History of Randy Orton in Timeline
"Randy" Orton is an American professional wrestler signed to WWE. Considered one of the sport's all-time greats, he's a multiple-time world champion with a career exceeding two decades. He currently performs on their "SmackDown" brand.
April 1, 1980: Birth of Randy Orton
On April 1, 1980, Randal Keith Orton, better known as Randy Orton, was born. He would go on to become a prominent figure in professional wrestling.
1998: Graduation from Hazelwood Central High School
Randy Orton graduated from Hazelwood Central High School in 1998, where he was an active participant in amateur wrestling.
1998: Kane's Actions
In 1998, Kane, in a storyline, locked The Undertaker in a casket and set it ablaze.
1999: Military Discharge and Incarceration
In 1999, Randy Orton's time in the United States Marine Corps ended with a bad conduct discharge due to going AWOL and disobeying orders. He was court-martialed and spent 38 days in military prison at Camp Pendleton.
2000: Signing with WWF and Training in OVW
In 2000, Randy Orton signed a contract with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) and was sent to their developmental territory, Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW), to further hone his wrestling skills.
2000: Wrestling Debut in MMWA-SICW
Randy Orton made his professional wrestling debut in 2000 with the Mid-Missouri Wrestling Association-Southern Illinois Conference Wrestling (MMWA-SICW) in St. Louis, Missouri. He received training from the promotion's staff and his father, Bob Orton Jr..
February 14, 2001: First OVW Hardcore Championship Win
Randy Orton defeated Mr. Black to win the OVW Hardcore Championship for the first time on February 14, 2001, showcasing his early success in professional wrestling.
May 1, 2001: First WWF House Show Appearance
Randy Orton made his first appearance at a WWF house show on May 1, 2001, where he faced Billy Gunn, marking his initial foray into the world of WWF events.
May 5, 2001: Second OVW Hardcore Championship Win
On May 5, 2001, Randy Orton secured his second OVW Hardcore Championship victory, defeating Flash Flanagan and further establishing himself as a rising star in OVW.
March 16, 2002: WrestleMania X8 Fan Axxess Appearance
Randy Orton made an appearance at WrestleMania X8's Fan Axxess on March 16, 2002, where he faced Tommy Dreamer, providing him with valuable exposure on a major WWE event weekend.
April 25, 2002: Televised WWF Debut
On April 25, 2002, Randy Orton made his official televised debut for WWF on SmackDown!, securing a victory against Hardcore Holly and marking the beginning of his journey on the main roster.
September 2002: Move to Raw and Shoulder Injury
Randy Orton was moved to the Raw brand in September 2002, where he faced Stevie Richards in his debut match for the brand. Unfortunately, he suffered a shoulder injury shortly after, sidelining him for several months.
2002: Part of the "OVW 4"
Randy Orton's tenure in OVW placed him among a group of wrestlers known as the "OVW 4," which included John Cena, Brock Lesnar, and Dave Batista, all of whom would achieve tremendous success in WWE.
December 2003: Intercontinental Champion
On December 2003, Randy Orton won the Intercontinental Championship against Rob Van Dam at Armageddon.
2003: Joining Evolution
In a pivotal career move, Randy Orton joined the Evolution stable in 2003, aligning himself with Triple H, Ric Flair, and Batista. This group would dominate WWE programming for the next couple of years.
2004: Kicked out of Evolution
In 2004, Randy Orton was kicked out of the Evolution stable by Triple H, an event that Orton would later claim "ruined his life".
2004: Randy Orton's Championship Reign Ended by Triple H
In 2004, Randy Orton's reign as champion was brought to an end by Triple H.
2004: Legend Killer
In 2004, Randy Orton continued to solidify his "Legend Killer" persona by engaging in rivalries with esteemed wrestlers like Mick Foley and Harley Race. He successfully defended his Intercontinental Championship in a brutal hardcore match against Foley at Backlash. He also retained the championship against Shelton Benjamin at Bad Blood. His reign as Intercontinental Champion, however, came to an end in July at Vengeance when he was defeated by Edge.
2004: Appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!
In 2004, Orton appeared on the talk show Jimmy Kimmel Live! to promote Taboo Tuesday.
2004: Evolution's Dominance
From 2003 to 2004, Evolution reigned supreme in WWE, holding all the men's championships on the Raw brand after their victory at Armageddon in 2003. This period solidified Randy Orton's status as a rising force in the industry.
