intercontinental Championship reign in seven years, holding the title for 210 days.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/wwf/ic.html#raw |title=W.W.F./W.W.E. Intercontinental Heavyweight Title |access-date = August 23, 2007 |publisher=Wrestling-Titles |quote=Randy Orton 03/12/14 Orlando, FL}}</ref> Orton continued to establish himself as a "Legend Killer" throughout 2004, challenging the semi-retired wrestler [[Mick Foley]]. Famed for his brutal [[Professional wrestling match types#Hardcore-based variations|hardcore matches]], they wrestled in a hardcore match at [[Backlash (2004)|Backlash]] for the title, where Orton won.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2004/04/19/427888.html |archive-url = https://archive.today/20120630080531/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2004/04/19/427888.html |url-status = usurped |archive-date = June 30, 2012 |title=Feature bouts save Backlash |first=John |last=Powell |date=April 18, 2004 |access-date = August 26, 2009 |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer |work=Slam! Sports}}</ref> Orton named this match as the favourite of his career, also noticing it was the match where he earned the respect of the fans.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sescoops.com/news/wwe/randy-orton-most-important-match-career/|title=Randy Orton Names The Most Important Match of His Career|date=July 17, 2025}}</ref> On July 11 at [[Vengeance (2004)|Vengeance]], he lost the title to [[Edge (wrestler)|Edge]].<ref>{{cite news |title=2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts |work=Wrestling's Historical Cards |publisher=Kappa Publishing |year=2007 |page=116}}</ref>

==== World Heavyweight Champion (2004–2005) ====
[[File:Orton2004-whc.jpg|thumb|upright|Orton became the youngest [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE, 2002–2013)|World Heavyweight Champion]] in WWE history at [[SummerSlam (2004)|SummerSlam]] in August 2004.]]
After losing the Intercontinental Championship, Orton became the number one contender for the [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE, 2002–2013)|World Heavyweight Championship]] after winning a 20-man battle royal on the July 26 episode of ''Raw''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ryan |first=Stuart |title=Randy Orton: The Legacy of WWE's Newest Icon |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/157423-randy-orton-the-legacy-of-wwes-newest-icon |access-date=2024-07-20 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}}</ref> At [[SummerSlam (2004)|SummerSlam]] on August 15, Orton defeated [[Chris Benoit]] to win the World Heavyweight Championship, thus becoming the youngest [[Professional wrestling championship#World championships|world champion]] in WWE history at the age of 24.<ref name="World Heavyweight Title">{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldheavyweight/30445414211 |title=History Of The World Heavyweight Championship&nbsp;— Randy Orton |access-date = July 10, 2007 |publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment |url-status=dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070630080232/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldheavyweight/30445414211 |archive-date = June 30, 2007}}</ref> Benoit congratulated Orton after the match, shaking his hand for showing the ability to "be a man".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2004/08/16/585826.html |title=Orton-Benoit, Guerrero-Angle save SummerSlam |date=August 16, 2004 |last=Clevett |first=Jason |access-date = November 18, 2009 |work=Slam! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer |quote=Benoit left the ring and then returned and extended his hand saying, "Be a man." The two shook hands |archive-date = July 14, 2012 |archive-url = https://archive.today/20120714214810/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2004/08/16/585826.html |url-status = usurped}}</ref> The following night on ''Raw'', after Orton successfully defended the title against Benoit in a rematch, Evolution threw Orton a [[wikt:mock|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 signal|thumbs-up]] and then abruptly changed it to a thumbs-down, which was followed by Batista [[Professional wrestling throws#Electric chair drop|dropping]] Orton to the mat.{{citation needed|date=August 2020}} Triple H, Flair and Batista attacked Orton in the ring, resulting in Orton being kicked out of Evolution. The following week, he called out Orton and ordered him to hand over the championship, but he refused, spitting in Triple H's face and hitting him with the title belt.{{citation needed|date=August 2020}} Orton's breakup with Evolution led to him turning [[Face (professional wrestling)|face]] when he continued to feud with his former stablemates.{{citation needed|date=August 2020}} A month later, Orton lost the World Heavyweight Championship to Triple H at [[Unforgiven (2004)|Unforgiven]] on September 12 after interference from Flair, Batista, and [[Jonathan Coachman]].<ref name="PS123">{{cite news |author=Martin, Finn |title=Power Slam Magazine, issue 123 |work=Panic Stations! (Unforgiven 2004) |publisher=SW Publishing |date=September 22, 2004 |pages=24–25}}</ref>

Seeking revenge, Orton lashed out at his former 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 nowhere to beat and humiliate the group.{{citation needed|date=August 2020}} At [[Taboo Tuesday (2004)|Taboo Tuesday]] on October 19, Orton defeated Ric Flair in a fan-voted [[professional wrestling match types#Steel Cage match|steel cage match]]. After this, Orton experienced another [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Push|push]], becoming [[Professional wrestling authority figures#General managers|general manager]] of the Raw brand for a week following a match stipulation at [[Survivor Series (2004)|Survivor Series]] on November 14 where he picked up the win for his team by last eliminating Triple H in a [[Professional wrestling tag team match types#Elimination tag team matches|four-on-four Survivor Series elimination match]].<ref>{{cite web |first=Chris |last=Sokol |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2004/11/15/723410.html |title=Orton survives at Series |access-date = August 26, 2009 |date=November 15, 2004 |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer |work=Slam! Sports |archive-date = July 20, 2012 |archive-url = https://archive.today/20120720212933/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2004/11/15/723410.html |url-status = usurped}}</ref> He continued to feud with Triple H, using his authority to place his opponents at severe disadvantages during title defenses.{{citation needed|date=August 2020}} On January 9, 2005 at [[New Year's Revolution (2005)|New Year's Revolution]], Orton participated in an [[Elimination Chamber]] match for the vacant World Heavyweight Championship, where he was the last man eliminated by Triple H after interference from Ric Flair and Batista.<ref name="PS127">{{cite news |author=Evans, Anthony |title=Power Slam Magazine, issue 127 |work=Tripper strikes back (New Years Revolution 2005) |publisher=SW Publishing |date=January 21, 2005 |pages=30–31}}</ref> On the January 10 episode of ''Raw'', Orton defeated Batista to earn a match against Triple H at the [[Royal Rumble (2005)|Royal Rumble]] on January 30 for the World Heavyweight Championship, which he lost.{{citation needed|date=August 2020}}

==== Feud with The Undertaker (2005–2006) ====
Orton began an on-screen relationship with [[Stacy Keibler]]<ref name="ryan"/> and briefly feuded with [[Christian Cage|Christian]] in February 2005.{{citation needed|date=August 2020}} On the February 28 ''Raw'', [[Superstar Billy Graham]] made an appearance, in which he advised Orton to "go where no wrestler [had] gone before".<ref name="ryan"/>

[[File:Randy Orton 05 pose.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Orton showing off his signature pose in August 2005]]
Orton then produced a copy of [[SmackDown (WWE brand)|SmackDown!]] magazine, which featured [[The Undertaker]] on the cover.<ref name="ryan"/> Heeding Graham's advice, Orton said he would set himself apart from all other wrestlers by ending The Undertaker's [[The Streak (wrestling)|undefeated streak]] at [[WrestleMania]].{{citation needed|date=August 2020}} Throughout March 2005, Orton taunted The Undertaker, claiming he was unafraid of him. On the March 21 ''Raw'', Orton delivered an ''RKO'' to his unsuspecting on-screen girlfriend, Stacy Keibler, knocking her [[Unconsciousness|unconscious]], thus turning [[heel (professional wrestling)|heel]] once again.<ref>{{cite journal |first=Ryan |last=Wade |title=Inside the Squared Circle |date=March 28, 2005 |journal=Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise |quote=Randy Orton&nbsp;... stated on Monday that he had a simple message for anyone who doubted his ability to bring the Undertaker's 13–0 record at WrestleMania to a crashing halt. After having to drag the answer he wanted out of his female companion, Stacy Keibler, Orton clearly knew that Keibler didn't like his chances in the big match. Orton sent his message to all the people who doubted him by way of a RKO to Keibler.}}</ref> During Orton's [[Promos (professional wrestling)|promos]], he ran for cover whenever signs of The Undertaker's appearance ([[lightning]], [[darkness]], or [[smoke]]) occurred.{{citation needed|date=August 2020}} When wrestler [[Jake Roberts]] advised Orton not to underestimate The Undertaker, Orton performed an RKO on Roberts as well.<ref name="ryan"/> 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, [[Bob Orton, Jr.|"Cowboy" Bob Orton]]. At [[WrestleMania 21]] on April 3, Orton lost the heavily hyped match to The Undertaker.<ref name="WM21">{{cite web |url=http://pwwew.net/ppv/wwf/march/xxi.htm |title=WrestleMania 21 Results |access-date=February 9, 2019 |publisher=PWWEW.net |archive-date=April 13, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160413104700/http://www.pwwew.net/ppv/wwf/march/xxi.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> WWE offered Orton to end the streak but he refused out of respect to Undertaker and because he thought he wasn't the right person to break it.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 11, 2022 |title=10 Times Randy Orton Used His Influence To Get His Way |url=https://www.thesportster.com/times-randy-orton-used-backstage-power-influence-to-get-his-way-wwe/ |access-date=July 13, 2023 |website=TheSportster |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lowson |first=Thomas |date=February 24, 2021 |title=5 WWE Superstars who refused to win huge matches |url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/5-wwe-superstars-who-refused-to-win-huge-matches |access-date=July 13, 2023 |website=www.sportskeeda.com |language=en-us}}</ref>

[[File:Orton 05.jpg|thumb|right|upright|Orton at a WWE [[house show]] in 2005]]
The next 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.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/s_347614.html |title=Smackdown still has life |last=Detore |first=Rennie |date=June 26, 2005 |work=[[Pittsburgh Tribune-Review]] |access-date = August 26, 2009 |archive-url = https://archive.today/20240524120655/https://www.webcitation.org/5k27y0FBh?url=http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/s_347614.html |archive-date = May 24, 2024 |url-status=dead}}</ref> 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!''.{{citation needed|date=August 2020}} Orton returned to WWE programming for SmackDown! on June 16, announcing that he was the second pick in the [[2005 WWE draft lottery|2005 draft lottery]].<ref name="ryan"/> He rekindled his feud with The Undertaker, defeating him at [[SummerSlam (2005)|SummerSlam]] on August 21 following a distraction from his father.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2005/1124679610.shtml |title=SummerSlam PPV Results – 8/21/05 – Washington, DC (Hogan/HBK) |last=Martin |first=Adam |date=August 21, 2005 |publisher=WrestleView |access-date = August 26, 2009}}</ref> Two months later at [[No Mercy (2005)|No Mercy]] on October 9, Orton and his father Bob Orton defeated The Undertaker in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Handicap match|handicap]] [[Professional wrestling match types#Casket match|casket match]] and after the match, Randy Orton and his father Bob locked the Undertaker in the casket and, in a move similar to Kane at the [[Royal Rumble (1998)|1998 Royal Rumble]], chopped holes in the top of the casket with an axe, poured gasoline over the casket and set it ablaze, kayfabe killing The Undertaker.<ref>{{cite web |first=Chris |last=Sokol |date=October 9, 2005 |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2005/10/15/1263963.html |archive-url = https://archive.today/20120715235653/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2005/10/15/1263963.html |url-status = usurped |archive-date = July 15, 2012 |title=Latest WWE PPV unmerciful |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer |work=Slam! Sports |access-date = August 26, 2009}}</ref><ref name="ryan"/> The following month, Orton replaced [[Eddie Guerrero]] as a participant in the annual elimination match of Team SmackDown! against Team Raw at [[Survivor Series (2005)|Survivor Series]] on November 27, after having lost a qualifying match to [[Rey Mysterio]]. In the match, Orton was the last remaining wrestler in the match for the third straight year, as he pinned Shawn Michaels to get the victory for Team SmackDown!.<ref name="ryan"/> After the match, The Undertaker returned by emerging from a flaming casket and attacked the SmackDown! superstars who came to the ring to celebrate Team SmackDown!'s victory.<ref name="ryan"/> On the ''SmackDown!'' episode after Survivor Series, The Undertaker interfered in a match between Rey Mysterio and [[Big Show]] after Kane interfered. Randy Orton RKO'd the Undertaker, he then struck the Undertaker with a tire iron and set him on the back of the lowrider Mysterio had driven to the ring, he then reversed the lowrider into the SmackDown! set, causing an explosion.{{citation needed|date=August 2020}} The feud was finally settled with a [[Hell in a Cell]] match at [[Armageddon (2005)|Armageddon]] on December 18.{{citation needed|date=August 2020}} On the December 16 episode of ''SmackDown!'', 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 whoever held it to control The Undertaker.{{citation needed|date=August 2020}} The Undertaker, however, beat Orton in the Hell in a Cell match at Armageddon, ending their nine-month-long feud.<ref name="pwi119">{{cite news |title=2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts |work=Wrestling's Historical Cards |publisher=Kappa Publishing |year=2007 |page=119}}</ref>

==== Rated-RKO (2006–2007) ====
{{Main|Rated-RKO}}
At the [[Royal Rumble (2006)|Royal Rumble]] on January 29, 2006, Orton entered the [[Royal Rumble match]] as the thirtieth and final wrestler, but he was eliminated by the eventual winner of the match Rey Mysterio, who earned a world championship at [[WrestleMania 22]] on April 2.<ref name="pwi119" /> Orton challenged him to a match for his title shot at [[No Way Out (2006)|No Way Out]] on February 19.<ref>{{cite journal |title=Rey's a main-eventer – for now |date=February 5, 2006 |journal=Chicago Sun-Times |page=A82}}</ref> In the weeks preceding No Way Out, Orton made controversial remarks about Eddie Guerrero, Mysterio's friend who had died a few months previously, in an attempt to gain villain [[Heat (professional wrestling)|heat]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.popmatters.com/060504-wrestling-2496108456.html |title=WWE and Kayfabe: Retaining the Real |last=Serrels |first=Mark |date=May 4, 2006 |publisher=[[PopMatters]] |access-date = August 26, 2009 |archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20200918085415/https://www.popmatters.com/060504-wrestling-2496108456.html |archive-date = September 18, 2020}}</ref> Many fans felt the comments were highly distasteful so soon after Guerrero's death in November 2005.{{citation needed|date=August 2020}} Orton defeated Mysterio at No Way Out, earning Mysterio's title shot for the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania.<ref>{{cite web |first=Chris |last=Sokol |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2006/02/20/1452714.html |archive-url = https://archive.today/20120715005147/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2006/02/20/1452714.html |url-status = usurped |archive-date = July 15, 2012 |title=Main events salvage No Way Out |access-date = May 12, 2008 |date=February 20, 2006 |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer |work=Slam! Sports}}</ref> SmackDown! General Manager [[Theodore Long]] re-added Mysterio to the WrestleMania title match, making it a [[Professional wrestling match types#Basic non-elimination matches|triple threat match]] between Orton, Mysterio and then-champion [[Kurt Angle]].{{citation needed|date=August 2020}} At WrestleMania, however, Orton lost after he was pinned by Mysterio. On the following episode of ''SmackDown!'', Orton challenged Mysterio for the World Heavyweight Championship, but failed to win the title.<ref name="PS142">{{cite news |author=Hurley, Oliver |title=Power Slam Magazine, issue 142 |work=WrestleMania In Person (WrestleMania 22) |publisher=SW Publishing |date=April 20, 2006 |pages=16–19}}</ref>

On April 4, Orton was suspended for sixty days for "unprofessional conduct".<ref>{{cite journal |first=Blackjack |last=Brown |title=More Triple H, ECW on tap |date=April 9, 2006 |journal=Chicago Sun-Times |page=A65}}</ref> In an interview, Orton stated, "my conduct was unbecoming of a champion, which is what I will be again when I return".<ref name="Brown">{{cite web |first=Timothy |last=Brown |url=http://headlineplanet.com/home/2006/04/06/randy-orton-speaks-out-on-his-suspension/ |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070311052509/http://headlineplanet.com/home/2006/04/06/randy-orton-speaks-out-on-his-suspension/ |archive-date = March 11, 2007 |date=April 6, 2006 |access-date = August 22, 2007 |title=Randy Orton Speaks Out On His Suspension |publisher=Headline Planet}}</ref> To cover for the suspension, a scripted injury was devised, where Kurt Angle broke Orton's ankle during a [[King of the Ring (2006)|King of the Ring]] quarterfinal match on the April 14 episode of ''SmackDown!''.<ref>{{cite journal |first=Alex |last=Marvez |title=McMahons Getting Ready For A Blasphemous Bout |date=April 14, 2006 |journal=[[South Florida Sun-Sentinel]] |page=31}}</ref> Orton returned from his suspension in June to the Raw brand,{{citation needed|date=August 2020}} where he entered a rivalry with Angle, culminating in matches at [[ECW One Night Stand (2006)|ECW One Night Stand]] on June 11 (which he lost) and [[Vengeance (2006)|Vengeance]] on June 25 (which he won) before engaging in a storyline feud with [[Hulk Hogan]]. Orton began cutting promos insulting the aging Hogan and flirted with Hogan's then-eighteen-year-old daughter [[Brooke Hogan|Brooke]].{{citation needed|date=August 2020}} At [[SummerSlam (2006)|SummerSlam]] on August 20, the two met in a "Legend vs. Legend Killer" match, which Hogan won.<ref>{{cite news |title=2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts |work=Wrestling's Historical Cards |publisher=Kappa Publishing |year=2007 |pages=121–122}}</ref><ref name="Martin">{{cite web |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2006/1179715471.shtml |title=Judgment Day PPV Results – 5/20/07 – St. Louis, MO (Cena vs. Khali) |last=Martin |first=Adam |date=May 20, 2007 |publisher=WrestleView |access-date = August 26, 2009}}</ref> He later defeated [[Carlito (wrestler)|Carlito]] at [[Unforgiven (2006)|Unforgiven]] on September 17.

[[File:RatedRKO.jpg|thumb|right|[[Edge (wrestler)|Edge]] and Orton as [[Rated-RKO]] in 2006]]
After the newly reformed [[D-Generation X]] (DX) (Triple H and Shawn Michaels) cost [[Edge (wrestler)|Edge]] the WWE Championship, 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 defeated DX at [[Cyber Sunday (2006)|Cyber Sunday]] on November 5 with help from special guest referee [[Eric Bischoff]], becoming the first team to defeat DX since their reunion in June and they quickly dominated the Raw brand's tag team division to become [[World Tag Team Championship (WWE, 1971–2010)|World Tag Team Champions]] by defeating Ric Flair and [[Roddy Piper]] on the November 13 episode of ''Raw''.<ref>{{cite web |first=Brian |last=Elliott |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2006/11/06/2253314.html |archive-url = https://archive.today/20120722111233/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2006/11/06/2253314.html |url-status = usurped |archive-date = July 22, 2012 |title=K-Fed costs Cena at Cyber Sunday |access-date = January 17, 2008 |date=November 6, 2006 |work=Slam! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}</ref><ref name="World Tag Team Titles">{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/244843211 |title=History Of The World Tag Team Title&nbsp;— Edge & Randy Orton |access-date = July 10, 2007 |publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment |url-status=dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070515101600/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/244843211 |archive-date = May 15, 2007}}</ref> As part of the [[Angle (professional wrestling)|angle]], Rated-RKO attacked Ric Flair with steel chairs to enrage DX on the November 27 episode of ''Raw''.{{citation needed|date=August 2020}} At [[New Year's Revolution (2007)|New Year's Revolution]] on January 7, 2007, Rated-RKO defended the World Tag Team Championship against DX, but the match was declared a no-contest when Triple H suffered a [[Legit (professional wrestling)|legitimate]] injury during the match. Afterwards, Rated-RKO were attacked by DX.<ref>{{cite web |author=Dale Plummer and Nick Tylwalk |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/01/08/3235732.html |title=Cena retains, Triple H injured at Revolution |access-date = May 12, 2008 |date=January 8, 2007 |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer |work=Slam! Sports |archive-date = July 13, 2012 |archive-url = https://archive.today/20120713164325/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/01/08/3235732.html |url-status = usurped}}</ref> With Triple H out of action, Rated-RKO continued their on-screen rivalry with Michaels. At the [[Royal Rumble (2007)|Royal Rumble]] on January 28, both men competed in the [[Royal Rumble match]] and made it to the final four, but both were eliminated by Michaels. Michaels later teamed with [[WWE Championship|WWE Champion]] [[John Cena]] to defeat Rated-RKO to win the World Tag Team Championship the following night on ''Raw''.<ref>{{cite news |title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated |work=Arena Reports |publisher=Kappa Publishing |date=May 2007 |page=134}}</ref> After losing the tag team titles, both Edge and Orton focused on the WWE Championship, causing friction between them. On the February 5, 2007, episode of ''Raw'', they lost a triple threat match against Michaels to earn a WWE Championship match at [[WrestleMania 23]] on April 1. They both competed in the [[Money in the Bank ladder match]] at WrestleMania, but the match was won by [[Ken Anderson (wrestler)|Mr. Kennedy]]. On the April 9 episode of ''Raw'', Orton and Michaels wrestled to a no contest in a number one contender's match for the WWE Championship after both men's shoulders were down during the pinfall. Finally, Orton and Edge faced off in a fatal four-way match for the title against Cena and Michaels at [[Backlash (2007)|Backlash]] on April 29, however Cena retained the title after pinning Orton. On the April 30 episode of ''Raw'', they competed against each other in a singles match, which Edge won.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/04/29/4140920.html |title=No filler makes for a consistent Backlash |first=Brian |last=Elliott |access-date = January 17, 2008 |date=April 29, 2007 |work=Slam! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer |archive-date = April 19, 2015 |archive-url = https://archive.today/20150419051211/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/04/29/4140920.html |url-status = usurped}}</ref> Their alliance was effectively ended once Edge joined the SmackDown! brand. Orton then continued his "Legend Killer" persona, attacking Shawn Michaels by using frequent attacks to the head, including an [[DDT (professional wrestling)#Elevated DDT|elevated DDT]] and a [[Professional wrestling attacks#Punt|running punt]] to the face. Orton defeated Michaels at [[Judgment Day (2007)|Judgment Day]] on May 20 via knockout when Michaels suffered a [[kayfabe]] concussion and collapsed during the match.<ref name="Martin" /> Orton continued his attacks when he engaged himself in feuds with Rob Van Dam at [[One Night Stand (2007)|One Night Stand]] on June 3 (after losing a stretcher match to Van Dam),<ref>{{cite web |first=Bryan |last=Robinson |title=RVD def. Randy Orton (Stretcher Match) |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/onenightstand/history/2007/matches/4362508113/ |publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment |date=June 3, 2007 |access-date = August 26, 2009}}</ref> Ric Flair,{{citation needed|date=August 2020}} [[Dusty Rhodes]],{{citation needed|date=August 2020}} and [[Sgt. Slaughter]].{{citation needed|date=August 2020}} During this time the commentators noted how Orton slithered around and stalked his victims like a snake; this led to "The Viper" becoming a nickname for Orton.

==== WWE Champion (2007–2008) ====
[[File:Orton WWE Champion.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Orton during his first reign as [[WWE Championship|WWE Champion]] in 2007]]
On the July 23 episode of ''Raw'', Orton was named number one contender for John Cena's WWE Championship.{{citation needed|date=August 2020}} Three times before their scheduled bout at [[SummerSlam (2007)|SummerSlam]] on August 26, Orton assaulted Cena with the RKO.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/snme/history/aug182007/articles/ortoncena |title=Legend Killer strikes on Saturday Night |first=Corey |last=Clayton |access-date = November 13, 2007 |date=July 18, 2007 |publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}</ref> Orton lost the title match at SummerSlam when Cena pinned him after an ''FU''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ali |first=Hamza |date=2022-09-20 |title=The History Of John Cena's Attitude Adjustment WWE Finisher, Explained |url=https://www.thesportster.com/wwe-john-cena-attitude-adjustment-finisher-explained/ |access-date=2025-01-30 |website=TheSportster |language=en}}</ref> The next night on the August 27 episode of ''Raw'', Orton demanded a rematch, but Raw General Manager [[William Regal]] denied him. He then appealed to Mr. McMahon, who offered him the shot if he "proved himself". That night, Orton interfered in Cena's match with [[Booker T (wrestler)|King Booker]], assaulting him before kicking his father, who was at ringside, in the head.<ref>{{cite web |first=Mike |last=McAvennie |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/08272007/articles/shouldcenastepuporstepdown |title=Should Cena step up... or step down |access-date = November 7, 2007 |date=August 29, 2007 |publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}</ref> McMahon granted Orton his rematch at [[Unforgiven (2007)|Unforgiven]] on September 16, which Orton won by [[Professional wrestling#Disqualification|disqualification]] when Cena refused to stop punching him in the corner; however, Cena retained the championship because titles cannot change hands by disqualification.<ref name="Unforgiven 07">{{cite web |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2006/1189997648.shtml |title=Unforgiven PPV Results – 9/16 – Memphis, TN (Return of Undertaker) |last=Martin |first=Adam |date=September 16, 2007 |publisher=WrestleView |access-date = August 26, 2009}}</ref> After the match, Cena's father, who was again at ringside, kicked Orton in the head, which led to a match the next night on the September 17 episode of ''Raw'', in which Orton defeated Cena's father by disqualification after Cody Rhodes interfered while Cena was handcuffed to the ropes. Cena suffered a legitimate injury during a match with [[Ken Anderson (wrestler)|Mr. Kennedy]] on the October 1 episode of ''Raw'', after which Orton attacked Cena with an RKO. After this, he adopted the nickname of "The Viper".<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qjmp4q1RG0 |title=Orton attacks Cena, go to 0:25 to hear J.R calling him a Viper |website=[[YouTube]]|date=July 7, 2011 }}</ref> Orton then threw him outside the ring, and gave him an RKO on the broadcast table. Due to this injury, John Cena was forced to vacate the WWE Championship.

