WWE RAW: 5 Biggest news stories - Drew McIntyre is next for Goldberg, Ric Flair gets humiliated (January 4, 2021)

#3: Randy Orton directed his hatred towards several legends on this episode of WWE RAW

"Pedal on outta here!"Thankfully for @RandyOrton, the Hall of Pain is closed tonight on #WWERaw! pic.twitter.com/fAav6UwttY

— WWE (@WWE) January 5, 2021

Randy Orton said that he ultimately couldn't set Alexa Bliss on fire during last week's WWE RAW, despite the voices in his head telling him to commit the crime. This was proof that The Fiend has changed him to a certain degree.

This week, the primary topic for Orton didn't concern The Fiend or Alexa Bliss, as he had a plan to belittle several WWE legends in backstage segments.

The Big Show and Mark Henry were forced to show restraint, as The Viper verbally assaulted them backstage.

Randy Orton also broke Ric Flair's spirit by telling The Nature Boy that he was just an old man, and no longer The Dirtiest Player in the Game. This confrontation made a bigger impact as a result of Orton punting the veteran on WWE RAW last year.

Orton didn't physically attack any legends on WWE RAW Legends Night, but he did pull Jeff Hardy's ears in grotesque fashion later during their one-on-one match. As expected, The Apex Predator defeated Hardy with an RKO.

As @RandyOrton gets the win against @JEFFHARDYBRAND, what does 2021 hold for the Legend Killer?#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/VymhK5fp0j

— WWE (@WWE) January 5, 2021

Randy Orton's approach towards promos as well as his in-ring game seemed a bit more aggressive than usual. Alexa Bliss and Bray Wyatt's absence from this week's special episode affected the show's momentum, which proved just how integral they are to the Red brand in the current landscape of WWE.