January 2005: Evolution Betrayal
In January 2005, Randy Orton turned on his Evolution teammates, initiating a feud with them. He defeated Ric Flair in a steel cage match at Taboo Tuesday. Orton was victorious for his team at Survivor Series, earning a stint as the general manager of Raw for a week. He continued his rivalry with Triple H, utilizing his authority to create disadvantages for his adversaries during championship defenses. Orton's attempt to seize the vacant World Heavyweight Championship at New Year's Revolution in January 2005 was unsuccessful, as he was eliminated by Triple H. He also lost a World Heavyweight title match against Triple H at the Royal Rumble.
February 2005: Relationship with Stacy Keibler and Feud with Christian
In February 2005, Randy Orton started a romantic storyline with Stacy Keibler and had a brief feud with Christian.
March 2005: Orton Targets The Undertaker
In March 2005, Randy Orton set his sights on The Undertaker, aiming to end his undefeated streak at WrestleMania. Leading up to WrestleMania, Orton's behavior became increasingly defiant as he taunted and physically confronted The Undertaker. He even went as far as delivering an RKO to his on-screen girlfriend, Stacy Keibler, solidifying his villainous turn. Despite a highly promoted match at WrestleMania 21, Orton was unsuccessful in defeating The Undertaker.
November 2005: Eddie Guerrero's Passing
In November 2005, Eddie Guerrero passed away.
2005: Rivalry with The Undertaker
In 2005, Randy Orton was drafted to SmackDown! and reignited his feud with The Undertaker, culminating in a victory at SummerSlam with assistance from his father. He continued his rivalry with The Undertaker throughout 2005, which involved a handicap casket match victory alongside his father against The Undertaker at No Mercy. Orton also participated in the traditional Survivor Series elimination match, leading Team SmackDown! to victory and becoming the sole survivor for the third consecutive year. The rivalry with The Undertaker intensified, leading to a Hell in a Cell match at Armageddon, where Orton was ultimately defeated.
2005: Turns Face
On February 22, 2005, Randy Orton turned face for the first time since 2005 after attacking his former Legacy teammates, Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase.
February 2006: WWE Talent Wellness Program Launched
WWE launched its Talent Wellness Program in February 2006.
2006: Rated-RKO forms
In 2006, Randy Orton teamed up with Edge to form Rated-RKO, a tag team that would go on to achieve significant success, including winning the World Tag Team Championship.
2006: WrestleMania 22
In 2006, Randy Orton participated in the Royal Rumble match but was eliminated by Rey Mysterio. Despite defeating Mysterio at No Way Out to earn a World Heavyweight Championship opportunity at WrestleMania 22, Orton was unsuccessful in his title pursuit. He was pinned by Mysterio in a triple threat match that also included the then-champion Kurt Angle.
February 5, 2007: Triple Threat Match for WWE Championship Opportunity
On February 5, 2007, Randy Orton and Edge lost a triple threat match against Shawn Michaels, missing out on a chance to compete for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 23.
March 2007: Appearance on Deal or No Deal
In March 2007, Orton appeared alongside Edge, John Cena, and Bobby Lashley on the game show Deal or No Deal.
March 2007: Sports Illustrated Steroid Allegations
In March 2007, Sports Illustrated published an article alleging Orton's involvement in a steroid and growth hormone ring.
September 21, 2007: Marriage to Samantha Speno
Orton married Samantha Speno on September 21, 2007.
2007: The Legend Killer and the Viper
During his initial years in WWE, Orton's gimmick was that of "the Legend Killer." In late 2007, his character changed to a more unstable and treacherous personality, adopting the nicknames of "the Viper" and "the Apex Predator".
2007: Orton's Double Championship Win
Randy Orton achieved a remarkable feat in 2007 by winning the WWE Championship twice in a single night, solidifying his status as a top star in the company.
January 2008: Orton Embraces the Villain Role
In January 2008, Orton expressed his preference for playing the villain, finding it easier and more natural for him.
2008: The Legacy Begins
The year 2008 marked the formation of The Legacy, a dominant faction led by Randy Orton and featuring Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase Jr., which would have a considerable impact on WWE programming.
