Kevin Owens Labels Randy Orton as the True Locker Room Leader

Randy Orton is one of the most tenured and skilled in-ring athletes who is in the prime of his career following recovery from back surgery last year and making his return at WWE Survivor Series 2023. In recent developments, Orton has forged an unexpected alliance with Kevin Owens in their ongoing feud against The Bloodline.

The duo went up against Solo Sikoa and Tama Tonga at WWE Backlash France. However, the match took a surprising turn with the sudden appearance of Tanga Loa, aiding The Bloodline duo in securing victory in front of a sold-out crowd in Lyon, France.

During Owens’ recent appearance on WWE’s The Bump, Owens expressed his deep respect for Orton, describing him as a role model both before and after his own WWE journey began. He praised Orton’s evolution into a seasoned veteran, acknowledging his past shortcomings and his current leadership within the locker room.

In the eyes of The Prize Fighter, Randy Orton’s reception at WWE Backlash was a testament to his enduring impact and connection with the WWE Universe for over two decades. Witnessing Orton soak in the crowd’s adulation before the match left Owens feeling emotionally touched, underscoring the depth of admiration and respect Orton commands within the wrestling community.

“The most amazing part for me was actually seeing the love and respect they showed Randy [Orton]. Not to dwell on it, but Randy is somebody I’ve looked up to for so long, even before I even got to WWE as an aspiring wrestler. Then once I got here, someone who, in my opinion, is exactly what a veteran should be and what we should all aspire to be, as far as an example in the locker room. Wasn’t always perfect in his younger years, but he readily admits to it, owns up to the mistakes he’s made. He’s truly a leader, without wanting to be one, without saying he’s a leader. He doesn’t have to say he’s a locker room leader, he just is.“

“To me, he’s been, as beloved as he is, because he really is, it’s still not enough in my opinion. To see the reception those fans gave him, and to see that after all these years doing this, because he’s been here a very, very long time, and he’s lived some really amazing things in his career, to see him get…he was soaking it in, and I could tell it meant a lot to him. That made me almost a little emotional, honestly, before the match started, when he was coming out. I could see it meant a lot to him, and yeah, that was a really special moment. That’s what I take away the most from that whole thing, and the fans, they were incredible all night, but what they did for Randy, giving him the love and respect he deserves, that was really cool,” 

Randy Orton has now shifted his focus towards the King of the Ring tournament. He recently defeated AJ Styles in the first-round match and is set to face the former NXT stalwart Carmelo Hayes in the quarterfinals next week, in hopes of clinching the one accolade that has alluded him for his entire career in less than three weeks in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

What are your thoughts on Kevin Owens labeling Randy Orton as the true locker room leader in WWE? Sound off in the comments!