Is Randy Orton Becoming Unreliable?

[Jack-Hammer]

According to an article I read about half an hour ago, Randy Orton might be taking some time off in order to deal with some sort of personal issue. The article doesn't provide any details on what this issue is, only that it doesn't involve an injury or Wellness Policy violation. The report also doesn't state when or if Orton will be taking this time off.

To me, it seems like Randy Orton is becoming someone who is more difficult for WWE to count on. Orton has been injured on a relatively frequent basis for a while in which he's had to take some time off. He had to take some time off due to popping his shoulder out of place at the Tribute to the Troops taping, the same trick shoulder that he injured in a motorcycle accident several years back. Before that, I think he suffered a mild concussion that kept him out of the ring for a few weeks as well. Then there's his 2nd Wellness Policy violation last year that had many questioning Orton's future in the WWE, both fans and WWE insiders alike. Orton is also someone that, allegedly, has a long history of attitude problems backstage resulting in several incidents over the years.

I'm assuming that this time off, it if does indeed happen, won't be until after WrestleMania. If it's before WM, then this will certainly put a crimp in WWE's plans for the show.

 

[LoudClearVoice]

Orton is too talented and still young enough that it would be dumb for WWE to throw him away. Orton just needs to go back to being a heel. That's when he reached his peak.

He'll be 33 in April so he's still younger than both Cena and CM Punk. The Wellness violations are the biggest stumbling block right now. Yes, he's been injured but so has basically every top star.

If they're planning on having him in one of the WM main events, it means they still believe in him. If he wins the belt at WM, he'll probably hold it for a couple PPVs then drop it maybe at Summer Slam, take a couple months off right after that, then come back as a full blown heel.

I don't think reliability is an issue or they wouldn't even be considering him for the World title match at WM. There's still a good possiblity he wins the RR or the World Title Elimination Chamber. So, WWE still has enough faith in him to remain a stop main eventer.

 

[Mustang Sally]

So, WWE still has enough faith in him to remain a stop main eventer.

Yes, but there's also the possibility that if we were in a time when there were bunches of people ready to step into the main event, WWE might be willing to let Orton go, or at least de-emphasize his standing so that his absences wouldn't impact the company so much. As it is, there really is a dearth at the top, causing management to elevate people like Dolph Ziggler and The Miz......it could also be argued that Ryback attained main event status much sooner than expected because when John Cena got injured before his PPV match with Punk, there really wasn't anyone else to step up; so they had to reach down.

If the report is true about Randy needing time off to deal with a personal issue, so much the worse. Between his injuries and health violations, he's missed a lot of time already. If this is personal, then yes, we're supposed to express the appropriate amount of sympathy and best wishes, blah blah blah. But, face it, time and money is invested in these performers and as sorry as we may feel for them, their absence creates a vacuum in storylines and manpower that has to be made up somehow. When they're out, they're not helping the company at all.

Whatever Randy's schtick is this time, he may yet reach a point of diminishing returns.....and if WWE can somehow come up with a bunch of new stars in the future, he might someday find himself as the leader of Aces & Eights.....or playing high school gyms in West Virginia.

 

[THTRobtaylor]

So it sounds like things aren't rosy in the Orton household then... if it isn't drugs or injury then there's only one thing it can really be...

Personally I would not miss Orton, he hasn't been a major factor in so long now due to all his cock ups and injuries that he is away more than active. Vince could easily "trim the wage bill" a bit and let him go to TNA for a spell, they know he'll come back and they can get rid of that onerous contract he is on.

If he is gonna stay, fine, but he shouldn't be anywhere near the main event any longer, if he wants to job out to Ritchie Steamboat as a heel for example, let him but someone with his past cock-ups can't then take time off for personal stuff and expect to be in the same role, that's the trade (if it is this) family or career...

 

[boywithbluehanger]

My guess is that he's probably frustrated with the way the company has severely de-pushed him. I'm sure it's not easy seeing someone like CM Punk get all of the spotlight that should have been given to him. (based on the status he held as a anti-hero face) Secondly, I doubt he looks at Sheamus and thinks that the guy's any better of a superstar than himself. Also take into account that he's been sitting on the shelf since 2010. Here it's 3 years later and he's still not getting any major title love. I'm not saying that he deserves to but I can imagine that through his eyes, his job isn't nearly as cool as it used to be.

