'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The RKO is one of the most iconic finishers in WWE or even professional wrestling history. The move is so popular that whenever the fans see one, they "mark" out. Even though the RKO is a modified jumping version of John Laurinaitis' Ace cutter and Diamond Dallas Page's Diamond cutter, Randy Orton introduced an element of versatility to it. One cannot predict when the viper will strike. Ask Evan Bourne or Seth Rollins about it. Orton countered their finishers at the very last second for a couple of picture-perfect RKOs.
While RKOs on Rollins, Bourne, and the Undertaker are some of the most talked about RKOs, Orton performed various other outstanding RKOs out of thin air. These RKOs are criminally underrated and in this list, we are going to take a look at them.
Alberto Del Rio - Hell in a Cell 2012
In late 2012, Alberto Del Rio was on his path back to the top of the WWE mountain. He was scheduled to face Orton in the opening match of Hell in a Cell PPV.
Alberto looked certain for the win when he had Orton trapped in a corner. However, the viper was too agile and countered Del Rio's step up enziguri for a brilliant RKO out of nowhere to pick up the win.
Dolph Ziggler - RAW: August 29, 2011, and October 13, 2014
August 29, 2011
October 13, 2014
Two for the price of one.
Dolph Ziggler is one of the most talented wrestlers ever to step foot inside a WWE ring, and he is known for his selling. When it comes to big moves like the spear and RKO, Ziggler takes his selling to the next level and makes it so convincing.
The above clips are two instances where the apex predator RKOed the show-off.
Roman Reigns - Royal Rumble 2017
Royal Rumble 2017 was a mixed bag for Roman Reigns. His match against Kevin Owens for the universal championship received loud "THIS IS AWESOME" chants. However, when he came down the aisle as the 30th entrant, the crowd lost it. They booed Reigns out of the building. The boos intensified once he eliminated Undertaker and looked all set to win the Rumble again. However, Randy Orton had other plans. The viper countered a mid-air spear to stun the big dog and eliminate him to win his 2nd Rumble.
Christian - Over the Limit 2011
The Christian - Orton rivalry was a brilliant rivalry that got overshadowed by the summer of Punk. They had some outstanding matches over the course of four months. Randy Orton had hit many RKOs on Captain Charisma but the one at Over the limit 2011 stands tall among them.
Jeff Hardy - Royal Rumble 2008
One of the most beautiful counters in WWE history. Jeff Hardy prepared Orton for his signature Twist of Fate. However, the Viper used his momentum to get an extra spin and position himself for an RKO out of nowhere. Everything happened really fast and the crowd reaction said it all.
Shinsuke Nakamura - SmackDown Live: 23rd January 2018
After Clash of Champions 2017, Randy Orton had enough fighting others' battle and said he was ready to move on. He made the message perfectly clear in the main event match between Baron Corbin and Shinsuke Nakamura. Just as Nakamura was tuning up for the Kinshasa, a wild Randy Orton appeared out of nowhere to move across Nakamura - RKOing him in the process. Orton also gave Corbin an RKO for good measures.
What makes Sting special? His first AEW opponent opens up RIGHT HERE.
