Randy Orton 665823 226156615 2008-07-17T02:05:58Z MgTurtle 1266456 {{pp-semi-protected|small=yes}} {{Infobox Wrestler |name=Randy Orton |image=Randy Orton One Night Stand 2007.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 --> |img_capt= |names='''Randy Orton''' |height={{height|ft=6|in=4}}<!-- 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/raw/randyorton/bio/|title=Randy Orton's WWE Profile|accessdate=2007-07-10|publisher=WWE}}</ref> |weight={{convert|245|lb|kg|abbr=on|lk=on}}<!-- Please do not change the height or weight. These are the measures as officially stated and they should not be changed. --><ref name="WWEProfile"/> |birth_date ={{birth date and age|1980|04|1}}<ref name="pwhof">{{cite book|title=The Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame: The Heels|last=Oliver|first=Greg|year=2007|publisher=ECW Press|isbn=1550227599|pages=pp. 205}}</ref><ref name="slam"/> |birth_place =[[Knoxville, Tennessee]]<ref name="pwhof"/><ref name="slam">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/orton.html|title=SLAM! Sports biography|accessdate=2007-07-10|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer|CANOE]]|date=2004-10-07}}</ref> |death_date= |death_place= |resides=[[High Ridge, Missouri]] |billed=[[St. Louis, Missouri]]<ref name="WWEProfile"/> |trainer=[[Bob Orton, Jr.|"Cowboy" Bob Orton]]<br/>South Broadway Athletic Club<ref name=OWOW>{{citeweb|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/r/randy-orton.html|accessdate=2008-07-16|title=Randy Orton Bio|publisher=Online Wolrd of Wrestling}}</ref><br/>Mid Missouri Wrestling Alliance<br/>[[Ohio Valley Wrestling]]<ref name=OWOW/> |debut=[[March 18]] ,[[2000]]<ref name="MMWA-SICW">{{cite web|url=http://www.mmwa-sicw.com/archives/index.php?archive_id=6|title=MMWA-SICW Archive - [[March 18]], 2000 results|accessdate=2007-08-14|publisher=MMWA-SICW.com}}</ref> |retired= }} '''Randal "Randy" Keith Orton'''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://find.intelius.com/search-summary-out.php?ReportType=1&searchform=name|publisher=Intelius People Search|title=Name search engine}}</ref><ref name="alumni">{{cite web|url=http://204.184.47.9/~sboerner/central/alumni/1998.html|title=Hazelwood Central Alumni - Class of 1998|publisher=Hazelwood Central Alumni|accessdate=2007-08-17}}</ref> (born on April 1, 1980)<ref name="slam"/> is an [[United States|American]] [[professional wrestling|professional wrestler]] currently signed to [[World Wrestling Entertainment]] (WWE) wrestling on its [[WWE Raw|Raw]] [[WWE Brand Extension|brand]],<ref name="pwhof"/> though is currently inactive due to a [[Legit (professional wrestling)|legitimate]] broken [[Clavicle|collarbone]].<ref name="collarbone"/> Orton is a [[generation|third-generation]] professional wrestler; his grandfather [[Bob Orton|Bob Orton, Sr.]], father [[Bob Orton, Jr.|"Cowboy" Bob Orton]], as well as his uncle [[Barry Orton|Barry O]], all competed in the professional wrestling industry.<ref name="pwhof"/><ref>{{cite video|year=2007|title=WWE: The Most Powerful Families in Wrestling|medium=DVD|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}</ref> Before being promoted to the main WWE roster, Orton trained in and wrestled for Mid-Missouri Wrestling Association-Southern Illinois Conference Wrestling for a month. He was then sent to [[Ohio Valley Wrestling]] (OVW). There, Orton became [[OVW Hardcore Championship|OVW Hardcore Champion]] on two separate occasions.<ref name="OVWHardcoreTitle">{{cite web |url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/ky/ovw/ovw-hc.html|title=OVW Hardcore Title|accessdate=2007-07-10|publisher=Wrestling-Titles|quote=Randy Orton 01/02/14 & 01/05/05 Jeffersonville, IN}}</ref> After signing with WWE, Orton became a member of the [[Stable (professional wrestling)|stable]] [[Evolution (professional wrestling)|Evolution]], which quickly led to him capturing the [[WWE Intercontinental Championship]], his first title with the company.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/wwf/ic.html|title=W.W.F./W.W.E. Intercontinental Heavyweight Title|accessdate=2007-10-08|publisher=Wrestling-Titles.com}}</ref> Orton also acquired the [[moniker]] "Legend Killer" during a storyline where he began disrespecting [[WWE Hall of Fame|Hall of Famers]] and physically attacking [[wiktionary:veteran|veterans]] of professional wrestling outside of appropriate restrictions.<ref name="WWEProfile"/> In 2004, Orton became the youngest [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE)|World Heavyweight Champion]], when he won the title at the age of twenty-four.<ref>{{cite web|url =http://www.wrestling-titles.com/wwf/wwe-world-h.html|title=World Heavyweight Title (W.W.E. Smackdown!)|accessdate=2007-10-08|publisher=Wrestling-Titles.com}}</ref> His title win resulted in his departure from Evolution and feud with his former stablemates. In 2006, Orton joined forces with [[Adam Copeland|Edge]] in a [[tag team]] known as [[Rated-RKO]]. As a team, Orton and Edge held the [[World Tag Team Championship (WWE)|World Tag Team Championship]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/wwf/wwf-t.html|title= W.W.W.F./W.W.F./W.W.E. World Tag Team Title|accessdate=2007-10-08|publisher=Wrestling-Titles.com}}</ref> After the team disbanded, Orton, during the fall of 2007, won the [[WWE Championship]] twice in one night.<ref name="wwe-title2">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwechampionship/|title=History of the WWE Championship|accessdate=2007-08-10|publisher=WWE}}</ref> ==Early life== Orton was born on [[April 1]], [[1980]] in [[Knoxville, Tennessee]].<ref name="pwhof"/><ref name="slam"/> Son to Elaine and [[Bob Orton, Jr.|"Cowboy" Bob Orton]],<ref name="2003 DVD">{{cite video|year=2003|title=Before They Were WWE Superstars 2|medium=DVD|publisher=WWE}}</ref> he is the eldest of two siblings&mdash;Becky and Nathan.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.randy-orton.com/x.php?go=facts|title=Randy Orton basic facts|accessdate=2008-03-22|publisher=Randy-Orton.com}}</ref> Knowing from experience the hardships of life as a professional wrestler, Orton's parents tried to convince him to stay away from wrestling,<ref name="pwhof"/> and his father warned him that life in the ring meant a life on the road, 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 from Hazelwood in 1998,<ref name="alumni"/> Orton enlisted with the [[United States Marine Corps]]. There, he was [[Military discharge#Dishonorable|dishonorably discharged]] a year later, after going [[Desertion#Absent Without (Official) Leave|AWOL]] on two separate 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|accessdate=2007-10-11|publisher=WWE}}</ref> Under the [[Uniform Code of Military Justice]], [[Private First Class]] Orton was tried and convicted under a special [[court-martial]] and was put into a [[military prison]] for thirty-eight days.<ref name="2003 DVD"/> ==Career== ===Wrestling training=== Orton first made his professional wrestling debut in 2000 with Mid-Missouri Wrestling Association-Southern Illinois Conference Wrestling (MMWA-SICW) in [[St. Louis, Missouri]], an organization that was an off-shoot of the old [[St. Louis Wrestling Club]] headed by [[Sam Muchnick]].<ref name="MMWA-SICW"/> There, he was trained by both the promotion and his father, [[Bob Orton, Jr.|Cowboy Bob Orton]].