The tag team of RK-Bro, featuring Randy Orton and Matt Riddle, had an unlikely friendship that got over with fans, but everyone knew that an eventual breakup and feud was inevitable. Riddle has now revealed the original creative plans for that split, which would have seen him, not Orton, turn heel.
RK-Bro had a successful run, capturing the Raw Tag Team Championships on two occasions. The storyline was ultimately cut short due to Randy Orton’s debilitating back injury, which has kept him out of action for over two years.
A Classic Turn
Speaking on the TMZ Inside The Ring podcast, Matt Riddle detailed the creative process behind the planned breakup. He explained that while the initial idea was the more traditional route of having the veteran Orton turn on the up-and-coming Riddle, he successfully pitched a different direction.
“Me and Randy are tight, you know… The story eventually, they originally wanted Randy to turn on me, and I go, I go, Well, typical, that’s what Randy does. You know, that’s what Randy does.”
A Different Version of the Character
Riddle argued that because of Orton’s legendary status, the fans would likely cheer him even if he turned heel. He believed it would be a more effective story for him to be the one to betray his partner. According to Riddle, both Randy Orton and the WWE office agreed with his pitch before the storyline was unfortunately derailed by Orton’s injury.
“But at the end of the day, I was like, guys like, I’m new to the scene, still for WWE, especially compared to Randy, and if he turns on me, they’re not going to cheer for me. They’re going to boo me and cheer for the legend that is Randy Orton… So I was like, so if anything, I would like to turn on Randy. And Randy agreed. The Office agreed. Now, granted, Randy got hurt and ended up leaving… But, uh, yeah, I think the plan was originally for him to turn on me, but then when I explained what I thought would happen, they all agreed, and then they’re probably going to have me turn on Randy and turn heel. And I was very much looking forward to that, not just because of the matches, but being able to dive into a different version of my character.”
Riddle is now the reigning MLW World Champion and still hopes to one day finish his story with Randy Orton. The full interview can be found on the TMZ Inside The Ring podcast.
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article, please credit TMZ’s Inside The Ring with an h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