2008: WWE Championship Reign, Feuds, and Injury
Throughout 2008, Randy Orton was embroiled in numerous feuds, notably with Shawn Michaels, Chris Jericho, Jeff Hardy, John Cena, and Triple H. He experienced a tumultuous year, marked by winning and losing the WWE Championship on multiple occasions. Notably, he sustained a legitimate collarbone injury during a Last Man Standing match against Triple H at One Night Stand, sidelining him for a period.
January 19, 2009: Feud with the McMahon Family
On January 19, 2009, Randy Orton began a feud with the McMahon family, confronting Mr. McMahon and Stephanie McMahon, leading to a physical altercation with Mr. McMahon.
2009: The Marine 2 Casting Change
Orton was set to star in The Marine 2 (2009) but was replaced by Ted DiBiase Jr. after injuring his collarbone.
2009: Royal Rumble Victory
Randy Orton won the Royal Rumble match in 2009, earning himself a world championship match at WrestleMania 25.
2009: Rivalry with Kofi Kingston
In 2009, Randy Orton engaged in a rivalry with Kofi Kingston, culminating in a match at the TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs event in December.
January 11, 2010: Wins opportunity to challenge for WWE Championship
On January 11, 2010, Randy Orton won a triple threat match, earning the right to challenge Sheamus for the WWE Championship at the Royal Rumble.
2010: The Legacy Disbands
After a successful run, The Legacy disbanded in 2010, leading Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, and Ted DiBiase Jr. to pursue individual paths in their careers.
2010: Randy Orton's Rise to the Top
In 2010, Randy Orton ascended to the pinnacle of WWE, securing significant victories and championship reigns. He engaged in rivalries with notable opponents, solidifying his status as a dominant force in the company.
2011: Drafted to SmackDown, Feuds with The New Nexus
In 2011, Randy Orton was drafted to the SmackDown brand and continued his feud with CM Punk, a member of The New Nexus, culminating in a Last Man Standing Match at Extreme Rules.
2011: Supporting Role in That's What I Am
Orton had a supporting role in the comedy-drama film That's What I Am (2011).
January 27, 2012: Returns from Injury, Continues Feud with Wade Barrett
On January 27, 2012, Randy Orton returned to action after being sidelined with a herniated disc, immediately reigniting his feud with Wade Barrett.
2012: Separation from Samantha Speno
Orton and Samantha Speno separated in late 2012.
2012: Punt Kick Banned
In 2012, the punt kick was legitimately banned by WWE management due to the ease of imitation by viewers and the risk of injury.
June 2013: Divorce from Samantha Speno
Orton and Samantha Speno divorced in June 2013.
2013: Unification of WWE and World Heavyweight Championships
At the TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs event in 2013, Randy Orton, as the reigning World Heavyweight Champion, defeated John Cena, the WWE Champion, to unify the two titles, becoming the WWE World Heavyweight Champion.
2013: The Marine 3: Homefront Recast
Orton was set to star in The Marine 3: Homefront (2013) but was replaced by The Miz due to his checkered military career.
2013: Money in the Bank Victory and Alignment with The Authority
Randy Orton won the Money in the Bank ladder match in 2013, granting him a future WWE Championship opportunity. He later cashed in his contract successfully and aligned with The Authority, a powerful group in WWE.
October 2014: The RKO Vine Trend
In October 2014, Orton became a popular figure on Vine when a trend began of clips of a superimposed Orton performing his signature RKO move on internet "fail" victims.
2014: The Evolution Era
In 2014, Orton joined forces with Triple H and Batista to form the formidable stable, Evolution. They engaged in a heated rivalry with The Shield, creating memorable moments throughout the year.
February 22, 2015: Orton's Return and Rivalry with Rollins
On February 22, 2015, at Fastlane, Randy Orton made a resounding return, aiding Dolph Ziggler, Erick Rowan, and Ryback against Seth Rollins, Big Show, and Kane. This event marked the beginning of Orton's feud with Rollins.
November 14, 2015: Marriage to Kimberly Kessler
Orton married Kimberly Kessler, on November 14, 2015.
2015: Orton's Time as "The Face of WWE"
During his time with The Authority, Randy Orton was designated as the "face of WWE" in 2015, a testament to his prominence and popularity as a top star.
2015: Starring in The Condemned 2
Orton starred in the action film The Condemned 2 (2015).