This isn't to say that he's faking his issues or anything but I have to question that if he were on top of the WWE still, would he be having all of these hiatuses. Randy Orton to me is just a case of the company not making the most of what it had. Cena and Orton were the closest thing to The Rock and Austin when they were feuding in 2008-2009. We still haven't got to see the two of them square off face vs. face. So there's a huge "selling" argument that can be made to keep him around. His nightly pop also further reinforces that he's still relevant to the live crowds. Unlike many around here, I'm not a huge fan of focusing on new talent "just cuz". If WWE weren't so hellbent on pushing new guys like Ryback they'd have more time to focus on one of their bigger draws.

Orton has a place with the company but he needs to keep it together or he'll soon find himself the biggest star of TNA.

 

[Poop Master Flex]

I would say at least lately his reliability has been into question due to injuries and wellness violations. This doesn't prove much as we don't know why he needs time off, maybe its a family issue or whatever but I would see WWE's point if they diminish his role when he comes back.

The truth though he is still one of the most talented and over performers the WWE has so they will always have a place for him, where on the card is what could change. I know if it was me I wouldn't want someone who is injury prone and takes a lot of time off but if he can deal with his stuff, come back and be consistent then he has a place in the main event for sure.

I wouldn't write him off as unreliable, over the last 5-6 years Orton has been pretty rock solid so I would give him more time and see how it goes but if the injuries pile up over the next few years then you may want to consider him for a mid card role or release him as much as it would suck.

 

[Diet Soda]

Maybe the era of Orton is done. Granted, I was never his biggest fan; I enjoyed the Evolution run and his Legend Killer gimmick was quite watchable, as were his feuds with Triple H and Cena but afterwards he became a bit boring.

Sure, he's got years left in him physically, but it'd take a lot for me to be interested in him as a character when there's so much new blood coming into the roster right now.

 

[Hordriss]

Injuries can't be helped - these guys work so much that I'm amazed they don't take more time off injured.

As for being unreliable, that could well be a valid point. However, time off away from the ring, and not under the cloud of a wellness violation, could well be beneficial to Orton. He can come back, his issues sorted and ready to go. Hopefully as a heel, I wasn't watching WWE during any of his heel run (I stopped watching altogether between 2002 and 2010) and I'd love to see a reinvigorated Orton playing a bastard heel.

Orton himself has made it plain he'd rather be a heel, and he's without a doubt one of the most talented guys on the roster. It'd be a blast to watch.

 

[Kodo Sawaki]

Is Randy Orton Becoming Unreliable?

He becomed unreliable long time ago with wellness policies violations and backstage incidents...

Fortunatly for him, WWE severly invested into him and they are not ready just to let him go when he could at least help putting people over and he is one of the best(perhaps even the best) technical workers they got so he could always put a good match.

And you are right, if he takes some time off it would be after Wrestlemania. Now he would be needed for Rumble and EC(as one of the participants in WHC title match probably) and in Wrestlemania in at least some kind of angle...

 

[HellBoundPower]

Orton has been unreliable for the entire year of 2012. He's been out of the ring more than in this year with a wellness violation, injuries, and the filming of his upcoming movie. He's finally back, and now it looks like he's going to be taking even more time off. I understand that his personal life seems to be in shambles and he needs some time off, but I think he's really putting the nail in the coffin of his career. While I don't think he'll just be outright released, his stock in the company is falling at an increasingly dramatic pace. Not only is he not the guy on SmackDown anymore, but he seems like almost an afterthought. His face run is stale, and even a heel turn wouldn't be too much of a help if he's taking time off again. What Orton needs is a big heel turn and to stick around for it to sink in. Unfortunately I don't see it happening that way if he's taking time off, and it's just going to hurt him in the long run in my opinion.

 

[Pedigree1]

Wow to say Randy Orton is unreliable would be such a taboo issue a couple of yrs ago. But not so much nowadays. If the reports are true which i have no doubt that they are,then its just one more thing yet again with this guy. Between his past wellness violations and injuries are we witnessing the end of the Viper?

Im wondering what issue he has going on this time? I hope its not serious but the fact,that the wwe,continues to pour money into this guy and he just cant sustain any long term momentum. He really hasnt been involved in any main event scenes in quite some time now. He is ultra talented has amazing skills and decent mic skills. But truly has he been grateful for his talents or really just kinda been on cruise control expecting everything to be given to him.

