Randy Orton needs no introduction in the world of wrestling. Since his debut in 2002, he has remained a loyal and consistent performer for WWE. As a heel, he earned immense applause from fans, and the company never disappointed him continuously giving him major pushes. Over the course of his career, Orton has won the world title 14 times and has set several records that are extremely difficult to break.
Orton is well-known for some of his iconic gimmicks. Because of these, he is famously known by names such as “The Viper” and “The Legend Killer.” He has had intense rivalries with WWE veterans, and his finishing move, the RKO, has millions of fans worldwide. Here’s why Orton is famously called The Legend Killer.
The Real Reason Randy Orton Is Called “The Legend Killer”
Randy Orton evolved his character soon after his WWE debut. His impressive performances earned him a spot in the legendary Evolution faction alongside Triple H, Ric Flair, and Batista. Orton learned a great deal from these veterans.
His breakthrough came when he adopted the Legend Killer persona. Tired of being under the shadow of established stars, Orton made it his mission to take them out and rise to the top. He began targeting WWE legends one by one, including Triple H, Mick Foley, Ric Flair, and The Undertaker. Orton had memorable matches with all of them.
In 2004, his feud with Mick Foley was particularly intense. Their match at Backlash 2004 won over fans and proved to be a career-defining moment for Orton. This was when he officially ascended to the top tier of WWE. Due to the way he dominated legends, Orton earned the nickname “The Legend Killer”, a gimmick that left a lasting impression on the WWE Universe.
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WWE Backlash 2025: Randy Orton Falls to John Cena
Backlash 2025 took place on May 10. In the main event, John Cena defended his Undisputed WWE Championship against Randy Orton. The match was billed as “One Last Time” a final chapter in one of WWE’s most iconic rivalries.
Orton and Cena’s history in WWE is legendary, with over 20 matches between them. At Backlash 2025, they delivered a classic. Orton created chaos with his signature RKO, thrilling fans once again. However, in the end, Cena emerged victorious and retained the title.
Cena is currently on his retirement tour and is working as a heel, adding another interesting layer to this final battle between two legends.
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