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.

Randy Orton, an American professional wrestler signed to WWE's SmackDown brand since 2000, is considered among the greatest of all time. With a career spanning over two decades, he holds the tied-third most world championship reigns in wrestling history. His impact and longevity have solidified his status as a top performer in the industry.

Sections (4)

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

1999: Bad Conduct Discharge from the 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, subsequently spending 38 days in the brig at Camp Pendleton.

September 2002: Trade to Raw and Shoulder Injury

In September 2002, Randy Orton was traded to the Raw brand, defeating Stevie Richards in his debut before suffering a shoulder injury that sidelined him for months.

February 2003: Injury

In February 2003, Randy Orton sustained another injury.

2004: Establishment as a Legend Killer and Intercontinental Championship Reign

Throughout 2004, Randy Orton established himself as the "Legend Killer," feuding with wrestling legends. He won the Intercontinental Championship and held it for 210 days. This reign included defeating Mick Foley in a hardcore match at Backlash on April 18. He lost the title to Edge on July 11 at Vengeance.

March 2007: Sports Illustrated publishes article alleging steroid use by Randy Orton

In March 2007, Sports Illustrated published an article alleging that Randy Orton obtained nandrolone, oxandrolone, stanozolol, testosterone, anastrozole, and clomiphene citrate.

August 2018: Randy Orton investigated for sexual harassment

In August 2018, Randy Orton was investigated by WWE for alleged sexual harassment towards new members of the company's writing staff, but the investigation was inconclusive.

2018: Catherine Alexander files lawsuit against Take-Two and 2K Games

In 2018, Randy Orton's tattoo artist, Catherine Alexander, 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: Randy Orton receives criticism for using racial slur

In October 2019, Randy Orton received criticism for saying "nigga" while playing a Call of Duty game on a live Twitch stream.

September 2021: Trial postponed due to COVID-19 pandemic

In September 2021, the trial regarding Catherine Alexander's lawsuit against Take-Two and 2K Games for the use of her copyrighted tattoos on Randy Orton's likeness in the WWE 2K video game series was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

January 27, 2024: Failed Universal Championship Capture

On January 27, 2024, at Royal Rumble, Randy Orton was unsuccessful in capturing the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship from Roman Reigns in a fatal four-way match also involving AJ Styles and LA Knight.