<ref name="2003 DVD"/> During this time, Orton performed in matches with wrestlers such as Ace Strange and Mark Bland.<ref name="MMWA-SICW"/><ref name="Archive - April 22, 2000">{{cite web|url=http://www.mmwa-sicw.com/archives/index.php?archive_id=2|title=MMWA-SICW archives - April 22, 2000|accessdate=2008-03-23|date=2000-04-22|publisher=MMWA-SICW}}</ref> He worked at MMWA-SICW for a month.<ref name="Archive - April 22, 2000"/> Orton then [[Referee (professional wrestling)|refereed]] a few matches with World Organized Wrestling, a promotion where his uncle [[Barry Orton]] worked.<ref name="OWOW">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/r/randy-orton.html|title=Orton's early career|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2007-08-22}}</ref> In 2001, Orton signed a deal with [[World Wrestling Entertainment]] (WWE) and was sent to their [[farm team|farm territory]], [[Ohio Valley Wrestling]] (OVW) in [[Louisville, Kentucky]], where he continued his training. During his time in OVW, Orton wrestled the likes of [[Rico Constantino]] and [[John Cena|The Prototype]] and teamed with [[Bobby Eaton]] during a [[tag team]] title tournament. He won the [[OVW Hardcore Championship|OVW Hardcore Champion]] on two separate occasions by defeating Mr. Black on [[February 14]] [[2001]] and Flash Flanagan on [[May 5]] [[2001]].<ref name="OVWHardcoreTitle" /> ===World Wrestling Entertainment=== ====2002–2003==== {{main|Evolution (professional wrestling)|l1=Evolution}} [[Image:Orton-ic-champion@commons.jpg|thumb|185px|right|Orton, during his reign as the [[WWE Intercontinental Championship|Intercontinental Champion]], which was the longest in over seven years]] Orton's first televised WWE match was against [[Bob Holly|Hardcore Holly]] on ''[[WWE Friday Night SmackDown|SmackDown!]]'' on [[April 25]] [[2002]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwwew.net/tv/smackdown/020425.htm|title=SmackDown! results - April 25, 2002|accessdate=2008-03-01|date=2002-04-25|publisher=PWWEW.net}}</ref> Soon after, Orton became a [[Face (professional wrestling)|face]] (crowd favorite) and was placed in a series of matches with Holly.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/020502.html|title=SmackDown! results - May 2, 2002|accessdate=2008-03-22|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/020509.html|title=SmackDown! results - May 9, 2002|accessdate=2008-03-22|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/020516.html|title=SmackDown! results - May 16, 2002|accessdate=2008-03-22|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/020905.html|title=SmackDown! results - September 9, 2002|accessdate=2008-03-22|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> In September 2002, Orton was [[WWE Brand Extension#Drafts|drafted]] to the [[WWE Raw|Raw]] brand, where he defeated [[Stevie Richards]] in his debut on the show.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/020923.html|title=Raw results - September 23, 2002|accessdate=2008-03-23|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwwew.net/tv/raw/020923.htm|title=Raw results - September 23, 2002|accessdate=2008-03-23|date=2002-09-23|publisher=PWWEW.net}}</ref> Within weeks of his debut on the Raw brand, Orton suffered a [[separated shoulder|shoulder injury]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/021014.html|title=Raw results - October 14, 2002|accessdate=2008-03-12|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> leaving him sidelined for months.<ref name="wah">{{cite book|title=Wrestling and Hypermasculinity|last=Oppliger|first=Patrice A.|year=2003|publisher=McFarland|isbn=0786416920|pages=pp. 112}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/030120.html|title=Raw results - January 20, 2003|accessdate=2008-03-12|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> While recovering, Orton still appeared on ''Raw'', in his own "Randy News Network" segment, a weekly vignette featuring him talking about his condition.<ref name="wah"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/021028.html|title=Raw results - October 28, 2002|accessdate=2008-03-12|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> 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]] (villain).<ref>{{cite news|author=Michael McAvennie|title=WWE The Yearbook: 2003 Edition|publisher=Pocket Books|date=2003|pages=305-306, 314}}</ref> After his injury healed, Orton joined the [[Evolution (professional wrestling)|Evolution]] [[List of professional wrestling slang#S|stable]], which consisted of [[Ric Flair]], [[Triple H]], and relative newcomer, [[Dave Batista]]. The group was [[List of professional wrestling slang#P|pushed]] on ''Raw'' from 2003 to 2004, with the height of their dominance occurring after [[WWE Armageddon#2003|Armageddon]] in 2003 when all of the men's titles on Raw were held by the members of Evolution.<ref name="Armageddon 2003">{{cite web|url=http://pwwew.net/ppv/wwf/december/2003.htm|title=WWE Armageddon 2003|accessdate=2008-03-23|publisher=PWWEW.net}}</ref> In 2003, Orton spent much of his time helping Triple H overcome challenges from [[Scott Steiner]] and [[Bill Goldberg|Goldberg]], former [[World Championship Wrestling]] (WCW) superstars who were vying with Triple H for the [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE)|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|accessdate=2008-03-12|date=2003-01-20|publisher=411mania.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwwew.net/ppv/wwf/february/2003.htm|title=No Way Out 2003|accessdate=2008-03-23|publisher=PWWEW.net}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/survivorseries03.html|title=Survivor Series 2003 Results|accessdate=2008-03-23|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> Orton joined Triple H in a six-man [[Elimination Chamber]] match for the World Heavyweight Championship at [[SummerSlam (2003)|SummerSlam]] and was involved primarily to secure Triple H's title defense.<ref>{{cite news|title=2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts|work=Wrestling’s Historical Cards|publisher=Kappa Publishing|date=2007|pages=113-114}}</ref> Afterwards, Orton proclaimed himself "The Legend Killer", a young upstart who was so talented that he touted himself as the future of professional wrestling. He embarked on numerous storyline feuds with "legendary" wrestlers and gained infamy for his blatant disrespect of many older, well-regarded names in wrestling history. He defeated [[Shawn Michaels]] at [[Unforgiven (2003)|Unforgiven]], in the first of many high profile matches billed as "Legend vs. Legend Killer", with the help of his stablemate and mentor Ric Flair.<ref name="PS112">{{cite news|author=Martin, Finn|title=Power Slam Magazine, issue 112|work=Goldberg grabs gold (Unforgiven 2003)|publisher=SW Publishing|date=2003-10-22|pages=22-23}}</ref> Orton then spat in the face of [[Harley Race]] on the [[April 26]] [[2004]] edition of ''Raw''.<ref name="kor">{{cite book|title=King Of The Ring: The Harley Race Story|last=Race|first=Harley|year=2004|publisher=Sports Publishing LLC|isbn=1596701625|pages=pp. 164}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/040426.html|title=Raw results - April 26, 2004|accessdate=2007-07-10|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> During this time, Orton began using the move that would become his signature finisher, the [[Randy Orton#In wrestling|RKO]], a [[Cutter (professional wrestling)#Jumping cutter|Jumping cutter]], named after his initials. Orton soon defeated [[Rob Van Dam]] for the [[WWE Intercontinental Championship]] at 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|accessdate=2007-07-10|publisher=WWE}}</ref> With this win, Orton started the longest Intercontinental title reign in seven years, holding the title for seven months.