Do you people actually ehm.... "like" Orton?

[GeminiGarlord]

Ok, I'm not a Orton fan I'll say it from the start. But I'm quite curious to know if anyone actually really really likes him (I mean, he's technically top heel of the company... technically), and if so, why.

He's decent in ring albeit usually a bit boring, his promo are terrible and he has the personality of a bald mole (a moderately angry bald mole admittedly). I mean, he does have "the look" and has always had it, but that alone doesn't really make a great wrestler.

Thinking back I always remember him piggybacking other wrestler's heat and momentum, continuously being put together/against hugely more established guys since Evolution. Even the beloved "legend killer" gimmick I personally never liked, because "I can beat up old people" doesn't really scream "believable and dangerous heel to me".

I dunno, just wanna hear your thoughts on the guy.

 

[Aeon Mathix]

Randy Orton is an interesting case. I was a big fan when he turned face in 2010 because he seemed like a fire lit up in him. When Orton cares he is damn near perfection in the ring. Everything he does is incredibly crisp and his psychology is some of the best I have ever seen. He knows what will either piss off a crowd or get them to jump to their feet in praise. There is a strong emphasis on the word "cares" though. Although I do praise his in ring work and natural ability as a professional wrestler, he does come off as phoning it in a lot of the times.

He can be rather boring at times yes but that is because I think he has ran his course as a heel for the most part. His pinnacle of heel heat was from the 2009 feud with Triple H when he DDT'd Stephanie and punted Vince. You can't really top that no matter what you do and if you try then the crowd nowadays will start cheering because you are evil and look awesome doing it. It's not all on him it is just how wrestling works now. The RKO is a face move in that it comes out of nowhere and you can't help but pop for it or at least I can't. It's in the same vein as the stunner or sweet chin music.

His mic skills are often underrated and just like his ring work do come off as he simply doesn't care, but when he gets passionate about something and tries it's actually pretty top notch. The type of opponent he works with is a huge factor as well in determining if his latest rivalry is going to be interesting or not. Again not a knock on him some wrestlers simply work better with some people and dont work well with others.

In the end Randy has all the potential and when he is motivated he produces some great matches. When he is not though, it is easy to see why people would find him boring. I often think his ability is underrated though for reasons as stated above.

 

[Creepy Old Man]

I believe the IWC has a massive problem giving Orton credit because he's a WWE creation. His in-ring work, to me, is sensational. Others have said the same.

Bret Hart: "Randy doesn’t necessarily get credit for being a great technician, but he is. People always use that term for me, 'The Excellence of Execution' — and that’s what Randy is."

Dolph Ziggler: "[Orton is] awesome, he's so good at this. It makes me mad how good he is."

Billy Gunn: "[O]ne of the premiere, best guys...Randy Orton is very, very good."

 

[George Steele's Barber]

Ok, I'm not a Orton fan I'll say it from the start. But I'm quite curious to know if anyone actually really really likes him (I mean, he's technically top heel of the company... technically), and if so, why.

He's decent in ring albeit usually a bit boring, his promo are terrible and he has the personality of a bald mole (a moderately angry bald mole admittedly). I mean, he does have "the look" and has always had it, but that alone doesn't really make a great wrestler.

I know what you mean. It is almost like he is playing the role of a spoiled, apathetic wrestler who doesn't live up to his potential and doesn't care about love from the fans.

Thinking back I always remember him piggybacking other wrestler's heat and momentum, continuously being put together/against hugely more established guys since Evolution.

I know, when he first started, he was being booked in matches with wrestlers with more experience. By the way, why do I hear people use the word push? What is that?

Even the beloved "legend killer" gimmick I personally never liked, because "I can beat up old people" doesn't really scream "believable and dangerous heel to me".

You too? I don't like people who beat up old people either. We should start a political party.

I dunno, just wanna hear your thoughts on the guy.

Randy Orton is a terrific wrestler. He excels at certain aspects more than others but he is one of the top performers of the last ten plus years for many reasons. Your dislike of him is an example of one of those reasons.

 

[LBGetBack]

Yes, I'm a fan of Orton. I think he's a very good and underrated in ring worker. His moves always look well executed, he has a number of cool signature moves, a great finisher, he's a very good seller.....to me, he's a consistent and very good performer.

I like him much better as a heel. I enjoyed his face turn and the early part of his face run, but then he got boring after awhile.

I always like him as a heel, though I enjoyed the more arrogant character of his younger days more than "the viper". I think Orton needs some fresh storylines and opponents at this point, so a face turn or at least a break away from the Authority would be good for him.

 

[Mudlup50]

Personally I like him, he's one of my favorite wrestlers. He's been consistently here and like others have said he can get whatever reaction he wants from the crowd, which is something only a few guys can do.

