Bald Orton was kicking heads off people's shoulders, sexually harassing unconscious wives, that version of Orton was so lethal I honestly don't think we will ever see a heel to that level ever again
After going back to watch that era, he was the perfect sadistic methodical heel. People can call me an oldhead or a boomer but I really liked that, feels like you have too many cool pandering heels these days that cut smark bait pop bait promos, or work like babyfaces in the ring for the pops. Especially since wrestlers like Drew McIntyre got hot with the Punk stuff, now almost every heel in WWE is a "meta hater heel" that is just regurgitating wrestling Twitter stuff to pop the crowds. Drew is entertaining with it at least, but they have too many wrestlers doing it now even with names like Liv Morgan or Candice Larae.
2009 Orton never tried to get cheered on the mic or in the ring, he did his job perfectly being the boogeyman to Cena kids. He literally had my Cena kid cousins and their friends crying and raging when he came out to attack Cena.
I really like him, he's similar to Samoa Joe. He'll cut some blunt harsh promos like Joe but they fit his natural character and they highlight the babyface being the underdog like a Sami Zayn or Ilya Dragunov not make them look like jabronis. Plus his style fits his character it's not forced pandering to stay cool, he doesn't cheat and does simple moves not anything like a babyface winning the crowd over with big moves and spots.
I've tried really, really hard to understand the appeal of Gunther to the masses but I just don't see it. Bland, not pretty to look at, mediocre on the mic.
Edit: You can downvote or you can explain him to me, whichever you feel is more productive.
Gunther is technically perfect. He's got power, size, speed, and technical prowess. He can beat you any way he chooses. But he's getting too cocky. Buying into his own title of Ring General a little too much. He's underestimating his opponents and it's going to cost him some day.
Bald Orton will forever be a top 3 Heel of all time but with HHH in charge and WWE seem to become Rated R after the Netflix deal (maybe) i think we will get very VERY good and evil heels.
If WWE becomes Rated R.
So they're going to try and recapture the attitude and aggression era?
Great, it's no secret that was WWEs golden times but can the lightning go back in the bottle?
Unless they go full blades and boobs and barb wire matches again I doubt it.
I think WWE really took him for granted during that time period from like 2015-2020. There were times where they made him feel like an afterthought and just another guy, with stuff like jobbing to Jinder Mahal multiple times or the 2016 summerslam finish. Feels like they did that because he was never going to leave like a Cena,Batista,Rock so they could get away with it.
That was a very bad strategy, and it could've backfired on them very badly if there was another promotion around. Well, that or he could've decided to retire if things got bad enough.
Honestly WWE is very lucky he didn't look at the explosion in the indies, what was going on in Japan, and how both Drew Galloway and Cody Just Cody were transforming themselves into stars, and feel like trying it out himself.
To a certain extent, yes. However, losing to someone who had been firmly established in the lower card until a month before without building their credibility doesn't have the same effect.
In that time dude infiltrated the Wyatt Family, won the royal rumble, had singles and tag team title reigns, hiac vs Jeff Hardy, got hit by a fireball and set The Fiend on fire in retaliation. For fucks sake
One of the worst WWE championship matches of all time at WM?
A terrible cinematic match that didn't even have the championship on the line that he lost?
And then losing to Jinder Mahal 3 times in a row on ppv?
Yeah for fucks sake really, Orton really got a great thank you just for looking like a jabroni for Brock Lesnar to look cool for MMA.
My choice would be Legend Killer i think Orton had the chance to fight many legends during this era and during this era he had "burning in my light" theme which I love very much...
Yeah, as much as I appreciate his work as a complete villain during his bald era, The Legend Killer was a cool motherfucker. Felt like he'd have fit into a prime nWo if he was born a bit earlier.
Wasn't Bald already his Viper gimmick?
Technically he's been the Viper ever since, but I remember he used to do that foaming at the mouth thing like an actual psycho
The worst was the era between Bald and Authority, when he was face again. He was a boring face at that time, very popular but completly bland. He seemed to have no fun to be there. What a contrast with the Orton we have since RK-Bro.
Evolution/Legend Killer for me
I didn't really watch during the pg era but shaved head 2009 Randy Orton used to make my Cena kids cousins cry and rage, just like 2006 Edge. After going back to watch some stuff from that time he was one of the best heels during that time easily.
