Randy Orton

[10.0] "Randy Orton is one of the greatest of all time. His 2009 heel work was absolutely disgusting (in a good way) and he was probably the genuinely most hated heel at the time. He, alongside Roman and Drew, carried the pandemic era. It's sad to see how he's been booked recently. Cena should've held the WWE Championship until December and Randy should've retired him. In my opinion, Randy should break Cena's record and win 18 world titles, but we all know that it's never gonna happen with the current booking. Orton has the looks, the charisma, some iconic gimmicks, and definitely the most iconic wrestling move of all time being the RKO. He's not perfect, but he's as good as it gets."

[10.0] "Randy Orton divides many with his backstage antics in the past and his perceived laziness in-ring but when motivated I genuinely feel there's very few who can go toe to toe with him. He's one of the pillars of the PG Era and to some extent the Ruthless Aggression Era along with the likes of Cena, Edge and Batista. Not to mention the fact that he's won world titles in double digits, he's from an era of bonified legends and can still put up bangers, the crowds appreciate him much more and even sing along to his iconic theme now since they know the time is nearing. Overall, looking at his longevity, nobody matches Orton. From a standpoint of looks, charisma, character work - there's rarely many as iconic as the Viper, or the Legend Killer. There's never going to be another Randy Orton. Someone who gets a crowd going crazy with just a pose."

[7.0] "One of the most frustrating wrestlers to watch of all time for me. A guy that found a routine while he was young and did very little outside of the routine for most of his 20+ years. When he has an opponent he's motivated by, like his excellent feud with Christian for instance? He's great. He has something fun to do that he's into, like the RKBro stuff or cartoonishly murdering the Singh Brothers? He's wildly entertaining and so, so good. He's obviously immensely talented, he just doesn't go beyond the routine a lot of the time and you can absolutely tell when he's excited about something and when he's not feeling it. When he's not feeling it, he's a DREADFULLY boring autopilot wrestler. When he's excited, he's one of the best to ever do it. It's not about the speed - he's a slow wrestler but I like plenty of other slow wrestlers, like Okada and Bockwinkel. Orton's slow work just never feels as focused or as meaningful as theirs does, when he's in a slow match Randy mood. When he's animated and explosive, he's MUCH better but he doesn't go into that bag as often as I'd like. So like sometimes he's a 10 and sometimes he's a 5, I guess that makes him a 7?"

[6.0] "I'll be honest, I cannot get into Randy Orton at all. There's pockets of his career that I was digging but his style is just way too slow for what I enjoy. I also felt like his promos in the 2000s and 2010s weren't necessarily awful, but they were boring. Still some very good stuff to look back on, however."

[8.0] "The Legend Killer himself, The master of RKO.Nobody had a longer carrier than Randy Orton in WWE.He always puts over young talent.His 2009 version is considered one of the greatest heel characters of all-time.He deserve one more world title run."

[9.0] "The man with probably the most iconic finisher in all of wrestling, Orton is definitely the most 'WWE Superstar' crafted and his rise in both maturity and in-ring skills has been really fun to watch."

[6.0] "Randy Orton is a very good superstar. But not a very good wrestler. He's very lazy in the ring; he lives off his aura and viral moments. It's really not my thing."

[6.0] "Probably one of the biggest beneficiaries of the WWE style of wrestling and presentation. A lot of Randy Orton's aura and mystique lies around how he is presented, as a conniving snakey asshole, which is pretty cool. His finisher is obviously rather iconic and overtook the DDP's diamond cutter (unfortunately) with it become a viral meme/phrase. However, frankly as someone that values work rate his career is honestly kind of lacking. Most of his value comes from character and that is perfectly fine for how the WWE runs and presents things."

"Randy Orton might be the most talented wrestler that WWE has seen in the past two decades. He constantly keeps evolving and rises the bat. His intensity and work ethic are in the league of his own."