At the start of [[No Mercy (2007)|No Mercy]] on October 7, Mr. McMahon awarded Orton the WWE Championship.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 19, 2021 |title=Randy Orton Best Matches of all time – Greatest Randy Orton Matches |url=https://atletifo.com/wrestling/wwe/best-randy-orton-matches/|access-date=September 22, 2021 |website=Atletifo Sports}}</ref> Orton lost the title to Triple H in the opening match, but regained it later that night in a [[professional wrestling match types#Last Man/Woman Standing match|Last Man Standing]] match.<ref>{{cite web |title=No Mercy 2007 |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/nomercy/2007 |website=WWE |access-date=January 2, 2021}}</ref> Orton then restarted his feud with Shawn Michaels, who returned on the October 8 episode of ''Raw'' during Orton's championship coronation and [[Professional wrestling attacks#Superkick|superkicked]] him.<ref>{{cite web |first=Bryan |last=Robinson |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/10082007/articles/hbkreturns |title=HBK shows Orton his 'appreciation' |access-date = March 19, 2008 |date=October 8, 2007 |publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}</ref> Michaels was chosen by fan voting over [[Jeff Hardy]] and [[Ken Anderson (wrestler)|Mr. Kennedy]] to meet Orton for the WWE Championship at [[Cyber Sunday (2007)|Cyber Sunday]] on October 28, where Orton was disqualified after [[Professional wrestling attacks#Low Blow|low blowing]] Michaels, but retained the title.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/cybersunday/matches/52676102/preview/ |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071230024504/http://www.wwe.com/shows/cybersunday/matches/52676102/preview/ |archive-date = December 30, 2007 |title=WWE Championship Match: Fans' Choice |access-date = March 23, 2008 |publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}</ref><ref name="Cyber Sunday 2007">{{cite web |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2006/1193626723.shtml |title=Cyber Sunday PPV Results – 10/28 – Washington, DC (Batista/Taker) |last=Martin |first=Adam |date=October 28, 2007 |publisher=WrestleView |access-date = August 26, 2009}}</ref> They had a rematch at [[Survivor Series (2007)|Survivor Series]] on November 18 with a pre-match stipulation that if Michaels had used Sweet Chin Music, he would have lost and [[Professional wrestling match types#Last Chance Match|never had another chance]] at the title, while if Orton was disqualified, he would have lost the championship; Orton pinned Michaels at Survivor Series after an RKO to retain the title.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/history/2007/matches/4335284/ |title=Cementing a 'one-man dynasty' |first=Bryan |last=Robinson |access-date = November 19, 2007 |date=November 18, 2007 |publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment |url-status=dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110405233547/http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/history/2007/matches/4335284 |archive-date = April 5, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Bryan |last=Robinson |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/history/2007/exclusives/hbkhandcuffed |title=The music is silenced |access-date = February 7, 2008 |date=November 7, 2007 |publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment |url-status=dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081220091205/http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/history/2007/exclusives/hbkhandcuffed |archive-date = December 20, 2008}}</ref> Orton then began a feud with the returning [[Chris Jericho]], who challenged Orton for the WWE Championship at [[Armageddon (2007)|Armageddon]] on December 16, in which Jericho won by disqualification after interference from SmackDown! color commentator [[John Layfield|John "Bradshaw" Layfield]] (JBL), but Orton retained the title.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com./shows/armageddon/matches/554660432/results/ |title=Saved by a 'wrestling god' |first=Bryan |last=Robinson |access-date = August 14, 2021 |date=December 16, 2007 |publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment |url-status=dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071219133033/http://www.wwe.com./shows/armageddon/matches/554660432/results/ |archive-date = December 19, 2007}}</ref> He then feuded with Jeff Hardy, during which he punted Hardy's brother [[Matt Hardy|Matt]] in the head and Hardy performed a [[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#High-angle senton bomb|Swanton Bomb]] off the Raw set onto Orton on the January 14, 2008 episode of ''Raw''. He successfully defended the title against Hardy at the [[Royal Rumble (2008)|Royal Rumble]] on January 27.<ref name="Royal Rumble '08">{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/history/2008/matches/52676103211/ |title=Fate on the Legend Killer's side |first=Bryan |last=Robinson |access-date = August 26, 2009 |date=January 28, 2008 |publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}</ref> He then restarted his feud with John Cena, who had returned from injury to win the 2008 [[Royal Rumble#Match|Royal Rumble match]].<ref name="Royal Rumble '08" /> Instead of taking his title shot at [[WrestleMania XXIV]] on March 30, as Royal Rumble winners typically do, Cena took it at [[No Way Out (2008)|No Way Out]] on February 17 and defeated Orton, who intentionally got himself disqualified by slapping the referee to retain the title. The following night on ''Raw'', Cena defeated Orton in a non-title match with Triple H as the special guest referee, resulting in Cena being added to Orton's title match with Triple H at WrestleMania, making it a triple threat match.<ref>{{cite web |first=Adam |last=Martin |date=February 17, 2008 |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2006/1203307081.shtml |title=No Way Out PPV Results – 2/17 – Las Vegas (Two Chambers, & more) |publisher=WrestleView |access-date = April 1, 2008}}</ref> At WrestleMania, Orton retained the WWE Championship against Cena and Triple H by pinning Cena after Triple H executed a [[Facebuster#Double underhook facebuster|Pedigree]] on him.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/wrestling/blog/2008/03/wrestlemania_xxiv_thoughts.html |title=WrestleMania XXIV thoughts |last=Eck |first=Kevin |date=March 31, 2008 |work=[[The Baltimore Sun]] |access-date=April 6, 2009 |archive-date=April 3, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090403232652/http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/wrestling/blog/2008/03/wrestlemania_xxiv_thoughts.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> The next month at [[Backlash (2008)|Backlash]] on April 27, Orton lost the title to Triple H in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Basic elimination matches|fatal four-way elimination match]], also including Cena and [[John Layfield|John "Bradshaw" Layfield]] (JBL).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_25416.shtml |title=Keller's WWE Backlash PPV Report 4/27: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV event |date=April 27, 2008 |last=Keller |first=Wade |publisher=PW Torch |access-date = August 26, 2009}}</ref> After failing to win it back at [[Judgment Day (2008)|Judgment Day]] on May 18 in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Steel Cage match|steel cage match]],<ref>{{cite web |first=Bob |last=Kapur |work=Slam! Sports |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2008/05/18/5609326.html |title=Judgment Day spoils streak of good shows |access-date = August 26, 2009 |date=May 18, 2008 |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer |archive-date = July 18, 2012 |archive-url = https://archive.today/20120718052924/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2008/05/18/5609326.html |url-status = usurped}}</ref> he faced Triple H for the title once more in a Last Man Standing match at [[One Night Stand (2008)|One Night Stand]] on June 1, which he lost after Triple H countered an ''RKO'' by throwing Orton over the top rope, legitimately breaking his [[Clavicle|collarbone]] and putting him out of action. During this time, he gained a new entrance theme, "Voices", performed by the band [[Rev Theory]].<ref name="collarbone">{{cite web |url=http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x5f39f_randy-orton-s-new-theme-i-hear-voic_shortfilms |title=First time using Voices by Rev Theory |date=May 12, 2008 |access-date = May 14, 2008 |publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}</ref>

==== The Legacy (2008–2010) ====
{{Main|The Legacy (professional wrestling)}}
[[File:The Legacy.jpg|thumb|Orton (middle) with [[Cody Rhodes]] and [[Ted DiBiase, Jr.|Ted DiBiase]] as part of [[The Legacy (professional wrestling)|The Legacy]] in 2009]]
Upon being medically cleared to return to the ring, Orton was reinjured in a motorcycle accident.<ref name="Orton re-injured">{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/7841078 |title=Orton involved in motorcycle accident |date=August 11, 2008 |last=Robinson |first=Keith |access-date = August 11, 2008 |publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/11/20/7482571.html |archive-url = https://archive.today/20120713173514/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/11/20/7482571.html |url-status = usurped |archive-date = July 13, 2012 |title=Maturity arrives for Randy Orton |date=November 22, 2008 |last=Baines |first=Tim |access-date = November 25, 2008 |work=Slam! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}</ref> He returned on the September 1 episode of ''Raw'', criticizing all the champions, including World Tag Team Champions [[Cody Rhodes]] and [[Ted DiBiase, Jr.|Ted DiBiase]], who he berated and slapped for letting [[Cryme Tyme]] steal their belts. This inspired them to try to gain Orton's respect.<ref name="raw0109">{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/09012008/mainarticle |title=Forgive, don't forget |date=September 1, 2008 |last=Sitterson |first=Aubrey |access-date = April 19, 2009 |publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}</ref> They achieved this at [[Unforgiven (2008)|Unforgiven]] on September 7 when, with new stablemate [[Afa Anoaʻi Jr.|Manu]], they assaulted World Heavyweight Champion [[CM Punk]], forcing him to vacate his title before his scheduled defense that night.<ref name="unf08">{{cite web |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2008/09/08/6698911.html |archive-url = https://archive.today/20120629151951/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2008/09/08/6698911.html |url-status = usurped |archive-date = June 29, 2012 |title=Scramble matches make for wild Unforgiven |date=September 8, 2008 |last=Bishop |first=Matt |access-date = April 19, 2009 |work=Slam! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}</ref> Orton returned to in-ring action on the November 3 episode of ''Raw'', losing to Punk by disqualification when DiBiase interfered, resulting in Orton punting DiBiase in the head in retaliation.<ref name="November 3, 2008">{{cite news |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/results/raw/raw2008/1225776857.shtml |title=Raw Results – 11/3/08 – Tampa, FL |last=Golden |first=Hunter |date=November 3, 2008 |publisher=WrestleView |access-date = January 5, 2009}}</ref> At [[Survivor Series (2008)|Survivor Series]] on November 23, Team Orton, which included Rhodes, defeated Team Batista with both Orton and Rhodes surviving as the sole survivors. On the December 1 episode of ''Raw'', Orton proposed that he, Rhodes and Manu form an alliance.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/results/raw/raw2008/1228195475.shtml |title=Raw Results – 12/1/08 – Washington, DC |last=Golden |first=Hunter |date=December 1, 2008 |publisher=WrestleView |access-date = January 5, 2009}}</ref>{{citation needed|date=August 2020}} The stable, called "The Legacy", debuted the next week, defeating Batista and Triple H, Orton's former Evolution stablemates, in a three-on-two handicap match.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/results/raw/raw2008/1228799383.shtml |title=Raw Results – 12/8/08 – Philadelphia, PA |last=Golden |first=Hunter |date=December 8, 2008 |access-date = January 5, 2009 |publisher=WrestleView}}</ref> At [[Armageddon (2008)|Armageddon]] on December 14, Orton lost to Batista in a singles match.

[[File:Orton Royal Rumble 2009.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Orton after winning the [[Royal Rumble (2009)|2009 Royal Rumble match]]]]
Orton began feuding with the McMahon family on the January 19, 2009, episode of ''Raw'' when he confronted both Mr. McMahon and Stephanie, claiming that he was worth more than her, and that she had become "worthless". This infuriated Mr. McMahon, who demanded that Orton apologize, or he'd terminate him on the spot. As Mr. McMahon was about to fire him, Orton attacked and punted him in the head, leading to him being carried out of the arena on a stretcher. At the [[Royal Rumble (2009)|Royal Rumble]] on January 25, Orton won the [[Royal Rumble match]], last eliminating Triple H.<ref name="RR09">{{cite web |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/01/26/8146161.html |title=Orton triumphs, Cena survives, Hardy falls at Royal Rumble |date=January 26, 2009 |last=Plummer |first=Dale |author2=Tylwalk, Nick |access-date = January 26, 2009 |work=Slam! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer |archive-date = May 27, 2012 |archive-url = https://archive.today/20120527001407/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/01/26/8146161.html |url-status = usurped}}</ref> The next night on ''Raw'', Orton claimed that he suffered from [[Intermittent explosive disorder|IED]], and that he was not responsible for his actions towards Mr. McMahon, claiming that he suffered a "loss of control" because of the disorder. He also claimed that WWE knew of the condition, but did nothing, and threatened to sue WWE for that reason, and also, if Stephanie were to fire him, threatened a second lawsuit for [[breach of contract]], due to the fact that he was legally entitled to compete at WrestleMania because he won the Royal Rumble. Though Stephanie teased firing Orton, she changed her mind and said that she had "bigger plans", leading to [[Shane McMahon]] returning to ''Raw'' and attacking Orton. This led to Orton facing Shane in a [[Professional wrestling match types#No Holds Barred match|No Holds Barred match]] at [[No Way Out (2009)|No Way Out]] on February 15, which he won. The next night on ''Raw'', Orton faced Shane again in an [[Professional wrestling match types|unsanctioned match]], which ended in a no contest when he punted Shane in the head, thus rendering him unable to continue the match. Stephanie then ran down to the ring to tend to her brother, but Orton attacked her with an ''RKO''. This drew [[Triple H]] into the feud, who claimed that Orton "crossed the line" when he attacked Stephanie, his real-life wife. Later, Orton claimed that everything he had done was part of a plan to get revenge on Triple H after he kicked him out of Evolution back in 2004; according to Orton, Triple H "ruined his life", so Orton was going to do the same and take everything that Triple H cared about away from him. He challenged Triple H for the WWE Championship at [[WrestleMania 25]] on April 5, where he was unsuccessful.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2009/04/06/9019551.html |archive-url = https://archive.today/20120629103158/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2009/04/06/9019551.html |url-status = usurped |archive-date = June 29, 2012 |title=Wrestlemania 25: HBK steals the show |last=Plummer |first=Dave |date=April 6, 2009 |work=Slam! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer |access-date = April 6, 2009}}</ref> Orton won his third WWE Championship at [[Backlash (2009)|Backlash]] on April 26 by pinning Triple H in a [[Professional wrestling tag team match types#Multiple man teamed matches|six-man tag team match]] between The Legacy and Triple H, Batista and [[Shane McMahon]]. At [[Judgment Day (2009)|Judgment Day]] on May 17, Orton defended the championship against Batista, where he retained via disqualification after Rhodes and DiBiase interfered.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/matches/9808790/results/ |access-date=April 26, 2009 |date=April 26, 2009 |last=Sitterson |first=Aubrey |title=Punter's quarry |publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment |archive-date=April 30, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090430114606/http://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/matches/9808790/results/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> At [[Extreme Rules (2009)|Extreme Rules]] on June 7, he lost the title to Batista in a steel cage match.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/extremerules/history/2009/matches/10253106/ |access-date = August 7, 2010 |date=June 7, 2009 |last=Tello |first=Craig |title=Steel of fortune |publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}</ref> The following night on ''Raw'', Orton and Legacy attacked Batista and injured his arm, forcing him to vacate the title.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/06082009/mainarticle |title=Wounded Animal |publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment |date=June 9, 2009 |access-date = June 16, 2009}}</ref> On the June 15 episode of ''Raw'', Orton regained the title in a fatal four-way match against [[Big Show]], Triple H and John Cena. The following week, Orton defended the WWE Championship against Triple H in a Last Man Standing match, which ended in a no-contest after both men failed to answer the referee's ten count. They faced off for the championship once more at [[WWE The Bash|The Bash]] on June 28 in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Series variations|Three Stages of Hell match]], which Orton won after interference from Legacy.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/06/15/9808271.html |archive-url = https://archive.today/20120718114129/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/06/15/9808271.html |url-status = usurped |archive-date = July 18, 2012 |title=Raw: Vince strikes a deal; Orton strikes gold |last=Plummer |first=Dale |date=June 15, 2009 |work=Slam! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer |access-date = June 16, 2009}}</ref> At [[SummerSlam (2009)|SummerSlam]] on August 23, he defended the title against John Cena, during which he used several underhanded tactics to retain the championship. He lost the title to Cena in an [["I Quit" match]] at [[WWE Breaking Point|Breaking Point]] on September 13,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwebreakingpoint/matches/11401128/results/ |title=Results: Quitting time |date=September 13, 2009 |last=Sitterson |first=Aubrey |access-date=August 14, 2009 |publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment |archive-date=April 9, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160409134410/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwebreakingpoint/matches/11401128/results/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> but regained it from Cena in a Hell in a Cell match at [[Hell in a Cell (2009)|Hell in a Cell]] on October 4.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/hellinacell/history/hellinacell/matches/11663456/ |title=Results: Serpent's Structure |last=Tello |first=Craig |date=October 4, 2009 |publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment |access-date = September 29, 2010}}</ref> At [[Bragging Rights (2009)|Bragging Rights]] on October 25, Orton again lost the championship to Cena in a one-hour [[Iron Man match]] to end the feud.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwebraggingrights/wwebraggingrightshistory/2009/matches/11988122/ |title=Results: Iron will in the Steel City |last=Tello |first=Craig |date=October 25, 2009 |publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment |access-date = October 18, 2010}}</ref>
[[File:Randyorton2009.jpg|thumb|Orton with a shaved head in 2009]]
Orton then began a rivalry with [[Kofi Kingston]], whom Orton blamed for him losing the WWE Championship due to Kingston interfering in his match with Cena to chase away Rhodes and DiBiase. On the November 16 episode of ''Raw'', Orton and Kingston engaged in a brawl that ended with Kingston putting Orton through a table in the crowd. Both men were named captains for their respective teams at [[Survivor Series (2009)|Survivor Series]] on November 22, where Kingston's team defeated Orton's team after Orton was last eliminated by Kingston. The two traded victories over each on following episodes of ''Raw'', leading to a match at [[TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs (2009)|TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs]] on December 13, which Orton won. The next night, he competed in a tournament to crown the [[Slammy Award#2009 Slammy Awards|2009 Superstar of the Year]], defeating The Undertaker by countout in the first round after interference from Legacy to advance to the finals later that night, where he lost to Cena.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwetlc/history/2009/matches/12844988/results/ |first=Ryan |last=Murphy |title=Results: The Viper strikes back |publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]] |date=December 13, 2009 |access-date = December 14, 2009}}</ref> Orton won a triple threat match on the January 11, 2010, episode of ''Raw'', with help from Rhodes and DiBiase, for the right to challenge [[Sheamus]] at the [[Royal Rumble (2010)|Royal Rumble]] on January 31 for the WWE Championship.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/01/11/12427446.html |archive-url = https://archive.today/20120716024736/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/01/11/12427446.html |url-status = usurped |archive-date = July 16, 2012 |title=Raw: Iron Mike and DX reunite |date=January 11, 2010 |last=Plummer |first=Dale |access-date = March 3, 2010 |work=Slam! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}</ref> Orton lost by disqualification when Rhodes interfered, which prompted Orton to attack both Rhodes and DiBiase after the match.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/02/01/12692126.html |archive-url = https://archive.today/20120714005740/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/02/01/12692126.html |url-status = usurped |archive-date = July 14, 2012 |title=The 2010 Royal Rumble is Rated R in Atlanta |date=February 1, 2010 |last=Plummer |first=Dale |author2=Tylwalk, Nick |access-date = March 3, 2010 |work=Slam! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}</ref> On the February 15 episode of ''Raw'', Orton was again disqualified in a non-title rematch when Legacy interfered.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/02/15/12892096.html |archive-url = https://archive.today/20120721234016/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/02/15/12892096.html |url-status = usurped |archive-date = July 21, 2012 |title=Raw: Springing into the Elimination Chamber |date=February 15, 2010 |last=Plummer |first=Dale |access-date = March 3, 2010 |work=Slam! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}</ref> Orton and DiBiase both competed in the WWE Championship Elimination Chamber match at [[Elimination Chamber (2010)|Elimination Chamber]] on February 21, where DiBiase eliminated Orton after hitting him with a pipe Rhodes had given him.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2010/02/22/12978356.html |title=Batista, Jericho and Michaels capitalize on Elimination Chamber opportunities |date=February 22, 2010 |last=Plummer |first=Dale |author2=Tylwalk, Nick |access-date = March 3, 2010 |work=Slam! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer |archive-date = July 21, 2012 |archive-url = https://archive.today/20120721135441/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2010/02/22/12978356.html |url-status = usurped}}</ref> The next night on the February 22 episode of ''Raw'', during a six-man tag team match, Orton attacked them in retaliation, turning [[Face (professional wrestling)|face]] for the first time since 2005.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/02/22/12990596.html |title=Raw: Finding a Jewel on the Road to Wrestlemania |date=February 22, 2010 |last=Plummer |first=Dale |access-date = March 3, 2010 |work=Slam! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer |archive-date = July 14, 2012 |archive-url = https://archive.today/20120714173124/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/02/22/12990596.html |url-status = usurped}}</ref> At [[WrestleMania XXVI]] on March 28, Orton defeated Rhodes and DiBiase in a triple threat match.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1269831368 |title=Wrestlemania 26 Results – 3/28/10 |date=March 28, 2010 |last=Martin |first=Adam |access-date = March 29, 2010 |publisher=WrestleView |url-status=dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100401034109/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1269831368 |archive-date = April 1, 2010}}</ref>

==== World Heavyweight Championship reigns (2010–2013) ====
After The Legacy disbanded, Orton spent most part of the year in World Title feuds. He unsuccessfully challenged [[Jack Swagger]] for the World Heavyweight Championship at [[Extreme Rules (2010)|Extreme Rules]] on April 25.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/extremerules/matches/14109368/results/ |title=Results: All-American victory |publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment |access-date = April 26, 2010 |date=April 25, 2010}}</ref> At [[WWE Fatal 4-Way|Fatal 4-Way]] on June 20, Orton competed in a fatal four-way WWE Championship match involving champion Cena, Edge, and Sheamus, who won the title after interference from [[The Nexus (professional wrestling)|The Nexus]]. On July 18 at [[Money in the Bank (2010)|Money in the Bank]], Orton competed in a Money in the Bank ladder match for a WWE Championship contract, which was won by [[The Miz]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/wrestling/blog/2010/06/fatal_fourway_thoughts.html#more |title=Fatal Fourway thoughts |date=June 21, 2010 |last=Eck |first=Kevin |access-date = June 21, 2010 |work=[[The Baltimore Sun]] |archive-date = April 9, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160409135819/http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/wrestling/blog/2010/06/fatal_fourway_thoughts.html#more |url-status = dead}}</ref> and, at [[SummerSlam (2010)|SummerSlam]] on August 15, he faced the WWE Champion Sheamus in a match that ended in a disqualification, giving Orton the win, but not the title.<ref>{{cite web |first=Dale |last=Plummer |author2=Nick Tylwalk |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2010/08/15/15031141.html |title=Rumored return helps Team WWE fend off Nexus at SummerSlam |access-date = August 23, 2010 |date=August 15, 2010 |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer |work=Slam! Sports |archive-date = June 30, 2012 |archive-url = https://archive.today/20120630095657/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2010/08/15/15031141.html |url-status = usurped}}</ref> Immediately afterward, Orton hit Sheamus with the chair and an RKO onto the broadcast table.