July 7, 2016: Orton vs. Lesnar: A SummerSlam Showdown
On July 7, 2016, it was announced that Randy Orton would face Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam. This highly anticipated match-up set the stage for a clash of titans.
December 2016: Guest Role in Shooter
In December 2016, Orton had a guest role as James Richards, a former Navy SEAL, in an episode of the USA action series Shooter.
2016: Joining the Wyatt Family
In 2016, Randy Orton aligned himself with The Wyatt Family, a mysterious and unsettling group led by Bray Wyatt, marking a significant shift in his character and storyline.
January 29, 2017: Royal Rumble Victory and Alliance with Bray Wyatt
On January 29, 2017, Randy Orton emerged victorious at the Royal Rumble, earning a shot at the WWE Championship. However, he chose to align himself with Bray Wyatt, relinquishing his title opportunity.
2017: Second Royal Rumble Victory
Randy Orton won his second Royal Rumble match in 2017, securing another opportunity to compete for a world championship at WrestleMania 33.
2017: Betrayal of the Wyatt Family
Randy Orton's alliance with The Wyatt Family came to an end in 2017 when he turned on his former stablemates, Bray Wyatt and Luke Harper, igniting a new chapter in his career.
August 2018: Sexual Harassment Investigation
In August 2018, Orton was investigated by WWE for sexual harassment allegations, although nothing came of the investigation.
2018: Tattoo Copyright Lawsuit Filed
In 2018, Orton's tattoo artist, Catherine Alexander, filed a lawsuit against Take-Two Interactive and 2K Games for using her copyrighted tattoos on his likeness in their WWE 2K video game series without permission.
2018: United States Championship and Grand Slam Champion
Randy Orton achieved another milestone in 2018 by winning the United States Championship, making him the 18th Grand Slam Champion in WWE history, having already attained the Triple Crown Championship.
January 27, 2019: Royal Rumble 2019
On January 27, 2019, at the Royal Rumble, Randy Orton entered the namesake match at number 29, eliminating Rey Mysterio before being eliminated by Andrade.
October 2019: Criticism for Racial Slur
In October 2019, Orton received criticism for using a racial slur while playing Call of Duty on a live Twitch stream.
2019: Supporting Role in Changeland
Orton had a supporting role in the comedy-drama film Changeland (2019).
January 26, 2020: Royal Rumble 2020
On January 26, 2020, at the Royal Rumble event, Randy Orton entered the titular match at number 25 and eliminated Karl Anderson before being eliminated by Edge, who was returning to competition after retiring in 2011.
June 2020: The Return of the Punt Kick
The punt kick was brought back in June 2020 as part of the feud between Orton and Edge.
October 26, 2020: Start of Feud with Bray Wyatt
On October 26, 2020, Randy Orton began a feud with Bray Wyatt, who was using the gimmick "The Fiend", and Alexa Bliss.
September 2021: Tattoo Copyright Lawsuit Trial Postponement
The trial for the tattoo copyright lawsuit was postponed to September 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
2021: Breaking the Record for Most WWE PPV Matches
Randy Orton's match at the 2021 Survivor Series etched his name in WWE history as he surpassed Kane's record for the most pay-per-view matches in the company's history.
January 10, 2022: Loss of Raw Tag Team Championship
On January 10, 2022, Randy Orton and Riddle, known as RK-Bro, lost the Raw Tag Team Championship to Chad Gable and Otis of Alpha Academy, ending their reign at 142 days.
October 2022: Tattoo Copyright Lawsuit Trial and Ruling
In October 2022, the tattoo copyright lawsuit trial took place, with the judge ruling in favor of Catherine Alexander.
September 2023: Riddle's Release and End of RK-Bro
In September 2023, while Randy Orton was on hiatus due to a back injury sustained in 2022, Riddle was released from WWE, effectively ending their tag team, RK-Bro.
November 20, 2023: Randy Orton's Return Announced
On November 20, 2023, after an 18-month hiatus, it was revealed that Randy Orton would be making his return at Survivor Series: WarGames.
January 27, 2024: Orton at Royal Rumble
On January 27, 2024, at Royal Rumble, Orton failed to capture the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship from Roman Reigns in a fatal four-way match.
2024: Orton's Championship Pursuits
In 2024, after Backlash, Orton participated in the King of the Ring tournament, defeating AJ Styles, Carmelo Hayes, and Tonga but lost to Gunther in the finals in controversial fashion.