The legend killer gimmick wasn't about him being weak, it was about him crippling people who can't defend themselves. The only other options in that spot would be physically handicapped people(Zach Gowen) or divas and let's be realistic, if he attacked divas it'd just be low class all together.

While I do like Orton, I feel like his level of success is his downfall, 12 time world champion and he still has about a decade left. His character has always pretty much been the same "I attack defenseless people." And in that way he's like Cena. I don't think anything would put him over as a babyface(Kinda like how Cena gets booed as a face).

I think, personally, he should step out of the main event scene for a while. Give him his match with Lesnar and then push him to upper mid card status. Which is where he is now.

And to the people who claim Orton's always been a lonewolf: Evolution, Legacy, His Dad, Rated RKO and now the authority.

 

[GeminiGarlord]

I know what you mean. It is almost like he is playing the role of a spoiled, apathetic wrestler who doesn't live up to his potential and doesn't care about love from the fans.



I know, when he first started, he was being booked in matches with wrestlers with more experience. By the way, why do I hear people use the word push? What is that?

Yeah, the problem is that after having his push and all I still never felt he ever "carried" any feud. I never felt that something he was in because HE was great.

 

[George Steele's Barber]

Yeah, the problem is that after having his push and all I still never felt he ever "carried" any feud. I never felt that something he was in because HE was great.

I want to comment on this but I don't really know what you mean by carry a feud. I know what I think you mean and if that is the case then I don't really think being able to carry a feud is something I look for in the wrestlers that I like or dislike. These guys just need to do things to entertain me. If someone can't carry a feud and I am a booker I don't put him in a feud with another guy who can not carry a feud, but as a fan that doesn't matter to me at all.

What do you mean by "carrying a feud" and why is it important to your enjoyment?

 

[GeneralKarim]

I've always liked Randy Orton because of his unique character and his amazing wrestling skills.

He's in the prime of his career and is in the best ring shape he's ever been, even after injuries.

Look, the guy isn't the best talker, but I think he's way better than say, Alberto Del Rio ( someone I also like very much ). I think he's just a bit stale on the mic so he isnt very creative like let's say Dean Ambrose or even Cena. He seems to always be reading of a script, sadly.

Now what I really like about him is his persona. Even as a face he seemsed like a giant douche. The guy is a born heel. He's a silent assassin who comes and RKOs people "out of nowhere". Really I've neved been interested in Orton's promos, but what he is lacking in promos he makes up for in his incredible mannerisms in the ring and his flawless wrestling.

Really in a world where everyone heels or faces are trying to be cool this guys sticks to his guns and I appreaciate that and I welcome it. He's also a part of a list of wrestlers that can have dream matches with most people.

Also he's a victim of some really bad booking for the past few years. And I think he could have been used a little bit better. The most recent thing is his WWEWHC run and onward. Him turning face now would be good, because even tho he's a way better heel, his booking atm is very bad and him turning face against the Authority because he doesnt want to be their lapdog anymore is pretty good.

 

[GeminiGarlord]

I want to comment on this but I don't really know what you mean by carry a feud. I know what I think you mean and if that is the case then I don't really think being able to carry a feud is something I look for in the wrestlers that I like or dislike. These guys just need to do things to entertain me. If someone can't carry a feud and I am a booker I don't put him in a feud with another guy who can not carry a feud, but as a fan that doesn't matter to me at all.

What do you mean by "carrying a feud" and why is it important to your enjoyment?

I can agree on this. And in fact my thread is not a "Orton suck", was just curious if and why people like him "so much".

He is undoubtedly solid in the ring (although again, never extremely exciting to watch) and looks tough, but at least to me it never seemed enough to justify him being basically "top heel" of the company for such a long time.

 

[JoeyJoeJoe]

Randy Orton is fine to watch in the ring -- seriously, the guy hardly ever has a bad match. His moveset meshes well with others, and he's got a finisher that can get pops from the crowd because of the "suddenness" of the move.

There are times that I can get into an Orton feud, and times that I can't. When Randy is booked strong, and made the focus of the feud, he excels. I'm thinking of his Legend Killer days and feuds with Michaels and Undertaker, and his great feud with John Cena. Orton was a cold, vicious, egotistical bastard and it worked awesome. Orton was putting on fantastic matches last year with Daniel Bryan both with him in 6 man tag team matches against the Shield, and then later against him.

Times where Orton hasn't worked for me: Interestingly enough, when he's been paired up with Triple H in any respect. WrestleMania 24 seemed like Orton was the fifth wheel despite being the champion, something that was repeated at from about TLC 2013 on thru WrestleMania 30. Trips kind of stole the spotlight the entire time as the true "heel" that needed to be toppled last year. Even the feud at WrestleMania 25 didn't work for me. Honestly, I couldn't get behind the idea of Orton at villain vs. the McMahons and Helmsleys at faces.

