From the WWE Rumor Mill: Randy Orton said to be happy with WWE deal

The Viper isn't going anywhere anytime soon

What's the story?

According to a report by Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Randy Orton is said to be very happy with his current WWE deal. And there's a reason why.

In case you didn't know...

Randy Orton has been on WWE's main roster full-time since 2002. He's been on top of the card for over a decade now and it sometimes is hard to believe that he's still only 37, younger than the likes of some superstars such as Nakamura.

His on-screen rival John Cena has been on a part-time schedule since October 2015 and it's become very clear that he will never be a full-timer in WWE again. To say that it's well earned for John Cena would be an understatement, given how he's been the face of the company for over 10 years, longer than any of his predecessors: The Rock, Stone Cold & Hulk Hogan.

This begs the question, when is Randy Orton going to transition into a part-time schedule after operating on a top level for so long?

The heart of the matter

According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Randy Orton is reportedly very happy about the way things are going right now. He gets to take periods of leave far more frequently than other superstars.

Not only that, but he's constantly on the main event level and gets paid millions of dollars per year. Orton is set to take a hiatus around February and March and will also miss the WrestleMania Revenge Tour in Europe this May.

This could be a big indication that 2018 is the year that Randy Orton starts working on a more part-time basis. In fact, a part-time schedule might be best for Randy Orton's character. He's been criticised heavily this year for being stale(and many times in the past). Orton appearing once in a while would definitely help freshen up his character and keep him more relevant.

Whether this would be an opportunity for The Viper to try his hand in Hollywood is yet to be seen. He seemingly has a role lined up for him in a movie called Changeland(which is possibly why he started growing his hair).

What's next?

Randy Orton is still embroiled in a feud with Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn, where he is aligned with Shinsuke Nakamura and SmackDown Live commissioner Shane McMahon. What his direction is heading into WrestleMania 34 is yet to be seen.

Author's take

Just like John Cena, Randy Orton is one talent who has undoubtedly earned the perks of a part-time schedule. It would benefit him in more ways than one. Randy Orton has always been considered as a "missed opportunity" by many, in the sense that he was never able to live up to his fullest potential, despite being a 13-time World Champion.

Orton transitioning into a part-timer would be a win-win for everyone involved, including the fans.

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