Challenges in the Life of Randy Orton in a Detailed Timeline

Life is full of challenges, and Randy Orton faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

Randal Keith Orton, known as Randy Orton, is an American professional wrestler signed to WWE since 2000, currently on the SmackDown brand. Widely considered one of the greatest professional wrestlers ever, Orton has had a career spanning over two decades. He boasts a record of holding the tied-third most world championship reigns in wrestling history.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles

1999: Received Bad Conduct Discharge from Marines

In 1999, Randy Orton received a bad conduct discharge from the United States Marine Corps after going AWOL on two occasions and disobeying an order. He spent 38 days in the brig at Camp Pendleton.

February 2003: Injured Again

In February 2003, Randy Orton was injured again, sidelining him from in-ring action.

2004: Expulsion from Evolution

In 2004, Randy Orton was kicked out of Evolution by Triple H. According to Orton, Triple H "ruined his life", so Orton wanted to take everything Triple H cared about away from him in 2009.

March 2007: Steroid allegations in Sports Illustrated article

In March 2007, Sports Illustrated published an article alleging that Randy Orton and other WWE wrestlers obtained performance-enhancing drugs, including nandrolone, oxandrolone, stanozolol, and testosterone.

2012: Ban on Punt Kick

In 2012, the punt kick, Randy Orton's signature move, was banned by WWE management due to the ease of imitation by viewers and the risk of injury.

August 2018: WWE investigation for alleged sexual harassment

In August 2018, WWE investigated Randy Orton for alleged sexual harassment towards new writing staff members, though the investigation did not lead to any consequences.

2018: Tattoo artist lawsuit against Take-Two and 2K Games

In 2018, Catherine Alexander, Randy Orton's tattoo artist, filed a lawsuit against Take-Two Interactive and 2K Games for using her copyrighted tattoos on Orton's likeness in their WWE 2K video game series without approval.

October 2019: Criticism for using racial slur on Twitch stream

In October 2019, Randy Orton faced criticism for using a racial slur while playing Call of Duty on a live Twitch stream.

September 2021: Postponement of tattoo lawsuit trial

In September 2021, the trial for the lawsuit filed by Randy Orton's tattoo artist, Catherine Alexander, against Take-Two Interactive and 2K Games was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

October 2022: Tattoo lawsuit ruling against Take-Two and 2K Games

In October 2022, the judge ruled in favor of Catherine Alexander in her tattoo lawsuit against Take-Two Interactive and 2K Games, awarding her $3,750 in damages.