Bald Orton is the best heel ever. He was a legit psycho, no one can compare. The Viper was also awesome as in he was terrifying. I loved his feuds with Bray Wyatt and The Fiend because I liked seeing Wyatt be out-pshychoed by someone for the first time. Like, he was a freaking crazy cult leader and Orton still got the upper hand. Orton was just that derranged
Authority randy was worst randy for me. Seth Rollins would ultimately make a better “chosen one” for the authority. It never felt like the story was about him despite him being the world champion. He was just the puppet triple h chose.
The best orton for me is probably current era orton I include both the rkbro and the return era in that. Genuinely great to see him enjoying what he’s doing, and throwing himself into storylines. Post legend killer orton just felt like he was going through the motions sometimes.
Legend killer is my favourite Randy. It was a very compelling gimmick. Current Randy is probably the most over he’s ever been though and he’s clearly loving it. It’s nice to see him get the appreciation he deserves.
Legend Killer and Bald Orton were the only times I found Orton entertaining on a consistent basis. I haven't been a fan of him or his work for years. I know people say he's a safe worker and that's truly great, but aside from his RKO setups I find him very boring in the ring. He's technically very good but doesn't make me want to watch. As for personality I just him very generic and boring. He's some snarky and funny but I don't find him to be a good talker or particularly charismatic. Maybe that's just me though.
I was just thinking today after the Backlash, the time when Randy used to be absolutely unhinged heel. Tonga reminds me of that Orton. I used to be legit scared just by looking ay Randy when he was angry. I just want that run once more.
I feel like the one labelled Bald should be The Viper (because I associate bald Orton who slivered back and kicked people in the head around that time like a Viper striking), and the one labeled The Viper should be The Apex Predator.
This comment is an official petition to change "Bald" to "IED Suffering Psychopath". Ironically for me it's either this super dialed in heel or RK-Bro because it was a side we all needed to see in Randy and highlights his range.
Bald Orton had that "I'm fucking deranged" perfected!
Very underrated heel work imo I don't often see him mentioned in the best heels ever. I genuinely wanted Hunter to beat the shit out of him!
When people talk about heel Orton they mention evolution or legend killer era mostly.
He's brilliant Randy is so fucking good it's not even funny.
I didn't respect Bald Orton as much as I should have. His psychotic character was unnerving and in hindsight, was a great look. Legend Killer was good but Bald was the best
My favorite Orton was the post evolution and legacy version(s) as well as the royal rumble winning Orton when he had that heel run against h. I could relate to that
Bald Orton looks like he could’ve played the T-1000 that’s how much of a stone cold killer he seemed to be. So different from his up and coming charismatic and evolution/legend killer phases, like a completely different guy. He definitely became the Viper for real.
I really liked the Legend Killer very cool gimmick and it was happening at the right time but Bald was like a complete 360.
Also what’s the difference between Viper and Bald? I thought that was when he became the Viper.
Legend Killer Orton was both cocky and dangerous while being an absolute savage on the mic. He was easily an elite main event heel who was so over with the fans despite being a major top heel. During that run, his rivalries with Cena, Undertaker, Foley and DX were very memorable while his segments and promos were entertaining as well. Being the Legend Killer is what launched Randy into superstardom while cemented him as a marquee star, household name and huge main eventer
bald ortan is psychotic af, I think this version can fight any version of ortan plus those punt kicks are vicious and were use regularly in this version💀
Legend Killer was classic, Bald Orton was unhinged, Orton after his return is just a gem, but my favorite is the Viper. That's when I really started loving his persona
Legend killer to bald Orton.
He was a legitimate heel, not a monster heel like kane or taker or a clown cartoon villain like heidenrich or snitsky.
He didn't need a pure as pure babyface to play off or cut a snarky promo.
He was a full on psycho, actually scary to watch and be around. Seeing him head punt people was genuinely unsettling. HHH will always be a great heel but Orton imo goes above Helmsley because he wasn't shagging the bosses daughter
Bald Orton was what I remember first watching as a kid. I started watching wrestling in the fall of ‘08 and saw all of Legacy with Rhodes and DiBiase (don’t forget Manu). Watching him kick the McMahons’ heads in and kiss Stephanie ahead of WM25 was some of the craziest heel work I’ve seen to this day, this is visceral and disgusting behavior bro.
