Randy Orton appeared via satellite on Monday Night Raw from an undisclosed location, refusing a scheduled interview with Michael Cole and instead delivering a series of calculated statements that raised more questions than answers about who he has been talking to and what is driving his heel turn.
Orton was on the phone with someone when Cole connected with him. Orton told the person on the other end that everyone was watching SmackDown, that “it is time,” that he appreciated them, and that he would “see him soon.” Orton then ended the call and told Cole he had changed his mind about the interview.
Rather than sit down, Orton left Cole with a brief but loaded statement. He said everyone has been asking him why he did what he did at the SmackDown contract signing when he attacked Cody Rhodes. Orton said he had a conversation with someone “who had a brain” and that the conversation was “something profound.” He said this person helped him understand who he is and what he is.
“I am a killer,” Orton said.
He closed by telling Cole that “wrestling has more than one royal family” and announced he will be on SmackDown this Friday night. The fact that Orton appeared via satellite rather than being at the arena added to the calculated, detached nature of his new persona.
Who Was Orton Talking To?
The identity of the person on the phone was not revealed. Orton’s comment about “wrestling has more than one royal family” could be interpreted as a reference to the Orton family dynasty. His father, WWE Hall of Famer Bob Orton Jr., and his grandfather, Bob Orton Sr., were both professional wrestlers. Randy Orton is a third-generation performer. The line could suggest that Bob Orton Jr. is the voice in his ear guiding his heel turn, particularly given the family’s history as antagonists in wrestling.
Mark Henry referenced Bob Orton on Busted Open After Dark last week when discussing Orton’s heel turn at the SmackDown contract signing. “Bob Orton, the older guys, Jesse Ventura, I bet you he is laughing his ass off right now, because they respect the gangster,” Henry said.
However, the identity could also be someone else entirely. The phrasing “see him soon” and the deliberate mystery of the phone call suggest WWE may be building toward a reveal, potentially a manager, advisor, or ally who will be unveiled in the coming weeks.
Context
Orton turned heel on the March 14 episode of SmackDown during the contract signing for his WrestleMania 42 Undisputed WWE Championship match against Cody Rhodes. After Rhodes delivered an emotional speech about their friendship, Orton attacked him with a chair, busted him open, pushed Jelly Roll down, and shoved Nick Aldis out of the way. He then sat in the ring with the championship belt on his lap and stared into the camera.
WWE.com confirmed that Rhodes vs. Orton for the Undisputed WWE Championship will headline Night 1 of WrestleMania 42 on Saturday, April 18 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
Orton won the men’s Elimination Chamber match in February to earn the title shot. Rhodes subsequently won the Undisputed WWE Championship from Drew McIntyre on SmackDown, confirming his status as the defending champion heading into WrestleMania.
Orton said he will appear on SmackDown this Friday, where more details about his mindset and the identity of his mystery confidant may be revealed.