[[File:Randy Orton Tribute to the Troops 2010 crop.jpg|thumb|right|upright|Orton at ''[[WWE Tribute to the Troops#2010|Tribute to the Troops]]'' in December 2010]]
At [[Night of Champions (2010)|Night of Champions]] on September 19, Orton won the WWE Championship in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Basic elimination matches|six-pack challenge elimination match]].<ref>{{cite web |first=Nick |last=Tylwalk |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2010/09/20/15407301.html |archive-url = https://archive.today/20120716063558/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2010/09/20/15407301.html |url-status = usurped |archive-date = July 16, 2012 |title=Few gimmicks, more title changes at Night of Champions |access-date = September 20, 2010 |date=September 20, 2010 |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer |work=Slam! Sports}}</ref> After successfully defending the title against Sheamus in a Hell in a Cell match at [[Hell in a Cell (2010)|Hell in a Cell]] on October 3,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/10/04/15570631.html |archive-url = https://archive.today/20120714043413/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/10/04/15570631.html |url-status = usurped |archive-date = July 14, 2012 |title=Hell in a Cell: Betrayal, fan interference, and flying shoes |date=October 4, 2010 |last=Hillhouse |first=Dave |access-date = November 23, 2010 |work=Slam! Sports |publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> he feuded with [[Wade Barrett]], who was blackmailing John Cena to help him capture the title. Orton retained the title against him at [[WWE Bragging Rights (2010)|Bragging Rights]] on October 24 and [[Survivor Series (2010)|Survivor Series]] on November 21.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2010/10/25/15816946.html |archive-url = https://archive.today/20120714010806/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2010/10/25/15816946.html |url-status = usurped |archive-date = July 14, 2012 |title=Cena central to Bragging Rights; Smackdown wins again |date=October 25, 2010 |last=Sokol |first=Bryan |access-date = November 23, 2010 |work=Slam! Sports |publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2010/11/22/16256891.html |archive-url = https://archive.today/20120715095439/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2010/11/22/16256891.html |url-status = usurped |archive-date = July 15, 2012 |title=The fate of Cena is finally decided at so-so Survivor Series |date=November 22, 2010 |last=Plummer |first=Dale |author2=Tylwalk, Nick |access-date = November 23, 2010 |work=Slam! Sports |publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> However, on the November 22 episode of ''Raw'', after Orton defeated Barrett again in a title match, he lost the championship to The Miz when he cashed his [[Money in the Bank ladder match|Money in the Bank]] contract.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/11/22/16270746.html |archive-url = https://archive.today/20120715020324/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/11/22/16270746.html |url-status = usurped |archive-date = July 15, 2012 |title=RAW: The Miz cashes in as Nexus costs Orton WWE title |last=Plummer |first=Dale |date=November 22, 2010 |work=Slam! Sports |publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]] |access-date = November 23, 2010}}</ref> Orton received his rematch against The Miz in a tables match at [[TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs (2010)|TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs]] on December 19 and the [[Royal Rumble (2011)|Royal Rumble]] on January 30, 2011, but he lost both matches.<ref>{{cite web |first=Dale |last=Plummer |author2=Nick Tylwalk |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2011/01/31/17094896.html |archive-url = https://archive.today/20120716045430/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2011/01/31/17094896.html |url-status = usurped |archive-date = July 16, 2012 |title=Super-size Royal Rumble saves biggest surprise for last |access-date = January 31, 2011 |date=January 31, 2011 |publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]] |work=Slam! Sports}}</ref>

The next month at [[Elimination Chamber (2011)|Elimination Chamber]] on February 20, Orton failed to win a WWE Championship number one contender Elimination Chamber match after being eliminated by [[CM Punk]].<ref>{{cite web |first=Dave |last=Hillhouse |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2011/02/20/17350351.html |title=Elimination Chamber mostly eliminates dramatic intrigue |access-date = February 21, 2011 |date=February 20, 2011 |publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]] |work=Slam! Sports |archive-date = July 16, 2012 |archive-url = https://archive.today/20120716015358/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2011/02/20/17350351.html |url-status = usurped}}</ref> Over the next three weeks, Orton punted and injured all members of The New Nexus, [[Curtis Axel|Michael McGillicutty]], [[David Otunga]] and [[Mason Ryan]].<ref>{{cite web |first=Dale |last=Plummer |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/02/28/17446551.html |title=Raw: Triple H talks Wrestlemania; The Miz loses an ally |access-date = September 12, 2011 |date=February 28, 2011 |publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]] |work=Slam! Sports |archive-date = July 18, 2012 |archive-url = https://archive.today/20120718032357/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/02/28/17446551.html |url-status = usurped}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Dale |last=Plummer |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/03/07/17530751.html |title=Raw: Stone Cold stuns Cole's Wrestlemania plans |access-date = September 12, 2011 |date=March 7, 2011 |publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]] |work=Slam! Sports |archive-date = July 14, 2012 |archive-url = https://archive.today/20120714114146/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/03/07/17530751.html |url-status = usurped}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Dale |last=Plummer |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/03/14/17616206.html |title=Raw: Cena wrecked on the Road to Wrestlemania |access-date = September 12, 2011 |date=March 14, 2011 |publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]] |work=Slam! Sports |archive-date = July 24, 2012 |archive-url = https://archive.today/20120724162312/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/03/14/17616206.html |url-status = usurped}}</ref> At [[WrestleMania XXVII]] on April 3, Orton defeated Punk after a mid-air RKO.<ref>{{cite web |first=Matt |last=Bishop |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/WrestleMania27/2011/04/03/17863646.html |archive-url = https://archive.today/20120730185556/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/WrestleMania27/2011/04/03/17863646.html |url-status = usurped |archive-date = July 30, 2012 |title=The Rock costs Cena as The Miz retains at WrestleMania XXVII |access-date = September 12, 2011 |date=April 3, 2011 |publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]] |work=Slam! Sports}}</ref> Three weeks later in the [[2011 WWE draft]], Orton was drafted to the SmackDown brand and later beat Punk in a Last Man Standing Match at [[Extreme Rules (2011)|Extreme Rules]] on May 1, ending his feud with The New Nexus.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/04/25/18064541.html |title=Raw: Draft tries to shock WWE Universe |date=April 25, 2011 |last=Plummer |first=Dale |access-date = April 26, 2011 |work=Slam! Sports |publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]] |archive-date = July 14, 2012 |archive-url = https://archive.today/20120714143120/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/04/25/18064541.html |url-status = usurped}}</ref>

On the May 6 episode of ''SmackDown'', Orton defeated [[Christian (wrestler)|Christian]] to win the [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE, 2002–2013)|World Heavyweight Championship]] for the second time.<ref>{{cite web |first=Mitch |last=Pasero |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2011-05-06/results |title=Smackdown Results: Christian's dream crushed |date=May 6, 2011 |access-date = June 11, 2011 |publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> At [[Over the Limit (2011)|Over the Limit]] on May 22, Orton made his first successful title defense in a rematch against Christian. At [[WWE Capitol Punishment|Capitol Punishment]] on June 19, Orton pinned Christian to retain the championship again, despite Christian's foot being under the bottom rope.<ref>{{cite web |first=Dave |last=Hillhouse |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2011/05/22/18180176.html |title=Over the Limit: Unpredictability makes for a good show |access-date = September 12, 2011 |date=May 22, 2011 |publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]] |work=Slam! Sports |archive-date = July 14, 2012 |archive-url = https://archive.today/20120714082511/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2011/05/22/18180176.html |url-status = usurped}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Bob |last=Kapur |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2011/06/19/18305886.html |title=Cena, Orton retain titles at Capitol Punishment |access-date = September 12, 2011 |date=June 19, 2011 |publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]] |work=Slam! Sports |archive-date = July 17, 2012 |archive-url = https://archive.today/20120717224623/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2011/06/19/18305886.html |url-status = usurped}}</ref> On July 17 at [[Money in the Bank (2011)|Money in the Bank]], Orton defended the championship against Christian once more, with the stipulation that if Orton got himself disqualified, or if there was "bad officiating", Christian would win the title. Christian spat in Orton's face, causing him to lose control of his temper, kick Christian in the groin and get disqualified, resulting in Orton losing the championship.<ref>{{cite web |first=Dave |last=Hillhouse |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2011/07/18/18433281.html |title=Money in the Bank: The WWE gets Punk'd |access-date = September 12, 2011 |date=July 18, 2011 |publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]] |work=Slam! Sports |archive-date = July 15, 2012 |archive-url = https://archive.today/20120715025434/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2011/07/18/18433281.html |url-status = usurped}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Michael |last=Burdick |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2011-07-08/results |title=SmackDown results: 'Money' breeds mayhem |access-date = September 12, 2011 |date=July 8, 2011 |publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> A month later at [[SummerSlam (2011)|SummerSlam]] on August 14, Orton regained the title when he defeated Christian in a No Holds Barred match.<ref>{{cite web |first=Dale |last=Plummer |author2=Nick Tylwalk |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2011/08/15/18553191.html |archive-url = https://archive.today/20120714143450/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2011/08/15/18553191.html |url-status = usurped |archive-date = July 14, 2012 |title=Punk-Cena feud comes to a head, but not without some wrinkles at SummerSlam |access-date = September 10, 2011 |date=August 15, 2011 |publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]] |work=Slam! Sports}}</ref> Orton ended his feud with Christian when he retained the World Heavyweight Championship in a steel cage match on the August 30 episode of ''SmackDown''.<ref>{{cite web |first=Mitch |last=Passero |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2011-08-30/results |title=SuperSmackDown results: Mark Henry crashes the cage |access-date = September 10, 2011 |date=August 30, 2011 |publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> Orton then began a feud with [[Mark Henry]] after Henry became the number one contender to the World Heavyweight Championship.<ref>{{cite web |first=Dave |last=Hillhouse |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/08/20/18579311.html |title=Smackdown: Turning the page |access-date = September 18, 2011 |date=August 20, 2011 |publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]] |work=Slam! Sports |archive-date = July 28, 2012 |archive-url = https://archive.today/20120728204343/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/08/20/18579311.html |url-status = usurped}}</ref> Over the next few weeks, Henry regularly attacked Orton.<ref>{{cite web |first=Matt |last=Bishop |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/08/31/18623396.html |archive-url = https://archive.today/20120714184712/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/08/31/18623396.html |url-status = usurped |archive-date = July 14, 2012 |title=Super Smackdown: Orton left laying after title defense |access-date = September 19, 2011 |date=August 31, 2011 |publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]] |work=Slam! Sports}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Dave |last=Hillhouse |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/09/10/18665546.html |title=Smackdown: Friday night in Toledo, Ohio |access-date = September 19, 2011 |date=September 10, 2011 |publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]] |work=Slam! Sports |archive-date = July 13, 2012 |archive-url = https://archive.today/20120713143329/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/09/10/18665546.html |url-status = usurped}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Jon |last=Waldman |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/09/12/18676481.html |archive-url = https://archive.today/20120716235009/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/09/12/18676481.html |url-status = usurped |archive-date = July 16, 2012 |title=Raw: More strong mics from Phil and Paul |access-date = September 19, 2011 |date=September 12, 2011 |publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]] |work=Slam! Sports}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Dave |last=Hillhouse |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/09/17/18699011.html |archive-url = https://archive.today/20120630141622/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/09/17/18699011.html |url-status = usurped |archive-date = June 30, 2012 |title=Smackdown: Rated "R" for "Retirement" |access-date = September 19, 2011 |date=September 17, 2011 |publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]] |work=Slam! Sports}}</ref> At [[Night of Champions (2011)|Night of Champions]] on September 18, Orton lost the World Heavyweight Championship to Henry,<ref>{{cite web |first=Michael |last=Burdick |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nightofchampions/2011/randy-orton-mark-henry |title=Mark Henry def. Randy Orton (New World Heavyweight Champion) |access-date = September 19, 2011 |date=September 19, 2011 |publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]] |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211214141554/https://www.wwe.com/shows/nightofchampions/2011/randy-orton-mark-henry |archive-date = December 14, 2021}}</ref> and failed to regain it two weeks later in a Hell in a Cell match at [[Hell in a Cell (2011)|Hell in a Cell]] on October 2. He then began feuding with his former stablemate Cody Rhodes, who believed that Orton had mistreated and abused him during their time together in Legacy.{{citation needed|date=August 2020}} On the October 14 episode of ''SmackDown'', Orton won a 41-man battle royal to earn a title shot of his choice, and he chose to challenge Henry for the World Heavyweight Championship later that night; he won by disqualification after interference from Rhodes, but did not win the championship. He then defeated Rhodes at [[Vengeance (2011)|Vengeance]] on October 23,<ref>{{cite web |last=Styles |first=Joey |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/vengeance/2011/randy-orton-cody-rhodes |title=Rhodes' defeated at Vengeance |website=Wwe.com}}</ref> and again on the November 4 ''SmackDown'' in a Street Fight.<ref>{{cite web |first=Michael |last=Burdick |title=Orton def. Rhodes |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2011-11-04/results |website=Wwe.com}}</ref>

Orton reignited his feud with Wade Barrett after both were named captain for a traditional 5-on-5 Survivor Series elimination match. On the November 11 episode of ''SmackDown'', Orton lost a match to Barrett after Barrett poked Orton in the eye. On the November 14 episode of ''Raw SuperShow'', Orton won a rematch by disqualification after Team Barrett interfered.<ref>{{cite web |last=Burdick |first=Michael |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2011-11-11/results |title=Barrett Barrage hits Orton |website=Wwe.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Murphy |first=Ryan |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2011-11-14/results |title=DQ win for Orton |website=Wwe.com}}</ref> Orton's team was defeated at [[Survivor Series (2011)|Survivor Series]] on November 20 with Barrett and Cody Rhodes being the sole survivors.<ref name="Results">{{cite web |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_55339.shtml |title=Caldwell's WWE Survivor Series PPV Results 11/20: Complete "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – The Rock returns, Punk vs. Del Rio, Henry vs. Show |first=James |last=Caldwell |publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch |date=November 20, 2011 |access-date = November 21, 2011}}</ref> Barrett then began attacking and distracting Orton during matches.<ref name="CM Punk sets the table for WWE TLC">{{cite web |last=Murphy |first=Ryan |title=WWE Raw SuperShow results: CM Punk sets the table for WWE TLC |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2011-12-05/results |work=[[WWE]] |access-date = December 6, 2011}}</ref> At [[TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs (2011)|TLC: Tables, Ladders, & Chairs]] on December 18, Orton defeated Barrett in a tables match after he put Barrett through the table with an RKO.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwetlc/2011/WWE-TLC-2011-Randy-Orton-Wade-Barrett |title=Randy Orton def. Wade Barrett (Tables Match) |last=Powers |first=Kevin |date=December 18, 2011 |publisher=WWE |access-date = December 19, 2011}}</ref> Barrett and Orton continued their feud on the December 23 episode of ''SmackDown'', where they brawled backstage and Orton hit Barrett with an RKO onto a car.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_56274.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - PARKS' WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 12/23: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of the show, including Daniel Bryan's first Smackdown as World Champion|website=www.pwtorch.com}}</ref> This led to a Falls Count Anywhere match on December 30 episode of ''SmackDown'', in which Barrett pushed Orton down a flight of stairs,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_56452.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - PARKS' WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 12/30: Complete coverage of the Friday night show, including Randy Orton vs. Wade Barrett, Falls Count Anywhere|website=www.pwtorch.com}}</ref> resulting in a herniated disc, which sidelined Orton for four weeks.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/inside/randy-orton-injury-update|title=Injury update on Randy Orton &#124; WWE|website=www.wwe.com}}</ref><ref name="RR09" /> On the January 27, 2012, episode of ''SmackDown'', he returned to the ring and attacked Barrett. On the February 3 episode of ''SmackDown'', Orton defeated Barrett in a No Disqualification match to end the feud.<ref>{{cite web |last=Burdick |first=Michael |title=SmackDown results: Wade Barrett feels the sting of The Viper; Mark Henry suspended |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2012-02-03/results |work=WWE |access-date = February 6, 2012}}</ref>

[[File:Randy Orton at Wrestlemania XXVIII (7206020078).jpg|left|thumb|Orton at [[WrestleMania XXVIII]]]]
On the February 13 episode of ''Raw SuperShow'', Orton suffered a concussion after World Heavyweight Champion [[Bryan Danielson|Daniel Bryan]] smashed Orton over the head with the title belt. Due to the injury, Orton was taken out of his Elimination Chamber match for the World Heavyweight Championship at [[Elimination Chamber (2012)|Elimination Chamber]] on February 19.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2012-02-13/orton-suffers-concussion|title=Randy Orton to be re-evaluated following concussion on Raw SuperShow &#124; WWE|website=www.wwe.com}}</ref> When Orton returned on the March 2 episode of ''SmackDown'', he feuded with [[Kane (wrestler)|Kane]] and was defeated by him at [[WrestleMania XXVIII]] on April 1.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/28/orton-kane |title=Randy Orton vs. Kane |publisher=WWE |access-date = March 17, 2012}}</ref> Orton defeated Kane on the next ''SmackDown'' in a No Disqualification rematch<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_60112.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - PARKS' WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 4/6: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of the show, including Sheamus vs. Alberto Del Rio|website=www.pwtorch.com}}</ref> and at [[Extreme Rules (2012)|Extreme Rules]] on April 29 in a Falls Count Anywhere match to end the feud.<ref name=KaneOrton>{{cite web |last=Giannini |first=Alex |title=Randy Orton vs. Kane – Falls Count Anywhere Match |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/extremerules/2012/randy-orton-vs-kane-falls-count-anywhere-match |publisher=[[WWE]] |access-date = April 21, 2012}}</ref> He participated in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Basic non-elimination matches|fatal four-way match]] at [[Over the Limit (2012)|Over the Limit]] on May 20 for the World Heavyweight Championship, where Orton failed to win after Sheamus pinned Chris Jericho to retain the title.<ref>{{cite web |last=Meltzer |first=Dave |author-link = Dave Meltzer |title=WWE Over the Limit live coverage from Raleigh |url=http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/118-daily-updates/25730-wwe-over-the-limit-live-coverage-from-raleigh |work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]] |date=May 20, 2012 |access-date = May 21, 2012}}</ref> On May 30, WWE suspended Orton for 60 days due to his second violation of the company's Talent Wellness Program.<ref name="wwesus">{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/randy-orton-suspended-for-60-days |title=Randy Orton suspended |date=May 30, 2012 |publisher=WWE |access-date = May 30, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://pwinsider.com/article/68903/top-wwe-star-suspended-for-60-days.html?p=1 |title=Top WWE Star Suspended for 60 Days |publisher=PWInsider.com |access-date = June 1, 2012}}</ref>

Orton returned on the July 30 episode of ''Raw'' defeating [[Heath Slater]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 7/30: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw #1,000 – Punk explains heel turn, #1 contender match main event, Orton returns, Summerslam hype |date=July 30, 2012 |author=James Caldwell |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_63818.shtml}}</ref> Orton began feuding with [[Money in the Bank ladder match|Mr. Money in the Bank]] [[Dolph Ziggler]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_64790.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - PARKS' WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 8/31: Complete coverage of the Friday night show, including Dolph Ziggler vs. Orton|website=www.pwtorch.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_64825.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 9/3: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw - Punk returns home, Anger Management|website=www.pwtorch.com}}</ref> and defeated Ziggler at [[Night of Champions (2012)|Night of Champions]] on September 16.<ref>{{cite web |title=Randy Orton def. Dolph Ziggler |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nightofchampions/2012/randy-orton-dolph-ziggler-26050507 |work=WWE |access-date = September 23, 2012 |date=September 16, 2012}}</ref> He began feuding with [[Alberto Del Rio]] on the September 28 episode of ''SmackDown''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_65587.shtml |title=Parks' WWE SmackDown report 9/28: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Friday night show, including Randy Orton vs. The Big Show |date=September 28, 2012 |access-date = September 28, 2012 |last=Parks |first=Greg |work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_65912.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - PARKS' WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 10/12: Complete "virtual time" coverage of Friday night show, including Dolph Ziggler vs. Kane|website=www.pwtorch.com}}</ref> Orton defeated Del Rio at [[Hell in a Cell (2012)|Hell in a Cell]] on October 28 in a singles match and represented Team Foley as his team lost to Team Ziggler at [[Survivor Series (2012)|Survivor Series]] on November 18 in a traditional five-on-five elimination tag match.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_66245.shtml |title=Caldwell's WWE Hell in a Cell PPV report 10/28: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Will WWE pull the trigger on Ryback as top champ? |date=October 28, 2012 |access-date = October 28, 2012 |last=Caldwell |first=James |work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_66714.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - CALDWELL'S WWE SURVIVOR SERIES PPV REPORT 11/18: Complete "virtual time" coverage of live PPV - Punk-Cena-Ryback|website=www.pwtorch.com}}</ref>

On the December 3 episode of ''Raw'', Orton began a feud with [[The Shield (professional wrestling)|The Shield]], after he was attacked by them following a victory over [[Brad Maddox]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Raw results: The Shield runs rampant, Brad Maddox returns, and Punk takes a lie detector test on "Miz TV" |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2012-12-03/wwe-raw-results-26073236/page-8 |work=WWE |access-date = January 12, 2013 |date=December 3, 2012}}</ref> On the December 14 episode of ''SmackDown'', Orton was once again assaulted backstage by The Shield.<ref>{{cite web |title=SmackDown results: Cesaro def. Sheamus by Count-out, thanks to the strategic ruthlessness of Big Show |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2012-12-14/results-26076810/page-4 |work=WWE |access-date = January 12, 2013 |date=December 14, 2012}}</ref> This was used to write him off television due to a shoulder injury.<ref>{{cite web |last=Johnson |first=Mike |title=Randy Orton Injury Report |url=http://pwinsider.com/article/74019/randy-orton-injury-update.html?p=1 |date=December 15, 2012 |access-date = January 12, 2013}}</ref> Orton returned on the December 31 episode of ''Raw'', helping [[Ryback]] and Sheamus fend off The Shield.<ref>{{cite web |title=Raw results: Cena rings in the New Year and Wade Barrett wins his second Intercontinental Title |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2012-12-31/wwe-raw-results-26080958/page-10 |work=WWE |access-date = January 12, 2013 |date=December 31, 2012}}</ref> At [[Elimination Chamber (2013)|Elimination Chamber]] on February 17, 2013, Orton eliminated Mark Henry and Chris Jericho in an Elimination Chamber match before being the last man eliminated by Jack Swagger.<ref>{{cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |title=WWE News: Chamber PPV results & notes – WM29 main event set, World Title match set, Shield big win, more |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_68728.shtml |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |access-date = February 18, 2013}}</ref> In late February, Orton aligned himself with Sheamus to feud with the Shield.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_68918.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 2/25: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live & loaded Raw - Cena vs. Punk Instant Classic, Heyman-McMahon "fight," big returns, but did Taker return?|website=www.pwtorch.com}}</ref> At [[WrestleMania 29]] on April 7, Orton, Sheamus and Big Show were defeated by The Shield, after which, both men were knocked out by Big Show.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_69830.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - CALDWELL'S WWE WRESTLEMANIA 29 PPV RESULTS: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live PPV from MetLife Stadium - Rock-Cena II, Taker-Punk, Lesnar-Hunter, more|website=www.pwtorch.com}}</ref> The following night on ''Raw'', Orton and Sheamus faced off in a match to earn a match with Big Show, however, the match ended in a no contest after Big Show interfered.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_69884.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 4/8: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw - WM29 fall-out, new World Champ, no Rock, Taker live, crowd takes over|website=www.pwtorch.com}}</ref> Orton and Sheamus then teamed up to defeat Big Show in two handicap matches, first on the April 12 ''SmackDown'' via count-out, and second on the April 15 ''Raw'' via pinfall.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_69993.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - PARKS' WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 4/12: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Friday night show, including Dolph Ziggler's first Smackdown as champion and Triple H addresses Lesnar match|website=www.pwtorch.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_70029.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 4/15: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw - Lesnar returns, Punk walks away, WM29 fallout, new U.S. champion, more|website=www.pwtorch.com}}</ref> The feud between Big Show and Orton led to an [[Hardcore wrestling|Extreme Rules match]] at [[Extreme Rules (2013)|Extreme Rules]] on May 19, which Orton won.{{citation needed|date=August 2020}}

After Extreme Rules, Orton began pairing with Daniel Bryan to face the Shield.<ref>{{cite web |last=Cupach |first=Michael |title=Cupach's WWE Smackdown Blog 5/31: Thoughts on Shield vs. D-Bryan collision course, Sandow the Carny, plus Mike's Reax |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_70992.shtml |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |access-date = June 9, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Parks |first=Greg |title=Parks' WWE Smackdown Report 6/7: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Friday show, including Randy Orton, Kane, Daniel Bryan on Miz TV setting up the TV main event |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_71147.shtml |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |access-date = June 9, 2013}}</ref> On the June 14 ''SmackDown'', Orton teamed with Bryan and Kane to end the Shield's unpinned and unsubmitted streak in televised six-man tag matches.<ref>{{cite web |title=WWE News: Significant Smackdown Spoiler for Friday's episode (w/Analysis of potential fall-out scenarios) |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_71216.shtml |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |access-date = June 15, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Plummer |first=Dale |title=Smackdown!: The Shield handed their first loss heading into Payback |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2013/06/14/20901596.html |work=SLAM! Wrestling |access-date = June 15, 2013 |archive-date = June 15, 2013 |archive-url = https://archive.today/20130615064208/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2013/06/14/20901596.html |url-status = usurped}}</ref> Three days later at [[Payback (2013)|Payback]] on June 16, Orton and Bryan unsuccessfully challenged for [[Roman Reigns]] and [[Seth Rollins]]' WWE Tag Team Championship.<ref>{{cite web |title=Caldwell's WWE Payback PPV Results 6/16 (Hour 3): Cena vs. Ryback main event, Tag Title match |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_71318.shtml |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |access-date = June 21, 2013 |last=Caldwell |first=James}}</ref> The following night on ''Raw'', Orton and Bryan faced off in a No Disqualification match, which Orton won via referee stoppage after Bryan suffered a legitimate [[nerve injury]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 6/17 (Hour 2): Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – Orton vs. Bryan, A.J. Lee-Stephanie McMahon promo exchange, U.S. Title match |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_71352.shtml |website=Pwtorch.com}}</ref> Four days later on ''SmackDown'', Orton was defeated by Bryan in a singles match via countout.<ref>{{cite web |title=Parks' WWE Smackdown Report 6/21: Complete coverage of Friday night show, including Bryan vs. Orton main event |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_71464.shtml |website=Pwtorch.com}}</ref> Orton and Bryan faced each other for the third time on the next ''Raw'', but their match ended in a no-contest after both men were counted out.<ref>{{cite web |title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 6/24 (Hour 1): Bryan vs. Orton Take One, Jericho vs. World champ, World Title match announced for MITB PPV |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_71499.shtml |website=Pwtorch.com}}</ref> Later that night, Orton was defeated by Bryan in a Street Fight Match after he was forced to submit to the ''Yes! Lock'' with a kendo stick applied to the move.<ref>{{cite web |title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 6/24 (Hour 3): Punk in singles action, MITB match participants announced, Bryan vs. Orton main event represents major career moment for Bryan |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_71502.shtml |website=Pwtorch.com}}</ref>

