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 acclaimed American professional wrestler currently signed to WWE's SmackDown brand. Celebrated as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time, Orton's career spans over two decades. He is recognized for his numerous achievements, including tying for the third-most world championship reigns in professional wrestling history.
1999: Bad Conduct Discharge from Marine Corps
In 1999, Randy Orton received a bad conduct discharge from the United States Marine Corps after going AWOL and disobeying an order, resulting in 38 days in the brig.
February 2003: Injury
In February 2003, Randy Orton suffered an injury, sidelining him for a period of time.
February 2006: WWE Talent Wellness Program Launched
In February 2006, WWE launched its Talent Wellness Program, which they stated superseded the steroid allegations against Orton.
March 2007: Steroid Allegations
In March 2007, Sports Illustrated alleged that Randy Orton obtained steroids and ancillary drugs.
2009: The Marine 2
In 2009, Randy Orton was initially set to star in the action film The Marine 2, but was replaced due to injury.
2012: Punt Kick Banned
In 2012, the Punt Kick was banned by WWE management due to the ease of imitation by viewers and the risk of injury should the move be botched.
2013: The Marine 3: Homefront
In 2013, Randy Orton was replaced in The Marine 3: Homefront due to his military career.
August 2018: Sexual Harassment Investigation
In August 2018, Randy Orton was investigated by WWE for sexual harassment allegations, but nothing came of the investigation.
2018: Tattoo Lawsuit Filed
In 2018, Catherine Alexander filed a lawsuit against Take-Two Interactive and 2K Games for using her copyrighted tattoos on Randy Orton's likeness in WWE 2K video games.
October 2019: Controversial Remark on Twitch
In October 2019, Randy Orton received criticism for saying a racial slur while playing Call of Duty on a live Twitch stream.
September 2021: Tattoo Lawsuit Trial Postponed
In September 2021, the trial for Catherine Alexander's tattoo lawsuit against Take-Two Interactive was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
October 2022: Tattoo Lawsuit Ruling
In October 2022, the judge ruled in favor of Catherine Alexander in the tattoo lawsuit, awarding her $3,750 in damages.
2022: Back Injury Hiatus
In 2022, Orton suffered a legitimate back injury and was expected to be on hiatus for the rest of 2022.
2024: King of the Ring Tournament and World Heavyweight Championship Match
In 2024, Randy Orton lost to Gunther in the finals of the King of the Ring tournament and failed to win the World Heavyweight Championship at Bash in Berlin on August 31.