But the same can be said of almost every wrestler at some point in their life. I'm sorry, the second go-round of Ric Flair Vs. Hulk Hogan back in WCW did nothing for me. John Cena's turned in some real snoozer feuds against guys like Kane, Ryback, Big Show, Alberto Del Rio, and The Miz. Randy Savage? Try going back and getting into his feuds with Dusty Rhodes, Crush, or his WCW feud with Hogan.

 

[MartialHorror]

I'm sort of indifferent, although I think he can be effective. I think he has pretty good wrestling psychology, is decent on the mic and can carry a good match. With that said, I feel he needs to leave the authority to be an effective heel.

At least during late last year, I felt Orton was the 'main bad guy', while Triple H and Stephanie were in the background. These days, I feel Triple H and Steph are the primary villains while Orton has been reduced to being one of their thugs. It's even worse as Rollins seems to be replacing Orton as their #1 guy. Unless they plan on turning him face, I don't know what they're doing with him.

 

[Softcore Holly]

Orton's a case of too much of the same thing, similar to Cena. Both have been on top of the company for close to a decade and both haven't really changed their character in any significant way. Only real difference is Orton has switched from face to heel but still overall the same guy. So no matter how good he is he's going to feel stale to long time viewers.

That being said he is a really good member of the roster. He has a great look and is more than capable of putting on great matches. And if WM30 showed us anything about Orton is that the man is tough as nails. Seriously to keep going after that kind of injury is amazing. Mic wise when he's motivated he's one of the best guys on the roster, problem here is he hasn't been really motivated in a while.

As for top heel, lack of options in their eyes probably. Brock is a part-timer that can't be relied on for Raws, HHH isn't going to wrestling on TV either, too soon for Rollins, way too late for Kane or anyone else of his time like Big Show/Henry. Dunno what's up with Bray being gone, Miz is not at a top heel level and may never reach there again, even if Barrett comes back soon it would take a lot for him to get to Orton's level, and anyone else is most likely a joke character and/or in the tag division. So it's no real surprise that Orton has his spot.

 

[Deoxyribonucleic A.C.I.D.]

I first started watching WWE in early 2009. During that time, Randy Orton was in an awesome feud against Triple H. He was a great heel, a true heel. It won't be far-stretched if I said that Orton was the one who sold me into wrestling.

Then in 2010, Orton turned face. For me it was another successful turn, but grew pretty stale in the proccess. It wasn't until 2011 that I saw Orton's true ring potential.

I don't know why they keep the wrestlers from wrestling on RAW, but Smackdown really was the brand of wrestling back in 2011. Randy Orton vs Christian, Mark Henry, Cody Rhodes. It was gold. Then he went back on RAW again and grew stale once more until his heel turn.

It's as one other poster said. When Orton cares, he is the best on the roster. Period. His problem is that he can't stay interesting for an extended period of time. I'd really like to see the Orton from 2011 come back, because that was his best work since his Legend Killer gimmick. That was the reason I like him still.

Triple H often calls Orton "the most gifted athlete in wrestling, but he's too dumb to see it". I believe he's right even in "real life". If it wasn't for his sometimes-extreme-personality, he'd trully be the best.

 

[chuckmdubya]

It too me a long time to well kind of like him.
Hated him for years, not the way you hate a heel, but genuinely, I thought wrestling would be better without him. Thought he was boring, very boring and couldn't figure out why he was always a main eventer.

But after years of watching him, I kind of respect his longevity and in ring talent. The legend killer and Viper era's really helped him out, they gave him a personality without really having to have one. Basically he could take people out and not say much and that was what he did.

He's gotten better with mic skills and always benefits from stables and managers. He's a good wrestler, but not a legendary sports entertainer.

 

[beckyh]

My favorite Orton feuds were his first few years, right up and through his Rated RKO time. (Watch it on You Tube. totally worth it!). He is a good physical technician in the ring but seriously lacks his prior charisma on the mile. But he was heavily into drugs during that period as well. (He admits it on The Randy Orton Experience dvd) He also has had behavior problems with women (divas division) and anger issues. Also some soft porn pics out there. (okay, that is a plus and not a negative).

He is great eye candy and he can without a doubt wrestle. But too often he is not mentally there. I have seen him forget promos on live tv, participate in getting people fired, verbally abuse people out of character, etc. That diminishes his talent in my eyes. That is like ordering a big mac combo from McDonalds. You get the burger but only half the drink and told 'f-- you' on the fries.

 

[kadroan]

I like Orton. He's underrated. Very versatile wrestler - can wrestle fast paced, slow paced. He's definitely evolved since his debut.

I just hate how the writers can't consistently use him right. He was in limbo in 2012, now he's back in 2014 after having that mega push in 2013.