"Randy Orton has been a mainstay at the top of wrestling for two decades, blending natural talent with a smooth in-ring style that few can match. His longevity and ability to reinvent himself have kept him relevant across multiple eras. From his days as The Legend Killer to his championship reigns and memorable rivalries, Orton has proven himself as one of the most reliable and iconic performers in wrestling history."

[10.0] "The Viper, one of the best wrestlers of his generation, Randy is capable of much more than he shows; his shoulder injury at a young age slowed him down."

[8.0] "I will always give Randy props for being one of the few guys from his generation who is still consistently wrestling. I think this is mainly because Randy seemed like a natural at many aspects of wrestling from the beginning and was able rise up very quick because of it. While he definitely had some down periods in his career the longevity is unprecedented and at the very peak of his work was able to be one of the best heels in wwe history."

[9.0] "Chiseled and was made to be the neutral and general look on what a pro wrestler really is, Randy Orton has it all in him. He has every tool in the business to be succesful and has made a amazing career on who and what he is today. Aswell as one of the best heels in his generation."

[8.0] "One of the finest and most reliable wrestlers in all of wrestling history, oozing that "it" factor that many seek to have."

[6.0] "He's been more fun to watch in recent years, but that won't sanitize the majority of his 20+ year career being low-effort matches and boring 15-minute promos shoved down our throats. By the time he finally started caring, I already stopped. He gets credit for sticking around this long, but it's not as if is seat was ever in real danger of being taken. Wild to think that he's a 14-time champ. Seems like people consider him worthy of praise because he's won so many accolades, but it should be the inverse. If WWE is a meritocracy (lmao imagine), then of any wrestler to be a world champion 10+ times, Orton is one of the least deserving"

[9.0] "Randy Orton is one of the most consistent and versatile performers in wrestling history. His longevity, smooth in-ring style, and iconic moments--from the "Legend Killer" days to The Viper's cold, methodical persona--make him stand out. Whether he's in a world title match or elevating younger talent, Orton always brings something compelling. His timing, psychology, and ability to tell a story in the ring are elite. A true generational talent."

[9.0] "I seriously think that Orton is perhaps the greatest ring general WWE's ever had (well at least in the upper card). Always able to get fantastic matches out of his opponents, knows what the crowd expects from him, and just so creative when it comes to putting together spots. Orton also oozes charisma and confidence no matter what role he's placed in, there's a reason that he's been given chance after chance by WWE, and he's deserved and made the most out of almost every single one of them. He's more than deserving of his "Legend Killer" moniker, and I can only hope Randy continues being such a strong performer for years to come."

[5.0] "Apart from his early Legend Killer gimmick, Orton is one of the most consistently unengaging figures to ever have a multi-decade presence at the top of a roster. Admittedly, his mic skills aren't so much lacking as undercut by his prime being in WWE's 20-minute promo era, and when he can keep things shorter he's able to put across a good heel aura. But almost no one has done less with more main event time, working a methodical, drawn-out style that's like HHH but with more mobility. Occasionally clicks as a tag partner when his in-ring time is reduced and made more purposeful, and there's no denying the the RKO has made for some electric finishes, but otherwise it's baffling that a guy who was widely considered mediocre at the peak of his push is now enjoying revisionist nostalgia despite nothing about him improving."

[6.0] "Great finisher, great looks for wrestling, good at what he did but never re-invented himself in-ring wise and he's been an ex-wrestler for quite a while. His bravado, expressiveness and videogame-ideal moveset carried his career. Not even at his prime was I impressed by a Randy Orton performance."

[10.0] "R.K.O., a finisher that every kid tries on their friends and cousins. A guy who can never leave our heart. A legend killer himself Randy Orton!"

[6.0] "If I were to let the irrational aspects of my mind decide how I feel about Randy Orton, I'd have given him a solid 3/10. But alas, it would imply discarding what I think that makes Randy Orton such a fascinating figure in wrestling. He is, without a doubt, the most underachieving 14-time world champion in the history of wrestling, and that stemmed from him phoning it in during most of his career by giving his best 30%. But during the times when he genuinely cared about his craft, you could make a case for him being one of the most technically sound wrestler in WWE history, which is why everyone loses their shit whenever he gives a powerslam or an RKO. His presence oozes so much charisma and he's unbelievably athletic. I still remember that very funny split jump he made back in 2011 (during his feud with Christian) after giving Mark Henry an RKO. If you take away the hilarity of him doing the jump, you'd be able to spot how insane the height he got in that jump. All right, that's it. Randy Orton = overrated and wasted potential."