After all his name is Randy Orton!! I hope if he does take this time off as indicated he evaluates himself. He can still go IMO and be ultra successful. Dont expect to be given anything titles RR wins earn it. He used to be like that but IMO i think his head swelled a little bit and like all athletes expected to be given the sun.

I like him alot i really do. Not trying to bash him just stating on what i see. Take time off Randy get your shit together and come back and be the Viper the true blackhearted viper i know you can be!

 

[TheOneBigWill]

According to an article I read about half an hour ago, Randy Orton might be taking some time off in order to deal with some sort of personal issue. The article doesn't provide any details on what this issue is, only that it doesn't involve an injury or Wellness Policy violation. The report also doesn't state when or if Orton will be taking this time off.

It honestly seems to me it could be one of two things, albeit neither are likely regarding the Wellness Policy.

One; I believe that each wrestler gets burnt out over time. It seemed that Shawn Michaels, the Undertaker, and even Triple H, all took time off each year for 4-5 months at a wack. Especially as their career's went on.

Orton may be younger to a degree, but the guy is still a 10 year vet. He's suffered multiple injuries, and likely can't perform a full year anymore. You add that into the fact that each wrestler goes through personal hell while traveling some 300 days of the year and away from their Families, and it wouldn't surprise me that he's asking for time off.

The other reason of the two?

....

To me, it seems like Randy Orton is becoming someone who is more difficult for WWE to count on. Orton has been injured on a relatively frequent basis for a while in which he's had to take some time off. He had to take some time off due to popping his shoulder out of place at the Tribute to the Troops taping, the same trick shoulder that he injured in a motorcycle accident several years back. Before that, I think he suffered a mild concussion that kept him out of the ring for a few weeks as well.

Frustration. It's easy for a guy like Orton to become irate with a Company, with the past he's had. He was basically brought in and raised by the likes of Triple H and Shawn Michaels. I'm not trying to throw them under the bus, but it isn't like they weren't protecting him and taking his side while he was getting away with a ton of crap that would've gotten any other new-comer long since shit-canned.

Orton hasn't been truly relevant since he was WWE Champion, feuding with Wade Barrett and the Nexus, or World Champion feuding with Christian. The point is - if you aren't going to use him as a top center piece like he believes he is - he likely isn't going to play to his top level of talent, wasting it on mid-card matches against people he feels are so far beneath him it's pointless.

Then there's his 2nd Wellness Policy violation last year that had many questioning Orton's future in the WWE, both fans and WWE insiders alike. Orton is also someone that, allegedly, has a long history of attitude problems backstage resulting in several incidents over the years.

Once again - he's had multiple attitude issues already. So it isn't unlikely that this isn't the top reason.

Wasn't he upset that he and Punk didn't get a better spot on the card at Wrestlemania a couple years back? What happened shortly after that? He was handed a World Championship to make him happy.

The guy has had more "surprise returns" in the past year than most wrestlers have in an entire career. It certainly seems like if the spotlight isn't centered on him, he just isn't happy.

I'm assuming that this time off, it if does indeed happen, won't be until after WrestleMania. If it's before WM, then this will certainly put a crimp in WWE's plans for the show.

At this point, he doesn't even have a natural feud going into Mania to begin with. So losing him now wouldn't be horrible, either.

Rock/Cena, Lesnar/Triple H, Punk/Taker

.. all have been rumored matches, and any of the 6 can combine to face one another and still sell the event with, or without, Orton having a random spot filling the middle of the card or opening the show.

In my opinion, Randy Orton thinks he's bigger than the Company. He needs a wake-up call.

 

[blairvb79]

i dont think anything else than its a work to give him a break and provide him the time needed to make a character change

 

[PsychoBlack]

Orton is not unreliable. He always steps up when the company needs him to and is always entertaining. Yes he gets injured but that's just a part of the business when you go out and wrestle every night. For at least the last 5 years he's had at least one match of the year candidate and is usually involved in feud of the year as well. So to say he has become unreliable is just ridiculous. His wellness policy violations may turn out to be a problem but it's not like he's missing shows because he's somewhere strung out on crack or heroine. He likes to smoke weed as grown ass man if he wants to smoke a joint let him smoke a joint it's not hurting anyone and it's not messing with his performance so just let it be.