==== The Authority (2013–2015) ====
{{Main|The Authority (professional wrestling)|l1=The Authority}}
[[File:Randy Orton November 2013.jpg|thumb|right|Orton as WWE Champion in November 2013]]
On July 14 at [[Money in the Bank (2013)|Money in the Bank]], Orton defeated Christian, CM Punk, Daniel Bryan, Rob Van Dam, and Sheamus to win the [[Money in the Bank ladder match|WWE Championship Money in the Bank ladder match]], thus earning him an opportunity to challenge for the WWE Championship at a time of his choosing within the next year.<ref>{{cite web |title=Caldwell's WWE MITB PPV Results 7/14 (Hour 3): Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live PPV – Cena vs. Henry, MITB All-Stars |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_71944.shtml |website=Pwtorch.com}}</ref> On August 18 at [[SummerSlam (2013)|SummerSlam]], Orton cashed in his Money in the Bank contract on Daniel Bryan, who had just won the WWE Championship and had been subsequently attacked by special guest referee Triple H, who also counted the pinfall to give Orton his seventh WWE Championship, turning [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]] for the first time since 2010.<ref>{{cite web |title=Caldwell's WWE SSlam PPV Results 8/18 (Hour 3): Cena vs. Bryan WWE Title main event, did Orton cash in? |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_72779.shtml |website=Pwtorch.com}}</ref> The following night on ''Raw'', Orton was endorsed as the "face of the company" by Vince McMahon and the newly formed [[The Authority (professional wrestling)|Authority]] (Triple H and Stephanie McMahon).<ref>{{cite web |title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 8/19 (Hour 3): Orton's Coronation in Main Event segment, Punk responds to Heyman |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_72816.shtml |website=Pwtorch.com}}</ref> On September 15 at [[Night of Champions (2013)|Night of Champions]], Orton lost the WWE Championship back to Bryan,<ref>{{cite web |title=WWE News: New WWE champion at Night of Champions, but for how long?, plus Heyman's new associate, title match results, TNA stars spotlighted, more |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_73334.shtml |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |access-date = September 17, 2013}}</ref> however, Triple H stripped Bryan of the title the next night on ''Raw'', due to a fast count by referee [[Scott Armstrong (wrestler)|Scott Armstrong]], but refused to give the championship back to Orton.<ref>{{cite web |title=RAW NEWS: Bryan stripped of WWE Title & title held up, Dusty returns & gets KO'ed, locker room revolt, Ryback/Heyman, new #1 contenders, more post-PPV developments |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_73376.shtml |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |access-date = September 17, 2013}}</ref> Orton and Bryan faced off for the vacant title on October 6 at [[Battleground (2013)|Battleground]], but the match ended in a no contest after Big Show interfered and knocked out both men.<ref>{{cite web |title=Battleground PPV Results 10/6 (Hour 3): WWE Title match, power outage situation, Punk vs. Ryback |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_73743.shtml |website=Pwtorch.com}}</ref> Orton once again challenged Bryan for the vacant championship at [[Hell in a Cell (2013)|Hell in a Cell]] on October 27, where he was successful in regaining the WWE Championship after the special guest referee Shawn Michaels hit Bryan with Sweet Chin Music for attacking Triple H.<ref>{{cite web |last=Waldman |first=Jon |title=Hell in a Cell: The usual suspects end up on top |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2013/10/27/21226396.html |work=SLAM! Wrestling |access-date = November 1, 2013 |archive-date = October 28, 2013 |archive-url = https://archive.today/20131028133126/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2013/10/27/21226396.html |url-status = usurped}}</ref> On November 24 at [[Survivor Series (2013)|Survivor Series]], after retaining the title against Big Show, Orton was confronted by World Heavyweight Champion and long-time rival John Cena.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_74738.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - WWE S. SERIES PPV RESULTS 11/24 (Hour 3): Orton vs. Big Show main event, Bryan & Punk, PPV-closing face-off|website=www.pwtorch.com}}</ref> The following night on ''Raw'', Cena suggested that there should only be "one champion" in WWE, so Triple H stated there would be a unification match at the [[TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs (2013)|TLC]] pay-per-view on December 15. At TLC, Orton defeated Cena in a [[Tables, Ladders and Chairs match]] to unify both titles, and becoming the first WWE World Heavyweight Champion as well as officially being recognized as the final World Heavyweight Champion.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_75121.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - CALDWELL'S WWE TLC PPV RESULTS 12/15: Live, in-person coverage of Cena vs. Orton unification match from Houston|website=www.pwtorch.com}}</ref> Orton retained the title at the [[Royal Rumble (2014)|Royal Rumble]] on January 26, 2014 against Cena after interference by [[The Wyatt Family]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_75918.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - WWE ROYAL RUMBLE PPV RESULTS 1/26 (Hour 2): Orton vs. Cena WWE Title match with significant run-in|website=www.pwtorch.com}}</ref> On February 23 at [[Elimination Chamber (2014)|Elimination Chamber]], Orton defeated Cesaro, Christian, Daniel Bryan, John Cena, and Sheamus to retain his WWE World Heavyweight Championship and secure his position in the title bout at [[WrestleMania XXX]] on April 6 against Royal Rumble winner [[Dave Bautista|Batista]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_76568.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - WWE E. CHAMBER PPV RESULTS 2/23 (Hour 3): Elimination Chamber WWE Title main event|website=www.pwtorch.com}}</ref> At WrestleMania, the main event was changed to a triple threat match after Bryan defeated Triple H earlier that night, and Bryan won the match after making Batista submit to end Orton's reign at 161 days.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/30/wrestlemania-30-results-26218843|title=WrestleMania 30}}</ref>

[[File:Evolution 2014.jpg|thumb|left|Orton (left) and [[Dave Bautista|Batista]] in April 2014]]
The following night on ''Raw'', Orton and Batista were each denied a rematch for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship and instead were forced by The Authority to team together to face [[The Usos]] for the WWE Tag Team Championship, despite their issues with one another. The title match ended in a double count-out after the two united and attacked them.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_77571.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 4/7: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw - WM30 fall-out, WWE Title match teaser, Bryan's first night as champ, Warrior, more|website=www.pwtorch.com}}</ref> Later that night, Orton and Batista, along with [[Kane (wrestler)|Kane]], attacked Bryan before he was set to defend his title against Triple H. Before Triple H could defeat Bryan, [[The Shield (professional wrestling)|The Shield]] interrupted by spearing Triple H and taking out Orton, Batista, and Kane, causing the match to end in a no-contest.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2014-04-07/wwe-raw-results-26221495/page-13 |title=Raw results: Triple H def WWE World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan via Disqualification |publisher=WWE.com |access-date = April 15, 2014}}</ref> On the April 14 episode of ''Raw'', Orton, Batista, and Triple H came down to the ring to attack The Shield after their 11-on-3 handicap match, using the name and the theme of [[Evolution (professional wrestling)|Evolution]].<ref name=rawreunion>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2014-04-14/wwe-raw-results-26235639/page-13 |title=Raw results: Evolution reforms to break The Shield; The Shield vs. Alberto Del Rio, Jack Swagger, Bad News Barrett, Alexander Rusev, Fandango, Rybaxel, Titus O'Neil went to a No Contest |publisher=WWE.com |access-date = April 15, 2014}}</ref> At [[Extreme Rules (2014)|Extreme Rules]] on May 4 and [[Payback (2014)|Payback]] on June 1, Evolution lost to The Shield.<ref>{{cite web |last=Clapp |first=John |title=The Shield vs. Evolution |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/extremerules/2014/the-shield-evolution-26230042 |publisher=WWE |access-date=May 4, 2014 |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303173910/http://www.wwe.com/shows/extremerules/2014/the-shield-evolution-26230042 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Asher |first1=Matthew |title=Shield gets suicidal and Cena looks for some Payback against Wyatt |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2014/06/01/21709566.html |website=slam.canoe.ca |publisher=SLAM! Wrestling |access-date = June 2, 2014 |archive-date = June 2, 2014 |archive-url = https://archive.today/20140602050509/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2014/06/01/21709566.html |url-status = usurped}}</ref> On the June 9 episode of ''Raw'', The Authority automatically granted Orton a spot in the [[Money in the Bank ladder match]] for the vacant WWE World Heavyweight Championship at [[Money in the Bank (2014)|Money in the Bank]] on June 29, but he failed to win. On the July 21 episode of ''Raw'', [[Roman Reigns]] attacked Orton, which cost him another shot at the title, causing Orton to retaliate the following week by viciously attacking Reigns and challenging him to a match at [[SummerSlam (2014)|SummerSlam]] on August 17, which Reigns won. At [[Night of Champions (2014)|Night of Champions]] on September 21, Orton defeated Chris Jericho.<ref>{{cite web |title=Caldwell's WWE SummerSlam PPV Results 8/17: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Cena vs. Lesnar |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_80257.shtml |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |access-date = August 18, 2014 |date=August 17, 2014}}</ref>

[[File:Randy Orton WrestleMania 31.jpg|thumb|right|upright|Orton celebrating after defeating [[Seth Rollins]] at [[WrestleMania 31]] in March 2015]]
On the October 13 episode of ''Raw'', Orton asked The Authority to face the loser of a [[Professional wrestling match types#No Holds Barred match|No Holds Barred]] [[Professional wrestling match types#Object on a Pole match|Contract on a Pole match]] between [[John Cena]] and [[Dean Ambrose]]. Ambrose won the match, setting up a [[Hell in a Cell]] match between Orton and Cena at [[Hell in a Cell (2014)|Hell in a Cell]] on October 26.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Tedesco |first1=Mike |title=WWE Raw Results – 10/13/14 (John Cena vs. Dean Ambrose) |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/51183-wwe-raw-results-10-13-14-live-results-from-atlanta |publisher=wrestleview.com |access-date = October 14, 2014 |date=October 14, 2014}}</ref> On the ''Raw'' before Hell in a Cell, Triple H revealed that the winner would receive a future WWE World Heavyweight Championship match against [[Brock Lesnar]]. Later that night, Orton, Kane, and [[Seth Rollins]] defeated Cena and Ambrose in a handicap Street Fight after Orton pinned Ambrose, but he was immediately attacked by Rollins with a [[Professional wrestling attacks#Curb stomp|''Curb Stomp'']] post-match.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Tedesco |first1=Mike |title=WWE Raw Results – 10/20/14 (Handicap Tag Main Event) |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/51277-wwe-raw-results-10-20-14-live-results-from-kansas-city |website=wrestleview.com |access-date = October 21, 2014 |date=October 21, 2014}}</ref> At Hell in a Cell, Orton lost to Cena.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Burdick |first1=Michael |title=WWE Hell in a Cell 2014 results |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/hellinacell/2014/john-cena-randy-orton-26725117 |publisher=WWE |access-date=October 26, 2014 |archive-date=November 6, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151106073946/http://www.wwe.com/shows/hellinacell/2014/john-cena-randy-orton-26725117 |url-status=dead }}</ref> On the October 27 episode of ''Raw'', Orton attacked Rollins, turning [[Face (professional wrestling)|face]] in the process.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Tedesco |first1=Mike |title=WWE Raw Results – 10/27/14 (John Cena vs. Seth Rollins) |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/51368-wwe-raw-results-10-27-14-live-results-from-san-antonio |website=wrestleview.com |access-date = October 28, 2014 |date=October 28, 2014}}</ref> The following week on ''Raw'', Orton attacked Rollins during his Intercontinental Championship match against [[Dolph Ziggler]], and demanded a match with Rollins to settle their dispute, which Triple H granted in order to keep Orton on their side. Rollins won, and Orton attacked The Authority before being attacked by The Authority, which ended with Rollins executing a ''Curb Stomp'' onto the steel steps on Orton.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Tedesco |first1=Mike |title=WWE Raw Results – 11/3/14 (Randy Orton vs. Seth Rollins) |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/51473-wwe-raw-results-11-3-14-live-results-from-buffalo |website=wrestleview.com |access-date = November 4, 2014 |date=November 4, 2014}}</ref> He was carried on a stretcher after he sustained a scripted injury, so he could start filming ''[[The Condemned 2]]''.

After a three-month hiatus, Orton returned at [[Fastlane (2015)|Fastlane]] on February 22, 2015, by saving Dolph Ziggler, [[Erick Rowan]] and [[Ryback]] from a post-match beatdown of Rollins, Big Show and Kane.<ref>{{cite web |title=Seth Rollins, Kane & Big Show def. Dolph Ziggler, Erick Rowan & Ryback |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwefastlane/2015/six-man-tag-team-match-27070059 |publisher=WWE |access-date=February 23, 2015 |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303210517/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwefastlane/2015/six-man-tag-team-match-27070059 |url-status=dead }}</ref> He feuded with The Authority's Seth Rollins, having a match at [[WrestleMania 31]] on March 29 where Orton defeated Rollins. After WrestleMania, with Rollins as the new WWE World Heavyweight Champion, Orton faced Rollins in a steel cage match at [[Extreme Rules (2015)|Extreme Rules]] on April 26<ref>{{cite web |last1=Clapp |first1=John |title=WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins def. Randy Orton (Cage Match, with the ''RKO'' banned) |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/extremerules/2015/seth-rollins-randy-orton-27258762 |publisher=WWE |access-date=April 26, 2015 |archive-date=January 29, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160129225350/http://www.wwe.com/shows/extremerules/2015/seth-rollins-randy-orton-27258762 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and [[Payback (2015)|Payback]] on May 17, losing both title matches.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Murphy |first1=Ryan |title=WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins won a Fatal 4-Way Match |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwepayback/2015/wwe-world-heavyweight-champion-seth-rollins-roman-reigns-randy-orton-dean-ambrose-27335106 |publisher=WWE |access-date=May 17, 2015 |archive-date=December 5, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151205173502/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwepayback/2015/wwe-world-heavyweight-champion-seth-rollins-roman-reigns-randy-orton-dean-ambrose-27335106 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

At [[Money in the Bank (2015)|Money in the Bank]] on June 14, Orton failed to win the championship contract ladder match, which was won by [[Sheamus]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Burdick |first1=Michael |title=Sheamus wins the Money in the Bank Contract Ladder Match |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/2015/money-in-the-bank-contract-ladder-match-27450148 |publisher=WWE |access-date=June 14, 2015 |archive-date=August 21, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150821061319/http://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/2015/money-in-the-bank-contract-ladder-match-27450148 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Following this, Orton began feuding with Sheamus after both men attacked each other and faced off in various tag-team matches; Orton defeated Sheamus at [[Battleground (2015)|Battleground]] on July 19, but lost to Sheamus at [[SummerSlam (2015)|SummerSlam]] on August 23.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Powers |first1=Kevin |title=Randy Orton def. Sheamus |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwebattleground/2015/randy-orton-sheamus |publisher=WWE |access-date = July 19, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Burdick |first1=Michael |title=Sheamus def. Randy Orton |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2015/randy-orton-vs-sheamus-27742103 |publisher=WWE |access-date = August 23, 2015}}</ref> On the September 7 episode of ''Raw'', Orton was attacked by [[The Wyatt Family]],<ref name="Raw9072015">{{cite web |last1=Tedesco |first1=Mike |title=WWE Raw Results – 9/7/15 (Sting trashes Rollins' statue) |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/56093-wwe-raw-results-9-7-15-live-results-from-baltimore |website=wrestleview.com |access-date = September 7, 2015}}</ref> starting a feud that was booked to end in the [[Hell in a Cell (2015)|Hell in a Cell]] pre-show on October 25,<ref name="Raw10122015">{{cite web |last1=Tedesco |first1=Mike |title=WWE Raw Results – 10/12/15 (Seth Rollins vs. Demon Kane) |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/56526-wwe-raw-results-10-12-15-live-results-from-chicago |website=wrestleview.com |access-date = October 12, 2015}}</ref> but canceled after Orton suffered a legitimate shoulder injury,<ref name="Raw10192015">{{cite web |last1=Tedesco |first1=Mike |title=WWE Raw Results – 10/19/15 (Austin and Undertaker appear) |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/56596-wwe-raw-results-10-19-15-live-results-from-dallas |website=wrestleview.com |access-date = October 19, 2015}}</ref> putting him out of action for the following months.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/randy-orton-injured-november-2015-28150944 |title=Update: Randy Orton sustains shoulder injury |date=November 2, 2015 |publisher=WWE |url-status=dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151206170432/http://www.wwe.com/inside/randy-orton-injured-november-2015-28150944 |archive-date = December 6, 2015}}</ref>

==== The Wyatt Family (2016–2017) ====
On the July 7, 2016, episode of ''SmackDown'', Orton was revealed as [[Brock Lesnar]]'s opponent for [[SummerSlam (2016)|SummerSlam]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Clapp |first1=John |title=Randy Orton vs. Brock Lesnar |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2016/randy-orton-brock-lesnar |publisher=WWE |access-date = July 7, 2016}}</ref> On July 19 at the [[2016 WWE draft]], Orton was drafted to SmackDown, while Lesnar was drafted to Raw.<ref>{{cite web |title=2016 WWE Draft results: WWE officially ushers in New Era |url=http://www.wwe.com/2016-wwe-draft-results |publisher=WWE |access-date = July 19, 2016}}</ref> On July 24 at [[Battleground (2016)|Battleground]], Orton returned as a guest on [[Chris Jericho]]'s ''Highlight Reel'' to be interviewed about his match with Lesnar. Orton explained that he wanted to face Lesnar to prove that he belonged in the top spot, before executing an ''RKO'' on Jericho.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Caldwell |first1=James |title=7/24 WWE Battleground Results – Caldwell's Complete Report |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/07/24/jcbattlegroundppvreport/ |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |date=July 24, 2016 |access-date = July 25, 2016}}</ref> On the July 26 episode of ''SmackDown Live'', Orton interrupted Intercontinental Champion [[The Miz]] during his ''Miz TV'' segment before defeating Miz in a non-title match.<ref>{{cite web |title=SmackDown Live results: July 26, 2016 |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/smackdown-live-july-26-2016 |publisher=WWE |access-date = July 27, 2016}}</ref> During Lesnar's promo on the August 1 episode of ''Raw'', Orton appeared and delivered an ''RKO'' to Lesnar.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Caldwell |first1=James |title=8/1 WWE Raw Results – Caldwell's Complete Live TV Report |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/08/01/aug1rawresultsfinal/ |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |access-date = August 1, 2016}}</ref> The following night on ''SmackDown Live'', Lesnar attacked Orton during his match, delivering an ''F-5'' to Orton.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Parks |first1=Greg |title=8/2 WWE Smackdown LIVE – Parks's Complete Live Report |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/08/02/82-wwe-smackdown-live-parkss-complete-live-report/ |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |access-date = August 2, 2016}}</ref> At SummerSlam, Lesnar defeated Orton by [[Knockout#Technical knockout|technical knockout]] after a series of elbows to the head, leaving Orton with an open wound that required 10 staples.<ref name="SSlam2016">{{cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |title=8/21 WWE Summerslam Results – Caldwell's Complete Live Report |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/08/21/summerslam2016resultsfinal/ |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |access-date = August 21, 2016}}</ref>

[[File:Smackdown Tag Team Champions The Wyatt Family.jpg|thumb|Orton with [[Luke Harper]] and [[Bray Wyatt]] as one-third of the [[WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship|SmackDown Tag Team Champions]] in 2016]]
On the August 23 episode of ''SmackDown Live'', Orton spoke about his match against Lesnar and declared that he and Lesnar would cross paths again before [[Bray Wyatt]] interrupted him, therefore resuming their feud.<ref name="Smackdown08232016">{{cite web |last1=Parks |first1=Greg |title=8/23 WWE Smackdown LIVE – Parks's Complete, Real-Time Report |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/08/23/823-wwe-smackdown-live-parkss-complete-real-time-report/ |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |access-date = August 23, 2016}}</ref> The following week on ''SmackDown Live'', Orton accepted Wyatt's challenge for a match at [[Backlash (2016)|Backlash]], where Orton lost by forfeit after a backstage attack by Wyatt before the show.<ref name="Smackdown08302016">{{cite web |last1=Caldwell |first1=James |title=8/30 WWE Smackdown Live Results – Caldwell's Complete Live TV Report & Talking Smack-cap |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/08/30/830-wwe-smackdown-live-results-caldwells-ongoing-live-tv-report/ |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |access-date = August 30, 2016}}</ref> It was later revealed that Orton was not cleared to wrestle at the event due to a legitimate concussion that occurred the previous month at SummerSlam.<ref>{{cite news |title=Randy Orton Out of WWE Backlash Match Against Bray Wyatt |url=http://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/reports-randy-orton-out-wwe-backlash-match-against-bray-wyatt-220641 |last=Nason |first=Josh |date=September 11, 2016 |work=Wrestling Observer |access-date = September 16, 2016}}</ref> Orton faced Wyatt at [[No Mercy (2016)|No Mercy]], where he lost due to a distraction by the returning [[Luke Harper]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nomercy/2016/randy-orton-vs-bray-wyatt-results |title=Bray Wyatt def. Randy Orton |date=October 9, 2016 |publisher=WWE |first=Bobby |last=Melok}}</ref> On the October 11 episode of ''SmackDown Live'', Orton was teamed with [[Kane (wrestler)|Kane]] in a tag team match against Wyatt and Harper, but once again lost the match due to distraction by Harper.<ref>{{cite web |last=Parks |first=Greg |title=810/11 WWE Smackdown Live – Parks's Complete, Real-Time Report |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/10/11/1011-wwe-smackdown-live-parkss-ongoing-real-time-report/ |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |date=October 11, 2016}}</ref> On the October 25 episode of ''SmackDown Live'', Orton interfered on Wyatt's behalf in his match with Kane, leading to speculation that he had joined The Wyatt Family, though this was neither confirmed nor denied by WWE or Orton.<ref>{{cite web |title=SmackDown Live: Oct. 25, 2016 |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2016-10-25 |publisher=WWE |access-date = October 26, 2016}}</ref> On the November 1 episode of ''SmackDown Live'', Wyatt and Harper helped Orton win his match against Kane, thus confirming Orton's alliance with the group, turning heel in the process.<ref name="Smackdown11012016">{{cite web |last=Martin |first=Adam |title=WWE Smackdown Results – 11/1/16 (Live from Newark, Daniel Bryan to announce teams for Survivor Series) |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-smackdown-results/69000-wwe-smackdown-results-11116-live-newark-daniel-bryan-announce-teams-survivor-series-ppv/ |work=WrestleView |date=November 1, 2016 |access-date = November 2, 2016}}</ref>

