Randy Orton has been a dominant force in WWE for over two decades, largely thanks to his finishing move, the RKO. This pivotal technique has facilitated his victories over eminent wrestlers such as The Undertaker, Mick Foley, and Triple H, cementing his legacy with numerous WWE World Championships.
In an interview with wrestling journalist Bill Apter on WrestleBinge, Orton elaborated on the inception of the RKO. The move’s creation was influenced by John Laurinaitis, who, at the time, held a prominent role in talent relations within the organization.
“Diamond Dallas Page had the Diamond Cutter, but John Laurinaitis had the Ace Crusher. At the time [the RKO was being invented] he was the Head of Talent Relations and we were trying to think of something that I could do to everybody no matter how big or how small they were. And the RKO was the move.”
Despite its effectiveness, Orton acknowledges a drawback of the RKO: it requires him to experience the impact as well each time it’s delivered.
“Unfortunately it requires me to take a bump every time I give the yeah so yeah, there’s that.”
In upcoming events, Randy Orton is expected to maintain his impressive wrestling performance in WWE SmackDown’s King of the Ring semi-finals, contending against Tama Tonga for a chance to battle GUNTHER for the top spot in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, at the WWE King and Queen of the Ring.
Are you intrigued by Randy Orton’s revelation on the RKO’s roots? And how do you anticipate his King of the Ring semi-finals showdown unfolding? Share with us in the comments.
FAQs about Randy Orton and the RKO
- What does RKO stand for in Randy Orton’s finishing move?
- The RKO stands for ‘Randy Keith Orton,’ which incorporates Orton’s initials into the name of the move.
- Can Randy Orton execute the RKO on any opponent?
- Yes, the RKO was designed to be a versatile move that Orton can perform on opponents of all sizes and builds.
- Has the RKO contributed to Randy Orton’s success in WWE?
- Definitely. The RKO has played a critical role in Randy Orton’s victories and has been an essential part of his character and wrestling style.
- Why is the RKO so popular among wrestling fans?
- The RKO is popular because of its sudden execution, which can turn the tide of a match unexpectedly, and its dramatic visual impact that excites the audience.
Conclusion
Randy Orton’s RKO has not only become one of the most celebrated finishing moves in wrestling but has also been instrumental in defining his career. The move’s origin story is a testament to the collaborative nature of professional wrestling, where innovation meets tradition. With Orton set to take on Tama Tonga in the upcoming King of the Ring semi-finals, fans can look forward to potentially seeing yet another match-winning RKO that cements The Viper’s place in WWE history.