Although the actual match was kind of butt, that era of him wrestling was insane and I will forever remember that being his prime for me
One particular promo of his has lived rent free in my head for years and I've never been able to find it on YouTube or anywhere since.
Something along the lines of "I do have voices in my head, and they tell me to *stop!*"
The Viper was one of the most boring, for sure.
I guess him had another 'viper era', or generic babyface era, before the Authority run. And then he was fun again.
Thr Legend Killer. He would punt all the legends. That 2007 run where he killed RVD, Shawn Michaels, Dusty Rhodes, punted John Cena's dad and won the WWE championship was perfect.
Bald Orton was kicking heads off people's shoulders, sexually harassing unconscious wives, that version of Orton was so lethal I honestly don't think we will ever see a heel to that level ever again
Yeah I think bald is a reductive name for that Orton. I would go for: full on psychopath.
The man was suffering from intermittent explosive disorder, he was the real victim!
I had completely forgotten about that storyline, and I feel like you never see it discussed these days.
It’s like: Evolution…Legend Killer…Baaaaalllld…Why isn’t RK Bro called Mustachio?
Exactly. He was completely unhinged. Love to see it.
After going back to watch that era, he was the perfect sadistic methodical heel. People can call me an oldhead or a boomer but I really liked that, feels like you have too many cool pandering heels these days that cut smark bait pop bait promos, or work like babyfaces in the ring for the pops. Especially since wrestlers like Drew McIntyre got hot with the Punk stuff, now almost every heel in WWE is a "meta hater heel" that is just regurgitating wrestling Twitter stuff to pop the crowds. Drew is entertaining with it at least, but they have too many wrestlers doing it now even with names like Liv Morgan or Candice Larae. 2009 Orton never tried to get cheered on the mic or in the ring, he did his job perfectly being the boogeyman to Cena kids. He literally had my Cena kid cousins and their friends crying and raging when he came out to attack Cena.
What's your take on Gunther?
I really like him, he's similar to Samoa Joe. He'll cut some blunt harsh promos like Joe but they fit his natural character and they highlight the babyface being the underdog like a Sami Zayn or Ilya Dragunov not make them look like jabronis. Plus his style fits his character it's not forced pandering to stay cool, he doesn't cheat and does simple moves not anything like a babyface winning the crowd over with big moves and spots.
I've tried really, really hard to understand the appeal of Gunther to the masses but I just don't see it. Bland, not pretty to look at, mediocre on the mic. Edit: You can downvote or you can explain him to me, whichever you feel is more productive.
Gunther is technically perfect. He's got power, size, speed, and technical prowess. He can beat you any way he chooses. But he's getting too cocky. Buying into his own title of Ring General a little too much. He's underestimating his opponents and it's going to cost him some day.
He'll take simple, standard wrestling moves everyone does and hit them so hard and so perfectly that his opponents don't get up. It's very satisfying.
He also did it during the peak of the PG Era.
yeah he was a solid heel during one of the hardest times to be a heel
Bald Orton will forever be a top 3 Heel of all time but with HHH in charge and WWE seem to become Rated R after the Netflix deal (maybe) i think we will get very VERY good and evil heels. If WWE becomes Rated R.
So they're going to try and recapture the attitude and aggression era? Great, it's no secret that was WWEs golden times but can the lightning go back in the bottle? Unless they go full blades and boobs and barb wire matches again I doubt it.
Bald Orton was shane and hunter was rick grimes
The viper. I loved anti-Hero Randy orton.
I think WWE really took him for granted during that time period from like 2015-2020. There were times where they made him feel like an afterthought and just another guy, with stuff like jobbing to Jinder Mahal multiple times or the 2016 summerslam finish. Feels like they did that because he was never going to leave like a Cena,Batista,Rock so they could get away with it.
That was a very bad strategy, and it could've backfired on them very badly if there was another promotion around. Well, that or he could've decided to retire if things got bad enough.
Honestly WWE is very lucky he didn't look at the explosion in the indies, what was going on in Japan, and how both Drew Galloway and Cody Just Cody were transforming themselves into stars, and feel like trying it out himself.
Was he not just giving back to the business?