 

[lenguy]

Wasn't he upset that he and Punk didn't get a better spot on the card at Wrestlemania a couple years back? What happened shortly after that? He was handed a World Championship to make him happy.

From what I understand. Orton wasn't given the world title because of his issue with his match placement at WM. Creative wanted Orton to be the number 1 player on the SD brand when he was first drafted. From what I gather it was their decision to put the strap on Orton. That's what I remember from the reports,could be wrong.

The guy has had more "surprise returns" in the past year than most wrestlers have in an entire career. It certainly seems like if the spotlight isn't centered on him, he just isn't happy.

He's not happy because he's wanted to be a heel now for the better part of a year. He feels he works better when he's a heel. I really don't think its because of how he's been booked.

In my opinion, Randy Orton thinks he's bigger than the Company. He needs a wake-up call.

I don't think its that at all. Just because somebody requests time off doesn't mean its because he feels like he can take time off when ever he feels like because he's "bigger than the company" The reports suggest that he is going through some personal issues at home. He requested the time off so he could deal with it and be with his family. The guy has a young daughter. Maybe he just wants to spend time with his family. I mean, these superstars on the road 300 plus days a year. I think he's justified when it comes to family obligations.

Like you said,since he's not really currently doing anything that relevant then this would be a good time to take some time off. Go home,spend time with his family,rest up,get mentally back in the game if he's feeling drained of the business and then come back better than ever. I remember Jericho once saying that if you're burnt out and not feeling it then you are going to get sloppy and not only risk seriously hurting yourself but others as well. That could be one aspect about it,we just don't know.

As far as Orton's reliability is concerned. Well,you could make that argument because he does miss a lot of time. Mostly due to injury though. In this line of work,people are expected to get hurt from time to time,it comes with the job. I doubt Orton ever plans on purposely getting injured just so he can have a few weeks off.

I personally don't believe Orton is as brash as most people make him out to be,at least not nowadays. Sure he may fly off the handle a few times but Orton's been like that most of his career. I truly believe Orton is in a state of mind of self improvement,mostly in his attitude. Having a daughter changed him,that will do that to you. Sure people will read reports and various rumors online and they think they know the whole story and then proceed to cry wolf and bellyache about how Orton or(Insert generic superstar here) hasn't change and its the same old tired story. I refuse to buy into all that fiddle-faddle of internet knowitallism. Sure take it for what it's worth but just don't pass it off as 100% truth.

As far I'm concerned,let him take time off. It will leave the door open for other people to step up and fill that void when he's not around. Orton is still young,hes what 31? I'd bet he still has a full decade left in him if he stays healthy and clean. He's already accomplished more than most will in their entire careers. Let him take time off,give other people that spot and then Orton can return and start programs with the hopeful established superstars that could have use a top spot like Ortons. I'm not saying he make a habit out of it but it could be beneficial. Not just for other superstars but for him if he really is feeling that burnt out. If that is the case. No harm in it really.

Just my two cents.

 

[Desyar]

This is saddening news.

Despite the fact that I find him boring these past few years, I've been a huge fan of Orton during his Evolution days. I truly hope that this doesn't affect his career much if this is true.

 

[Jenna.]

I've actually been really frustrated on how they've used Randy for over a year now. Granted he was suspended and he gets injured, but this was at one point the second face of the company. Now I feel like he's trending the waters of mid/main event level when he should strictly be in the main event. And I get his character lies more with a heel persona and that's what he wants and that's what most people want, but it doesn't really matter what he is at this point. Face or Heel he's still going to get great pops and people will still cheer for him...he's that damn talented. What he needs is a good feud, he needs to be back in the championship picture...hell maybe even the WWE title discussion at some point this year. Randy Orton is one of the few greats of this era and needs to be treated that way. Hopefully when this time off comes, it'll breathe life into his character/situation when he returns.

 

[Dirk]

Orton is way past unreliable. Maybe he should just take off the rest of the year to finally heal up all his niggles and to rest those shoulders. He's not the safest bet, but there is a reason he was pushed so hard so early - the man is excellent between the ropes.

When he had his feud with Christian for the WHC, it felt like he was SuperCena 2, but in retrospect, maybe it was because half of us in the IWC are Christian marks and couldn't accept his stinted reign.