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/wwf/ic.html#raw|title=W.W.F./W.W.E. Intercontinental Heavyweight Title|accessdate=2007-08-23 |publisher=Wrestling-Titles|quote=Randy Orton 03/12/14 Orlando, FL}}</ref> ====2004–2005==== [[Image:Orton2004-whc.jpg|thumb|155px|left|Orton is the youngest [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE)|World Heavyweight Champion]] in [[World Wrestling Entertainment|WWE]] history.]] Orton continued to establish himself as a "Legend Killer" throughout 2004, challenging the semi-retired wrestler [[Mick Foley]]. Famed for his [[Professional wrestling match types#Hardcore-based variations|hardcore matches]] and an ability to handle excruciating pain, Foley offered Orton a hardcore "Legend vs. Legend Killer" match if Orton would put his Intercontinental Championship on the line. In a bloody match involving [[thumbtack]]s and [[barbed wire]], Orton defeated Foley.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/backlash04.html|title=Backlash 2004 results|accessdate=2007-08-23|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> In July, at [[Vengeance (2004)|Vengeance]], [[Adam Copeland|Edge]] defeated Orton to win the Intercontinental Championship, ending Orton's seven month title reign.<ref>{{cite news|title=2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts|work= Wrestling’s Historical Cards|publisher=Kappa Publishing|date=2007|pages=116}}</ref> After the loss of his Intercontinental Championship, Orton continued to rise in ranks within WWE, entering the World Heavyweight Championship scene. After becoming the #1 contender on July 26,<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/040726.html|title=Raw results - July 26, 2004|accessdate=2007-07-11|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> he defeated [[Chris Benoit]] for the championship with the added distinction of being the youngest World Heavyweight Champion in wrestling history at age twenty-four.<ref name="World Heavyweight Title">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldheavyweight/30445414211|title=Inside WWE Title History World Heavyweight 20040815 - Randy Orton|accessdate=2007-07-10|publisher=WWE}}</ref> Benoit congratulated Orton after the match, shaking his hand for showing the ability to "be a man".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lordsofpain.net/news/2004_/articles/1092636056.php|title=WWE SummerSlam Report, 8-15-04 - Live from the Air Canada Center|author=Steven Schaeffer|date=2004-08-16|accessdate=2007-08-23|publisher=Lords of Pain|quote=Chris Benoit recovered and held his hand out to Randy Orton, telling him to “Be a man!” Randy shook his hand, to a great ovation by the crowd as Randy nuzzled the belt that made him the youngest champion in WWE history.}}</ref> The following night, Evolution threw Orton a [[wiktionary: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 up]] and then abruptly changed it to a thumbs-down, which was followed by Batista dropping Orton to the mat.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/040816.html|title=Raw results - August 16, 2004|accessdate=2007-07-11|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> Ric Flair and Batista attacked Orton in the ring as Triple H revealed his jealousy for Orton's title. He ordered the young champion to hand over the championship, but Orton refused, spitting in Triple H's face and hitting him with the title belt.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/040823.html|title=Raw results - August 23, 2004|accessdate=2007-08-23|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> Orton's break-up with Evolution began a new storyline for him as a face when he continued to feud with his former stablemates.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/040823.html |title=Raw results - August 23, 2004|accessdate=2007-07-11|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> A month later, Orton lost his championship at [[Unforgiven (2004)|Unforgiven]].<ref name="PS123">{{cite news|author=Martin, Finn|title=Power Slam Magazine, issue 123|work= Panic Stations! (Unforgiven 2004)|publisher=SW Publishing|date=2004-09-22|pages=24-25}}</ref> Seeking revenge, Orton lashed out at Evolution members, catching them by surprise during a show by giving them a large cake as a make-up gift, which he came out of it to beat and humiliate the group.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/040913.html|title=Raw results - September 19, 2004|accessdate=2007-07-11|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> After this, Orton experienced another [[List of professional wrestling slang#P|push]], becoming [[List of authority figures in professional wrestling#Raw brand authorities|General Manager]] of the Raw brand for a week following a match stipulation at [[Survivor Series (2004)|Survivor Series]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwwew.net/ppv/wwf/november/2004.htm|title=Survivor Series 2004 Results|accessdate=2007-08-06|publisher=PWWEW.net}}</ref> He continued to feud with Triple H, using his authority to place his opponents at severe disadvantages during title defenses.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/041025.html|title=Raw results - October 25, 2004|accessdate=2007-07-11|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> Orton was granted another chance at the championship in January 2005 but lost a six-man championship Elimination Chamber match to Triple H at [[WWE New Years Revolution#2005|New Years Revolution]].<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=2005-01-21|pages=30-31}}</ref> On the January 10 edition of ''Raw'', Orton defeated Batista to earn a match against Triple H at the [[Royal Rumble (2005)|Royal Rumble]] for the World Heavyweight title.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/050110.html|title=Raw results - January 10, 2005|accessdate=2007-07-11|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> At the Royal Rumble, Triple H defeated Orton to retain the World title.<ref name=pwi117>{{cite news|title=2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts|work=Wrestling’s Historical Cards|publisher=Kappa Publishing|date=2007|pages=117}}</ref> [[Image:Orton 05.jpg|thumb|175px|right|Orton at a WWE [[house show]] in 2005]] Orton began an on-screen relationship with [[Stacy Keibler]] and briefly feuded with [[Jason Reso|Christian]] in February 2005.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/050214.html|title=Raw results - February 14, 2005|accessdate=2007-08-23|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> On the February 28 edition of ''Raw'', [[Billy Graham (wrestler)|"Superstar" Billy Graham]] made an appearance, in which he advised Orton to "go where no wrestler [had] gone before".<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/050228.html|title=Raw results - February 28, 2005|accessdate=2008-04-02|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> Orton then produced a copy of ''SmackDown! magazine'', which featured [[The Undertaker]] on the cover.