That same night, Orton and Wyatt were revealed as members of Team SmackDown for [[Survivor Series (2016)|Survivor Series]].<ref name="Smackdown11012016" /> At Survivor Series, Team SmackDown defeated Team Raw, where Orton and Wyatt became the last two surviving members of their team.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Burdick |first1=Michael |title=Team SmackDown LIVE def. Team Raw in a 5-on-5 Traditional Survivor Series Men's Elimination Match |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/2016/raw-vs-smackdown-live-traditional-survivor-series-mens-elimination-match |website=WWE.com |access-date = November 20, 2016}}</ref> On the November 29 episode of ''SmackDown Live'', Orton and Wyatt defeated [[American Alpha]] to earn a shot at the [[WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship|SmackDown Tag Team Championship]] against [[Heath Slater]] and [[Rhyno]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Pappolla |first1=Ryan |title=Bray Wyatt & Randy Orton def. American Alpha in a SmackDown Tag Team Title No. 1 Contenders' Match |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2016-11-29/article/bray-wyatt-randy-orton-def-american-alpha |website=WWE.com |access-date = November 29, 2016}}</ref> At [[TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs (2016)|TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs]], they won the titles, marking Orton's first tag team championship in a decade. It was later announced that Harper was also champion under the [[Freebird Rule]].<ref name="auto">{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2016-12-06/article/wyatt-family-freebird-rule |title=The Wyatt Family to defend SmackDown Tag Team Titles under the Freebird Rule |date=December 7, 2016 |access-date = February 15, 2017 |publisher=WWE}}</ref> On the December 27 episode of ''SmackDown Live'', they lost the SmackDown Tag Team Championship to American Alpha in a [[Professional wrestling tag team match types#Four-way tag team elimination match|fatal four-way tag team elimination match]], after Orton accidentally hit Harper.<ref name="Smackdown12272016">{{cite web |last=Parks |first=Greg |title=12/27 WWE Smackdown LIVE – Parks's Ongoing, Real-Time Report, including three title matches, John Cena's return |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/12/27/1227-wwe-smackdown-live-parkss-ongoing-real-time-report-including-three-title-matches-john-cenas-return/ |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |access-date = December 27, 2016}}</ref> On January 29, 2017, at the [[Royal Rumble (2017)|Royal Rumble]], Orton won the Royal Rumble match for the second time in his career by lastly eliminating Roman Reigns.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Benigno |first1=Anthony |title=Randy Orton won the 30-Superstar Royal Rumble Match |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2017/2017-royal-rumble-match-results |website=wwe.com |publisher=WWE |access-date=January 29, 2017 |archive-date=February 2, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202071559/http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2017/2017-royal-rumble-match-results |url-status=dead }}</ref> Despite this, Orton came out after Wyatt successfully defended the WWE Championship and relinquished his shot at the title on the February 14 episode of ''SmackDown Live'', basically giving his full devotion to Wyatt and leaving the main event of WrestleMania in the air. On the February 28 episode of ''SmackDown Live'', Orton turned on Wyatt while Wyatt was delivering his promo and was seen entering Wyatt's compound, where he claimed that despite being Wyatt's home, it was not his home and declared his intentions to burn the soul of "Sister Abigail". He then set the entire compound on fire after stating that he would face Wyatt at [[WrestleMania 33]], turning face again.{{citation needed|date=August 2020}} On the March 7 episode of ''SmackDown Live'', Orton defeated [[AJ Styles]] to become the number one contender for the WWE Championship.<ref name="Smackdown03072017">{{cite web |last=Parks |first=Greg |title=Keller's WWE Smackdown Report 3/7: Styles vs. Orton to earn WWE Title shot at WM33, Cena & Nikki vs. Ellsworth & Carmella |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/03/07/kellers-wwe-smackdown-report-37-styles-vs-orton-earn-wwe-title-shot-wm33-cena-nikki-vs-ellsworth-carmella/ |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |access-date = March 7, 2017}}</ref> On April 2 at WrestleMania 33, Orton defeated Wyatt to win the WWE Championship for the ninth time, which was also his first WWE Championship win at WrestleMania and 13th overall world championship.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Taylor |first1=Scott |title=Randy Orton def. Bray Wyatt to win WWE Championship |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/33/bray-wyatt-vs-randy-orton-results |work=WWE |access-date = April 2, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Powell |first1=Jason |title=Powell's WrestleMania 33 live review: Undertaker vs. Roman Reigns, Goldberg vs. Brock Lesnar for the WWE Universal Championship, AJ Styles vs. Shane McMahon, Seth Rollins vs. Triple H in an unsanctioned match |url=http://prowrestling.net/site/2017/04/02/powells-wrestlemania-33-live-review-undertaker-vs-roman-reigns-goldberg-vs-brock-lesnar-wwe-universal-championship-aj-styles-vs-shane-mcmahon-seth-rollins-vs-triple-h/ |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |access-date = April 2, 2017 |date=April 2, 2017}}</ref> On the following episode of ''SmackDown Live'', Wyatt challenged Orton to a "House of Horrors" rematch,<ref name="Smackdown04042017">{{cite web |last1=Keller |first1=Wade |title=Keller's WWE Smackdown Report 4/4: WrestleMania 33 fallout including celebration interview with Orton, rematches, Miz & Maryse, and some NXT call-ups! |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/04/04/kellers-wwe-smackdown-report-44-wrestlemania-33-fallout-including-celebration-interview-orton-rematches-miz-maryse-call-cena-nikki/ |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |date=April 4, 2017 |access-date = April 10, 2017}}</ref> but after Wyatt was moved to the Raw brand as a result of the [[2017 WWE Superstar Shake-up|Superstar Shake-up]], it was made a non-title match and scheduled for Raw's [[Payback (2017)|Payback]] on April 30,<ref name="Raw04102017">{{cite web |last1=Keller |first1=Wade |title=Keller's WWE Monday Night Raw 4/10: Superstar Shakeup begins with two Smackdown wrestlers coming to the ring, full report |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/04/10/kellers-wwe-monday-night-raw-410-superstar-shakeup-begins-two-smackdown-wrestlers-coming-ring-full-report/ |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |access-date = April 10, 2017}}</ref> which he lost.<ref>{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |title=4/30 Powell's WWE Payback Live Review: Roman Reigns vs. Braun Strowman, Kevin Owens vs. Chris Jericho for the U.S. Championship, Samoa Joe vs. Seth Rollins, Randy Orton vs. Bray Wyatt in a House of Horrors match |url=http://prowrestling.net/site/2017/04/30/430-powells-wwe-fastlane-live-review-roman-reigns-vs-braun-strowman-kevin-owens-vs-chris-jericho-u-s-championship-samoa-joe-vs-seth-rollins-randy-orton-vs-bray-wyatt/ |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |access-date = April 30, 2017 |date=April 30, 2017}}</ref>

On the April 18 episode of ''SmackDown Live'', [[Jinder Mahal]], who was moved to the SmackDown brand as a result of the Superstar Shake-up, won a [[Professional wrestling match types#Basic non-elimination matches|six-pack challenge]] to become the number one contender for the WWE Championship, after interference from [[The Singh Brothers]].<ref name="Smackdown04182017">{{cite web |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/04/18/wwe-smackdown-report-418-six-way-contenders-match-naomi-vs-charlotte/ |title=Keller's WWE Smackdown Report 4/18: Six-Way Contenders Match, Naomi vs. Charlotte, Styles vs. Corbin |date=April 18, 2017 |last=Keller |first=Wade |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |access-date = April 19, 2017}}</ref> The following week on ''SmackDown Live'', Orton defeated Erick Rowan in a no disqualification match and was afterwards attacked by Mahal and The Singh Brothers; Mahal subsequently stole the WWE Championship belt.<ref>{{cite web |title=WWE SmackDown results, review: Orton and Mahal square off, new No. 1 contenders |url=http://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wwe-smackdown-results-review-orton-and-mahal-square-off-new-no-1-contenders/ |work=[[CBS Sports]] |date=April 26, 2017 |access-date = April 26, 2017}}</ref> At Payback, Orton lost to Wyatt after Mahal attacked him with the title belt.<ref name="Payback2017">{{cite web |last1=Powell |first1=Jason |title=4/30 Powell's WWE Payback Live Review: Roman Reigns vs. Braun Strowman, Kevin Owens vs. Chris Jericho for the U.S. Championship, Samoa Joe vs. Seth Rollins, Randy Orton vs. Bray Wyatt in a House of Horrors match |url=http://prowrestling.net/site/2017/04/30/430-powells-wwe-fastlane-live-review-roman-reigns-vs-braun-strowman-kevin-owens-vs-chris-jericho-u-s-championship-samoa-joe-vs-seth-rollins-randy-orton-vs-bray-wyatt/ |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |access-date = April 30, 2017 |date=April 30, 2017}}</ref> SmackDown commissioner [[Shane McMahon]] later returned the belt to Orton.<ref name="Smackdown05022017">{{cite web |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/05/02/kellers-wwe-smackdown-report-52-jericho-joins-smackdown-shane-takes-belt-jinder-jinder-vs-sami/ |title=Keller's WWE Smackdown Report 5/2: Jericho joins Smackdown, Shane takes belt from Jinder, Jinder vs. Sami |date=May 2, 2017 |last=Keller |first=Wade |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |access-date = May 3, 2017}}</ref> On May 21 at [[Backlash (2017)|Backlash]], Orton lost the WWE Championship to Mahal after interference from The Singh Brothers and failed to regain it the following month at [[Money in the Bank (2017)|Money in the Bank]] after The Singh Brothers again interfered.<ref name="Backlash2017">{{cite web |last1=Powell |first1=Jason |title=5/21 Powell's WWE Backlash Live Review: Randy Orton vs. Jinder Mahal for the WWE Championship, Kevin Owens vs. AJ Styles for the U.S. Championship, Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Dolph Ziggler |url=http://prowrestling.net/site/2017/05/21/521-powells-wwe-backlash-live-review-randy-orton-vs-jinder-mahal-wwe-championship-kevin-owens-vs-aj-styles-u-s-championship-shinsuke-nakamura-vs-dolph-ziggler/ |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |access-date = May 21, 2017 |date=May 21, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Benigno |first=Anthony |title=WWE Champion Jinder Mahal def. Randy Orton |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/2017/jinder-mahal-randy-orton-results |work=WWE |access-date = June 18, 2017}}</ref> On the June 27 episode of ''SmackDown Live'', Orton demanded a rematch for the title, which McMahon would grant him at [[Battleground (2017)|Battleground]], but with Mahal allowed to choose the stipulation (Mahal came out and chose a [[Professional wrestling match types#Punjabi Prison match|Punjabi Prison match]]). At Battleground, Orton was again defeated by Mahal when [[The Great Khali]] returned and attacked Orton, allowing Mahal to escape the Punjabi Prison to win.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Benigno |first1=Anthony |title=WWE Champion Jinder Mahal def. Randy Orton (Punjabi Prison Match) |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwebattleground/2017/jinder-mahal-randy-orton-results |website=WWE.com |access-date = July 23, 2017}}</ref>

==== United States Champion (2017–2018) ====
[[File:Randy Orton April 2018.jpg|thumb|Orton in 2018]]
Orton started a feud with [[Rusev (wrestler)|Rusev]], whom he defeated in 10 seconds at [[SummerSlam (2017)|SummerSlam]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Murphy |first1=Ryan |title=Randy Orton def. Rusev |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2017/randy-orton-rusev-results |website=WWE.com |access-date = August 20, 2017}}</ref> On the September 5 episode of ''SmackDown Live'', Orton lost to [[Shinsuke Nakamura]] in a number one contender's match for the WWE Championship.<ref>{{cite web |last=Keller |first=Wade |title=Keller's WWE Smackdown Report 6/27: Women's Money in the Bank redo, Naomi vs. Lana, Usos vs. Hype Bros., Sami vs. Corbin |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/06/27/kellers-wwe-smackdown-report-627-womens-money-bank-redo-naomi-vs-lana-usos-vs-hype-bros-sami-vs-corbin/ |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |access-date = June 27, 2017}}</ref> On the September 19 episode of ''SmackDown Live'', Orton defeated [[Aiden English]]; after the match, he was challenged by Rusev to an impromptu match, which he lost in 10 seconds after a distraction from English.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Pappolla |first1=Ryan |title=Rusev def. Randy Orton |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2017-09-19/article/rusev-def-randy-orton |website=WWE.com |access-date = September 19, 2017}}</ref> At [[Hell in a Cell (2017)|Hell in a Cell]], Orton defeated Rusev to end the feud.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Benigno |first1=Anthony |title=Randy Orton def. Rusev |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/hellinacell/2017/randy-orton-rusev-results |website=WWE.com |access-date = October 7, 2017}}</ref> On the October 24 episode of ''SmackDown Live'', Orton defeated [[Sami Zayn]] to qualify for a spot on Team SmackDown at [[Survivor Series (2017)|Survivor Series]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Pappolla |first1=Ryan |title=Randy Orton def. Sami Zayn to become the first member of the SmackDown Men's Survivor Series Team |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2017-10-24/article/randy-orton-def-sami-zayn |website=WWE.com |access-date = October 24, 2017}}</ref> During the match, Orton eliminated [[Finn Bálor]] and survived until only he and Team SmackDown captain Shane McMahon remained, but was eliminated by [[Braun Strowman]]. Team SmackDown ultimately went on to lose.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Wortman |first1=Jason |title=Team Raw def. Team SmackDown in a Men's 5-on-5 Traditional Survivor Series Elimination Tag Team Match |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/2017/men-5-on-5-traditional-survivor-series-elimination-match-results |website=WWE.com |access-date = November 19, 2017}}</ref> At the [[Royal Rumble (2018)|Royal Rumble]], Orton entered Royal Rumble match at #24 and eliminated [[NXT Championship|NXT Champion]] [[Andrade Cien Almas|Andrade "Cien" Almas]] before later being eliminated by Roman Reigns.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Benigno |first1=Anthony |title=Shinsuke Nakamura won the 2018 Men's Royal Rumble Match |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2018/30-man-royal-rumble-match-results |website=WWE.com |access-date = January 28, 2018}}</ref>

During the following months, Orton was put in the orbit of the [[WWE United States Championship]]. He defeated the champion [[Bobby Roode]] at [[Fastlane (2018)|Fastlane]]  (thus becoming the 18th [[Grand Slam (professional wrestling)#WWE|Grand Slam Champion]]<ref>{{cite web |last1=Benigno |first1=Anthony |title=Randy Orton def. Bobby Roode to become the new United States Champion |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwefastlane/2018/bobby-roode-randy-orton-results |website=WWE.com |access-date = March 11, 2018}}</ref>) but lost it at [[WrestleMania 34]] against [[Jinder Mahal]] in a fatal four-way match also involving Roode and [[Rusev (wrestler)|Rusev]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Pappolla |first1=Ryan |title=Jinder Mahal def. Randy Orton, Rusev and Bobby Roode to win the United States Championship |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/wrestlemania-34/randy-orton-bobby-roode-jinder-mahal-rusev-results |website=WWE.com |access-date = April 8, 2018}}</ref> He had another title match at [[Backlash (2018)|Backlash]] against the new champion [[Jeff Hardy]], but Orton lost again.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Benigno |first1=Anthony |title=United States Champion Jeff Hardy def. Randy Orton |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/2018/jeff-hardy-randy-orton-results |website=WWE.com |access-date = May 6, 2018}}</ref> On May 18, WWE confirmed that Orton had undergone successful surgery to repair a medial meniscus tear in his left knee, sidelining him indefinitely.<ref>{{cite web |title=Randy Orton undergoes successful knee surgery |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/article/randy-orton-knee-surgery-may-2018 |website=WWE.com |access-date = May 18, 2018}}</ref>

==== Return of the Legend Killer (2018–2020) ====
After a brief hiatus, Orton returned at [[Extreme Rules (2018)|Extreme Rules]] and attacked Jeff Hardy after Hardy's match against Shinsuke Nakamura for the United States Championship, turning heel in the process.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Powell |first1=Jason |title=Powell's WWE Extreme Rules live review: Roman Reigns vs. Bobby Lashley, AJ Styles vs. Rusev vs. for the WWE Championship, Dolph Ziggler vs. Seth Rollins in a 30-minute Iron Man match for the IC Title, Bludgeon Brothers vs. Team Hell No for the Smackdown Tag Titles |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/07/15/powells-wwe-extreme-rules-live-review-roman-reigns-vs-bobby-lashley-aj-styles-vs-rusev-vs-for-the-wwe-championship-dolph-ziggler-vs-seth-rollins-in-a-30-minute-iron-man-match-for-the-ic-title/ |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=July 15, 2018 |date=July 15, 2018}}</ref> Two nights later on ''SmackDown Live'', Orton interfered in the rematch and attacked Hardy again.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Pappolla |first1=Ryan |title=Jeff Hardy def. United States Champion Shinsuke Nakamura by disqualification |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2018-07-17/article/united-states-championship-match |website=wwe.com |publisher=WWE|access-date=January 8, 2020}}</ref> On the August 21 episode of ''SmackDown Live'', Orton and Hardy faced off in a match that ended in a no-contest, with Hardy continuing to attack Orton after the match.<ref>{{cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |title=8/21 Barnett's WWE Smackdown Live TV Review: Bludgeon Brothers vs. New Day in a No DQ match for the Smackdown Tag Titles, Randy Orton vs. Jeff Hardy, Becky Lynch explains her actions at SummerSlam, AJ Styles interview |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/08/21/8-21-barnetts-wwe-smackdown-live-tv-review-bludgeon-brothers-vs-new-day-in-a-no-dq-match-for-the-smackdown-tag-titles-randy-orton-vs-jeff-hardy-becky-lynch-explains-her-actions-at-summerslam-a/ |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=August 21, 2018 |date=August 21, 2018}}</ref> At [[Hell in a Cell (2018)|Hell in a Cell]], Orton defeated Hardy in a Hell in a Cell match.<ref>{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |title=Powell's WWE Hell in a Cell 2018 live review: Roman Reigns vs. Braun Strowman in an HIAC for the WWE Universal Championship with Mick Foley as referee, AJ Styles vs. Samoa Joe for the WWE Title, Jeff Hardy vs. Randy Orton in an HIAC match |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/09/16/powells-wwe-hell-in-a-cell-2018-live-review-roman-reigns-vs-braun-strowman-in-an-hiac-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-with-mick-foley-as-referee-aj-styles-vs-samoa-joe-for-the-wwe-title-jeff/ |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |date=September 16, 2018|access-date=September 16, 2018}}</ref> On the October 9 episode of ''SmackDown Live'', Orton defeated a returning [[Big Show]] to qualify for the [[WWE World Cup]] at [[Crown Jewel (2018)|Crown Jewel]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-smackdown-results/116076-october-9-indianapolis-world-cup-smackdown-womens-title/ |title=WWE Smackdown Results – 10/9/18 (WWE World Cup, Smackdown Women's Title) |first=Roy |last=Nemer |date=October 9, 2018}}</ref> At Crown Jewel, he lost to [[Rey Mysterio]] in the first round.<ref>{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |title=Powell's WWE Crown Jewel live review: Brock Lesnar vs. Braun Strowman for the vacant WWE Universal Championship, AJ Styles vs. Samoa Joe for the WWE Championship, Undertaker and Kane vs. DX, World Cup tournament |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/11/02/powells-wwe-crown-jewel-live-review-brock-lesnar-vs-braun-strowman-for-the-vacant-wwe-universal-championship-aj-styles-vs-samoa-joe-for-the-wwe-championship-undertaker-and-kane-vs-dx-wor/ |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=November 2, 2018 |date=November 2, 2018}}</ref> He then started a feud with Mysterio, stealing Mysterio's mask on the November 21 episode of ''SmackDown Live'' and carrying it with him for a few weeks.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-smackdown-results/119346-november-27-minneapolis-styles-lynch-return/ |title=WWE Smackdown Results – 11/27/18 (Styles and Lynch return, The Bar vs. The Usos) |first=Roy |last=Nemer |date=November 27, 2018}}</ref> At [[TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs (2018)|TLC]], Orton lost to Mysterio in a chairs match.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Beningo |first1=Anthony |title=Rey Mysterio def. Randy Orton (Chairs Match) |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwetlc/2018/rey-mysterio-randy-orton-results |work=WWE|access-date=December 16, 2018}}</ref> At the [[Royal Rumble (2019)|Royal Rumble]] pay-per-view on January 27, 2019, Orton entered the namesake match at number 29, eliminating Mysterio ending their feud before he was himself eliminated by Andrade.<ref>{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |title=Powell's WWE Royal Rumble 2019 live review: Men's and Women's Royal Rumble matches, Brock Lesnar vs. Finn Balor for the WWE Universal Championship, Daniel Bryan vs. AJ Styles for the WWE Championship, Ronda Rousey vs. Sasha Banks for the Raw Women's Championship |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/01/27/powells-wwe-royal-rumble-2019-live-review-mens-and-womens-royal-rumble-matches-brock-lesnar-vs-finn-balor-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-daniel-bryan-vs-aj-styles-for-the-wwe-championsh/ |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=January 27, 2019 |date=January 27, 2019}}</ref> Orton competed in the [[Elimination Chamber]] match for the WWE Championship at [[Elimination Chamber (2019)|Elimination Chamber]], where he eliminated [[AJ Styles]] before being eliminated by [[Kofi Kingston]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |title=Powell's WWE Elimination Chamber 2019 live review: Daniel Bryan vs. AJ Styles vs. Jeff Hardy vs. Kofi Kingston vs. Randy Orton vs. Samoa Joe in an Elimination Chamber match for the WWE Championship, new WWE Women's Tag Champions, Ronda Rousey vs. Ruby Riott for the Raw Women's Championship |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/02/17/powells-wwe-elimination-chamber-2019-live-review-daniel-bryan-vs-aj-styles-vs-jeff-hardy-vs-kofi-kingston-vs-randy-orton-vs-samoa-joe-in-an-elimination-chamber-match-for-the-wwe-championship/ |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=February 17, 2019 |date=February 17, 2019}}</ref>

He then started a feud with Styles, with the two berating each other about their history in the wrestling business. At [[WrestleMania 35]], Orton lost to Styles.<ref>{{cite web |last=Wortman |first=James |title=AJ Styles def. Randy Orton |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/wrestlemania-35/aj-styles-vs-randy-orton-results |work=WWE |date=April 7, 2019|access-date=April 8, 2019}}</ref> In July, Orton feuded with Kingston over the WWE Championship, having matches at [[SummerSlam (2019)|SummerSlam]]<ref>{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |title=WWE SummerSlam results: Powell's live review of Brock Lesnar vs. Seth Rollins for the WWE Universal Championship, Kofi Kingston vs. Samoa Randy Orton for the WWE Championship, Kevin Owens vs. Shane McMahon, Trish Stratus vs. Charlotte Flair, "The Fiend" Bray Wyatt vs. Finn Balor |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/08/11/wwe-summerslam-results-powells-live-review-of-brock-lesnar-vs-seth-rollins-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-kofi-kingston-vs-samoa-randy-orton-for-the-wwe-championship-kevin-owens-vs-shane-m/ |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=August 11, 2019 |date=August 11, 2019}}</ref> and [[Clash of Champions (2019)|Clash of Champions]], where Orton did not win the title.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Benigno |first1=Anthony |title=WWE Champion Kofi Kingston def. Randy Orton |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wweclashofchampions/2019/kofi-kingston-vs-randy-orton-results |website=WWE.com |access-date=September 15, 2019}}</ref> At [[Crown Jewel (2019)|Crown Jewel]] and [[Survivor Series (2019)|Survivor Series]], Orton was part of two multi-tag matches, but his team lost both times.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Laboon |first1=Jeff |title=Team SmackDown def. Team Raw & Team NXT (Men's Survivor Series Elimination Triple Threat Match) |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/survivor-series/2019/men%E2%80%99s-survivor-series-elimination-triple-threat-match-results |work=WWE |date=November 24, 2019|access-date=November 24, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |title=WWE Crown Jewel results: Powell's live review of Brock Lesnar vs. Cain Velasquez for the WWE Championship, Seth Rollins vs. Bray Wyatt in a Falls Count Anywhere match for the WWE Universal Championship, Braun Strowman vs. Tyson Fury, Lacey Evans vs. Natalya |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/10/31/wwe-crown-jewel-results-powells-live-review-of-brock-lesnar-vs-cain-velasquez-for-the-wwe-championship-seth-rollins-vs-bray-wyatt-in-a-falls-count-anywhere-match-for-the-wwe-universal-championsh/ |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=October 31, 2019 |date=October 31, 2019}}</ref> As part of the [[2019 WWE Draft|2019 WWE draft]], Orton was drafted to [[Raw (WWE brand)|Raw]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.wwe.com/article/full-2019-wwe-draft-results |title=See all the results from the 2019 WWE Draft |date=October 11, 2019 |author=[[WWE]].com Staff |work=[[WWE]].com|access-date=October 14, 2019}}</ref> On the November 11 episode of ''Raw'', Orton seemed like he was going to give [[Ricochet (wrestler)|Ricochet]] an RKO, but instead gave one to Styles (who turned heel during the summer), thus turning face.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/11/11/11-11-wwe-raw-results-powells-review-of-becky-lynchs-show-opening-promo-kairi-sane-and-asuka-defend-the-raw-tag-titles-lanas-confession-seth-rollins-on-how-hell-choose-his-survivor-series/ |title=11/11 WWE Raw Results: Powell's review of Becky Lynch's show opening promo, Kairi Sane and Asuka defend the Raw Tag Titles, Lana's confession, Seth Rollins on how he'll choose his Survivor Series team |last=Powell |first=Jason |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |date=November 11, 2019 |access-date=December 12, 2019}}</ref> He reignited his feud with Styles and faced him throughout December and January.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Benigno |first1=Anthony |title=Randy Orton, Ricochet & Humberto Carrillo def. The O.C. |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/wwe-raw-nov-11-2019/article/randy-orton-ricochet-humberto-carrillo-def-the-oc |website=wwe.com |publisher=WWE |access-date=January 8, 2020}}</ref>

