‘The Viper’ is having a hard time coming to terms with the allegations facing his former boss.
On January 25th, former WWE employee Janel Grant filed a lawsuit against Vince McMahon and John Laurinaitis, alleging both sex trafficking and sexual assault in graphic detail. The following day, McMahon stepped down from his position as the Executive Chairman of TKO, although this is evidently a story that’s far from over.
One talent who worked closely worked with McMahon throughout his 24-year career is Randy Orton. The former multi-time WWE Champion recently spoke to the New York Post, where he claimed that he doesn’t know any of the information about the allegations other than what he’s seen online.
“I’ve seen the horrible things online that I don’t want to believe because this man has done so many things for me. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t have been given second and third chances [in WWE]. I wouldn’t be in the position that I’m in now if it wasn’t for that man. So part of me wants to not believe it and then the other part of me understands that he could have done all these wonderful things for me and the business and created this amazing thing that will go on and on well after he’s gone, but on the other hand he’s human and he made some f–king terrible mistakes.”
-Randy Orton
During last month’s Royal Rumble post-show press conference, Cody Rhodes addressed the situation, labelling it a “dark cloud over everything” that the talent works hard for.
Orton agreed with the sentiment shared by Rhodes and noted that it’s difficult for him to comment further until more information is revealed, particularly due to how close he’s been to McMahon over the years.
“There’s three sides to every story. Their side, the other side and then the truth. I think a lot more has to come out before I can really speak on any of this. I think that would be the case for any talent that you ask, but I do know about Vince McMahon the man that I’ve known for the past 24 years personally and I owe him for everything he’s done for me. I say that with conviction because I won’t be in this position without a lot of help from him. But if these allegations are true, then it’s some horrible s–t right there. I’m torn. It’s hard.”
-Randy Orton
Elsewhere in the interview, Orton discussed his back issues that almost put a permanent end to his wrestling career, revealing that he broke down upon hearing that his injuries could force him into retirement.
“I was with my wife. I was with a couple doctors. I was with a couple top-of-their-class neurosurgeons and they had looked at the MRI (exam), and based on my symptoms and how bad my lower spine was, based on the MRIs they were like, ‘You know what, you’ve had a great career. You got to start thinking about your life past wrestling and being there for your kids. This surgery isn’t the type of surgery you come back from and remain an athlete from.’ I was in tears. I think it’s OK for grown men to f–king cry and I was a little baby. I was so sad that it was being taken away from me.”
-Randy Orton
Regarding his road to recovery, Randy noted that his training with Drew Gulak brought confidence back to him, although he added that it wasn’t until January when he truly began to feel back in control.
“I did my first RKO in late August and if it wasn’t for Drew I wouldn’t have gotten that little bit of confidence back. It was until like January where I really started to feel like ‘OK. I got my wheels back under me. I feel like I’m in control. This is what I’m good at dammit.’ It took a second.”
-Randy Orton
At this Saturday’s Elimination Chamber PLE in Perth, Australia, Orton will have the chance to book his ticket to WrestleMania against Seth Rollins for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, although it appears as though his pursuit of a 15th world title isn’t his number one priority right now.
Orton revealed that he’s currently feeling more pain-free than ever before, and whilst a 15th run as WWE’s top guy would be nice, his focus is currently on staying at the top level for as long as he can.
“Now I’m pain-free more so than I’ve even been. I’m not so worried about [championship] number 15. Now don’t get me wrong, I want number 15, but my number one priority is just being able to do this at this level for as long as I can and not pulling back on the reins.”
-Randy Orton
Randy will be joined by Bobby Lashley, LA Knight, Kevin Owens, Logan Paul, and Drew Mclntyre inside Elimination Chamber this Saturday, with Seth Rollins awaiting the victor in Philadelphia.
As always, we’ll aim to provide any further updates on the allegations facing Vince McMahon, as well as the future of Randy Orton as soon as we hear more.