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/050228.html|title=Raw results - February 28, 2005|accessdate=2007-08-06|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> Heeding Graham's advice, Orton claimed that he would set himself apart from all other wrestlers by ending The Undertaker's undefeated streak at [[WrestleMania]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/050317.html|title=SmackDown results - March 17, 2005|accessdate=2007-08-23|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> Throughout March 2005, Orton taunted The Undertaker, claiming he was unafraid of the eerie Deadman. On the March 21 edition of ''Raw'', Orton turned heel once more after he delivered an RKO to his unsuspecting on-screen girlfriend, Stacy Keibler, knocking her [[Unconsciousness|unconscious]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwwew.net/tv/raw/050321.htm|title=Brawl in Birmingham|accessdate=2008-03-24|date=2005-03-21|publisher=PWWEW.net}}</ref> During Orton's [[Promo (professional wrestling)|promos]], he would immediately run for cover when signs of The Undertaker's appearance were near ([[lightning]], [[darkness]], or [[smoke]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/050328.html|title=Raw results - March 28, 2005|accessdate=2007-08-23|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|quote=Randy Orton says his undefeated streak started last year and years from now people will talk about HIM! The lights suddenly went out and a very impressive video played chronicling all of Undertaker's victims! Randy Orton fled the ring in fear after all four corner posts caught on fire..}}</ref> When "legend" wrestler [[Jake Roberts]] advised Orton not to underestimate The Undertaker, Orton performed an RKO on Roberts as well.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/050314.html|title=Raw results - March 14, 2005|accessdate=2007-08-23|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> 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]], however, the heavily-hyped match was unsuccessful for Orton, as he lost despite his father's interference.<ref name=pwi117/> The following night on ''Raw'', Orton faced Batista, who had become World Heavyweight Champion. Orton stated on-screen that his match with The Undertaker had aggravated a shoulder injury.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/r/randy-orton.html|title=Profile on Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2007-08-23|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|quote=April 2005: Randy Orton has shoulder surgery under Dr. James Andrews and will be out of action for six months.}}</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!''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/050516.html|title=Raw results - May 16, 2005|accessdate=2007-08-06|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> Orton returned to WWE programming for the SmackDown! brand on June 16, announcing that he was the second pick in the 2005 draft lottery.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/050616.html|title=SmackDown results - June 16, 2005|accessdate=2007-08-06|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> He rekindled his feud with The Undertaker, defeating him at [[SummerSlam (2005)|SummerSlam]] following a distraction from his father.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwwew.net/ppv/wwf/august/2005.htm|title=SummerSlam 2005 Results|accessdate=2007-08-09|publisher=PWWEW.net}}</ref> Two months later, Orton and his father Bob Orton defeated The Undertaker in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Handicap match|Handicap]] [[Professional wrestling match types#Container-based variations|Casket match]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwwew.net/ppv/wwf/october/2005.htm|title=No Mercy 2005 Results|accessdate= 2007-08-23|publisher=PWWEW.net}}</ref> The following month, Orton was a participant in the Annual elimination match of Team SmackDown against Team Raw at [[Survivor Series (2005)|Survivor Series]]. In the match, Orton was the last remaining wrestler in the match, as he pinned [[Shawn Michaels]] to get the victory for Team SmackDown.<ref name="Survivor Series 2005">{{cite web|url=http://www.pwwew.net/ppv/wwf/november/2005.htm|title=WWE Survivor Series 2005|accessdate=2008-03-19|publisher=PWWEW.net}}</ref> At the event, The Undertaker, who had been absent since Orton had apparently killed him on an episode of ''SmackDown!'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/051129.html|title=SmackDown Special results - November 29, 2005|accessdate=2007-08-23|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> returned by emerging from a flaming casket.<ref name="Survivor Series 2005"/> The feud was finally settled with a [[Hell in a Cell]] match at [[Armageddon (2005)|Armageddon]], where The Undertaker offered to retire if he lost.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/051209.html|title=SmackDown results - December 9, 2005|accessdate=2007-08-23|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> On December 16, The Undertaker entered the ring to deliver a promo while one of his druids appeared to be standing in the ring. The Undertaker sustained an RKO from Orton in a surprise attack. The druid revealed himself to be Orton's father, who gave Orton the Undertaker's [[urn]], which, according to the storyline, allowed whomever held it to control The Undertaker.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/051216.html|title=SmackDown results - December 16, 2005|accessdate=2007-08-23|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> The Undertaker, however, beat both Ortons in a Hell in a Cell match, which ended their nine-month-long feud with The Undertaker.<ref name=pwi119>{{cite news|title=2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts|work=Wrestling’s Historical Cards|publisher= Kappa Publishing|date=2007|pages=119}}</ref> ====2006–2007==== {{main|Rated-RKO}} [[Image:Ratedrkolive.jpg|left|thumb|215px|[[Adam Copeland|Edge]] and Orton as [[Rated-RKO]]]] Following Armageddon, Orton entered the January 2006 [[Royal Rumble (2006)|Royal Rumble]] as the thirtieth wrestler to enter the match, but he was eliminated by [[Rey Mysterio, Jr.|Rey Mysterio]].<ref name=pwi119/> Mysterio won the match at a title shot, and Orton urged him to put the title shot at stake in a match at [[No Way Out (2006)|No Way Out]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/060203.html|title=SmackDown results - February 3, 2006|accessdate=2007-08-23|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> In the weeks preceding No Way Out, Orton made disparaging remarks about [[Eddie Guerrero]], Mysterio's friend, in an attempt to gain heel [[Heat (professional wrestling)|heat]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/060210.html|title=SmackDown results - February 10, 2006|accessdate= 2007-08-23|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> Guerrero's death had occurred only months previously, and many fans felt the comments were unwarranted and highly distasteful.