During the later 2000s, Orton formed a tag team with Adam Copeland (known as Edge), becoming Team Rated RKO (a play on Edge's nickname as the Rated R Superstar and Randy's finisher move named the RKO). His crusade came to a cryptic end when he was defeated by The Phenom, The Undertaker ( Mark Calaway) at WrestleMania 21 (2005), after promising WWE fans he would end Undertaker's 12-0 undefeated WrestleMania record.Īs Orton's career continued in the WWE, Orton won the WWE Championship a total of 8 times and was the last World Heavyweight Champion after winning that title 4 times.

Establishing himself as the 'Legend Killer' Orton began on a crusade of taking down every wrestling legend the WWE had to offer.

By this time, Orton had began drifting away from his Evolution teammates and went on to strike out on his own. The following year, Orton won his second title when he defeated fan favorite Summerslam (2004). While in Evolution, Orton won his first singles title when he defeated Rob Van Dam for the WWE Intercontinental Championship at WWE Armageddon (2003). The following year in 2003 after the company renamed itself as the WWE, Orton quickly enhanced his presence on the WWE roster, when he joined the heel stable known as Evolution, fronted by Paul Levesque (known in-ring as Triple H). During 2002, Orton began gaining more televised match time and screen-time for promos. Orton made his debut the following year in 2002 at WrestleMania X8 (2002) Fan Axxcess, defeating Tommy Dreamer. Orton also gained experience as a wrestling referee.ĭuring 2001, Orton signed with the then-World Wrestling Federation and began training in its instructional program Ohio Valley Wrestling. Louis where his father and uncle had working relations with. He wrestled in local training promotions in St. During 2000 at age 20, Orton began his training, lasting into the following year in 2001.

However, Orton received a Bad Conduct Discharge (BCD)in 1999 after twice going AWOL and for disobeying a direct order from a commanding officer.Īfter his brief military tenure, Orton opted for a career in professional wrestling. Orton graduated from high school in 1998 and then joined the United States Marine Corps. Orton however, still became involved with wrestling, on an amateur level while attending Hazelwood Central High School. Early in life, his parents discouraged him from pursuing any career in professional wrestling due to the major amount of time spent away from home and family. Randy has a younger brother named Nate and a younger sister named Rebecca. and the nephew of wrestler-turned-musician Barry Orton. Orton was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, to Bob Orton, Jr. Randal Keith 'Randy' Orton (born April 1, 1980) is an American professional wrestler and actor best known to sports entertainment audiences for his career signed with WWE.

Old randy orton theme song