Should Randy Orton Retire?

[Hollywood Naitch]

As much as I don't want it to be the case, I think we are coming to the end of Randy Orton as a full-time performer in WWE. Neck injuries are not something that you can shake off, and with his notoriously weak shoulders, his recent marriage and family life that he'll want to enjoy...I don't think he'll be full-time much longer.

We have to remember that Orton's been around a long time. Time has flown, but he's been in WWE as a big star for 12-13 years already, which is a hell of a run. He's done absolutely everything there is to do several times over and is a sure-fire hall-of-famer. Having recently got married, I fully expect he'll want to spend alot of time with his family and I think w'll be starting to see him suffer more and more injuries as time goes on. He isn't going to want to take the risk of a career-ending neck injury, even if he doesn't need fusion surgery on this occasion.

I think the best thing for Orton, both health wise and as a performer would be to do the Jericho/RVD style contract, where he's full time for a period of time, then leaves for a few months before a surprise return. It would allow his body to heal, spend time with his family, keep his character fresh and prolong his career.

 

[Straightfromthehart]

No reason to retire at all. If it wasn't for his terrible booking, fans would be desperate for his return...he has to return as the face-heel badass. Not a typical face or heel but the guy who is against everyone...kinda stone cold esque

 

[BestWrestlingOpinions]

I don't really know what answer suits best here, so I might as well explain mine below.

Sure, Randy has been around for far too long and yes it might be starting to take a toll on his body. A smart guy would realize that he is rich enough, and doesn't need to risk things just for that extra money or to please the fans.

With that said, it's a two-way street. Randy can still offer in this business, he technically can still go and is one of the best performers. To me, none of the options above would be the ideal situation for him. I believe that the best way to utilize Randy is to place him in the upper mid card, without a solid storyline though. Don't use him as much, but use him correctly. The storylines should have some sort of "way out" for him, and by that, I mean that he could have a lighter schedule without the storyline getting messed up. He could be placed in other people's rivalries for tag matches every once in a while, be utilized there, but also be able to take a break when needed without the storyline being haulted.

Kinda seems confusing, but from Randy's perspective, I think he has done everything there is to be done and is rich enough. From the fans perspective, he can still offer things.

 

[Mustang Sally]

Randy can still offer in this business, he technically can still go and is one of the best performers. To me, none of the options above would be the ideal situation for him. I believe that the best way to utilize Randy is to place him in the upper mid card, without a solid storyline though. Don't use him as much, but use him correctly. The storylines should have some sort of "way out" for him, and by that, I mean that he could have a lighter schedule without the storyline getting messed up.

That makes a lot of sense.....yet, my guess is that isn't what Randy will end up doing. He's still a young man and has never been out of shape. I think he's been encouraged to take all the time he needs to let his body heal so he can come back full-time and re-assume the 'central character' role he's filled for so many years. I believe Randy does nothing halfway; he's either in for the full measure.....or he's not in at all.

If this is so, there's no rushing back from his various injuries. He'll come back when he and the WWE doctors say he's fully ready (not just 'good to go') and we'll see the last years of his career on a full-time basis.

I doubt he'd want to give us......or himself.....anything less than his absolute best.