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/060203.html|title=SmackDown results - February 3, 2006|accessdate=2007-08-24|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/060210.html|title=SmackDown results - February 10, 2006|accessdate= 2007-08-24|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/060224.html |title=SmackDown results - February 24, 2006|accessdate=2007-08-24|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> Orton won at No Way Out, earning Mysterio's title shot for the World Heavyweight Championship at [[WrestleMania 22]].<ref>{{cite web|first=Chris|last=Sokol|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2006/02/20/1452714.html|title=Main events salvage No Way Out|accessdate=2008-05-12|date=2006-02-20|publisher=CANOE}}</ref> General Manager [[Theodore Long]] re-added Mysterio to the WrestleMania 22 title match, however, making it a [[Professional wrestling match types#Basic non-elimination matches|Triple Threat match]] between Orton, Mysterio, and then-champion, [[Kurt Angle]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/060224.html|title=SmackDown results - February 24, 2006|accessdate=2007-08-23|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> On April 2, at WrestleMania 22, Orton was pinned by Mysterio, making Mysterio the World Heavyweight Champion and ending their on-screen rivalry.<ref name="PS142">{{cite news|author=Hurley, Oliver|title=Power Slam Magazine, issue 142|work=WrestleMania In Person (WrestleMania 22)|publisher=SW Publishing|date=2006-04-20|pages=16 – 19}}</ref> On [[April 4]] [[2006]], Orton was suspended for sixty days for "unprofessional conduct."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lordsofpain.net/news/2006/articles/1144189589.php|title=Breaking News: Randy Orton Suspended For 60 Days|date=2006-04-04|author=Daniel Pena|accessdate=2007-08-23|publisher=Lords of Pain}}</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/|date=2006-04-06|accessdate=2007-08-22|title=Randy Orton Speaks Out On His Suspension|publisher=Headline Planet}}</ref> To cover for the suspension, a faked injury was devised, where Kurt Angle broke Orton's ankle during a grudge match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/060414.html|title=SmackDown results - April 14, 2006|accessdate=2007-08-23|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> In July, Orton said his suspension resulted from smoking [[cannabis (drug)|marijuana]] backstage.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/wwf/wwfother.htm|title = Wrestling Information Archive - Other WWF Information|accessdate=2007-12-20}}</ref> Orton returned from his suspension in June to the Raw brand,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/060605.html|title=Raw results - June 5, 2006|accessdate=2008-03-24|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wwe/wwevsecw.html|title=WWE vs ECW Head-to-Heat results - June 7, 2006|accessdate=2008-03-24|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> where he engaged in a storyline feud with [[Hulk Hogan]]. Orton began cutting promos insulting the aging Hogan and flirted with Hogan's eighteen-year-old daughter [[Brooke Hogan|Brooke]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/060703.html|title=Raw results - July 3, 2006|accessdate=2008-03-24|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/snme/060715.html|title=Saturday Night's Main Event results - July 15, 2006|accessdate=2007-08-23|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> At [[SummerSlam (2006)|SummerSlam]], 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|date=2007|pages=121-122}}</ref> After the newly-reformed [[D-Generation X]] (DX) ([[Triple H]] and [[Shawn Michaels]]) cost [[Adam Copeland|Edge]] the WWE Championship numerous times, Edge approached Orton and asked him to join forces to defeat the team. Orton, whose championship reign had been ended by Triple H in 2004, agreed, forming the tag team [[Rated-RKO]]. The two became the first to defeat DX since their reunion and quickly dominated the Raw brand's tag team division to become [[World Tag Team Championship (WWE)|tag team champions]].<ref>{{cite web|first=Brian|last=Elliott|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2006/11/06/2253314.html|title=K-Fed costs Cena at Cyber Sunday|accessdate=2008-01-17|date=2006-11-06|publisher=SLAM! Sports}}</ref><ref name="World Tag Team Titles">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/244843211|title=Edge & Randy Orton's World Tag Team Title reign|accessdate=2007-07-10|publisher=WWE}}</ref> As part of the [[List of professional wrestling slang#A|angle]], Rated-RKO attacked Ric Flair with steel chairs to enrage DX on November 27.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/061127.html|title=Raw results - November 27, 2006|accessdate=2007-08-23|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|quote=Edge walked over to the spot and he and Randy Orton dragged a horribly bloodied Ric Flair to the ring. Edge & Randy Orton said DX were a bunch of cowards and challenged them to come out and save their friend. Edge gave Ric Flair a vicious conchairto on the ringside floor and then Randy Orton gave him one another!}}</ref> At [[New Year's Revolution (2007)|New Year's Revolution]], Rated-RKO faced DX in a title defense, but the match was declared a no-contest when Triple H suffered a [[legit (professional wrestling)|legitimate]] injury during the match.<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|accessdate=2008-05-12|date=2007-01-08|publisher=CANOE}}</ref> [[Image:Randy Orton 05 pose.jpg|thumb|215px|right|Orton showing off his signature pose]] With Triple H out of action, Rated-RKO continued their on-screen rivalry with remaining DX member Shawn Michaels. Michaels teamed with [[John Cena]] to defeat Rated-RKO for the tag team championship on January 29.<ref>{{cite news|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated|work=Arena Reports|publisher=Kappa Publishing|year=2007|month=May|page=134}}</ref> Orton and Edge suffered a series of losses to Cena and Michaels in the following months, building hatred towards one another. Edge and Orton also became rivals in their goals of achieving the [[WWE Championship]]. Neither Edge nor Orton won the Championship, and they lost their claims as number one contenders after a failed match with Cena at [[Backlash (2007)|Backlash]].<ref>{{cite web|first=Brian|last=Elliott|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/04/29/4140920.html|title=No filler makes for a consistent Backlash|accessdate=2008-01-17|date=2007-04-29|publisher=SLAM! Sports}}</ref> Orton then continued his "Legend Killer" persona, attacking Shawn Michaels. Using frequent attacks to the head, including an [[DDT (professional wrestling)#Elevated|elevated DDT]] and a running punt to the face, Orton defeated Michaels at [[Judgment Day (2007)|Judgment Day]]. When the [[kayfabe]] wounded and concussed Michaels collapsed in the ring, the referee was forced to stop the match and award Orton the victory.