 

[BuriedByCena]

Orton is awesome. Always has been. I have always considered him the top guy over Cena no matter how much WWE wants to convince us he's not. At least Orton actually puts guys over with great matches. Kofi, Christian, Ziggler and tons more. He can be the dominant face of WWE whenever he wants, but is willing to elevate others when asked. Unlike supercena.

 

[DetectiveZelix]

I, for one have always liked Orton. I think its sad that they seem to keep him in these "Follow the leader" B!tch boy roles. As the vicious Viper in 09 nothing could stop him. As the Legend Killer in 04-05 he was the man. He's always had a dominance in the way he carries himself with his mic work. Some say its boring. I say it's intense and matches what his character is supposed to be. I hope soon WWE will play up to Orton strengths and have him be the rebellious greedy hungry warrior who breaks completely away from the Authority and fights back. I think orton is alot better in the Lone Wolf type roles. I always prefer his aggressive side vs his sissy act he was made to do in the latter parts of the Triple H and Mcmahon fued in late 09. There's always been something about Orton that keeps me as a fan. Perhaps its just his aggressive kindve assh0le character. I'm not one for the goody two shoes which is why John Cena has no place on my list of faves

 

[MCMG]

Love him. When Orton is at his best there are very few who are better. The problem Orton has is performing at his best every single week and every feud.

In the ring he is wonderful. He can tell a story better than pretty much everyone on the current roster and can do it with a range of superstars. His performances on the mic fluctuate. He can get pretty much anyone to hate him but he was undoubtedly boring as a face.

Orton is inconstant, sure, but he is a wonderful pro wrestler. There are very few people that can say they are better than him and I, for one, enjoy watching Orton over most names in wrestling.

 

[Navi]

Orton's a case of too much of the same thing, similar to Cena. Both have been on top of the company for close to a decade and both haven't really changed their character in any significant way. Only real difference is Orton has switched from face to heel but still overall the same guy. So no matter how good he is he's going to feel stale to long time viewers.

This.

Orton is stale and needs to be overhauled. I don't know what the problem is really. He's been around what seems to be forever, and has been featured heavily in PPV's and on TV for quite some time now. Part of the problem is the fact that the WWE doesn't have a lot of main event talent and has only started to get some in the last year or so. So I don't think it's Orton's fault entirely, same with Cena. When you see the same thing day in and day out it does become boring, sort of like eating the same meal night after night, you soon become tired of it.

Now Orton is one of the best in the ring, but even looking at him, he looks bored and not into it anymore. At least Cena comes out like a bull, and gets right into his matches, Orton just strolls out there and I get the feeling that a lot of times he is phoning it in. I'm probably wrong, but watching him even at a house show a couple of months ago I was getting that impression. He really can't be the Legend Killer anymore, there aren't any of them left around to kill, so maybe he can become the Beast Master and go after Lesnar. I would love to see an Orton/Lesnar feud. Either that, take some time off when the injured guys return, and give us and him a break. He can come back fresh and ready to go again. He's still a young guy and has a good few years left in him.

 

[JoeyJoeJoe]

He really can't be the Legend Killer anymore, there aren't any of them left around to kill, so maybe he can become the Beast Master and go after Lesnar. I would love to see an Orton/Lesnar feud. Either that, take some time off when the injured guys return, and give us and him a break. He can come back fresh and ready to go again. He's still a young guy and has a good few years left in him.

I think the problem with that is that you need to have a reasonable expectation that Orton would win that match, but honestly, does anyone expect Lesnar to drop the title before WrestleMania?

This is the problem with the Internet...we know too much of the WWE's booking plans. Shit gets leaked left and right. I'm at the point where I'd much rather be in the dark about the WWE's plans because right now, you can really see the wires showing and it ruins the magic in so many ways.

 

[Navi]

I think the problem with that is that you need to have a reasonable expectation that Orton would win that match, but honestly, does anyone expect Lesnar to drop the title before WrestleMania?

This is the problem with the Internet...we know too much of the WWE's booking plans. Shit gets leaked left and right. I'm at the point where I'd much rather be in the dark about the WWE's plans because right now, you can really see the wires showing and it ruins the magic in so many ways.

I don't know any of the WWE's booking plans and never claimed too. Please show me where I said I did. What I put in was something that could or I would like to see happen, but I'm sure the WWE is way ahead of me and everyone else in the IWC...............or maybe not.

 

[mkw1962]

Randy Orton is a great bad guy but the fans want to cheer him. I think he is a great wrestler he has got that mean streak in him. I would change him back to a face, he is being held back with the authority. Who right now could face Brock and win, he did not win the title 12 times for nothing.

 

[TDFG]

I like him, the booking of him lately hasn't been good but when they have Orton in 'legend killer' mode he's as good as what WWE have.

I think he'd be a good Heyman guy or under Flair's wing, I think it would add something else to his character.