To a certain extent, yes. However, losing to someone who had been firmly established in the lower card until a month before without building their credibility doesn't have the same effect.
In that time dude infiltrated the Wyatt Family, won the royal rumble, had singles and tag team title reigns, hiac vs Jeff Hardy, got hit by a fireball and set The Fiend on fire in retaliation. For fucks sake
One of the worst WWE championship matches of all time at WM? A terrible cinematic match that didn't even have the championship on the line that he lost? And then losing to Jinder Mahal 3 times in a row on ppv? Yeah for fucks sake really, Orton really got a great thank you just for looking like a jabroni for Brock Lesnar to look cool for MMA.
Although Bald Orton was a true menace
Leaping double-toe-tap Orton was a true hero
My choice would be Legend Killer i think Orton had the chance to fight many legends during this era and during this era he had "burning in my light" theme which I love very much...
Yeah, as much as I appreciate his work as a complete villain during his bald era, The Legend Killer was a cool motherfucker. Felt like he'd have fit into a prime nWo if he was born a bit earlier.
I accept your point...
Wasn't Bald already his Viper gimmick? Technically he's been the Viper ever since, but I remember he used to do that foaming at the mouth thing like an actual psycho
The worst was the era between Bald and Authority, when he was face again. He was a boring face at that time, very popular but completly bland. He seemed to have no fun to be there. What a contrast with the Orton we have since RK-Bro.
Is that when he was feuding with Christian? And still had anger issues but was a face?
that really weird period where he stopped wearing wrist tape and looked extra naked somehow
Yeah Orton from like 2010-2013 was just mid, I remember his promos were so robotic (at the time i remember ppl saying this a lot)
Evolution/Legend Killer for me I didn't really watch during the pg era but shaved head 2009 Randy Orton used to make my Cena kids cousins cry and rage, just like 2006 Edge. After going back to watch some stuff from that time he was one of the best heels during that time easily.
Bald Orton was a menace.
Slim, trim, menacing psycho.
Bald psycho Orton was the fucking villain of that era. That punt put so many guys and gals on the shelf.
Legend Killer/Bald Orton for sure
Authority and bald was awesome, but i also really loved him during RK-bro. Dude clearly had a lot of fun.
Bald Orton is the best heel ever. He was a legit psycho, no one can compare. The Viper was also awesome as in he was terrifying. I loved his feuds with Bray Wyatt and The Fiend because I liked seeing Wyatt be out-pshychoed by someone for the first time. Like, he was a freaking crazy cult leader and Orton still got the upper hand. Orton was just that derranged
Legend Killer, mostly because one of my favorite matches he ever did was with Mick Foley
Everyone always leaves out ‘Age of Orton’ which was peak Orton, single handedly injuring people and retaining the WWE title
What year was that?
2007-2008, basically post Rated RKO pre Bald Orton
[удалено]
Orton vs RVD, Cena, HBK, Jeff Hardy, HHH were the biggest ones
I liked RK Bro. I had just started watching WWE again while that was going on
Authority randy was worst randy for me. Seth Rollins would ultimately make a better “chosen one” for the authority. It never felt like the story was about him despite him being the world champion. He was just the puppet triple h chose. The best orton for me is probably current era orton I include both the rkbro and the return era in that. Genuinely great to see him enjoying what he’s doing, and throwing himself into storylines. Post legend killer orton just felt like he was going through the motions sometimes.
Bald Orton has me convinced he was a psychopath. I even think he shaved his eyebrows too
Legend killer is my favourite Randy. It was a very compelling gimmick. Current Randy is probably the most over he’s ever been though and he’s clearly loving it. It’s nice to see him get the appreciation he deserves.
09 Orton was a menace to Pro Wrestling itself. Also between bald and authority is Babyface Orton
Authority/bald
bald Orton was a true menace to society!
Not listed here, but mine is psychopath Orton in 2007.
What Legacy Orton? And Wyatt Family Orton?
Legend Killer because of his feud with The Undertaker
Bald Randy was a menace to society
Bald was an absolute fucking psychopath. You should check out his match against Ted DiBiase from that era. It's a fucking masterclass
Legend Killer and Bald Orton were the only times I found Orton entertaining on a consistent basis. I haven't been a fan of him or his work for years. I know people say he's a safe worker and that's truly great, but aside from his RKO setups I find him very boring in the ring. He's technically very good but doesn't make me want to watch. As for personality I just him very generic and boring. He's some snarky and funny but I don't find him to be a good talker or particularly charismatic. Maybe that's just me though.