This might sound a little crazy, but if Orton played down his ruthless badassness a little, he might actually get booed. He has to find an ultra face (I'm talking lawful good here, people) to feud with and the injury risk with him AND Rey would be sky high.

Injuries are a part of any physical entertainment, but even by those standards Orton is off a lot. Give him the sabbatical, try to keep him clean and healthy and PLEASE write something decent for Randy - he'll be good for it.

 

[AzLunchbox]

I'm surprised noone has brought up this possibility yet, But....

I think it's possible that he may have failed another wellness policy test and was forced to "take time off" as a suspension that hides his 3rd (or maybe 4th or more) strike.

That way they don't have to fire him, They don't have to worry about him going to Impact Wrestling, They don't have to "lose their star"

I remember there was some IWC talk a bit back when he got "injured" that it might have been his 3rd strike being covered up, so i'm surprised the thought hasn't crossed anyones mind yet.

I'm not sure if that's what happened or not but it's certainly something I wouldn't put past Vince doing to keep his star.

 

[The Butcher]

i dont think anything else than its a work to give him a break and provide him the time needed to make a character change

It's very possible, and it's what I'm hoping it is.

I don't think its that at all. Just because somebody requests time off doesn't mean its because he feels like he can take time off when ever he feels like because he's "bigger than the company" The reports suggest that he is going through some personal issues at home. He requested the time off so he could deal with it and be with his family. The guy has a young daughter. Maybe he just wants to spend time with his family. I mean, these superstars on the road 300 plus days a year. I think he's justified when it comes to family obligations.

Like you said,since he's not really currently doing anything that relevant then this would be a good time to take some time off. Go home,spend time with his family,rest up,get mentally back in the game if he's feeling drained of the business and then come back better than ever. I remember Jericho once saying that if you're burnt out and not feeling it then you are going to get sloppy and not only risk seriously hurting yourself but others as well. That could be one aspect about it,we just don't know.

As far as Orton's reliability is concerned. Well,you could make that argument because he does miss a lot of time. Mostly due to injury though. In this line of work,people are expected to get hurt from time to time,it comes with the job. I doubt Orton ever plans on purposely getting injured just so he can have a few weeks off.

I personally don't believe Orton is as brash as most people make him out to be,at least not nowadays. Sure he may fly off the handle a few times but Orton's been like that most of his career. I truly believe Orton is in a state of mind of self improvement,mostly in his attitude. Having a daughter changed him,that will do that to you. Sure people will read reports and various rumors online and they think they know the whole story and then proceed to cry wolf and bellyache about how Orton or(Insert generic superstar here) hasn't change and its the same old tired story. I refuse to buy into all that fiddle-faddle of internet knowitallism. Sure take it for what it's worth but just don't pass it off as 100% truth.

As far I'm concerned,let him take time off. It will leave the door open for other people to step up and fill that void when he's not around. Orton is still young,hes what 31? I'd bet he still has a full decade left in him if he stays healthy and clean. He's already accomplished more than most will in their entire careers. Let him take time off,give other people that spot and then Orton can return and start programs with the hopeful established superstars that could have use a top spot like Ortons. I'm not saying he make a habit out of it but it could be beneficial. Not just for other superstars but for him if he really is feeling that burnt out. If that is the case. No harm in it really.

Just my two cents.

Well you got a good return on your investment. Solid points throughout. Just highlighted some parts I hope everyone reads.



My thing is, and I know this here is all just talk and speculation, but no one here is capable of accurately and fairly determining something like this. Based off of everything I can see and read he's fine. Plus, the OP indicated that WWE isn't down on him (trying give title match at WM28) and they'd know better than us.

He's been clearly been coming to work, so it's not like he's unreliable making his shows. It's not a Wellness Policy strike, because if they bothered to give him strikes one and two, they'd give him the third- especially right now while his stock is low. Plus they'd just rehire him down the line. But anyway he's staying clean. If it's any injury, Orton and the reports are hiding it very well. If we're going to hold a bad year against him, that's fine, but that's how unreliable he was, not how unreliable he is or will be.

Maybe it's just a "personal family issue" like the report here on the WZ main page says. There are a lot of things that could be and very few of them are good. Personally, I just wish him the best.

 

[Con T.]

Becoming?

Becoming?!

Becoming?!

Randy Orton has always been unreliable, at least with what you're saying. Give me one time that Randy Orton actually was a professional, or wasn't injured, or didn't have his bastard son to deal with back at home?

