Randy Orton Reveals the Origin of the RKO

For over two decades, Randy Orton has been putting opponents away with his signature move, the RKO. The Viper has used this devastating finisher to capture WWE World Championships, taking down top names including The Undertaker, Mick Foley, Triple H, and many more.

Randy Orton recently shared the intriguing backstory behind his iconic finisher. In a conversation with Bill Apter of WrestleBinge, Orton revealed that the move came to life thanks to a discussion with John Laurinaitis.

“Diamond Dallas Page had the Diamond Cutter, but John Laurinaitis had the Ace Crusher. At the time [the RKO was being invented] he was the Head of Talent Relations and we were trying to think of something that I could do to everybody no matter how big or how small they were. And the RKO was the move.”

Orton did mention one downside to his signature move, noting that it required him taking a bump every time he executes the RKO.

“Unfortunately it requires me to take a bump every time I give the yeah so yeah, there’s that.”

Looking ahead, Randy Orton is set to continue his in-ring dominance on this week’s episode of WWE SmackDown, where he will face Tama Tonga in the King of the Ring semi-finals. The winner of this match will advance to face GUNTHER for the crown at WWE King and Queen of the Ring in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Stay tuned to Ringside News for more!

What are your thoughts on Randy Orton’s comments about the origin of the RKO and his upcoming match in the King of the Ring semi-finals? Let us know in the comments below!