At the [[Royal Rumble (2020)|Royal Rumble]] on January 26, 2020, Orton entered the titular match at number 25 and eliminated Karl Anderson before he was eliminated by his former [[Rated-RKO]] tag team partner [[Edge (wrestler)|Edge]], who was returning to competition for the first time since retiring due to career-ending neck injuries in 2011.<ref>{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |title=WWE Royal Rumble results: Powell's live review of the Royal Rumble matches, "The Fiend" Bray Wyatt vs. Daniel Bryan in a strap match for the WWE Universal Championship, Becky Lynch vs. Asuka for the Raw Women's Championship |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/01/26/wwe-royal-rumble-results-powells-live-review-of-the-royal-rumble-matches-the-fiend-bray-wyatt-vs-daniel-bryan-in-a-strap-match-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-becky-lynch-vs-asuka-for-th/ |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |date=January 26, 2020|access-date=January 26, 2020}}</ref> The next night on ''Raw'', Orton teased a Rated-RKO reunion with Edge before delivering an RKO and a con-chair-to, turning heel once again. Orton and Edge then began a feud, facing each other in a [[Last Man Standing match]] at [[WrestleMania 36]], which Orton lost. Their second match at [[Backlash (2020)|Backlash]], billed as the "Greatest Wrestling Match Ever", was won by Orton. Orton won after a punt to the head of Edge, marking the first punt Orton had delivered in years. The match put Edge out of action with a legitimate torn triceps, and the victory enabled Orton to call himself the "Greatest Wrestler Ever".<ref name="Raw05252020">{{cite web |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/05/25/5-25-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-wwe-champion-drew-mcintyre-on-mvps-vip-lounge-nia-jax-vs-charlotte-flair-vs-natalya-for-a-raw-womens-championship-match-at-wwe-backlash-andrade-v/ |title=5/25 WWE Raw Results: Powell's live review of WWE Champion Drew McIntyre on MVP's VIP Lounge, Nia Jax vs. Charlotte Flair vs. Natalya for a Raw Women's Championship match at WWE Backlash, Andrade vs. Apollo Crews for the U.S. Title |date=May 25, 2020 |last=Powell |first=Jason |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=May 29, 2020}}</ref> The following night on ''Raw'', Edge's friend and former tag team partner [[Christian Cage|Christian]] challenged Orton to an unsanctioned match, which Orton won with assistance from [[Ric Flair]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com/new/90331-christian-regresa-cuadrilateros-wwe-monday-night-raw |title=Christian regresa a los cuadriláteros de WWE en Monday Night RAW |work=Solowrestling |date=June 16, 2020|access-date=July 6, 2020 |author1=Solowrestling }}</ref> Orton would go on to revive his Legend Killer gimmick over the next few weeks, attacking legends such as Christian, [[Shawn Michaels]], and Big Show, while becoming more unhinged. Orton then turned on Flair and set his sights on the WWE Championship. During the following months, Orton feuded with the WWE Champion [[Drew McIntyre]], failing to win the title at [[SummerSlam (2020)|SummerSlam]]<ref>{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |title=WWE SummerSlam results: Powell's review of Drew McIntyre vs. Randy Orton for the WWE Championship, Braun Strowman vs. The Fiend for the WWE Universal Championship, Mandy Rose vs. Sonya Deville in a No DQ, loser leaves WWE match, Asuka challenges for two titles |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/08/23/wwe-summerslam-results-powells-review-of-drew-mcintyre-vs-randy-orton-for-the-wwe-championship-braun-strowman-vs-the-fiend-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-mandy-rose-vs-sonya-deville-in-a-n/ |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |date=August 23, 2020|access-date=August 23, 2020}}</ref> and [[Clash of Champions (2020)|Clash of Champions]] in an Ambulance match,<ref name="COC2020">{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |title=WWE Clash of Champions results: Powell's review of Drew McIntyre vs. Randy Orton in an Ambulance Match for the WWE Championship, Roman Reigns vs. Jey Uso for the WWE Universal Championship, Jeff Hardy vs. AJ Styles vs. Sami Zayn in a Triple Threat ladder match for the Intercontinental Title |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/09/27/wwe-clash-of-champions-results-powells-review-of-drew-mcintyre-vs-randy-orton-in-an-ambulance-match-for-the-wwe-championship-roman-reigns-vs-jey-uso-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-jeff-hard/ |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |date=September 27, 2020|access-date=September 27, 2020}}</ref> until he defeated McIntyre in a Hell in a Cell match at [[Hell in a Cell (2020)|Hell In A Cell]], winning his tenth WWE Championship.<ref name="HIAC2020">{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |title=WWE Hell in a Cell results: Powell's review of Drew McIntyre vs. Randy Orton in a Hell in a Cell match for the WWE Championship, Roman Reigns vs. Jey Uso in an I Quit Hell in a Cell match for the WWE Universal Championship, Bayley vs. Sasha Banks in a Hell in a Cell match for the Smackdown Women's Title |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/10/25/wwe-hell-in-a-cell-results-powells-review-of-drew-mcintyre-vs-randy-orton-in-a-hell-in-a-cell-match-for-the-wwe-championship-roman-reigns-vs-jey-uso-in-an-i-quit-hell-in-a-cell-match-for-the-wwe/ |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |date=October 25, 2020|access-date=October 25, 2020}}</ref> However, he would lose the title back to McIntyre on the November 16 episode of ''Raw''.<ref name="Raw11162020">{{cite web |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/11/16/11-16-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-randy-orton-vs-drew-mcintyre-for-the-wwe-championship-kofi-kingston-and-xavier-woods-vs-cedric-alexander-and-shelton-benjamin-for-the-raw-tag-titles/ |title=11/16 WWE Raw Results: Powell's live review of Randy Orton vs. Drew McIntyre for the WWE Championship, Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods vs. Cedric Alexander and Shelton Benjamin for the Raw Tag Titles, Team Raw vs. Retribution, the final push for Survivor Series |date=November 16, 2020 |last=Powell |first=Jason |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=November 17, 2020}}</ref>

==== Feud with The Fiend (2020–2021) ====
Three weeks before his title loss, on October 26, 2020, Orton started a feud with [[Bray Wyatt]], now under his new gimmick, The Fiend, as well with his partner [[Alexa Bliss]]. At [[TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs (2020)|TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs]] on December 20, Orton defeated The Fiend in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Firefly Inferno match|Firefly Inferno match]] before setting his body on fire.<ref name="TLC2020">{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |title=WWE TLC results: Powell's review of Roman Reigns vs. Kevin Owens in a TLC match for the WWE Universal Championship, Drew McIntyre vs. AJ Styles in a TLC match for the WWE Championship, The Fiend vs. Randy Orton in a Firefly Inferno Match |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/12/20/wwe-tlc-results-powells-review-of-roman-reigns-vs-kevin-owens-in-a-tlc-match-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-drew-mcintyre-vs-aj-styles-in-a-tlc-match-for-the-wwe-championship-the-fiend-vs/ |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |date=December 20, 2020|access-date=December 20, 2020}}</ref> Despite his victory over the Fiend, Orton would deal with the repercussions by dealing with Alexa Bliss (who aligned with The Fiend earlier) over the following weeks. After instigating Triple H into agreeing to face him in a No Holds Barred match, Bliss interfered and threw a fireball at Orton to end it in a no contest.<ref name="Raw01112021">{{cite web |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/01/11/1-11-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-wwe-champion-drew-mcintyres-first-comments-since-testing-positive-for-covid-19-triple-hs-show-opening-segment-the-continued-build-to-the-royal-rumb/ |title=1/11 WWE Raw Results: Powell's live review of WWE Champion Drew McIntyre's first comments since testing positive for COVID-19, Triple H's show opening segment, the continued build to the Royal Rumble |date=February 1, 2021 |last=Powell |first=Jason |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=February 1, 2021}}</ref> At the [[Royal Rumble (2021)|Royal Rumble]] on January 31, Orton entered as the second participant and continued his feud with a returning Edge, who entered as the first participant. Due to injuries inflicted on him by Edge, Orton left the match to be tended to by medical personnel without actually being eliminated. Orton returned to the match at the very end to eliminate Edge, but was then himself eliminated. The following night on ''Raw'', Orton challenged Edge to one final match to again try to end his wrestling career but was defeated by him due to the interference of Bliss ending his feud with Edge.<ref name="Raw02012021">{{cite web |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/02/01/2-1-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-the-night-after-the-royal-rumble-with-bobby-lashley-vs-riddle-for-the-u-s-championship-cedric-alexander-and-shelton-benjamin-vs-lince-dorado-and-gran/ |title=2/1 WWE Raw Results: Powell's live review of the night after the Royal Rumble with Edge vs. Randy Orton, Bobby Lashley vs. Riddle for the U.S. Championship, Cedric Alexander and Shelton Benjamin vs. Lince Dorado and Gran Metalik for the Raw Tag Titles, Bad Bunny on Miz TV |date=February 1, 2021 |last=Powell |first=Jason |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=February 1, 2021}}</ref>

At [[Elimination Chamber (2021)|Elimination Chamber]] on February 21, Orton competed in the Raw Elimination Chamber match for Drew McIntyre's WWE Championship, but was the first man eliminated by Kofi Kingston.<ref name="EC2021">{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |title=WWE Elimination Chamber results: Powell's live review of Drew McIntyre vs. Sheamus vs. Randy Orton vs. Kofi Kingston vs. AJ Styles vs. Jeff Hardy in an Elimination Chamber match for the WWE Championship, Roman Reigns faces an Elimination Chamber match winner for the WWE Universal Championship |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/02/21/wwe-elimination-chamber-results-powells-live-review-of-drew-mcintyre-vs-sheamus-vs-randy-orton-vs-kofi-kingston-vs-aj-styles-vs-jeff-hardy-in-an-elimination-chamber-match-for-the-wwe-champions/ |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |date=February 21, 2021|access-date=February 21, 2021}}</ref> After Bliss repeatedly harassed and distracted him over the weeks, causing him to lose matches, Bliss challenged him to an Intergender Match at [[Fastlane (2021)|Fastlane]] on March 21, which he accepted. At the event, Bliss attacked him with supernatural powers and Orton lost after interference from The Fiend.<ref name="Fastlane2021">{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |title=WWE Fastlane results: Powell's live review of Roman Reigns vs. Daniel Bryan for the WWE Universal Championship with Edge as special enforcer, Drew McIntyre vs. Sheamus in a No Holds Barred match, Big E vs. Apollo Crews for the Intercontinental Title, Randy Orton vs. Alexa Bliss |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/03/21/wwe-fastlane-results-powells-live-review-of-roman-reigns-vs-daniel-bryan-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-with-edge-as-special-enforcer-drew-mcintyre-vs-sheamus-in-a-no-holds-barred-match-big/ |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |date=March 21, 2021|access-date=March 21, 2021}}</ref> On the following episode of ''Raw'', The Fiend attacked Orton again and a match between them was scheduled for [[WrestleMania 37]].<ref name="Raw03222021">{{cite web |last1=Powell |first1=Jason |date=March 22, 2021 |title=3/22 WWE Raw Results: Powell's live review of Rhea Ripley's debut, WWE Champion Bobby Lashley vs. Sheamus in a non-title match, Raw Women's Champion Asuka vs. Peyton Royce in a non-title match, Kofi Kingston vs. AJ Styles, Jeff Hardy vs. The Miz, WWE Fastlane fallout |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/03/22/3-22-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-rhea-ripleys-debut-wwe-champion-bobby-lashley-vs-sheamus-in-a-non-title-match-raw-womens-champion-asuka-vs-peyton-royce-in-a-non-title-match-kof/ |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |access-date=March 23, 2021}}</ref> On Night 2 of the event on April 11, Orton defeated The Fiend after Bliss seemingly turned on The Fiend by distracting him, allowing Orton to land the RKO and pin him for the win.<ref name="WM37N2">{{cite web |last1=Powell |first1=Jason |date=April 11, 2021 |title=WrestleMania 37 results: Powell's live review of night two with Roman Reigns vs. Edge vs. Daniel Bryan in a Triple Threat for the WWE Universal Championship, Asuka vs. Rhea Ripley for the Raw Women's Championship, Big E vs. Apollo Crews in a Nigerian Drum Fight for the IC Title |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/04/11/wrestlemania-37-results-powells-live-review-of-night-two-with-roman-reigns-vs-edge-vs-daniel-bryan-in-a-triple-threat-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-asuka-vs-rhea-ripley-for-the-raw-women/ |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=April 11, 2021}}</ref>

==== RK-Bro (2021–2022) ====
{{Main|RK-Bro}}
After WrestleMania, Orton began to work with [[Matt Riddle|Riddle]] as a tag team, named RK-Bro, thus turning face in the process.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=April 26, 2021 |title=4/26 WWE Raw Results: Powell's live review of Drew McIntyre and Braun Strowman vs. Mace and T-Bar, Asuka, Naomi, and Lana vs. Rhea Ripley, Nia Jax, and Shayna Baszler, Damian Priest, Kofi Kingston, and Xavier Woods vs. The Miz, Elias, and Jaxson Ryker |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/04/26/4-26-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-drew-mcintyre-and-braun-strowman-vs-mace-and-t-bar-asuka-naomi-and-lana-vs-rhea-ripley-nia-jax-and-shayna-baszler-damian-priest-kofi-k/|access-date=December 15, 2021 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> They would defeat [[AJ Styles]] and [[Omos]] at [[SummerSlam (2021)|SummerSlam]] to become the [[Raw Tag Team Championship|Raw Tag Team Champions]], their first reign each. RK-Bro defeated Styles and Omos in a rematch at [[Crown Jewel (2021)|Crown Jewel]] to successfully retain the championships and end the feud between the two teams. At [[Survivor Series (2021)|Survivor Series]], RK-Bro defeated [[SmackDown Tag Team Championship|SmackDown Tag Team Champions]] [[The Usos]] (Jey Uso and Jimmy Uso).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brookhouse |first=Brent |date=November 21, 2021 |title=2021 WWE Survivor Series results, recap, grades: Champion vs. Champion matches steal stacked show |url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/2021-wwe-survivor-series-results-recap-grades-champion-vs-champion-matches-steal-stacked-show/live/|access-date=December 15, 2021 |website=CBS Sports}}</ref> With this match, Orton broke [[Kane (wrestler)|Kane]]'s record for wrestling the most PPV matches in WWE history.<ref name="NewPPVrecord" /> At the inaugural [[Day 1 (2022)|Day 1]] premium live-event, Orton and Riddle successfully defended their championships against [[The Street Profits]].

On the January 10, 2022, episode of ''Raw'', RK-Bro lost the Raw Tag Team Championship to Alpha Academy ([[Chad Gable]] and [[Otis (wrestler)|Otis]]), ending their reign at 142 days. However, exactly eight weeks later on the March 7 edition of the ''Raw'', they regained the Raw Tag Team Championship in a Triple Threat match against Alpha Academy and the team of [[Kevin Owens]] and [[Seth Rollins]]. The win gave Orton and Riddle each their second Raw Tag Team Championship reign and Orton's fourth tag team championship reign overall. Later, during the [[Royal Rumble (2022)|Royal Rumble]], Orton entered the namesake contest as the penultimate entrant, scoring two eliminations before being eliminated by eventual winner [[Brock Lesnar]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Benjamin |first=Marcus |title=Raw recap & reactions (March 7, 2022): Erroneous for dummies |url=https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2022/3/8/22966512/wwe-raw-recap-review-march-7-2022-kevin-owens-stone-cold-steve-austin-rk-bro |access-date=March 8, 2022 |work=Cageside Seats |date=March 8, 2022}}</ref> At [[WrestleMania 38]], RK-Bro successfully defended the Raw Tag Team Championship against Alpha Academy and the Street Profits in a triple threat tag team match. After the match, the duo would celebrate with new WWE signee [[Gable Steveson]]. Following WrestleMania, RK-Bro would be challenged by [[The Usos]] to a championship unification match at [[WrestleMania Backlash (2022)|WrestleMania Backlash]] with, both the Raw and SmackDown Tag Team Championships on the line. Orton would later accept the challenge on RK-Bro's behalf. On the April 25 episode of ''Raw'', WWE and Riddle celebrated "20 Years of Orton" to open the show. In the main event, RK-Bro teamed with Ezekiel and [[Cody Rhodes]] to defeat the team of the Usos, Seth Rollins, and Kevin Owens, after Orton delivered four RKOs.

The WrestleMania Backlash match between RK-Bro and the Usos was later changed to a six-man tag team non-title match pitting [[Drew McIntyre]] and RK-Bro against [[The Bloodline (professional wrestling)|The Bloodline]], in which the latter emerged victorious when [[Roman Reigns]] pinned Riddle. The following night on ''Raw'', RK-Bro successfully defended the Raw Tag Team Championships against the Street Profits. On the May 20 episode of ''SmackDown'', following interference from Reigns, the Usos defeated RK-Bro to unify the Raw and SmackDown Tag Team Championships as the [[Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship]]. A few days later, it was announced that Orton had suffered a legitimate back injury and was expected to be on hiatus for the rest of 2022.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mykhel.com/wwe/wwe-summerslam-2022-main-event-in-jeopardy-due-to-randy-orton-injury-192097.html |title=WWE Summerslam 2022 main event in jeopardy due to Randy Orton's injury? |date=June 17, 2022}}</ref> During his hiatus in September 2023, Riddle was released from WWE, effectively ending RK-Bro.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/matt-riddle-confirms-he-no-longer-wwe |title=Matt Riddle Confirms He Is No Longer With WWE |date=September 22, 2023 |last=Lambert |first=Jeremy |work=Fightful|access-date=November 20, 2023}}</ref>

==== Return from injury (2023–present) ====
{{multiple image
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On the November 20, 2023, episode of ''[[WWE Raw|Raw]]'', after an 18-month hiatus, it was revealed that Orton would be making his return at [[Survivor Series: WarGames (2023)|Survivor Series: WarGames]] on November 25 as the fifth member of Cody Rhodes' team (which also included Jey Uso, [[Sami Zayn]], and Seth "Freakin" Rollins) in the [[WarGames match]] against Drew McIntyre and [[The Judgment Day]] ([[Damian Priest]], [[Finn Bálor]], [[Dominik Mysterio|"Dirty" Dominik Mysterio]], and [[JD McDonagh]]).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://comicbook.com/wwe/news/wwe-randy-orton-return-survivor-series-wargames-cody-rhodes-judgement-day/ |title=Randy Orton's WWE Return Announced for Survivor Series |date=November 20, 2023 |first=Charlie |last=Ridgely |work=[[ComicBook.com]]|access-date=November 20, 2023}}</ref> At the event, Orton was the last entrant into the match and his team won the match.<ref name="SSeries2023">{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |title=WWE Survivor Series WarGames results: Powell's review of Randy Orton, Seth Rollins, Cody Rhodes, Jey Uso, and Sami Zayn vs. Drew McIntyre and The Judgment Day in a WarGames match, Women's WarGames match |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/11/25/wwe-survivor-series-wargames-results-powells-review-of-randy-orton-seth-rollins-cody-rhodes-jey-uso-and-sami-zayn-vs-drew-mcintyre-and-the-judgment-day-in-a-wargames-match-womens-wargames-m/ |date=November 25, 2023 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=November 25, 2023}}</ref> On the December 1 episode of ''[[WWE SmackDown|SmackDown]]'', it was revealed that Orton was a free agent, and a contract signing happened that night to determine which brand Orton would sign with, and after SmackDown's The Bloodline (Jimmy Uso and [[Solo Sikoa]]) attacked Orton, he subsequently signed with [[SmackDown (WWE brand)|SmackDown]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/randy-orton-signs-wwe-smackdown-121-smackdown |title=Randy Orton Signs With WWE SmackDown On 12/1 SmackDown |date=December 1, 2023 |first=Jeremy |last=Lambert |work=Fightful|access-date=December 1, 2023}}</ref> In the following weeks, Orton vowed to get revenge on The Bloodline, defeating Sikoa and Uso in separate matches. At [[Royal Rumble (2024)|Royal Rumble]], on January 27, 2024, Orton failed to capture the [[Undisputed WWE Universal Championship]] from [[Roman Reigns]] in a [[fatal four-way match]] also involving [[AJ Styles]] and [[LA Knight]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |title=WWE Royal Rumble results: Powell's live review of the Royal Rumble matches, Roman Reigns vs. Randy Orton vs. LA Knight vs. AJ Styles for the WWE Universal Championship |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/01/27/wwe-royal-rumble-results-powells-live-review-of-the-royal-rumble-matches-roman-reigns-vs-randy-orton-vs-la-knight-vs-aj-styles-for-the-wwe-universal-championship/ |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |date=January 27, 2024|access-date=January 27, 2024|archive-date=January 27, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127233116/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/01/27/wwe-royal-rumble-results-powells-live-review-of-the-royal-rumble-matches-roman-reigns-vs-randy-orton-vs-la-knight-vs-aj-styles-for-the-wwe-universal-championship/|url-status=live}}</ref> 

On the February 9 episode of ''SmackDown'', Orton defeated Sami Zayn to qualify for the men's [[Elimination Chamber match]] at [[Elimination Chamber: Perth]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/02/09/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-2-9-barnetts-review-of-triple-h-addressing-the-wmxl-kickoff-event-pete-dunne-and-tyler-bate-vs-diy-for-a-shot-at-the-undisputed-wwe-tag-titles/ |title=WWE Friday Night Smackdown results (2/9): Barnett's review of Triple H addressing the WMXL Kickoff event, Pete Dunne and Tyler Bate vs. DIY for a shot at the Undisputed WWE Tag Titles |date=February 9, 2024 |last=Barnett |first=Jake |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=February 9, 2024}}</ref> At the event, Orton eliminated [[Kevin Owens]] and [[Logan Paul]] before being the last person eliminated by [[Drew McIntyre]] after Paul struck Orton with brass knuckles.<ref>{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |title=WWE Elimination Chamber results: Powell's live review of Rhea Ripley vs. Nia Jax for the Women's World Championship, Elimination Chamber matches, Grayson Waller Effect with Seth Rollins and Cody Rhodes |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/02/24/wwe-elimination-chamber-results-powells-live-review-of-rhea-ripley-vs-nia-jax-for-the-womens-world-championship-elimination-chamber-matches-grayson-waller-effect-with-seth-rollins-and-cody-rho/ |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |date=February 24, 2024|access-date=February 24, 2024}}</ref> On the March 15 episode of ''SmackDown'', Orton defeated [[Grayson Waller]] after hitting him with an RKO. After the match, SmackDown General Manager [[Nick Aldis]] declared that Orton and Owens will challenge Paul for the [[WWE United States Championship|United States Championship]] in a [[triple threat match]] at [[WrestleMania XL]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 15, 2024 |title=WWE SmackDown Results (3/15/24): The Rock, Randy Orton, Rey Mysterio, And More |url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/wwe-smackdown-results-3-15-232710840.html |access-date=March 17, 2024 |website=Yahoo Entertainment |language=en-US}}</ref> On Night 2 of the event on April 7, a person dressed as a bottle of [[Prime (drink)|Prime]] attempted to interfere for Paul, later revealed to be [[IShowSpeed]]. After revealing his identity, Orton would go on to kick him and bark at him before hitting him with an [[Cutter (professional wrestling)|RKO]]. Ultimately, Orton failed to win the title from Paul after pinning Owens.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chiari |first=Mike |title=Logan Paul Beats Randy Orton, Kevin Owens to Retain WWE US Title at WrestleMania 40 |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10113264-logan-paul-beats-randy-orton-kevin-owens-to-retain-wwe-us-title-at-wrestlemania-40 |access-date=April 9, 2024 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}}</ref>  On the April 26 episode ''SmackDown'', Orton saved Owens from an attack from The Bloodline's Solo Sikoa and [[Tama Tonga]]. Later that night, it was announced that Orton and Owens would face The Bloodline at [[Backlash (2024)|Backlash]].<ref name="SmackDown04262024">{{cite web|last=Barnett|first=Jake|title=WWE Friday Night Smackdown results (4/26): Barnett's review of the WWE Draft night one, Cody Rhodes and AJ Styles contract signing for the WWE Championship match at Backlash France|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/04/26/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-4-26-barnetts-review-of-the-wwe-draft-night-one-cody-rhodes-and-aj-styles-contract-signing-for-the-wwe-championship-match-at-backlash-france/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=April 26, 2024|date=April 26, 2024}}</ref> At the event on May 4, Orton and Owens lost to Sikoa and Tonga in a Tag Team Street Fight after interference from [[Tanga Loa]], Tama's younger brother (who returned to WWE after ten years, when he previously performed as "Camacho").<ref name="BacklashFrance">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Backlash France results: Powell's live review of Cody Rhodes vs. AJ Styles for the WWE Championship, Damian Priest vs. Jey Uso for the World Hvt. Title, Bayley vs. Naomi vs. Tiffany Stratton for the WWE Women's Title|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/05/04/wwe-backlash-france-results-powells-live-review-of-cody-rhodes-vs-aj-styles-for-the-wwe-championship-damian-priest-vs-jey-uso-for-the-world-hvt-title-bayley-vs-naomi-vs-tiffany-str/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=May 4, 2024|access-date=May 4, 2024}}</ref>