Don't get me wrong, it isn't like WWE is the shining beacon of a professional workplace, and it's only going to get worse with Ric "I'm pretty sure I have more unpaid bar tabs than illegitimate children" coming back into the fold. But Randy Orton has been the been the example of how to not be a good employee, and professional jackass. Sure, he got married, blah, blah, blah, and the narrative has been that he's calmed down. But the word is that Randy has a bastard son that is one of the worst kept secrets of the WWE.

They really don't need Randy all that much, anymore, so this isn't a huge loss. What, they'll miss the guy who has mid card match from time to time? It's no big deal, really.

This isn't that big
Randy's on the downside, jack.
And he's a huge dick

 

[dukes07]

Becoming?

Becoming?!

Becoming?!

Randy Orton has always been unreliable, at least with what you're saying. Give me one time that Randy Orton actually was a professional, or wasn't injured, or didn't have his bastard son to deal with back at home?

Don't get me wrong, it isn't like WWE is the shining beacon of a professional workplace, and it's only going to get worse with Ric "I'm pretty sure I have more unpaid bar tabs than illegitimate children" coming back into the fold. But Randy Orton has been the been the example of how to not be a good employee, and professional jackass. Sure, he got married, blah, blah, blah, and the narrative has been that he's calmed down. But the word is that Randy has a bastard son that is one of the worst kept secrets of the WWE.

They really don't need Randy all that much, anymore, so this isn't a huge loss. What, they'll miss the guy who has mid card match from time to time? It's no big deal, really.

This isn't that big
Randy's on the downside, jack.
And he's a huge dick

Well Haiku, I thought about being a douche and demanding for you to give me examples, and to tell you about how over he has been etc. And since he is over, the guys losing to him all the time get a rub, much like when Western Carolina got the rub and privilege of playing Alabama before getting pasted. But I cannot. I cannot defend Randy Orton. You are 100 percent correct sir.

Orton not only has drug issues, but also seems to be an ass. Also, his in ring work reminds me of Lex Luger who I find more charismatic if that is possible. Nope, not a fan of him at all and I hope Wade Barrett gets a nice push after beating him.

 

[The Butcher]

Everyone's asking me if I'm taking time off. I guess some online site said I was. Not true. Move to the next rumor on the list people.

Well, that about wraps that up. Like I said in my previous post, if Orton gets a third strike, WWE will announce it and release him. I don't get why everyone is so cynical about that. WWE isn't looking to have anymore Eddie Guerrero's or Chris Benoit's. Any other reason for him to take a break is between him and WWE, and if they're cool with it, we should be too.

Anyway, gotta love the rumor mill. Orton busts his ass and accumulates these injuries trying to entertain us, and the minute an unsubstantiated report about him taking a break comes out, there's no hesitation to call him a bunch of nasty shit. His past is in the past. He's reliable, he's clean, and according to him, he's not going anywhere.

 

[LoudClearVoice]

I'm really confused about what's going on with Randy Orton right now. I understand that he's unreliable BUT why not milk a top notch talent like Randy for everything you can now and if he gets a 3rd strike, let him go.... At least they'd get some main events out of it.

I think they're absolutely wasting a top talent like Orton. How is he not in the title picture over Swagger and ADR right now? Orton should be feuding with Ziggler. If Ortons wins the belt and fails a test, you write him off TV by getting attacked by the Shield or something. I'm tired of his on again off again feud with Big Show and now a couple matches with Cody Rhodes. He's not a midcarder but they're treating him like one.

 

[berlinbrawler]

I keep hearing two things about Orton. One, he's going to take time off this year. Two, he desperately wants to turn heel.

Both things are good ideas.
Personally I wouldn't miss him if his "time off" took many, many years. Orton right now is a poster boy for a wrestler gone stale. I admit I am biased, though. I was never his biggest fan and considered his character rather dull. Particularly his promos are boring and uninspired. He can have good matches (his series of matches with Christian come to mind), but all in all he is overrated.
Heel Orton is somewhat better. At least I believed him that he was a prick. So he was better in that role, if not by much.

Is he becoming unreliable? Well, he has been an injury-prone moody primadonna all his career, so no, he has been there all along. They should job him out to whoever wants a turn at beating him and then let him go. At least for the time being.