[7.0] "Never really understood the revisionist history behind Orton because when he was in the main events constantly in the 2000s and early-mid 2010s the consensus was that he's boring, slow and how his promos dragged. I suppose the people who watched him when very young have grown up now and hype him up. He's smooth in the ring but his promos have never really stood out much if at all because he has that long, dragging tone in his voice and I can't name too many matches over his career that I have very much enjoyed outside the ones with Cactus Jack, Undertaker and Shawn Michaels. Great in the ring but not 'wow' and promo work over his career has left a lot to be desired. His longetitivity can't be understated however and he's always had a very good look but truthfully the most interesting he's ever been to me was his Legend Killer gimmick and that was so long ago."

[6.0] "Is Randy Orton truly skilled in professional wrestling? That's a question worth considering. Is he a good wrestler? Another valid debate. Those familiar with his work often praise his execution of the RKO and Powerslam. Fine, maybe he is good wrestler? But if you remove those two moves from his matches, how many distinct techniques does he actually utilize? Some argue it's fewer than three. Fine, maybe he is not good wrestler? Among fans here, he remains wildly popular... Perhaps his strengths and weaknesses are so pronounced that a definitive evaluation feels nearly impossible."

[10.0] "Randy Orton may just be the most complete pro wrestler of all time. Works great as a face or heel (though better heel), can be funny and dead serious, and works good in tag teams (Rated RKO/Evolution) and as a singles star. While he had his problems in his youth, and did use his Orton name to an extent, he is now one of the GOATS and is one of the very few top guys to never leave."

[9.0] "Randy Orton is the best multi-generational superstar, period. He is such a convincing and effective heel and he has perfectly crafted his move set around this slow methodical character that he portrays. While he has slowed down in recent years due to multiple back problems and age catching up with him, I feel he has adapted himself better than most older wrestlers who continue into their 40s. Not to mention how he converted an already great finisher in the cutter and turned it into the most iconic move in wrestling - The RKO."

[7.0] "By WWE standards Randy is a legend and shoe in for the hall of fame, deservedly so. He's never going to blow anyone's mind with that he says on the mic or what he does in the ring but he's also not going to disappoint."

"[5.0] Big fan of Orton he shines in multi man matches but other than that he's just aura and hype moments nowadays. but hey maybe styles vs Orton is good but to be fair Styles carried Jinder Mahal to a good match so maybe not a fair analysis."

[9.0] "It's Randy Orton at the end of the day. Will go down in history as one of the best to ever do it. I really want to commend Randy for never leaving the business for Hollywood despite his star power. In his mid-40s now and he still wrestlers regularly on weekly TV for the love of the game."

[9.0] "Randy was lazy for a good chunk of his career, he himself even admitted to phoning it in, and it showed for some years. But he looks like a guy thats grateful to be where hes at now, and hes having fun. Crowd always adores him and its infectious. I cant call him one of the GOATs like many do but his longevity is very impressive. He will likely retire with the record of most world title reigns, so his legacy is very strong, even if the IWC is divided."

[10.0] "Best Talker in WWE right now. So much passion. No one is as real as he is on the mic. He has more fire and passion in his promos than most of the people in the back that are half his age, crazy. No one has his Aura."

[4.0] "Never saw what everyone else did to be honest. Loved the legend killer gimmick and his feud with HHH. Since around 2017 he just seems a bit of a legacy act. Not to mention, the chances he had to fail inside the ring or out, were far more than anyone in wrestling. So with that he turned into a semi-decent wrestler, who's a bit boring and you'd rather see Cena, Rollins, Reigns or whoever was the hot thing at the minute. He's far from one of the best, he was a good foil for a face. Never a spectacular performer."

