Randy Orton appeared on ESPN’s SportsCenter on Thursday to talk to Jonathan Coachman about WWE.
Coachman asked him about preparing for the Royal Rumble match, which he won. He talked about how there are so many moving parts on the day of the Rumble including what number you are going in. He brought up The Undertaker, Goldberg, Brock Lesnar and others in the match.
When asked how the popularity of NXT pushes him on the main roster, he praised the talents from NXT and said that NXT pushes everyone on the main roster as those talents are trying to take your spot, so it creates a healthy competitive environment and lights a fire under everyone.
When asked about a defining moment in his career, Orton said that he has had so many of those moments but brought up his hardcore match with Mick Foley in 2004 at the Backlash PPV. He said that is a match he’ll never forget. He believes that he grew up and became a man that night.
Coachman brought up him working with Bray Wyatt. Orton praised Wyatt and said that he is very talented and one of the most creative guys in the locker room. He said that he’s learning from Wyatt when it comes to that aspect. He added that they naturally clicked as they are both second generation wrestlers.
When asked about WrestleMania 33, which will see him challenge for the WWE Championship, Orton said that he would have his family at ringside and he is looking forward to making them proud as well as making the fans proud by winning the championship. He said that it’s been a few years since he had the championship and he feels that he has great momentum riding into 2017.
Orton thanked ESPN for having him on the show and this wrapped up the segment.