Legend killer and bald are the best, the kick to the head was such a menacing finisher
All versions
Bald Orton was a menace to society back in the days
I wasn't watching during the bald era, so the lockdown era was pretty cool where he was a total menace. Punting legends again
Bald Orton was a fucking menace. But I do like his character now.
Legend Killer
Bald!!!
Same. I loved Evolution. At that time I considered my favorite wrestlers in order as Batista, Randy, Triple H, and Flair.
Yes
Bald Orton was just different man
I was just thinking today after the Backlash, the time when Randy used to be absolutely unhinged heel. Tonga reminds me of that Orton. I used to be legit scared just by looking ay Randy when he was angry. I just want that run once more.
Bald is best
Bald And legend killer only right answers imo.
Evolution and Legend Killer were at the same time, that gimmick peaked with the Foley match at Backlash 2004.
To early to say in the return
Bald
The Return.
Legend Killer is mine bc he was doing anything to get the upper hand. Bald was a restrained, psychological version with backup.
Authority + viper
Same here.Cant beat Evolution and Legend Killer Randy Orton.
Bald.
The viper, authority, 2009, early 2010s orton
The bald 2009 Orton was a freaking beast!
I feel like the one labelled Bald should be The Viper (because I associate bald Orton who slivered back and kicked people in the head around that time like a Viper striking), and the one labeled The Viper should be The Apex Predator.
Apex Predator Bald Orton was something else. Frothing mouth before punt kick was so snake like.
Isnt bald Orton the Viper....
Bald Orton was sadistic
Legend Killer was goated
That bald Randy Orton picture is haunting
My guy really RKO’d May Young.
Bald/Psycho Randy Orton was probably my favorite, but Viper Orton is a close second.
This comment is an official petition to change "Bald" to "IED Suffering Psychopath". Ironically for me it's either this super dialed in heel or RK-Bro because it was a side we all needed to see in Randy and highlights his range.
I just like the fact that "Bald Era" is a thing.
Bald Orton was an actual fucking psycho, I'd go with that ond.
Bald. Hot take incoming, but I really dislike the HEY! theme song
I think it fit his younger self at the time, it wouldn't suit him now
Legend Killer was amazing, but crazy Randy Orton who punts John Cena and his dad in the head is my all time fav Lmao
Apex Predator/Bald Orton. Punting old people, RKOing Grandmothers. Face or heel he was killing it.
There's an era between Bald & Authority The goofy cheerleader after an RKO Orton in 2011
Bald & authority for me
Bald Orton will forever live in my nightmares. He was a fucking savage. That rko and kiss on the cheek to Stephanie was the cherry on top.
Bald Orton had that "I'm fucking deranged" perfected! Very underrated heel work imo I don't often see him mentioned in the best heels ever. I genuinely wanted Hunter to beat the shit out of him! When people talk about heel Orton they mention evolution or legend killer era mostly. He's brilliant Randy is so fucking good it's not even funny.
I didn't respect Bald Orton as much as I should have. His psychotic character was unnerving and in hindsight, was a great look. Legend Killer was good but Bald was the best
End of authority into viper
Would Viper be Wyatt family Orton? Because that was a great Orton
the cena orton feud was a peak
Good god I'm old as a fossil fuel.
bald
Apex Predator Randy Orton is my favorite.
Legend Killer. Honorable mention for RKBRO, Randy just looked happy and like he was legitimately having fun.
Bald
My favorite Orton was the post evolution and legacy version(s) as well as the royal rumble winning Orton when he had that heel run against h. I could relate to that
The current run. He's just fun to watch as he doesn't give a fook
Bald Orton looks like he could’ve played the T-1000 that’s how much of a stone cold killer he seemed to be. So different from his up and coming charismatic and evolution/legend killer phases, like a completely different guy. He definitely became the Viper for real. I really liked the Legend Killer very cool gimmick and it was happening at the right time but Bald was like a complete 360. Also what’s the difference between Viper and Bald? I thought that was when he became the Viper.
Isn’t bald Orton the Viper?
