Vince McMahon Criticized as ‘Short-Sighted’ for Not Letting Randy Orton Take Time Off for Injuries

Randy Orton commands respect not just among wrestling enthusiasts but across the entire WWE and beyond, despite not always being universally liked. His recent comments about Vince McMahon not letting him take time off for injuries have now led to a former WWE star blasting McMahon for being short-sighted.

The Apex Predator made his triumphant return to WWE television during the Survivor Series Premium Live Event last year. Prior to that, he was out of action for 18 months due to back injuries that almost forced him to retire.

Randy Orton recently revealed that he once approached Vince McMahon several years ago about taking time off and having a reduced schedule due to all the injuries he had suffered over the years. McMahon refused to let him take time off and stated that Mother Nature comes for everyone.

“I came to him when I was 35 and my back really started going and I pleaded with him, like, ‘Man, I gotta not do as many shows. Maybe do half the tour and be able to recover.’ And he just looked at me and was like, ‘I need you on those shows, Randy. Mother Nature gets us all.’”

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While speaking on Wrestling Shoot Interviews, former WWE star Stevie Richards criticized McMahon’s decision, suggesting it was short-sighted to push Orton to work through pain without adequate rest.

Richards talked about the dilemma faced by promoters like McMahon, who prioritize the financial impact of star performers like Orton but must also consider their well-being. He noted a shift towards valuing quality over quantity in the wrestling industry, contrasting McMahon’s approach with a more modern perspective that values sustainability and the longevity of wrestlers’ careers, which obviously helps them in the long run.

”As always, it’s about making money and Randy Orton is a draw and needs to be there. I kinda understand what Vince is saying. But Vince also, it’s a bit shortsighted to wear somebody out like Randy Orton, who still works great, looks great, he’s literally a legend at this point, and to not take care of a guy like that. We talked about it before, quality over quantity. Vince is just trying, a metaphor for wearing him down to dust or powder. I would say it’s gotten better each year or era, depending upon who takes it over as we come in the modern era of wrestling.”

Randy Orton also believes that it’s good Vince McMahon is no longer part of WWE. Thankfully, Orton feels like he is in his 20s now and that is all that truly matters when it comes to his health.

Do you believe Vince McMahon was truly uncaring about WWE Superstars’ health? Let us know in the comments section below!