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwwew.net/ppv/wwf/may/2007.htm|title=Judgment Day 2007 Results|accessdate=2007-08-08|publisher=PWWEW.net}}</ref> Orton continued his attacks when he engaged himself in feuds with [[Rob Van Dam]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwwew.net/ppv/wwf/june/2007-01.htm|title=One Night Stand 2007 Results|accessdate=2007-08-06|publisher=PWWEW.net}}</ref> [[Ric Flair]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/070604.html|title=Raw results - June 4, 2007|accessdate=2007-07-10|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> [[Dusty Rhodes (wrestler)|Dusty Rhodes]],<ref name="July 23">{{cite web|url= http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/070723.html|title=Raw results - July 23, 2007|accessdate=2007-07-24|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> and [[Sgt. Slaughter]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/070730.html|title=Raw results - July 30, 2007|accessdate=2007-08-08|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> On the July 23 edition of ''Raw'', Orton was named as the number one contender at [[SummerSlam (2007)|SummerSlam]] for John Cena's WWE Championship.<ref name="July 23"/> Weeks before their scheduled match at SummerSlam, Orton attacked Cena on three separate occasions by performing RKOs on him.<ref name="July 23"/><ref>{{cite web|first=Corey|last=Clayton|url= http://www.wwe.com/shows/snme/articles/ortoncena|title=Legend Killer strikes on Saturday Night|accessdate=2007-11-13|date=2007-07-18|publisher=WWE}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/070820.html|title=Raw results - August 20, 2007|accessdate=2007-08-29|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> At SummerSlam, Orton lost the title match to Cena, who pinned Orton after executing an [[Professional wrestling throws#Fireman's carry takeover|FU]].<ref>{{cite web|first=Bryan|last=Robinson|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam07/matches/3900088/results/|title=Champ's legend lives on|accessdate=2007-11-17|date=2007-08-26|publisher=WWE}}</ref> The following night on ''Raw'', Orton demanded a rematch for the title, but his request was declined by Raw General Manager [[Darren Matthews|William Regal]]. Orton then took his demands to Mr. McMahon, who also refused to give Orton a rematch unless he proved himself. That night, Orton interfered in Cena's match by assaulting Cena and kicking Cena's father, who was at ringside, in the head.<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|accessdate=2007-11-07|date=August 29, 2007|publisher=WWE.com}}</ref> Orton was granted his title rematch against Cena at [[Unforgiven (2007)|Unforgiven]] and won by [[Professional wrestling#Disqualification|disqualification]] when Cena refused to stop punching Orton in the corner.<ref name="Unforgiven 07">{{cite web|url=http://www.pwwew.net/ppv/wwf/september/2007.htm|title=Unforgiven 2007 Results|accessdate=2007-09-17|publisher=PWWEW.net}}</ref> Cena retained the WWE title because a title cannot change hands by disqualification. After the match, Cena's father, who was again at ringside, kicked Orton in the head.<ref name="Unforgiven 07"/> At [[No Mercy (2007)|No Mercy]], Orton was awarded the WWE Championship by Mr. McMahon after Cena was stripped of the title due to an injury the previous week, which also ended the Orton-Cena storyline prematurely.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/ecw-wwe/071002.html|title=ECW results - October 2, 2007|accessdate=2008-03-19|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> Orton then lost the title to Triple H in the opening match of the show, making Orton's reign the third shortest in WWE history.<ref>{{cite web|first=Bryan|last=Robinson|url= http://www.wwe.com/shows/nomercy/matches/52672882/results/|title=Kings of Kings reigns supreme again|accessdate=2007-10-08|date=2007-10-07|publisher=WWE}}</ref> Later in the night, Orton defeated Triple H in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Last Man Standing match|Last Man Standing match]] to regain the title, thus becoming a two-time WWE Champion in one night.<ref name="No Mercy">{{cite web|first=Bryan|last=Robinson|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nomercy/matches/5267288113112/results/|title=Championship hot potato: Legend Killer's time comes after all|accessdate=2007-10-08|date=2007-10-07|publisher=WWE}}</ref> Following No Mercy, Orton continued his feud with Shawn Michaels, who made his return on the October 8 edition of ''Raw'' and performed [[Superkick|Sweet Chin Music]] on Orton.<ref>{{cite web|first=Bryan|last=Robinson|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/10082007/articles/hbkreturns|title=HBK shows Orton his 'appreciation'|accessdate=2008-03-19|date=2007-10-08|publisher=WWE}}</ref> The two met in a title match at [[Cyber Sunday (2007)|Cyber Sunday]] after a match was made in which the fans would get to vote on either Michaels, [[Jeff Hardy]] or [[Mr. Kennedy]] as the opponent.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.wwe.com/shows/cybersunday/matches/52676102/preview/|title=WWE Championship Match: Fans' Choice|accessdate=2008-03-23|publisher=WWE}}</ref> As a result, Michaels was voted to face Orton.<ref name="Cyber Sunday 2007">{{cite web|url=http://www.pwwew.net/ppv/wwf/october/cyber2007.htm|title=Cyber Sunday 2007 Results|accessdate=2007-11-19|publisher=PWWEW.net}}</ref> In the match, Orton was disqualified when he performed a [[groin attack|low blow]] on Michaels, but Orton retained the title.<ref name="Cyber Sunday 2007"/> In a scheduled rematch,<ref>{{cite web|first=Bryan|last=Robinson|url= http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/10282007/articles/brotherlylovedx|title=Brotherly love, DX-style|accessdate=2008-03-23|date=2007-10-29|publisher=WWE}}</ref> Orton successfully defended the title at [[Survivor Series (2007)|Survivor Series]] against Michaels when he performed the RKO on Michaels for the win.<ref>{{cite web|first=Bryan|last=Robinson|url= http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/matches/4335284/results/|title=Cementing a 'one-man dynasty'|accessdate=2007-11-19|date=2007-11-18|publisher=WWE}}</ref> The stipulation of the match was that if Michaels used Sweet Chin Music, the match would be stopped and Michaels would never get a chance at the WWE title, but if Orton got himself disqualified, he would lose the title.<ref>{{cite web|first=Bryan|last=Robinson|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/exclusives/hbkhandcuffed|title=The music is silenced|accessdate=2008-02-07|date=2007-11-07|publisher=WWE}}</ref> ====2008==== After weeks of intensity between the two, Orton defeated [[Jeff Hardy]] to retain the WWE Championship at the [[Royal Rumble (2008)|Royal Rumble]].<ref name="Royal Rumble '08">{{cite web|date=2008-01-27|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/royalrumble08.html|title=Royal Rumble 2008 results|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2008-04-01}}</ref> Following this, he re-engaged in his feud with [[John Cena]], who had returned from injury and won the 2008 [[Royal Rumble#Match|Royal Rumble match]].<ref name="Royal Rumble '08"/> Instead of cashing in his title opportunity at [[WrestleMania XXIV]], Cena decided to face Orton for the title at [[No Way Out (2008)|No Way Out]].<ref>{{cite web|first=Bryan|last=Robinson|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/01282008/articles/cenaready|title=Ready to get some at No Way Out|accessdate=2008-04-28|date=2008-01-28|publisher=WWE}}</ref> Orton lost the match after getting himself intentionally disqualified, thus retaining the title.