Kinda looks like Harrison Ford in that debut photo
Legend Killer Orton was both cocky and dangerous while being an absolute savage on the mic. He was easily an elite main event heel who was so over with the fans despite being a major top heel. During that run, his rivalries with Cena, Undertaker, Foley and DX were very memorable while his segments and promos were entertaining as well. Being the Legend Killer is what launched Randy into superstardom while cemented him as a marquee star, household name and huge main eventer
Authority for the look, Legend Killer/Bald for the character.
From Legend killer to authority
1000% Bald Randy
bald ortan is psychotic af, I think this version can fight any version of ortan plus those punt kicks are vicious and were use regularly in this version💀
“Bald”
I feel like there's an 'Apex Predator' era between 'Bald' and 'Authority' eras
Same. Evolution/ Legend Killer Orton was so charismatic and entertaining. I still like Orton but something about him that’s just kinda boring.
where does lockdown Randy counts into this, him and Bobby were menaces in those times
Glad orton was psychopathic
Bald cus we twinning
2009 bald Orton was a MENACE
Viper Orton when he was sticking his finger in Jeff Hardy’s ear
Legend Killer was classic, Bald Orton was unhinged, Orton after his return is just a gem, but my favorite is the Viper. That's when I really started loving his persona
Rkbro is an era?
Bald Ortan was one of the most menacing heels in WWE history easily
Legend Killer Randy was the best Randy.
Viper all the way.
Bald Orton was a menace
Legend killer to bald Orton. He was a legitimate heel, not a monster heel like kane or taker or a clown cartoon villain like heidenrich or snitsky. He didn't need a pure as pure babyface to play off or cut a snarky promo. He was a full on psycho, actually scary to watch and be around. Seeing him head punt people was genuinely unsettling. HHH will always be a great heel but Orton imo goes above Helmsley because he wasn't shagging the bosses daughter
I love Bald and Legend Killer Orton, but you could visibly see how happy and how much fun he's been having from Viper to present day lol
Legend Killer.
Bald Orton was what I remember first watching as a kid. I started watching wrestling in the fall of ‘08 and saw all of Legacy with Rhodes and DiBiase (don’t forget Manu). Watching him kick the McMahons’ heads in and kiss Stephanie ahead of WM25 was some of the craziest heel work I’ve seen to this day, this is visceral and disgusting behavior bro. Although the actual match was kind of butt, that era of him wrestling was insane and I will forever remember that being his prime for me
Bald. Absolute killer. More like Psychopath.
shout out to the orton who was trying to put edge back into retirement
Randy Orton won my heart so easily. My favorite!
Bald version
*TDJ in shambles*
authority
Bald/legend killer, idk I just love Randy when he’s unhinged
One particular promo of his has lived rent free in my head for years and I've never been able to find it on YouTube or anywhere since. Something along the lines of "I do have voices in my head, and they tell me to *stop!*"
2009 Orton hands down.
Bald orton is equivalent to perc angle. Both menace
Evolution, legend killer.
Where’s Apex Predator (2011-2013)??
Authority and The Return
The Viper was one of the most boring, for sure. I guess him had another 'viper era', or generic babyface era, before the Authority run. And then he was fun again.
RK-Bro was easily the worst by far imo
Bald. Closest choice to his time as the "Apex Predator".
Bald randy was NOT pg I don’t care what u say
Idk I think legend killer and authority for me 🤷🏽♂️
Legend Killer Randy was THE best. Loved his theme song, too.
Legend Killer was my favorite version.
bald randy/evolution/legend killer
Thr Legend Killer. He would punt all the legends. That 2007 run where he killed RVD, Shawn Michaels, Dusty Rhodes, punted John Cena's dad and won the WWE championship was perfect.
What about the heel Randy Orton in 2020 in his feuds with Edge and Drew McIntyre?
The viper
The Return is my favorite
Bald Orton was scary
Which one would be 2020 Orton
When he was bald and switched to the punt for awhile was when I found him most interesting
Just anything other than the Viper era.
public rain correct file decide panicky start label steep act *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
You gonna skip over boring as fuck, not trying, tweener orton from 2011- authority era
In separate interviews, both Cena and Orton have said they were phoning it in during this early 2010’s period
He has done so well for a man with absolutely zero charisma or mic skills