After Backlash, Orton participated in the [[King of the Ring tournament]], defeating Styles in the first round,<ref name="SmackDown05102024">{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/05/10/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-5-10-barnetts-review-of-randy-orton-vs-aj-styles-angelo-dawkins-vs-tama-tonga-bianca-belair-vs-candice-lerae-jade-cargill-vs-piper-niven-in-king-and-quee/|title=WWE Friday Night Smackdown results (5/10): Barnett's review of Randy Orton vs. AJ Styles, Angelo Dawkins vs. Tama Tonga, Bianca Belair vs. Candice LeRae, Jade Cargill vs. Piper Niven in King and Queen of the Ring matches|date=May 10, 2024|last=Barnett|first=Jake|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=May 10, 2024}}</ref> [[Carmelo Hayes]] in the quarterfinals,<ref name="SmackDown05172024">{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/05/17/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-5-17-barnetts-review-of-jade-cargill-vs-nia-jax-bianca-belair-vs-tiffany-stratton-randy-orton-vs-carmelo-hayes-and-tama-tonga-vs-la-knight-in-king-and-qu/|title=WWE Friday Night Smackdown results (5/17): Barnett's review of Jade Cargill vs. Nia Jax, Bianca Belair vs. Tiffany Stratton, Randy Orton vs. Carmelo Hayes, and Tama Tonga vs. LA Knight in King and Queen of the Ring matches|date=May 17, 2024|last=Barnett|first=Jake|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=May 18, 2024}}</ref> Tonga in the semifinals, but lost to [[Gunther (wrestler)|Gunther]] in the finals at [[King and Queen of the Ring (2024)|King and Queen of the Ring]] in controversial fashion as Orton's shoulder was not fully on the mat when the referee counted the pin.<ref name="KAQOTR">{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/05/25/wwe-king-and-queen-of-the-ring-results-powells-live-review-of-cody-rhodes-vs-logan-paul-for-the-wwe-title-gunther-vs-randy-orton-in-the-kotr-finals-nia-jax-vs-lyra-valkyria-in-the-qotr-finals/|title=WWE King and Queen of the Ring results: Powell's live review of Cody Rhodes vs. Logan Paul for the WWE Title, Gunther vs. Randy Orton in the KOTR finals, Nia Jax vs. Lyra Valkyria in the QOTR finals|date=May 25, 2024|last=Powell|first=Jason|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=May 25, 2024}}</ref> At [[Money in the Bank (2024)|Money in the Bank]] on July 6, Orton, Owens and [[Cody Rhodes]] lost to the Bloodline's Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga and the debuting [[Jacob Fatu]] in a [[six-man tag team match]] after interference from Tanga Loa.<ref name="MITB2024">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Money in the Bank results: Powell's review of Damian Priest vs. Seth Rollins for the World Heavyweight Championship, two MITB ladder matches, Sami Zayn vs. Bron Breakker for the Intercontinental Title|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/07/06/wwe-money-in-the-bank-results-powells-review-of-damian-priest-vs-seth-rollins-for-the-world-heavyweight-championship-two-mitb-ladder-matches-sami-zayn-vs-bron-breakker-for-the-intercontinental/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=July 6, 2024|access-date=July 6, 2024}}</ref> On the 5 August episode of ''Raw'', Orton challenged [[Gunther (wrestler)|Gunther]] to a rematch for the [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE)|World Heavyweight Championship]] after he claimed that he never lost the final match of the [[King and Queen of the Ring (2024)|2024 King of the Ring]], and it was confirmed for [[WWE Bash in Berlin|Bash in Berlin]] on 31 August, with an added stipulation that if Orton won, he would trade brands with Gunther going to [[SmackDown (WWE brand)|SmackDown]] and Orton going to [[Raw (WWE brand)|Raw]] as the championship is exclusive to the Raw brand. At the event on August 31, Orton failed to win the title from Gunther, thus keeping him on the SmackDown brand.<ref name=BashBerlin>{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/08/31/wwe-bash-in-berlin-results-mcguires-review-of-gunther-vs-randy-orton-for-the-world-heavyweight-title-cody-rhodes-vs-kevin-owens-for-the-wwe-championship-cm-punk-vs-drew-mcintyre-in-a-strap-mat/|title=WWE Bash in Berlin results: McGuire's review of Gunther vs. Randy Orton for the World Heavyweight Title, Cody Rhodes vs. Kevin Owens for the WWE Championship, CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre in a strap match|first=Colin|last=McGuire|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=August 31, 2024|access-date=August 31, 2024}}</ref>

After [[WWE Bad Blood (2024)|Bad Blood]] went off the air, in storyline, Owens attacked Rhodes, turning Owens heel.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/watch-as-kevin-owens-attacks-cody-rhodes-after-wwe-bad-blood-goes-off-the-air/amp/|title=Watch as Kevin Owens attacks Cody Rhodes after WWE Bad Blood goes off the air|date=October 6, 2024|first=Shakiel|last=Mahjouri|work=[[CBS Sports]]|access-date=October 27, 2024}}</ref> Owens (kayfabe) attacked Orton in the parking lot during the October 11 episode of ''SmackDown''.<ref name="SmackDown10112024">{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/10/11/wwe-smackdown-results-10-11-powells-review-of-roman-reigns-return-bianca-belair-and-jade-cargill-vs-lash-legend-and-jakara-jackson-for-the-wwe-womens-tag-titles-la-knight-vs-carmelo/|title=WWE Smackdown results (10/11): Powell's review of Roman Reigns' return, Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill vs. Lash Legend and Jakara Jackson for the WWE Women's Tag Titles, LA Knight vs. Carmelo Hayes for the U.S. Title|date=October 11, 2024|last=Powell|first=Jason|work=[[Pro Wrestling Dot Net]]|access-date=October 26, 2024}}</ref> Orton subsequently confronted WWE CCO Triple H on the October 25 episode of ''SmackDown'', who in turn scheduled a match between Orton and Owens at Crown Jewel,<ref name="SmackDown10252024">{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/10/25/wwe-smackdown-results-10-25-powells-review-of-motor-city-machine-guns-vs-diy-for-a-shot-at-the-wwe-tag-team-titles-andrade-vs-carmelo-hayes-game-seven-with-la-knight-as-special-refere/|title=WWE Smackdown results (10/25): Powell's review of Motor City Machine Guns vs. DIY for a shot at the WWE Tag Team Titles, Andrade vs. Carmelo Hayes "game seven" with LA Knight as special referee|date=October 25, 2024|last=Powell|first=Jason|work=[[Pro Wrestling Dot Net]]|access-date=October 25, 2024}}</ref> At the event, however, both men brawled throughout the arena, thus the match never officially started.<ref>{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Crown Jewel results: Powell's review of Gunther vs. Cody Rhodes for the Crown Jewel Championship, Nia Jax vs. Liv Morgan for the Women's Crown Jewel Championship|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/11/02/wwe-crown-jewel-results-powells-review-of-gunther-vs-cody-rhodes-for-the-crown-jewel-championship-nia-jax-vs-liv-morgan-for-the-womens-crown-jewel-championship/|work=[[Pro Wrestling Dot Net]]|date=November 2, 2024|access-date=November 2, 2024}}</ref> On the November 8 episode of ''SmackDown'', Orton was attacked by Owens with a package piledriver, this was used to write him off television due to cervical cord neurapraxia, a nerve injury to the spinal cord.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/kevin-owens-hits-piledriver-randy-orton-wwe-smackdown-orton-stretcher-out-arena|title=Kevin Owens Hits A Piledriver On Randy Orton On WWE SmackDown, Orton Stretchered Out Of The Arena|date=November 8, 2024|last=Lambert|first=Jeremy|work=Fightful.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/wwe-announces-randy-orton-suffered-cervical-cord-neurapraxia-smackdown-no-timetable-return|title=WWE Announces Randy Orton Suffered Cervical Cord Neurapraxia On SmackDown, No Timetable For Return|date=November 9, 2024|last=Lambert|first=Jeremy|work=Fightful.com}}</ref> Orton returned on March 1, 2025, at [[Elimination Chamber: Toronto|Elimination Chamber]], attacking Owens after his match against Zayn.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/randy-orton-returns-wwe-elimination-chamber|title=Randy Orton Returns At WWE Elimination Chamber|date=March 1, 2025|last=Lambert|first=Jeremy|work=Fightful.com}}</ref>

Orton was originally scheduled to compete against Owens on Night 2 of [[WrestleMania 41]], but the match was canceled as Owens suffered a legitimate neck injury and was unable to compete. Instead, Orton issued an open challenge at the event, which was answered by [[TNA World Championship|TNA World Champion]] [[Joe Hendry]], whom Orton defeated.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=20 April 2025 |title=WrestleMania 41 results: Powell's live review of night two with Cody Rhodes vs. John Cena for the WWE Championship, Iyo Sky vs. Bianca Belair vs. Rhea Ripley for the Women's World Championship |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2025/04/20/wrestlemania-41-results-powells-live-review-of-night-two-with-cody-rhodes-vs-john-cena-for-the-wwe-championship-iyo-sky-vs-bianca-belair-vs-rhea-ripley-for-the-womens-world-championship/ |access-date=21 April 2025 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US}}</ref> The following night on ''Raw'', Orton attacked the now-[[Heel (professional wrestling)|villainous]] newly-crowned Undisputed WWE Champion [[John Cena]] with an RKO, reigniting their storied rivalry.<ref>{{cite news |last=Elizabeth |first=Claire |title=WWE Raw results, live blog (April 21, 2025): WrestleMania 41 fallout |url=https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2025/4/21/24413531/wwe-raw-results-live-blog-april-21-2025-wrestlemania-41-fallout-john-cena-champion-jey-uso |access-date=April 22, 2025 |work=SB Nation |date=April 21, 2025}}</ref> Orton challenged Cena to a match for his championship on the April 25 episode of ''SmackDown'', but Cena declined, stating that the match should occur in Orton's hometown of St. Louis at [[Backlash (2025)|Backlash]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Smackdown results (4/25): Powell's live review of the WrestleMania 41 fallout edition with WWE Champion John Cena, plus The Street Profits vs. MCMG vs. DIY in a TLC match for the WWE Tag Team Titles|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2025/04/25/wwe-smackdown-results-4-25-powells-live-review-of-the-wrestlemania-41-fallout-edition-with-wwe-champion-john-cena-plus-the-street-profits-vs-mcmg-vs-diy-in-a-tlc-match-for-the-wwe-tag-team-tit/|date=April 25, 2025|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=April 25, 2025}}</ref> At the event on May 10, Orton failed to win the title from Cena.<ref>{{cite news |last=Sean |first=Rueter |title=WWE Backlash 2025 results, live streaming match coverage |url=https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2025/5/10/24427444/wwe-backlash-2025-results-live-streaming-match-coverage-john-cena-randy-orton |access-date=May 11, 2025 |work=SB Nation |date=May 10, 2025}}</ref>

Following Backlash, Orton participated in the 2025 King of the Ring tournament as part of the SmackDown brand and reached the finals for the second year in a row. He defeated [[Malakai Black|Aleister Black]], Carmelo Hayes and LA Knight in the first round in a fatal four-way match,<ref name="SmackDown06132025">{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=June 13, 2025 |title=WWE Smackdown results (6/13): Powell’s live review of King and Queen of the Ring four-ways, WWE Champion John Cena and MITB winner Naomi’s appearances |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2025/06/13/wwe-smackdown-results-6-13-powells-live-review-of-king-and-queen-of-the-ring-four-ways-wwe-champion-john-cena-and-mitb-winner-naomis-appearances/ |access-date=June 13, 2025 |work=[[Pro Wrestling Dot Net]]}}</ref> and Sami Zayn in the semifinals.<ref name="SmackDown06202025">{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=June 20, 2025 |title=WWE Smackdown results (6/20): Powell's live review of John Cena vs. R-Truth in a non-title match, Randy Orton vs. Sami Zayn in a KOTR semifinal match, Alexa Bliss vs. Asuka in a QOTR semifinal match |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2025/06/20/wwe-smackdown-results-6-20-powells-live-review-of-john-cena-vs-r-truth-in-a-non-title-match-randy-orton-vs-sami-zayn-in-a-kotr-semifinal-match-alexa-bliss-vs-asuka-in-a-qotr-semifinal-match/ |access-date=June 20, 2025 |work=[[Pro Wrestling Dot Net]]}}</ref> However, he lost the finals to Cody Rhodes at [[Night of Champions (2025)|Night of Champions]] on June 28.<ref name="NOC2025">{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=June 28, 2025 |title=WWE Night of Champions results: Powell's live review of John Cena vs. CM Punk for the WWE Championship, Randy Orton vs. Cody Rhodes in the KOTR final, Asuka vs. Jade Cargill in the QOTR final |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2025/06/28/wwe-night-of-champions-results-powells-live-review-of-john-cena-vs-cm-punk-for-the-wwe-championship-randy-orton-vs-cody-rhodes-in-the-kotr-final-asuka-vs-jade-cargill-in-the-qotr-final/ |access-date=June 28, 2025 |work=[[Pro Wrestling Dot Net]]}}</ref> At [[Saturday Night's Main Event XL]] on July 12, Orton, with singer [[Jelly Roll (singer)|Jelly Roll]] in his corner, defeated Drew McIntyre, with Logan Paul in the latter's corner.<ref>{{cite web |last=Murphy |first=Don |date=July 12, 2025 |title=WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event results (7/12): Murphy’s live review of Gunther vs. Goldberg for the World Heavyweight Championship, Randy Orton vs. Drew McIntyre, Seth Rollins vs. LA Knight |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2025/07/12/wwe-saturday-nights-main-event-results-7-12-murphys-live-review-of-gunther-vs-goldberg-for-the-world-heavyweight-championship-randy-orton-vs-drew-mcintyre-seth-rollins-vs-la-knight/ |access-date=July 12, 2025 |work=[[Pro Wrestling Dot Net]]}}</ref> On Night 1 of [[SummerSlam (2025)|SummerSlam]] on August 2, Orton teamed up with Jelly Roll in a tag team match against McIntyre and Paul in a losing effort.<ref name="SSlam2025N1">{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=August 2, 2025 |title=WWE SummerSlam results: Powell's live review of night one with Gunther vs. CM Punk for the World Heavyweight Championship, Jelly Roll and Randy Orton vs. Drew McIntyre and Logan Paul |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2025/08/02/wwe-summerslam-results-powells-live-review-of-night-one-with-gunther-vs-cm-punk-for-the-world-heavyweight-championship-jelly-roll-and-randy-orton-vs-drew-mcintyre-and-logan-paul/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250803035057/https://prowrestling.net/site/2025/08/02/wwe-summerslam-results-powells-live-review-of-night-one-with-gunther-vs-cm-punk-for-the-world-heavyweight-championship-jelly-roll-and-randy-orton-vs-drew-mcintyre-and-logan-paul/ |archive-date=August 3, 2025 |access-date=August 2, 2025 |work=[[Pro Wrestling Dot Net]]}}</ref>

== Professional wrestling style and persona ==

=== In ring style ===
[[File:Rko_on_raw_live_raw.webm|right|thumb|311x311px|Orton executing the RKO on [[AJ Styles]] in 2021]]
Orton's most notable move is his finishing maneuver, the RKO, a [[Cutter (professional wrestling)#Jumping cutter|jumping variation of a cutter]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://superluchas.com/diamond-dallas-page-le-dio-a-randy-orton-el-permiso-de-usar-el-rko/ |title=Diamond Dallas Page le dio a Randy Orton el permiso de usar el RKO |first=Jorge |last=Ocampo |date=December 2, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.foxsports.com/wwe/gallery/wwe-best-finishers-stone-cold-stunner-tombstone-piledriver-sweet-chin-music-ranking-080116 |title=The 25 best wrestling finishers ever, from the Stone Cold Stunner to the Mandible Claw |website=Fox Sports}}</ref> The name is a pun on his initials (Randal Keith Orton) with "Randy-[[Knockout|KO]]". He also previously used a punt kick, which saw him run up to an opponent on their hands and knees and kick them in the head; within a storyline, this usually caused a concussion or some other sort of severe head injury to his opponent, and was often used to write off the on-screen characters of wrestlers who were scheduled to take time off. However, the move was legitimately banned by WWE management in 2012 due to the ease of imitation by viewers and the risk of injury should the move be [[Botch (professional wrestling)|botched]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/32847-randy-orton-says-wwe-has-banned-one-of-his-moves/ |title=Randy Orton says WWE has banned one of his moves |first=Adam |last=Martin |date=May 23, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://prowrestling.net/artman/publish/WWE/article10025308.shtml |title=WWE News: Randy Orton says his punt kick has been banned |website=prowrestling.net}}</ref> The move was brought back in June 2020 as part of the feud between Orton and [[Edge (wrestler)|Edge]] where Orton used the Punt Kick to defeat Edge at [[Backlash (2020)|Backlash]]. Orton would then start using the move regularly again.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-results/wwe-backlash-live-results-edge-vs-orton-greatest-match-ever-313231 |title=WWE Backlash Live Results: Edge vs. Orton in 'Greatest Match Ever' |author=Steve Khan |date=June 14, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-results/wwe-raw-live-results-backlash-fallout-313351 |title=WWE Raw Live Results: Backlash Fallout |author=Steve Khan |date=June 15, 2020}}</ref>

During his initial years in WWE, Orton's gimmick was that of "the Legend Killer", a young and cocky talent who disrespected and usually defeated several legends. In late 2007, in the midst of his second [[WWE Championship]] reign, his character changed to a more unstable and treacherous personality. He then adopted the nicknames of "the Viper" and "the Apex Predator" due to his untrustworthy, snake-like character.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.foxsports.com/buzzer/story/wwe-randy-orton-shooter-chris-jericho-brock-lesnar-121216 |title=Randy Orton opens up about the Jericho-Lesnar fight and his role on 'Shooter' |date=December 12, 2016 |website=Fox Sports}}</ref> He has said numerous times that he prefers playing the [[Heel (professional wrestling)|villain]], as it is easier and more natural for him.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://comicbook.com/wwe/2018/07/27/randy-orton-wwe-reported-reason-behind-heel-turn/ |title=Reported Reason Behind Randy Orton's Heel Turn |website=comicbook.com|date=July 27, 2018 }}</ref> In January 2008, Orton told ''411Mania'': "It's easy for me to go out there and be a prick on the show because it's me times ten. And even though you probably don't like me anyway, give me five minutes and I'll make you not like me more. Being a heel is fun. It comes so natural."<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://411mania.com/wrestling/randy-orton-speaks-on-the-over-40-club-his-wwe-life-benoit-more/ |website=411Mania |title=Randy Orton Speaks On The Over 40 Club, His WWE Life, Benoit, More}}</ref>

=== Fashion and appearance ===
{{multiple image
| footer            = Randy Orton’s evolution from 2003 to 2024
| image1            = Randy Orton-Pantera-2003.jpg
| width1            = 150
| image2            = Randy Orton RR24 (slightly cropped).jpg
| width2            = 150
| total_width       = 250
}}
Throughout his career Orton’s in ring gear has mostly stayed the same, usually consisting of a typical pair of wrestling trunks, knee pads and wrist bands. During his entrances he often wears a sleeveless jacket with his signature viper logo on the back. He has kept his hair length relatively short throughout his tenure however during his run in 2009 he made the decision to shave his head bald, to give himself a more menacing look.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wilkinson |first=Matthew |date=2022-07-29 |title=10 Best Looks Of Randy Orton's WWE Career, Ranked |url=https://www.thesportster.com/wwe-randy-orton-best-looks-career-ranked/ |access-date=2025-11-19 |website=TheSportster |language=en}}</ref> Other big part of Orton’s look are his tattoos which he has multiple of, he got his first major tattoo during his [[Ohio Valley Wrestling|OVW]] days which was his iconic tribal barbed wire piece on his back.<ref>{{Cite web |last=161385360554578 |date=2020-07-09 |title=What do WWE legend Randy Orton's tattoos mean? From touching tribute to wife on finger to sleeve honouring his kids |url=https://www.the-sun.com/sport/1112240/wwe-randy-orton-tattoos-meaning/ |access-date=2025-11-19 |language=en-US}}</ref> Later on he got [[Sleeve tattoo|sleeve tattoos]] on both of his arms that he debuted in 2008, which consists of skeletons, a bible quote and references to his family. He also has one additional matching tattoo on his stomach which his wife also has.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Weyer |first=Michael |date=2021-08-15 |title=Interesting Facts Behind Randy Orton's Tattoos |url=https://www.thesportster.com/wwe-randy-orton-tattoos-interesting-facts-trivia-lawsuit-goldberg/ |access-date=2025-11-19 |website=TheSportster |language=en}}</ref>

== Acting career ==
A former [[United States Marine Corps|Marine]],<ref name=ink /> Orton was set to star in the action film ''[[The Marine 2]]'' (2009), but was replaced by [[Ted DiBiase Jr.]] after injuring his collarbone.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2009/1245941906.php |title=Note on casting for "The Marine 2" |last=Martin |first=Adam |date=June 25, 2009 |publisher=WrestleView |access-date = August 31, 2009}}</ref> He had a supporting role as the father of a school bully in the comedy-drama film ''[[That's What I Am]]'' (2011).<ref>{{cite news |first=Lael |last=Loewenstein |url=https://www.variety.com/review/VE1117944642/ |title=That's What I Am |access-date = February 21, 2011 |date=February 16, 2011 |work=Variety}}</ref> He signed on to star in the action film ''[[The Marine 3: Homefront]]'' (2013),<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/overtheropes/wwestudios/orton-marine-homefront-announcement |title=Orton in Marine 3 |author=Zach Linder |date=March 28, 2012 |publisher=WWE |access-date = March 28, 2012}}</ref> but was replaced by [[The Miz]] due to his checkered military career.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/overtheropes/wwestudios/the-miz-marine-homefront-announcement |title=The Miz starring Marine 3 |date=April 30, 2012 |publisher=WWE |access-date = May 1, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tmz.com/2012/04/02/wwe-randy-orton-marine/ |title=Scrapped from 'Marine' Flick Over Military Past |date=April 2, 2012 |website=TMZ.com |quote=A rep for WWE tells us, "WWE demonstrated poor judgment in signing Randy Orton for the 3rd installment of the film." The rep adds, "Despite Randy's popularity, the fact that he was dishonorably discharged from the USMC made it inappropriate for him to be cast in this film."}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/67318/randy-orton-dropped-from-marine-3.html?p=1 |title=Randy dropped from marine 3 |first=Mike |last=Johnson |date=April 3, 2012 |publisher=PWInsider |access-date = March 18, 2012 |quote=WWE has dropped Randy Orton from "The Marine: Homefront" .. following complaints that Orton, who went AWOL from the Marines and was dishonorably discharged.}}</ref> He later starred in the action films ''[[12 Rounds 2: Reloaded]]'' (2013)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pwinsider.com/article/70758/randy-orton-to-star-in-new-wwe-movie-which-follows-an-old-movie.html?p=1 |title=Orton starring in 12 Rounds: Reloaded |date=August 3, 2012 |publisher=PWInsider |access-date = August 4, 2012}}</ref> and ''[[The Condemned 2]]'' (2015). He had a guest role as James Richards, a former [[United States Navy SEALs|Navy SEAL]] and leader of a militia group, in a December 2016 episode of the [[USA Network|USA]] action series ''[[Shooter (TV series)|Shooter]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/article/randy-orton-shooter-usa-network-guest-star-ryan-phillippe-twitter-instagram |title=Randy Orton to guest star in USA Network's 'Shooter' |access-date = October 25, 2016 |website=WWE.com}}</ref> He also had a supporting role in the comedy-drama film ''[[Changeland]]'' (2019).