<ref>{{cite web|first=Adam|last=Martin|date=2008-02-17|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2006/1203307081.shtml|title=No Way Out PPV Results - 2/17 - Las Vegas (Two Chambers, & more)|publisher=WrestleView|accessdate=2008-04-01}}</ref> At WrestleMania, Orton retained the WWE Championship in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Basic non-elimination matches|Triple Threat match]] involving Cena and [[Triple H]]. Orton won the match by pinning Cena after a [[Facebuster#Double underhook facebuster|Pedigree]] from Triple H.<ref>{{cite web|first= Larry|last=Csonka|date=2008-03-30|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/tv_reports/72089/411s-WWE-WrestleMania-XXIV-Report-3.30.08.htm|title=411’s WWE WrestleMania XXIV Report 3.30.08|publisher=411mania.com|accessdate=2008-04-01}}</ref> The following month, at [[Backlash (2008)|Backlash]], Orton lost the title to Triple H in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Basic elimination matches|Fatal Four-Way Elimination match]], which also included Cena and [[John Layfield|John "Bradshaw" Layfield]] (JBL).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/backlash08.html|title=Backlash 2008 results|accessdate=2008-04-28|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> After failing to win the title back at [[Judgment Day (2008)|Judgment Day]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwwew.net/ppv/wwf/may/2008.htm|title=Judgment Day 2008 Results|accessdate=2008-06-02|publisher=PWWEW.net}}</ref> Orton faced Triple H in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Last Man Standing match|Last Man Standing match]] at [[One Night Stand (2008)|One Night Stand]] for the title.<ref>{{cite web|first=Lennie|last=DiFino|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/results/|title=One night stood up|date=2008-05-19|accessdate=2008-06-02|publisher=WWE}}</ref> Orton lost the match and [[Legit (professional wrestling)|legitimately]] broke his [[Clavicle|collarbone]].<ref name="collarbone">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/onenightstand/exclusives/ortoncollarinjury|title=Orton suffers broken collarbone|date=2008-06-01|last=Tello|first=Craig|accessdate=2008-06-02|publisher=WWE}}</ref><!-- DO NOT ADD WEEK BY WEEK EVENTS, RUMOURS OR SPECULATION. THIS INCLUDES ANNOUNCED MATCHES THAT HAVE NOT YET OCCURRED. WIKIPEDIA IS NOT A NEWS SITE BUT AN ONLINE ENCYCLOPAEDIA. Please see the articles "Wikipedia:What Wikipedia is not" and "Wikipedia:Guide to writing better articles" for more information. --> ==In wrestling== {{Image stack |align= right |image_size= 225 |image1= RKO-2006-finsiher.jpg |image1_cap= Orton performing his RKO on [[Glen Jacobs|Kane]] }} <!--Do NOT change the order of the moves, as they comply with Wikipedia's Manual of Style--> *'''Finishing and signature moves''' **'''[[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Crossbody|Diving crossbody]]''' - 2002<ref name="OWOW"/> **'''''[[Ozone layer|O-Zone]]''''' ([[Neckbreaker#Overdrive|Overdrive]]) - 2002 **'''''RKO''''' ([[Cutter (professional wrestling)#Jumping cutter|Jumping cutter]], sometimes to a [[Cutter (professional wrestling)#Elevated cutter|rope-hung opponent]]) - 2003-present **'''[[Professional wrestling attacks#Punt|Running punt]] to an opponent's head''' - 2007-present **'''[[Suplex#Wheelbarrow suplex|Wheelbarrow suplex]]''' - [[Ohio Valley Wrestling|OVW]] **[[Professional wrestling holds#Body scissors|Body scissors]] **[[Professional wrestling holds#Chinlock|Chinlock]] **[[DDT (professional wrestling)#Elevated DDT|Elevated]] [[DDT (professional wrestling)#Spike DDT|Spike DDT]] **[[Professional wrestling attacks#European uppercut|European uppercut]] **[[Neckbreaker#Gutwrench elevated neckbreaker|Gutwrench elevated neckbreaker]] **[[Backbreaker#Inverted headlock backbreaker|Inverted headlock backbreaker]] **[[Professional wrestling attacks#Knee drop|Jumping knee drop]] **''Randy Orton Stomp''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jrsbarbq.com/2007/01/31/rumble-raw-bretaustin-goldberg-government-mule/|first=Jim|last=Ross|title=Rumble… Raw… Bret/Austin… Goldberg… Government Mule|quote=The Garvin Stomp- In all due respect to Ronnie “Hands of Stone” Garvin, it has been suggested to me that I call the move the “Randy Orton Stomp” to which I have done.|date=2007-01-31|accessdate=2007-08-22}}</ref> (Multiple [[Professional wrestling attacks#Stomp|stomps]] while circling a fallen opponent) **Rapid [[Professional wrestling attacks#Forearm club|forearm shots]] to head and chest of a seated opponent **[[Dropkick|Standing dropkick]] **[[Powerslam#Scoop powerslam|Scoop powerslam]] <!--Do NOT change the order of the moves, as they comply with Wikipedia's Manual of Style--> *'''[[Manager (professional wrestling)|Managers]]''' **[[Ric Flair]] **[[Bob Orton, Jr.|"Cowboy" Bob Orton]] **[[Amy Dumas|Lita]] *'''[[Nickname]]s''' **'''The Legend Killer'''<ref>{{cite web|title=Prelude to a final curtain call?|accessyearmonthday=2008-11-12|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/11122007/articles/preludetofinalcurtain|publisher=WWE.com|accessdate=2008-02-04}}</ref> <!--Do NOT add "One Man Dynasty" or "The Age of Orton," as they are not nicknames, but phrases used to describe Orton's era as WWE Champion.--> *'''[[Music in professional wrestling|Theme music]]''' **'''"Voices"''' by [[Rev Theory]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestlingnewsworld.com/wwe-news/-voices-by-rev-theory-written-specifically-for-randy-orton.php|title="Voices" By Rev Theory Written Specifically For Randy Orton|date=2008-05-27|last=Gray|first=Richard|accessdate=2008-05-27|publisher=WrestlingNewsWorld}}</ref> **"This Fire Burns" by [[Killswitch Engage]] - Used for one week; Eventually became the theme for [[CM Punk]] **"Burn In My Light" by [[Mercy Drive]] - After Orton was kicked out of [[Evolution (professional wrestling)|Evolution]] **"Line In The Sand" by [[Motörhead]] - While Orton was part of Evolution **"Evolve" by [[Jim Johnston (composer)|Jim Johnston]] (WWE Production Music) - While Orton was in Evolution **"Blastin' " by Jim Johnston (WWE Production Music) ==Championships and accomplishments== [[Image:Orton WWE Champion.jpg|thumb|right|175px|Orton during his second reign as [[WWE Championship|WWE Champion]].]] *'''[[Ohio Valley Wrestling]]''' **[[OVW Hardcore Championship]] <b>(Final)<b> ([[OVW Hardcore Championship#Title history|2 times]])<ref name="OVWHardcoreTitle"/> *'''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]''' **[[PWI Most Hated Wrestler of the Year]] ([[PWI Most Hated Wrestler of the Year#2007|2007]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lordsofpain.net/news/2008/articles/1203360467.php|title=Hornswoggle Wins Pro Wrestling Illustrated's Rookie Of The Year Award; More 2007 Award Results Revealed|date=2008-02-18|last=Pena|first=Daniel|accessdate=2008-04-13|publisher=Lords Of Pain|quote=Most Hated Wrestler Of The Year - Randy Orton (36%)}}</ref> **[[PWI Most Improved Wrestler of the Year]] ([[PWI Most Improved Wrestler of the Year#2004|2004]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.genickbruch.com/index.php?befehl=weitereawards&award=10&sort=0&jahr=2004|title=Awards der Pro Wrestling Illustrated: 2004|accessdate=2008-04-13|publisher=Genickbruch: Die Wrestlingseite des alten Europa|language=German}}</ref> **[[PWI Rookie of the Year]] ([[PWI Rookie of the Year#2001|2001]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.genickbruch.com/index.php?befehl=weitereawards&award=10&sort=0&jahr=2001|title=Awards der Pro Wrestling Illustrated: 2001|accessdate=2008-04-13|publisher=Genickbruch: Die Wrestlingseite