[5.0] "Randy Orton seems like a boring wrestler in the ring. He's never had a match that surpassed his No Holds Barred match with Mick Foley. Sure, he's a great wrestler, but he's a little overrated. He occasionally puts up a good promo and consistently puts up above average matches, but I don't think he's anything more or less than that."

[9.0] "I consider Randy Orton one of the best storytellers of his generation. He always has been one of the most cunning heels. I used to hate him as a babyface and I dislike how much he has been reduced to the RKO. However in the recent years Randy Orton has become a happy man and that's all it took to get one of the most lovable babyfaces out of him."

[8.0] "Randy Orton is a master of in-ring psychology, seamlessly blending technical skill, charisma, and storytelling. His signature methodical style, combined with explosive moments like the iconic RKO, makes almost every match compelling. Whether as a ruthless heel or a fan-favourite, he adapts well, though I think his best work is as a villain. His legacy in wrestling is undeniable, however his move-set is a little limited."

[10.0] "One of the GOATs of WWE, an iconic "Legend Killer" turned Legend, he might not be among the best in the ring, or among the best in the mic, but his charisma is enough to make him a great star, and he's solid enough to produce memorable matches (whenever he wants), and also had iconic rivalries, and imo he is the best heel in probably pro wrestling history"

[7.0] "His longevity in the industry is nothing to sneeze at, however given how long his career is and how many damn pushes he has gotten, there is a surpiringly lack of mememorable moments or matches through his career. A top 10 finisher can only get you so far."

[10.0] "Randy Orton is one of the most naturally gifted performers to ever step foot in a ring. From the moment he joined Evolution, it was clear he was destined for greatness. Standing alongside Triple H, Ric Flair, and Batista, Orton was the "Chosen One, " and he lived up to the hype. His Intercontinental Title run and eventual World Heavyweight Championship win old cemented him. His feud with Mick Foley in 2004 was a turning point, proving he wasn't just some pretty-boy prospect--he was a ruthless competitor willing to go to war. That Hardcore Match at Backlash is still one of the greatest star-making performances in WWE history. He showed his versatility by teaming with Edge to form Rated RKO, one of the most entertaining tag teams & one of my favorites of all time. The "Age of Orton" Championship reign saw him evolve into the most cold-blooded villain in WWE. The punt kicks, the methodical style, the brutal feuds with John Cena, Jeff Hardy and Triple H--everything about that era showcased why he was one of the best in the business. Yet, what makes Orton truly special is that he's never been stale. Over two decades, he has reinvented himself while staying true to what made him great: the best dropkick in the game, a flawless in-ring style, and an RKO that can end a match in an instant. Orton has done it all, from legend killer to locker room leader, and his legacy as one of the best ever is undeniable."

[10.0] "One of the greatest to ever do it, obviously. What has surprised me the most about Randy is how much he an change while staying the same. He always seems to have a way of refreshing his vibe while staying within the guidelines of his character."

[3.0] "For the life of me I have never and will understand what others see in Randy Orton. Very few people have been given as many undeserved chances as he has. An absolute menace behind the scenes and an active detriment to the product in the 2010s. Most people talk about how cool his RKO spots are, and that's all he is. He was saved by people in the back liking him and wrestlers leagues better than him carrying through what they could. Gimmick matches are his only saving grace. I can only chalk up his popularity up to a very successful astroturfing campaign. Going back to watch WWE in the 2010s is a complete slog for many reasons, but he is not helping with how poorly he coasts knowing that nothing will happen to him. He started caring again maybe 5 years ago, and I'll give him that it's better than his 2010s work but that's the lowest bar possible."

