Randy Orton makes bold statement on WWE Bash in Berlin match

Randy Orton has his eyes on WWE's World Heavyweight Championship. The wrestling veteran is set to once again lace up his boots to headline the inaugural Bash in Berlin PLE this weekend. Orton has just issued a bold declaration on the match, revealing just how important it really is.

The Apex Predator has had almost 2,500 matches since signing his WWE developmental contract in 2000. The company's seventeenth Triple Crown and tenth Grand Slam Champion has worked numerous notable matches,

WrestleMania openers and main events, the final Punjabi Prison, a No DQ Ironman Match, a Handicap Casket Match, plus the only Firefly Inferno and House of Horrors Matches. Orton even competed in The Greatest Wrestling Match Ever, but Saturday's bout against Gunther is very significant to him.

The Legend Killer appeared at today's Bash in Berlin Kickoff and made a bold confirmation. A cameraman caught up with the 44-year-old as he and wife, Kim walked through the raucous crowd. The 14-time WWE world champion revealed the importance of the match, especially after he returned in November 2023 following an 18-month hiatus due to a severe back injury.

"Tomorrow night's important, man. It's the most important match I've had since I've been back, the most important match I've had since I've been cleared to wrestle. These people are gonna be loud whether they're s******g on me or s******g on Gunther. It doesn't matter, they're gonna be loud out there and I'm looking forward to being there for the atmosphere," Randy Orton said.

You can check out the clip in the post below:

Orton vs Gunther at Bash in Berlin is their second-ever singles bout. The Ring General defeated The Viper in the final of the King of the Ring Tournament, earlier in May, but there was immediate talk of a rematch due to the winner's controversial pin.

---

WWE Bash in Berlin lineup and start times

World Wrestling Entertainment will invade the German capital on Saturday for the inaugural Bash in Berlin PLE from the Uber Arena. The same venue will host tonight's SmackDown.

There are just five matches set for Bash in Berlin, which is interesting due to a recent backstage report on WWE PLE plans. Below is the current lineup for tomorrow:

• Mixed Tag Team Match: Liv Morgan and Dominik Mysterio vs. Rhea Ripley and Damian Priest;
• Strap Match: CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre;
• Women's Tag Team Championship Match: Isla Dawn and Alba Fyre (c) vs. Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill;
• Undisputed WWE Championship Match: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Kevin Owens
• World Heavyweight Championship Match: Gunther (c) vs. Randy Orton (Gunther and Orton will swap rosters, should the former lose)

The Countdown to Bash in Berlin pre-show will air at 11 am ET on Peacock and social media, but no matches have been announced. Peacock will begin the main PLE at 1 pm ET.