des alten Europa|language=German}}</ref> **PWI ranked him #'''5''' of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the [[Pro Wrestling Illustrated#PWI 500|PWI 500]] in 2004<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwi50004.htm|accessdate=2008-07-16|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated Top 500 - 2004|publisher=Wrestling Information Archive}}</ref> *'''[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]''' **[[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE)|World Heavyweight Championship]] ([[List of World Heavyweight Champions (WWE)|1 time]])<ref name="World Heavyweight Title"/> **[[World Tag Team Championship (WWE)|World Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of World Tag Team Champions (WWE)|1 time]])<ref name="World Tag Team Titles"/> &ndash; with [[Adam Copeland|Edge]] **[[WWE Championship]] ([[List of WWE Champions|2 times]])<ref name="wwe-title2"/><ref name="wwe-title">{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwechampionship/5594222 |title=Randy Orton's second WWE title reign|accessdate=2007-08-10 |publisher=WWE.com}}</ref> **[[WWE Intercontinental Championship]] ([[List of WWE Intercontinental Champions|1 time]])<ref name="Intercontinental Title"/> **[[Triple Crown Championship#WWE Triple Crown|Seventeenth Triple Crown Champion]] ==Controversy== While on the Raw brand, Orton was accused of harassing fellow WWE employees [[Amy Weber]] and [[Rochelle Loewen]], which led to the departure of Weber from the company. Loewen, who has called Orton "an animal", claimed that he vandalized her possessions and subjected her to harassment.<ref>{{cite news|first=Stu|last=Starrs|url=http://www.lordsofpain.net/news/2005/articles/1118936565.php|title=WWE Diva Rochelle Loewen talks about hazing from Randy Orton, claims he hated her|publisher=Lords of Pain|date=2005-06-16|accessdate=2007-08-22}}</ref> Fellow [[WWE Diva Search]] contestant (and eventual winner) [[Christy Hemme]] has stated in an interview with ''[[The Sun (newspaper)|The Sun]]'' that she does not believe that Orton harassed Weber or Loewen.<ref name="Rothstein">{{cite news|first=Simon|last=Rothestein|url=http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2003560001-2005380448,00.html|title=Hemme is Christy clear|accessdate=2007-08-22|date=2005-06-16|work=[[The Sun (newspaper)|The Sun]]}}</ref> On [[March 19]] [[2007]], ''[[Sports Illustrated]]'' posted an article on its website as part of its continuing series investigating a steroid and [[Growth hormone treatment|HGH]] ring used by a number of professional athletes in several sports. That article mentioned several current and former WWE wrestlers, including Orton who was alleged to have obtained [[Clomifene|clomiphene citrate]], [[anastrozole]] and the [[Anabolic steroid|steroid]]s [[stanozolol]], [[nandrolone]], [[oxandrolone]], and [[testosterone]].<ref name=HGH-SI>{{cite web|url= http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/more/03/19/wrestlers/index.html|title=Wrestlers allegedly tied to drug ring|date=2007-03-18|accessdate=2007-03-22|work=[[Sports Illustrated]]}}</ref> WWE has since made a statement on this situation, claiming that the allegations preceded the Talent Wellness program WWE launched in February 2006.<ref name=HGH-WWE>{{cite web|url= http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/si|title=A Statement From World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.|accessdate=2007-03-22|publisher= WWE}}</ref> ==Personal life== In November 2005, Orton announced his engagement to his girlfriend Samantha Speno.<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= NZPWI|date=2005-11-04|accessdate=2007-08-22}}</ref> They married on [[September 21]] [[2007]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sescoops.com/wwe/PICTURE_Of_Randy_Orton_His_New_Wife_Samantha.shtml|title=Randy Orton news|accessdate=2007-09-27|publisher=Sescoops}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://registry.weddingchannel.com/cs/sortresult.action?rfn=Samantha&rln=Speno&em=-1&ey=2007&et=10&sortField=coregLastName&isReverse=false&retailer_uid=$retailer_uid|title=WeddingChannel.com - Search Results|accessdate=2007-09-27|publisher=WeddingChannel.com}}</ref> In December 2007, Orton announced that he and his wife were expecting their first child, a daughter due on [[July 15]] [[2008]].<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.wwe.com/inside/industrynews/6853748|title=Randy Orton and his wife expecting first child|date=2008-04-10|accessdate=2008-04-12|publisher=WWE}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Kevin|last=Eck|url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/other/bal-sp.orton27apr27,0,922236.story|title=Orton taps bad side to raise up|accessdate=2008-04-28|date=2008-04-27|work=[[Baltimore Sun]]}}</ref><!--Do NOT add the birth of Orton's daughter, unless a source is provided--> He had a tattoo on his left arm which read "USMC" for United States Marine Corps but covered it up after receiving a [[Military discharge#Bad Conduct (BCD)|bad conduct discharge]] from the service. He was sent home after serving thirty-eight days in military prison at Camp Pendleton in California.<ref name="ink"/> Orton suffers from [[Hypermobility|hypermobile]] shoulders.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.silvervision.co.uk/viewindex.asp?article_id=randy%5Fiv&lkid=36|title=An interview with Randy Orton, conducted by Silver Vision|publisher=Silver Vision|accessdate=2007-08-22}}</ref> ==Notes== {{Reflist|2}} ==References== *{{cite book|author=James Guttman|title=World Wrestling Insanity: The Decline and Fall of a Family Empire|publisher=Toronto|date=2006|pages=235 pages|isbn=1550227289}} *{{cite news|title=2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts|work=Wrestling’s Historical Cards|publisher=Kappa Publishing|date= 2007}} ==External links== {{Portal|Professional wrestling|break=yes}} {{portal|United States Marine Corps|USMC_logo.svg}} {{wikiquote}}{{commons|Category:Randy Orton|Randy Orton}} *[http://www.wwe.com/superstars/raw/randyorton/bio/ WWE profile] *[http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/r/randy-orton.html Online World of Wrestling profile] *{{imdb name|id=1169315|name=Randy Orton}} *{{TV.com person|id=125363|name=Randy Orton}} <!--Please do not add a fansite. See [[WP:EL]].--> <!-- Metadata: see [[Wikipedia:Persondata]] --> {{Current World Wrestling Entertainment employees}} {{Persondata |NAME=Orton, Randall Keith |ALTERNATIVE NAMES= |SHORT DESCRIPTION=Professional wrestler |DATE OF BIRTH=[[April 1]] [[1980]] |PLACE OF BIRTH=[[St. Louis, Missouri]] |DATE OF DEATH= |PLACE OF DEATH= }} {{DEFAULTSORT:Orton, Randy}} [[Category:1980 births]] [[Category:Living people]] [[Category:American professional wrestlers]] [[Category:People from Knoxville, Tennessee]] [[Category:People from Tennessee]] [[Category:People from St. Louis, Missouri]] [[Category:People from Jefferson County, Missouri]] [[Category:United States Marines]] [[bar:Randy Orton]] [[da:Randy Orton]] [[de:Randy Orton]] [[es:Randy Orton]] [[fr:Randy Orton]] [[hr:Randy Orton]] [[it:Randy Orton]] [[he:רנדי אורטון]] [[nl:Randy Orton]] [[ja:ランディ・オートン]] [[no:Randy Orton]] [[pl:Randy Orton]] [[pt:Randy Orton]] [[ro:Randy Orton]] [[ru:Рэнди Ортон]] [[fi:Randy Orton]] [[sv:Randy Orton]] [[tl:Randy Orton]] [[vi:Randy Orton]] [[tr:Randy Orton]]