17 Interesting facts about Randy Orton

Here are some interesting facts about Randy Orton, the professional wrestler and actor:

Randy attended Hazelwood Central High School in Florissant, Missouri, where he began his interest in amateur wrestling.

1. Former Marine: Orton joined the United States Marine Corps after finishing high school. He completed boot camp and then the School of Infantry, where he became a squad leader. At some point, Orton realized he wasn’t ready to “die for his country” and began looking for ways to leave the service. After going AWOL twice and disobeying orders from a commanding officer, he received a bad conduct discharge. Under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, he was tried and convicted by a special court-martial, after which he spent 38 days in the brig at Camp Pendleton, California. Interestingly, Orton was initially cast for the lead role in the movie Marine 3, but due to backlash from the Marine Corps over his military past, the role was given to The Miz. Orton also had his “USMC” tattoo, which was related to his Marine service, removed.
2. Worked at a Gas Station: After leaving the Marines, Orton worked the night shift at a gas station near his home in St. Louis.
3. Could Have Been a Referee: After his discharge from the Marine Corps, Orton decided to try his hand at the family business. However, with little wrestling experience, management wanted Orton to start as a referee. Apparently, Randy didn’t like this idea, and WWE eventually signed him as a wrestler. His father, Bob Orton, noted that Randy was hired primarily because he wanted to be a third-generation wrestler. Bob personally trained Randy at the Mid-Missouri Wrestling Association academy. Orton then joined WWE’s developmental territory, Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW). Interestingly, Randy’s father initially tried to dissuade him from entering the business because a wrestling career meant a life on the road and away from family.
4. Youngest WWE Champion: In 2004, he became the youngest WWE Champion in history. However, due to the tragedy involving Chris Benoit, the company has tried to avoid mentioning this achievement of Randy’s.
5. Issues with Banned Substances: Yes, Orton has had some issues. In August 2006, he was suspended for 30 days for violating the WWE Wellness Program related to banned substances. He was the first star to be penalized under this program. In 2007, Sports Illustrated began an investigation into steroid use in sports. In March, they published an article accusing several WWE wrestlers of using banned substances, with Orton’s name included on the list. WWE responded that they had launched the “Talent Wellness Program” afterward. Then, in 2012, Randy failed a test again and was suspended for 60 days, as it was his second violation.
6. Struggles with Substance Abuse: Orton has publicly talked about his struggle with substance abuse, including an overdose in 2006. Additionally, Randy admitted that he attended anger management classes.
7. Victim of a Fan Attack: During a show on July 30, 2013, in Cape Town, Randy Orton entered the ring in his usual manner, climbed the turnbuckle to spread his arms and freeze in his signature pose. At that moment, a fan managed to get into the ring and hit Orton with a low blow from behind. Randy quickly realized this wasn’t part of the show and decided to fight back. However, security subdued the attacker and escorted him out of the building. The fan turned out to be a local wrestler nicknamed “The Blacksmith,” who simply wanted to gain fame. However, his 15 minutes of fame have long since passed.
8. Notorious Backstage Reputation: Orton was known for his willingness to clash with roster members, and he had a rather fiery temperament. He even allowed himself to be somewhat unrestrained during interviews. For instance, in one interview with a Mexican news anchor, Randy harshly scolded the reporter. However, it is said that Orton has significantly changed, becoming calmer and wiser.
9. Interesting Fact with Pro Wrestling Illustrated Awards: In 2009 (and also in 2007), he won the “Most Hated Wrestler” award. But just a year later, everything changed dramatically, and he was named the “Most Popular Wrestler” in 2010. This drastic change in status (within a year) has only been seen twice in history. The late Roddy Piper managed to transform from the most hated wrestler in 1984 and 1985 into a fan favorite, winning the “Most Popular Wrestler” award in 1986. CM Punk did the exact opposite. After his legendary Pipe Bomb promo and winning the WWE title, he was awarded the “Most Popular Wrestler” in 2011, only to become the most hated wrestler by 2012 according to Pro Wrestling Illustrated. Orton was also named Wrestler of the Year (in 2009 and 2010), Most Improved Wrestler of the Year (in 2004), and won the “Feud of the Year” award (in 2009 alongside Triple H) by PWI. On the other hand, WON in 2017 criticized Orton’s feud with Bray Wyatt, giving them the award for Worst Feud and Worst Match for their WrestleMania 33 bout. Additionally, in 2013, the publication recognized Orton as the Most Overrated Wrestler of the Year.
10. Loves Being a Heel: In an interview, Randy admitted that being a villain is easier for him because on-screen, he plays an exaggerated version of himself. Orton noted that if someone doesn’t like him, just give Randy five minutes, and he’ll make them hate him even more. Orton added that being a heel is fun and natural for him.
11. Acting Career: Randy was inspired by his uncle to get into acting. He enjoys action movies, so it’s no surprise that this is the genre he often stars in. In 2011, he played a cameo role in the movie That’s What I Am. He also starred in WWE Studio films such as 12 Rounds: Reloaded, The Condemned 2, and Countdown. Additionally, Orton appeared as a guest star in the TV series Shooter. Last year, Randy had supporting roles in the comedy films Changeland and Long Shot.
12. Vine Star: In 2014, Vine clips featuring people falling with Orton performing an RKO on them became viral. Even WWE’s official website featured a compilation of these RKO Vines.
13. Twice Married: In November 2005, Orton announced his engagement to his girlfriend Samantha Speno. They married on September 21, 2007. On July 12, 2008, their daughter Alanna Marie Orton was born. Randy has a tattoo of his daughter on his left forearm (showing her birth date in Roman numerals).

    In June 2013, Orton and Speno divorced. In July 2015, Randy announced his engagement to Kim Marie Kessler, with whom he remains married to this day. He has five children, including three stepsons and two daughters, the youngest of whom was born in November 2016. She is the only biological child of Randy and Kim.

Royal Rumble Wins
Randy Orton is a two-time winner of the Royal Rumble match, securing victories in 2009 and 2017. Winning the Royal Rumble is one of the highest honors in WWE, granting the winner a championship match at WrestleMania.

Apex Predator Nickname
Orton is often referred to as the “Apex Predator” and “The Viper” due to his methodical and calculating approach in the ring, often likened to that of a snake waiting to strike.

Tattoos
Randy Orton is known for his extensive tattoos, which have become a significant part of his image. His tattoos include tribal designs, skulls, and roses, each carrying personal significance.

Video Game Appearances
Orton has been featured in numerous WWE video games, and his character is often one of the most popular choices among players. His RKO move is especially fun to execute in the virtual world.