[9.0] "Randy Orton is one of the most modular wrestlers of all time. By modular, I am talking about how he could fit in any role he was given in his career; If you made him heel, he succeeded, same if you made him a face, or put him in a tag team or had him be a singles competitor, the man can do it all. He is one of the most decorated by accolades and even more so by character work, such as the reason why the RKO became an internet meme in the 2010s and the IWC meme "2009 Orton was a menace! ". Randy's rivalries with John Cena and Triple H are very memorable and many wrestling fans still look back on it to this day and his in-ring work is solid as well for his career. What a legend."

[8.0] "One of the most iconic wrestlers of all time, he is good in the ring, and on the mic, he has also has a good look and has been in many amazing rivalries with Triple H, Undertaker, John Cena, ETC."

"The absolute greatest wrestler to ever walk the face of the earth. This man has it all; promos, in ring, charisma, longevity, and just pure skill. he is the soul of the WWE"

[8.0] "One of WWE's most solid workers for years now. While not very creative in the ring, or the best talker at any point in his career, he is nothing but a staple of WWE. One both beloved or hated by most fans, Randy always gets a reaction from the public."

[10.0] "Randy Orton is a very special case: anybody who has ever whatched him always have a soft spot in their hearts for him, and I am no exception to that. He was never the wrestler the year or what (on the contrary, he is kinda « hit or miss » sometimes in his matches, depending on his motivation entering the match), but man, he has huge charisma & prestance around him. He is also a great promo-guy & an awesome story-teller. Early Randy Orton & now late-career Randy Orton strive for more in-ring storytelling and psychology & its very pleasent to see it, each & everytime he does it (amazing selling). Overall, I find it very hard to objectively rate Randy Orton. The guy has been around forever, he still doing it, he is still over, and we all love him at some point of our fandom. His status alone is worth a 10 in my opinion."

[9.0] "Randy Orton is WWE. He is fucking great I loved his matches against Gunther, and his team-up with Kevin Owens is some of the funniest shit I have seen on WWE"

[9.0] "Randy Orton is raw as hell, he has all the natural ability in the world and manages to remain compelling beyond belief even when he actively doesn't care about a match. It's rare that someone can make half hour matches where nothing happens interesting through sheer aura alone, but the Viper's just one of those intoxicating presences who can't be sabotaged by a busted performance. His rivalries with Christian, Edge and Mick Foley are all time classics on top of this, and you'd be hard to find a better hour long WWE match than his Iron Man classic with Cena."

[8.0] "Randy is one of the most curious cases out there, I think he's phenomenal... he doesn't have a lot of super matches, but he's a guy that during his entire career focused on delivering the most solid and effective matches he could, I don't think there's a wrestler I enjoy more watching a short, smart and fun match than Randy Orton, specially on weekly tv, he's the king of that, his matches aren't explosive, but he always deliver the best work he can, applying every move with rare perfection, that's why I love him so much. Incredible career, super charismatic, fantastic character work, brilliant seller, and of course, he has the best finisher of all time, the RKO."

[10.0] "He's one of the best in history and people will realize that when he's done wrestling even tho a lot of people are starting already.. Everything he does in the ring is perfect. I don't think i have ever seen someone gets praised by so many other wrestlers. You don't have to do 50 moves and destroy your body every night to be good and he's the perfect exemple. He knows how to work a crowd, his timing is perfect and of course he has the most iconic finisher in history. He's very good on the mic when he wants to be. Very charismatic. Almost ended his career but he's back and better than ever. He's probably going to stay another 10 years which is wild. A true legend who, i think, is the GOAT."

[9.0] "Randy Orton nearly has it all. His character work always feels genuine and connects with the audience. His mic skills are good. He's been involved with some of the most iconic matches and storylines. Cherry on top is that the RKO is arguably the best finisher in professional wrestling. Unfortunately, his inconsistency when it comes to caring about performing, as well as being kind of a dick backstage hurts his legacy a little."

[6.0] "I'm pretty conflicted about Randy Orton. His recent run has been great but I still remember his 2010's self who rarely made an effort on big matches and that made his performances tedious to be involved in. As a result, he always felt "one step below" the other big names of his golden generation. Case and point : his rivalry with Cena should have been a way bigger deal but it was too much too quickly for both of those guys."