== Other media ==
In 2004, Orton appeared on the talk show ''[[Jimmy Kimmel Live!]]'' to promote [[Taboo Tuesday (2004)|Taboo Tuesday]].<ref>{{cite episode |title=Jimmy Kimmel Live! |series-link = Jimmy Kimmel |series=Jimmy Kimmel Live! |network=[[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] |airdate=October 14, 2004 |minutes=60}}</ref> In March 2007, he appeared alongside [[Edge (wrestler)|Edge]], [[John Cena]] and [[Bobby Lashley]] on the game show ''[[Deal or No Deal (US game show)|Deal or No Deal]]''.<ref name="deal">{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/dealofalifetime |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070303065644/http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/dealofalifetime |archive-date = March 3, 2007 |title=Sign-ing a Deal? |author=Zack Zeigler |access-date = May 25, 2007 |date=March 1, 2007 |publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}</ref> He was the cover athlete for the video game ''[[WWE '12]]''.<ref>{{cite web |last=Robinson |first=Jon |url=http://www.espn.com/espn/thelife/videogames/blog/_/name/thegamer/id/6889202/wrestlers-debate-their-wwe-12-ratings |title=Wrestlers debate their 'WWE 12' ratings |date=August 23, 2011 |access-date = July 5, 2018 |website=[[ESPN]] |publisher=[[ESPN Internet Ventures]]}}</ref>

In October 2014, he became a popular figure on [[Vine (service)|Vine]] and the internet, when a trend began of clips of a superimposed Orton performing his signature ''RKO'' move on internet "[[Failure#Internet memes|fail]]" victims.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mashable.com/2014/10/15/randy-orton-rko-vines/ |title=Randy Orton RKO Vines Are Destroying The Internet Today |first=Eitan |last=Levine |website=[[Mashable]] |date=October 16, 2014}}</ref>

In 2024 rapper [[Eladio Carrión]] made a song titled “RKO” in reference to Orton’s signature move, Orton made a cameo in the song’s official music video.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chiari |first=Mike |title=Video: WWE's Randy Orton Features in Eladio Carrión's Music Video for 'RKO' |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10105848-video-wwes-randy-orton-features-in-eladio-carrions-music-video-for-rko |access-date=2025-11-19 |website=bleacherreport.com |language=en}}</ref>

== Personal life ==
[[File:Randy Orton in WWE event April 6, 2018.jpg|thumb|right|175px|Orton and Kessler at the [[WWE Hall of Fame (2018)|2018 WWE Hall of Fame]] ceremony]]
Orton married Samantha Speno on September 21, 2007,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nzpwi.co.nz/home/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1614&Itemid=88 |title=Randy Orton Interview |publisher=[[New Zealand Wide Pro Wrestling]] |date=November 4, 2005 |access-date = August 22, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081222024428/http://www.nzpwi.co.nz/home/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1614&Itemid=88 |archive-date = December 22, 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,23006171-5012569,00.html |title=Wrestling the truth |last=Koha |first=Nui Te |date=January 4, 2008 |work=Herald Sun |location=Australia |access-date = April 1, 2009 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20091022230743/http://resources.news.com.au/cs/heraldsun/css/base.css |archive-date = October 22, 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref> and they had a daughter together<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/industrynews/7666912 |title=Randy Orton's wife gives birth |date=July 17, 2008 |access-date = July 18, 2008 |publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Kevin |last=Eck |url=http://xml.baltimoresun.com/sports/bal-sp.orton27apr27,0,5654482.story |title=Orton taps bad side to raise up |access-date = April 28, 2008 |date=April 27, 2008 |work=[[The Baltimore Sun]] |archive-date = January 2, 2010 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100102091148/http://xml.baltimoresun.com/sports/bal-sp.orton27apr27,0,5654482.story |url-status = dead}}</ref> before separating in late 2012 and divorcing in June 2013.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tmz.com/2013/07/10/wwe-randy-orton-divorce-final-bentley-guns/ |title=WWE Star Randy Orton Divorced |date=July 10, 2013 |access-date = July 11, 2013 |publisher=TMZ}}</ref> Orton married Kimberly Kessler, who was previously a member of his fan club, on November 14, 2015.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/97846/top-wwe-star-gets-married.html?p=1 |title=Top WWE Star Gets married |last=Johnson |first=Mike |website=PWInsider |date=November 15, 2015 |access-date = November 15, 2015}}</ref> They have a daughter together, who is Orton's second child and Kessler's fourth, and he is also the step-father of Kessler's three sons from her previous marriage.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/article/randy-orton-birth-daughter|title=Randy Orton welcomes daughter into the world &#124; WWE|website=www.wwe.com}}</ref> They reside in [[St. Charles, Missouri]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/entertainment/stories.nsf/stage/story/F14D7DB5DCA390E48625761100009CB6?OpenDocument |title=St. Louis son Randy Orton on life in (and out of) the ring |last=Ayulo |first=Santiago C. |date=August 14, 2009 |work=[[St. Louis Post-Dispatch]] |access-date = August 26, 2009 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090831191222/http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/entertainment/stories.nsf/stage/story/F14D7DB5DCA390E48625761100009CB6?OpenDocument |archive-date = August 31, 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2020 he and his wife started a clothing brand called Slthr.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Valdez |first=Nick |date=2020-09-14 |title=WWE's Randy Orton Announces New Clothing Line |url=https://comicbook.com/wwe/news/randy-orton-wwe-clothing-line-slthr/ |access-date=2025-11-19 |website=ComicBook.com |language=en-US}}</ref> Orton enjoys playing video games in his spare time.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wilkinson |first=Matthew |date=2022-09-06 |title=10 Things Fans Don't Know About Randy Orton's Life Outside WWE |url=https://www.thesportster.com/randy-orton-life-outside-wwe-facts-trivia-things-to-know/ |access-date=2025-11-19 |website=TheSportster |language=en}}</ref> Orton’s musical interest spans from rap to heavy metal and rock.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-10-31 |title=The Viper's vibe: Randy Orton's gym mix features women rappers |url=https://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/42103561/randy-orton-wwe-superstar-playlist-megan-thee-stallion-sexyy-red |access-date=2025-11-20 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref>

Orton suffers from [[Hypermobility (joints)|hypermobility]] in both of his shoulders, which has been the cause of nearly all of his most notable injuries throughout his career, sidelining him through incidents ranging from performing one of his signature taunts during a match to innocuous things such as taking out the trash at home.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.silvervision.co.uk/viewindex.asp?article_id=randy_iv&lkid=36 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080119113116/http://www.silvervision.co.uk/viewindex.asp?article_id=randy_iv&lkid=36 |archive-date = January 19, 2008 |title=An interview with Randy Orton, conducted by Silver Vision |publisher=Silver Vision |access-date = August 22, 2007}}</ref>

On August 24, 2024 Orton threw out the ceremonial first pitch at a [[St. Louis Cardinals]] game.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-08 |title=Randy Orton Throws Out First Pitch At St. Louis Cardinals Game |url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/randy-orton-throws-first-pitch-140416023.html |access-date=2025-09-12 |website=Yahoo Entertainment |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Controversies and legal issues ==
In March 2007, ''[[Sports Illustrated]]'' posted an article on its website as part of its continuing series investigating a [[Anabolic steroids|steroid]] and [[Growth hormone treatment|growth hormone]] ring used by a number of professional athletes in several sports. The article mentioned several current and former WWE wrestlers, including Orton, who was alleged to have obtained [[nandrolone]], [[oxandrolone]], [[stanozolol]], and [[testosterone (medication)|testosterone]], as well as ancillary drugs [[anastrozole]] and [[Clomifene|clomiphene citrate]].<ref name="HGH">{{cite magazine |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/more/03/19/wrestlers/index.html |title=Wrestlers allegedly tied to drug ring |date=March 18, 2007 |access-date = March 22, 2007 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |archive-date = July 25, 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130725025224/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/more/03/19/wrestlers/index.html |url-status = dead}}</ref> WWE simply claimed that the allegations preceded their Talent Wellness Program, launched in February 2006.<ref name="HGH2">{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/si |title=A Statement From World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. |access-date = March 22, 2007 |publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment |url-status=dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070328171424/http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/si |archive-date = March 28, 2007}}</ref>

In August 2018, Orton was investigated by WWE for sexual harassment when it was claimed that he had exposed himself to new members of the company's writing staff during his early career,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2790617-wwe-investigating-randy-ortons-alleged-inappropriate-sexual-behavior-to-writers |title=WWE Investigating Randy Orton's Alleged Inappropriate Sexual Behavior to Writers |first=Tyler |last=Conway |website=Bleacher Report}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/wwes-randy-orton-is-being-investigated-for-allegedly-exposing-himself-to-writers |title=WWE's Randy Orton is being investigated for allegedly exposing himself to writers |first=Morgan |last=Evans |date=August 14, 2018 |website=Fox News}}</ref> though nothing came of the investigation.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://nypost.com/2018/08/14/wwes-randy-orton-allegedly-showed-penis-to-initiate-writers/ |title=WWE's Randy Orton allegedly showed penis to 'initiate' writers |first=Morgan M. |last=Evans |date=August 14, 2018}}</ref>

Also in 2018, Orton's tattoo artist Catherine Alexander filed a lawsuit against [[Take-Two Interactive]] and [[2K (company)|2K Games]] for their unapproved use of her copyrighted tattoos on his likeness in their ''[[WWE 2K]]'' video game series.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 28, 2020 |title=WWE Headed to Trial for Copying Wrestler's Tattoos for Video Game |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/wwe-headed-to-trial-for-copying-wrestlers-tattoos-for-video-game-4067782/ |access-date= March 30, 2024 |website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |last=Gardner |first=Eriq}}</ref> She argued that the copying of the tattoos infringed on her rights as the licensed creator.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Copyright in tattoos: U.S. court rules for artist in Randy Orton / WWE 2K case – LawInSport |url=https://www.lawinsport.com/topics/item/copyright-in-tattoos-u-s-court-rules-for-artist-in-randy-orton-wwe-2k-case|access-date=February 10, 2021 |website=Lawinsport.com}}</ref> Take-Two argued [[fair use]]; since there was a material dispute on that question the judge denied the company's motion for [[summary judgement]] while granting Alexander's motion for the same on the copying issue, leaving fair use the only issue to try.<ref>{{cite court |litigants=Alexander v. Take-Two Interactive Software Inc. |vol=489 |reporter=[[Federal Reporter|F.Supp.3d]] |opinion=812 |court=[[United States District Court for the Southern District of Illinois|S.D.Ill.]] |date=2020 |url=https://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=5865443281383537263}}</ref> A trial was scheduled for September 2021, but was postponed due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 7, 2021 |title=WWE Lawsuit Over Randy Orton's Tattoos Finally Has Trial Date |url=https://www.ringsidenews.com/2021/02/07/wwe-lawsuit-over-randy-ortons-tattoos-finally-has-trial-date/|access-date=February 10, 2021 |website=Ringside News}}</ref> The trial went ahead in October 2022, with the judge ruling in favor of Alexander and declaring that she was entitled to $3,750 in damages.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-63131467 |title=WWE: Randy Orton's tattoo artist wins case over designs in game |work=BBC News |date=October 4, 2022}}</ref>

In October 2019, Orton received criticism for saying "[[nigga]]" while playing a ''[[Call of Duty]]'' game on a live [[Twitch (service)|Twitch]] stream.<ref>{{cite news |title=WWE Pro Wrestler Randy Orton Uses Racial Slur On Call Of Duty Stream |url=https://www.thegamer.com/wwe-pro-wrestler-randy-orton-uses-racial-slur-call-of-duty-stream/ |access-date=February 19, 2020 |work=TheGamer |date=October 5, 2019}}</ref>

== Filmography ==
=== Film ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!Year
!Title
!Role
!Notes
|-
|2011
|''[[That's What I Am]]''
|Ed Freel
|
|-
|2013
|''[[12 Rounds 2: Reloaded]]''
|Nick Malloy
|
|-
|2015
|''[[The Condemned 2]]''
|Will Tanner
|
|-
|2016
|''[[Countdown (2016 film)|Countdown]]''
|Himself
|
|-
|2019
|''[[Changeland]]''
|Martin
|
|}

=== Television ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!Year
!Title
!Role
!class="unsortable"|Notes
|-
|2004
|''[[Jimmy Kimmel Live!]]''
| rowspan="3" |Himself
|
|-
|2007
|''[[Deal or No Deal (American game show)|Deal or No Deal]]''
|
|-
|2010
|''[[Lopez Tonight]]''
|
|-
|2016
|''[[Shooter (TV series)|Shooter]]''
|James Richards
|Episode: "Recon by Fire"
|}

=== Music videos ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
!Year
!Artist
!Song
!Role
|-
|2024
|[[Eladio Carrión]]
|"RKO"
|Himself
|}

=== Video games ===
{|class="wikitable sortable"
|- style="text-align:center;"
! colspan=4 style="background:#B0C4DE;" | WWE Video Games
|- style="text-align:center;"
! style="background:#ccc;" | Year
! style="background:#ccc;" | Title
! style="background:#ccc;" | Role
|-
| 2002
| ''[[WWE SmackDown! Shut Your Mouth]]''
| Video game debut
|-
| rowspan="3"| 2003
| ''[[WWE WrestleMania XIX (video game)|WWE WrestleMania XIX]]''
|
|-
| ''[[WWE Raw 2]]''
|
|-
| ''[[WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain]]''
|
|-
| rowspan="3"| 2004
| ''[[WWE Day of Reckoning]]''
| Cover athlete
|-
| ''[[WWE Survivor Series (video game)|WWE Survivor Series]]''
| Cover athlete
|-
| ''[[WWE Smackdown! vs. Raw]]''
|
|-
| rowspan="3"| 2005
| ''[[WWE WrestleMania 21 (video game)|WWE WrestleMania 21]]''
|
|-
| ''[[WWE Day of Reckoning 2]]''
|
|-
| ''[[WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2006]]''
|
|-
| 2006
| ''[[WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007]]''
|
|-
| 2007
| ''[[WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008]]''
|
|-
| 2008
| ''[[WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009]]''
|
|-
| 2009
| ''[[WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010]]''
| Cover athlete
|-
| 2010
| ''[[WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011]]''
|
|-
| rowspan="2"| 2011
| ''[[WWE All Stars]]''
| Cover athlete
|-
| ''[[WWE '12]]''
| Cover athlete
|-
| rowspan="2"| 2012
| ''[[WWF WrestleFest#Follow-up titles|WWE WrestleFest]]''
|
|-
| ''[[WWE '13]]''
|
|-
| 2013
| ''[[WWE 2K14]]''
|
|-
| 2014
| ''[[WWE 2K15]]''
|
|-
| rowspan="2"| 2015
| ''[[WWE Immortals]]''
|
|-
| ''[[WWE 2K16]]''
|
|-
| 2016
| ''[[WWE 2K17]]''
|
|-
| rowspan="4"| 2017
| ''WWE Champions''
|
|-
| ''WWE Tap Mania''
|
|-
| ''[[WWE 2K18]]''
|
|-
| ''WWE Mayhem''
|
|-
| 2018
| ''[[WWE 2K19]]''
|
|-
| 2019
| ''[[WWE 2K20]]''
|
|-
| 2020
| ''[[WWE 2K Battlegrounds]]''
|
|-
| 2022
| ''[[WWE 2K22]]''
|
|-
| 2023
| ''[[WWE 2K23]]''
|
|-
| 2024
| ''[[WWE 2K24]]''
|
|-
| 2025
| ''[[WWE 2K25]]''
|
|}

== Championships and accomplishments ==
{{multiple image
| align             = right
| width             = 175
| direction         = vertical
| image1            = Randy Orton at WM30.jpg
| caption1          = Orton is a 10-time [[WWE Championship|WWE Champion]] (on his left shoulder) and a four-time [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE, 2002–2013)|World Heavyweight Champion]] (on his right shoulder), making him an overall 14-time [[Professional wrestling championship#World championships|world champion]] in WWE.
| image2            = Orton US Champ crop.jpg
| caption2          = Orton as [[WWE United States Championship|United States Champion]] at [[WrestleMania 34]]
| image3            = RKO-Edge-Tag T-Champs.jpg
| caption3          = Orton is an overall four-time Tag Team Champion in WWE, including a [[World Tag Team Championship (WWE, 1971–2010)|World Tag Team Championship]] reign with [[Edge (wrestler)|Edge]] as [[Rated RKO]].
}}

* '''''[[The Baltimore Sun]]'''''
** Wrestler of the Year (2009)<ref name="Baltimore2009">{{cite web |last=Eck |first=Kevin |title=2009 Awards |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/bs-mtblog-2010-01-2009_awards-story.html |work=[[The Baltimore Sun]] |date=January 27, 2010|access-date=September 25, 2020|archive-date=October 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026135227/https://www.baltimoresun.com/bs-mtblog-2010-01-2009_awards-story.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* '''[[Guinness Book of World Records]]'''
** Most appearances on pay-per-view for a male WWE wrestler<ref name="GBOWR">{{Cite web |url=http://411mania.com/wrestling/guinness-book-of-world-records-randy-orton-natalya-wwe/ |website=411mania |title=Guinness Book Of World Records Recognizes Randy Orton & Natalya's WWE PPV Records|access-date=February 13, 2022}}</ref>
* '''[[Ohio Valley Wrestling]]'''
** [[OVW Hardcore Championship]] ([[OVW Hardcore Championship#Title history|2 times]])<ref name="OVWHardcoreTitle" />
* '''''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'''''
** [[List of Pro Wrestling Illustrated awards#Feud of the Year|Feud of the Year]] (2009) {{small|vs. [[Triple H]]}}<ref name="PWI Awards">{{Cite web |url=http://www.pwi-online.com/pages/PWIawards.html |title=PWI Awards |work=[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]] |publisher=[[Kappa Publishing Group]] |access-date = November 19, 2016 |archive-date = January 21, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160121172943/http://www.pwi-online.com/pages/PWIawards.html |url-status = dead}}</ref>
** [[List of Pro Wrestling Illustrated awards#Most Hated Wrestler of the Year|Most Hated Wrestler of the Year]] (2007, 2009)<ref name="PWI Awards" />
** [[List of Pro Wrestling Illustrated awards#Most Improved Wrestler of the Year|Most Improved Wrestler of the Year]] (2004)<ref name="PWI Awards" />
** [[List of Pro Wrestling Illustrated awards#Most Popular Wrestler of the Year|Most Popular Wrestler of the Year]] (2010)<ref name="PWI Awards" />
** [[List of Pro Wrestling Illustrated awards#Rookie of the Year|Rookie of the Year]] (2001)<ref name="PWI Awards" /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/WrestlingBigDaddy/mar13_donnie-can.html |title=Tough talent choices lay ahead for WWF |author=Abreu, Donnie |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer |work=Slam! Sports |access-date = January 9, 2009 |date=March 13, 2002 |archive-date = July 14, 2012 |archive-url = https://archive.today/20120714140003/http://slam.canoe.ca/WrestlingBigDaddy/mar13_donnie-can.html |url-status = usurped}}</ref>
** [[List of Pro Wrestling Illustrated awards#Wrestler of the Year|Wrestler of the Year]] (2009, 2010)<ref name="PWI Awards" />
** Ranked No. 1 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the ''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated#PWI 500|PWI 500]]'' in 2008<ref>{{cite web |url=http://profightdb.com/pwi-500/2008.html |title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2008 |publisher=The Internet Wrestling Database |access-date = January 17, 2015}}</ref>
*'''[[Sports Illustrated]]'''
**Ranked No. 15 of the 20 Greatest WWE Wrestlers Of All Time <ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Pullar III |first1=Sid |title=20 Greatest WWE Wrestlers Of All Time |url=https://www.si.com/fannation/wrestling/features/10-greatest-wwe-wrestlers-of-all-time |magazine=Sports Illustrated |date=September 30, 2024 |access-date=26 November 2024}}</ref>
* '''[[WWE|World Wrestling Entertainment / WWE]]'''
** [[WWE Championship]]{{Efn|name=WWEChamp|During Orton's 8th reign, the championship was called the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.}} ([[List of WWE Champions|10 times]])<ref name="wwe-title2">{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwechampionship/ |title=History of the WWE Championship |access-date = August 10, 2007 |publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}</ref><ref name="wwe-title">{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwechampionship/5594222 |title=History Of The WWE Championship&nbsp;— Randy Orton |access-date = August 10, 2007 |publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment |url-status=dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071011003421/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwechampionship/5594222 |archive-date = October 11, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwechampionship/10023136 |access-date = April 27, 2009 |title=Randy Orton's third WWE Championship reign |publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment |url-status=dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090430143220/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwechampionship/10023136 |archive-date = April 30, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwechampionship/10538200 |access-date = June 23, 2009 |title=Randy Orton's fourth WWE Championship reign |publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment |url-status=dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090619195204/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwechampionship/10538200 |archive-date = June 19, 2009}}</ref>
** [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE, 2002–2013)|World Heavyweight Championship]] ([[List of World Heavyweight Champions (WWE, 2002–2013)|4 times]])<ref name="World Heavyweight Title" /><ref name="WHC2">{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldheavyweight/25014119 |title=World Heavyweight Championship – Randy Orton |date=May 6, 2011 |access-date = May 7, 2011 |publisher=[[WWE]] |url-status=dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110511142932/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldheavyweight/25014119 |archive-date = May 11, 2011}}</ref>
** [[WWE Intercontinental Championship]] ([[List of WWE Intercontinental Champions|1 time]])<ref name="Intercontinental Title" />
** [[WWE United States Championship]] ([[List of WWE United States Champions|1 time]])<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/unitedstates |title=United States Championship |publisher=WWE |access-date = April 18, 2018}}</ref>
** [[World Tag Team Championship (WWE, 1971–2010)|World Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of World Tag Team Champions (WWE, 1971–2010)|1 time]]) – with [[Edge (wrestler)|Edge]]<ref name="World Tag Team Titles" />
**[[World Tag Team Championship (WWE)|WWE Raw Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of World Tag Team Champions (WWE)|2 times]]) – with [[Matt Riddle|Riddle]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/raw-tag-team-championship |title=WWE Raw Tag Team Championship |work=WWE|access-date=August 22, 2021}}</ref>
** [[WWE Tag Team Championship|WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of WWE Tag Team Champions|1 time]]) – with [[Bray Wyatt]] and [[Luke Harper]]{{Efn|name=Freebird|Wyatt, Orton and Harper defended the title under the [[Freebird Rule]].<ref name="auto" />}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/smackdown-tag-team-championships |title=SmackDown Tag Team Championships |publisher=WWE |access-date = April 18, 2018}}</ref>
** [[Money in the Bank ladder match|Money in the Bank]] ([[Money in the Bank (2013)|2013]])<ref name="WWEProfile" />
** [[Royal Rumble]] ([[Royal Rumble (2009)|2009]], [[Royal Rumble (2017)|2017]])<ref name="WWEProfile" />
** [[Triple Crown (professional wrestling)#List of WWE Men's Triple Crown winners|17th Triple Crown Champion]]<ref name="GrandSlam">{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/article/randy-orton-new-grand-slam-winners |title=The new Grand Slam winners: The 10 Superstars who have won every active championship |publisher=WWE |date=March 12, 2017 |access-date = April 12, 2018}}</ref>
** [[Grand Slam (professional wrestling)#WWE|10th Grand Slam Champion]] ([[Grand Slam (professional wrestling)#WWE|under current format]]; [[Grand Slam (professional wrestling)#Guide|18th overall]])<ref name="GrandSlam" />
** [[Slammy Award]] (2 times)
*** Hashtag of the Year ([[2014 Slammy Awards|2014]]) – {{small|#RKOOuttaNowhere}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2014-12-08/2014-slammy-award-winners |title=2014 Slammy Award winners |publisher=WWE |date=December 8, 2015 |access-date = April 17, 2016}}</ref>
*** Rivalry of the Year ([[Slammy Award#2020 Slammy Awards|2020]]) {{small|vs. Edge}}
** [[WWE Year-End Award]] for Shocking Moment of the Year (2018) – {{small|Tearing [[Jeff Hardy]]'s ear}}<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://411mania.com/wrestling/wwe-announces-year-end-awards-instagram-becky-lynch-braun-strowman/ |website=411Mania |title=WWE Announces Year-End Awards on Instagram}}</ref>
* '''''[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]'''''
** [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Most Improved|Most Improved]] (2004)<ref>{{cite journal |last=Meltzer |first=Dave |author-link = Dave Meltzer |date=January 27, 2014 |title=Jan 27 2014 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2013 Annual awards issue, best in the world in numerous categories, plus all the news in pro-wrestling and MMA over the past week and more |journal=[[Dave Meltzer#Wrestling Observer Newsletter|Wrestling Observer Newsletter]] |location=[[Campbell, California]] |issn=1083-9593 |url=http://www.f4wonline.com/component/content/article/110-wrestling-observer-newsletter/35067-jan-27-2014-wrestling-observer-newsletter-2013-annual-awards-issue-best-in-the-world-in-numerous-categories-plus-all-the-news-in-pro-wrestling-and-mma-over-the-past-week-and-more |pages=11}}</ref>
** [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Most Disgusting Promotional Tactic|Most Disgusting Promotional Tactic]] (2006) <small>Exploiting the death of [[Eddie Guerrero]] ("Eddie's down there... in Hell!" promo)</small><ref name="won">{{cite journal |last=Meltzer |first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer |date=January 26, 2011 |title=Biggest issue of the year: The 2011 Wrestling Observer Newsletter Awards Issue |periodical=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]] |location=Campbell, CA |pages=1–40 |issn=1083-9593}}</ref>
** [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Most Overrated|Most Overrated]] (2013)<ref name="WON13">{{cite journal |last=Meltzer |first=Dave |author-link = Dave Meltzer |date=January 27, 2014 |title=Jan 27 2014 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2013 Annual awards issue, best in the world in numerous categories, plus all the news in pro-wrestling and MMA over the past week and more |journal=[[Dave Meltzer#Wrestling Observer Newsletter|Wrestling Observer Newsletter]] |location=[[Campbell, California]] |issn=1083-9593 |pages=1–37}}</ref>
** [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Worst Feud of the Year|Worst Feud of the Year]] (2013) – {{small|as member of The Authority vs.  Big Show}}<ref name="WON13" />
** [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Worst Feud of the Year|Worst Feud of the Year]] (2017) {{small|vs. [[Bray Wyatt]]}}<ref name="WON2017">{{cite web |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/wrestling-observer-radio/wor-2017-wrestling-observer-newsletter-awards-discussion-and-more-253601 |title=WOR: 2017 Wrestling Observer Newsletter Awards Discussion And More! |last=Alvarez |first=Bryan |author-link = Bryan Alvarez |date=March 15, 2018 |access-date = March 15, 2018 |work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref>
** Worst Feud of the Year (2021) {{small|vs. "The Fiend" Bray Wyatt and [[Alexa Bliss]]}}<ref name="WON2021">{{cite web |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/newsletters/wrestling-observer-newsletter/february-21-observer-newsletter-2021-awards-issue-cod-and-brandi-rhodes-leave-aew |title=February 21, 2022 Observer Newsletter: 2021 Awards issue, Cody and Brandi Rhodes leave AEW |work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]] |first=Dave |last=Meltzer |authorlink=Dave Meltzer |date=February 18, 2022 |access-date=February 18, 2022}}</ref>
** [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Worst Match of the Year|Worst Worked Match of the Year]] (2017) {{small|vs. [[Bray Wyatt]] at [[WrestleMania 33]]}}<ref name="WON2017" />

== Footnotes ==
{{Notelist}}

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== Further reading ==
* {{cite book |author=James Guttman |title=World Wrestling Insanity: The Decline and Fall of a Family Empire |publisher=Toronto |year=2006 |page=235 |isbn=1-55022-728-9}}
* {{cite news |title=2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts |work=Wrestling's Historical Cards |publisher=Kappa Publishing |year=2007}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|Randy Orton}}
* {{Professional wrestling profiles}}
* {{Twitter}}
* {{IMDb name}}

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