WWE News: Randy Orton opens up on assuming the veteran's role backstage

What’s the story?

On a recent edition of E&C’s Pod Of Awesomeness, Randy Orton spoke to Edge and Christian about how they helped him gain a new level of confidence in the ring, and take his career to the next level.

Additionally, Christian returned the favour and credited Orton for teaching him the art of pacing himself in a match, whereas Edge spoke of his pride in the Viper’s ongoing success story.

The trio also discussed Orton giving up-and-comer Aiden English a chance to shine in their recent matchup, emphasising the importance of established veterans guiding and teaching the inexperienced wrestlers on the roster.

In case you didn’t know…

Randy Orton, Edge and Christian had several memorable feuds with as well as against one another throughout the 2000s.

E&C are now retired from in-ring professional wrestling competition, Orton still remains one of the WWE’s biggest stars today.

The heart of the matter

Randy Orton explained how his rivalry with Christian over the World Heavyweight Championship in 2011, proved to be a confidence booster, and then went on to draw a comparison to today’s scenario wherein Orton himself is the veteran, providing the same rub of stardom and confidence to the younger Aiden English—

“He got a rub from that match because of how I sold for him—I was able to give him a great set of heat on me, have him reverse out of some stuff that no one has ever anyone done to me before.

“He was very appreciative and thankful, and I could tell he knew that I was trying my best to give him as much as I could, given the circumstances. And I'm only like that because of guys like you and Adam (Edge) that taught me that earlier in my career."

Furthermore, Edge jested that he feels like a proud uncle seeing Orton's continued success in the business today. "The Apex Predator" explained that it’s a great feeling when a younger Superstar gives a good ear to his advice and is grateful to you for it -- all resulting in the betterment of the business.

What’s next?

Randy Orton will compete against Rusev at the upcoming SmackDown brand-exclusive PPV Hell In A Cell, which goes down at the Little Ceasars Arena in Detroit, Michigan on October 8th.

Author’s take

Randy Orton seems to be sliding into his role as a respected veteran in the WWE locker room very well.

It seems like just yesterday that Orton—a young, cocky 22-year-old—was trying hard to impress at every show as part of the legendary Evolution stable. Here’s something to refresh your memory—