Randy Orton is no longer the WWE Champion after losing the title to Jinder Mahal at WWE Backlash. Now aside from the fact that you probably would’ve been quarantined for uttering those words a few weeks ago, we need to be looking deep into the root of the problem here – The Viper isn’t relevant in today’s landscape.
He’s certainly more than capable of putting on a great wrestling match, but Randy should know more than anyone else that you need more than that to make an impact in this business. We were saying the same thing this time six years ago and yet there’s absolutely no progress aside from a solid stint with The Wyatt Family.
Orton is still young enough to make an impact in the year 2017 and beyond, but there are a lot of things that need to change. As fans, we don’t want to settle for a solid match every so often, because the character that’s being portrayed is nothing in comparison to The Legend Killer or the crazy champion that we all know and love.
So with all of that being said, here are five things Randy Orton can do to become relevant again.
Attire
It’s been said before and it’ll be said again – Randy Orton has some seriously dull attire. Sure he’s mixed things up every now and again with slightly lighter trunks and what not, but there are subtle changes that seem to improve his overall character that hasn't been capitalised on. Yes, we do realise how mad we sound here.
Take his WrestleMania 31 get-up for example. Orton looked fantastic in Santa Clara with his red trunks and elbow pads (which are important), as the whole ensemble just seemed to suit him. Many will find this to be a pointless entry, but nobody can deny that a change in style certainly grabs the attention of the casual fanbase.
Do it, Randy...
Heel turn
Mr Orton does indeed hear voices in his head, and that’s one of the reasons why his many heel runs have been so successful. He may not necessarily need to pull out the most high flying of moves, but it’s the technical and crisp nature behind his work that suits being a heel so much more than being a face.
Orton is calm, calculated and likes to take his time when picking apart his opponents. All of these things could be utilised brilliantly when it comes to enhancing the overall value of Randy as an on-screen asset, and there are a number of great feuds with top babyfaces for The Viper to have over on the blue brand right now.
Now for something a bit off base.
Talk shows
All of WWE’s biggest stars go on talk shows to promote the company and their own personal projects, and that’s just the way it is. Whether it’s Jimmy Fallon, Conan, Jimmy Kimmel or any of the other shows out there, it’s always a great way to get a superstar over with a broader audience that may not be familiar with their work.
For whatever reason, Orton seems to have largely avoided this section of the limelight throughout his career, which is surprising given that he’s actually quite a charismatic guy.
He’d fit right in on any of these shows, and it could go a long way to helping him repair his ‘dull’ reputation that we all know and hate.
Anyone for a punt?
New move
Rope DDT, suplex, back breaker, RKO. Lather, rinse, repeat. Randy Orton has a slim resume when it comes to the moves he uses on a regular basis and whilst that isn’t necessarily a big problem, as evidenced by the likes of Hulk Hogan, Orton doesn’t have the on-screen presence to back up his lack of big time moves.
So, why not throw something else into the mix in order to keep us fans on our toes? Hell, you could even bring back the punt kick if it gets the greenlight from Vince. Randy is a great wrestler and always has been, but if he’s not allowed to show off those skills in a bigger way then what’s the point?
From student to teacher.
Teach younger guys
The king of the RKO has been known to be quite selfish throughout his career, which is a reputation that may or may not be true, depending on who you talk to. Because of this, fans feel that Orton is only looking out for himself, and that may have caused quite a few members of the WWE Universe to switch off from his work.
It’d probably be a good idea, then, for Orton to dive straight into teaching some of the younger guys the ropes. After all, the guy isn’t getting any younger, and some of the newer talent on the roster could benefit from being in the presence of such a legendary figure on a regular basis.
Make it happen.
