5 current WWE Superstars who were almost fired

#4. WWE came close to firing Randy Orton

Randy Orton is on the verge of becoming the most decorated world champion of all time. At 41, Orton has done and won it all in a career spanning two decades.

The Viper is arguably the most consistent performer in the industry. However, he has had his fair share of problems. Orton violated the company’s wellness policy program multiple times, and he was nearly axed for it.

In 2012, many WWE officials wanted The Apex Predator fired for his repeated violations and attitude. Here are details that came out of a meeting between Orton and some of the top WWE executives, including Vince McMahon and Triple H, following his violation in 2012:

“A WWE source described the meeting’s atmosphere as “hostile,” it was determined that a further decision concerning Orton awaits. The report adds there are “several” officials lobbying for his termination as a cost-cutting measure. They feel his lucrative 10-year contract – signed in January 2010 – can no longer be justified if he is brought back in a mid-level role. His second suspension hinders WWE from continuing to feature Orton in headline role since a third drug-testing policy infraction would result in automatic termination.”

Vince McMahon decided against terminating Randy Orton’s contract. The decision proved to be fruitful as Orton went on to headline countless premium live events in the decade that followed.