WWE star Randy Orton has given a major endorsement to popular YouTuber and streaming personality IShowSpeed, believing that the young star has the mental and physical capabilities to transition into a full-time WWE superstar. Orton’s comments came after the end of the new YouTube series Speed Goes Pro, where IShowSpeed attempts to reach the skill level of professional athletes in various sports.
The Mental and Physical Tools
Orton stated that the company “has something” with IShowSpeed, whose real name is Darren Jason Watkins Jr., and that the potential for a full-time career exists if the streamer chooses to pursue it. IShowSpeed has already made a name in WWE with two memorable appearances: once at WrestleMania XL and again at the Royal Rumble.
“He is ready, we’ve got something here. Mentally he’s there, physically he’s got everything it takes. If he wants to stick with this journey, through hard work and dedication he could one day be a full-time WWE superstar, if he wants it.”
A New Trend of Celebrity Integration
IShowSpeed’s involvement with WWE has been consistent, beginning with his role at WrestleMania XL, where he was disguised as a Prime bottle during the United States Championship match featuring Logan Paul. At Royal Rumble in February 2025, IShowSpeed entered the match as the eighth entrant, substituting for the planned entrant Akira Tozawa. He even managed to eliminate Otis with the help of Bron Breakker before being eliminated himself. He also got hit with spear from Breakker that went viral on social media.
The new series, Speed Goes Pro, which premiered at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and was sponsored by Dick’s Sporting Goods, features IShowSpeed training with professional athletes such as Tom Brady, Suni Lee, and Kevin Durant.
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit SPEED GOES PRO with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription. The full series of Speed Goes Pro can be watched on YouTube.
