Randy Orton, the 14-time world champion is a SmackDown superstar as of November 2024. The former Evolution member is the youngest world champion in the WWE. Orton won the first title in WWE, the Intercontinental Title, and acquired the moniker "The Legend Killer" for his performance and ability. The former Rated-RKO member formed the stable The Legacy and performed as a Wyatt Family member. Orton, the 17th Triple Crown champion has 20 titles and was named the 10th Grand Slam champion. The two-time Royal Rumble winner (2009, 2017) also won the Money in the Bank ladder match in 2013. The Viper holds the Guinness Book of World Records for the most appearances in PPV events.
Randy Orton Injury 2024
Randy Orton was injured during a fight with Kevin Owens on SmackDown, on November 8. Owens executed a prohibited piledriver and Orton was immediately stretchered out with Cody Rhodes accompanying him. WWE host Michael Cole later mentioned concerns about possible cervical injuries.
According to ITR Wrestling, cervical cord neurapraxia is an impermanent neurological issue caused by spinal injury. It usually resolves within 15 minutes to 48 hours, Orton's existing back issues make the injury possibly more serious. WWE later confirmed Orton was diagnosed with cervical cord neurapraxia by a statement on the following day. They also mentioned that there is no timetable for his return.
Randy Orton Back Surgery
Randy Orton had suffered a career-threatening back injury and underwent spinal fusion surgery in 2022. He was absent from in-ring activities from mid-2022 to November 2023, until his return in that year's Survivor Series: WarGames as the last entrant.
"The Face of the WWE," told The Post in a telephonic interview that the doctors suggested he should quit wrestling after all the medical procedures, based on the New York Times. However, Orton got a chance to return because the surgery didn't require cutting through the muscles. He practiced in the WWE Performance Center after his recovery with Drew Gulak. Orton also disclosed that he wants his 15th world title but keeps the priority to be a main roster performer as long as he can.
Major Injuries of Randy Orton in WWE
Shoulder Injury- 2002
Randy Orton won his debut match over Hardcore Holly in 2002 and was moved to the RAW brand. After sustaining a shoulder injury which turned out to be useful for Orton's career, as he was integrated into the Evolution after his return, based on Sportster.
Collarbone Injury- 2008
Randy Orton's journey to his first WWE Title came at No Mercy in 2007, where Vince McMahon awarded him the title. On that very night, he lost the title to Triple H but regained it in a rematch. However, he finally dropped the title to Triple H at Backlash 2008. During the period to recover the title, Orton suffered a collarbone injury that sidelined him temporarily.
Herniated Disc- 2011
In 2011, Randy Orton restarted his rivalry with Wade Barrett and was involved in many clashes. After Orton defeated Barrett in a Tables match their fight went on with a Falls Count Anywhere match on SmackDown. In that match, Barrett pushed Orton down a stairwell. According to The Sportster, though planned, Orton landed awkwardly, resulting in a herniated disc that sidelined him for four weeks.
Concussion- 2012
In 2012, while competing with The Big Show on his road to the World Heavyweight Title, Randy Orton suffered a concussion. Daniel Bryan's attack on him with the championship was initially suspected. However, it was later uncovered that Orton faced this while delivering a second RKO to Show as per The Sportster. WWE announced he would be sidelined for four weeks.
Shoulder Injury- 2012
Orton's shoulder injury sustained at the Tribute to the Troops event. The dislocated shoulder was worsened by Orton's hypermobility. In 2012, Randy Orton's feud with The Shield was used as a storyline for his absence from WWE.
Shoulder Injury- 2015
In 2015, Randy Orton sustained another shoulder injury during his feud with The Wyatt Family. It forced WWE to remove him from a scheduled tag match at the Hell in a Cell pre-show. The injury sidelined him for nine months and he returned to action in 2016.
Head Injury- 2016
At the 2016 SummerSlam, Randy Orton faced Brock Lesnar in a match that finished abruptly when Lesnar delivered stiff elbow strikes to Orton's forehead. The assault resulted in a severe cut that required ten staples.
Randy Orton Injuries
| Year of Injury | Injury Name | Description |
| 2002 | Shoulder | Faced after his debut in 2002 |
| 2008 | Collarbone | Suffered in 2008 while feuding with Triple H |
| 2011 | Herniated Disc | Faced after falling from stairs and was absent for four weeks |
| 2012 | Concussion | Happened while delivering a second RKO to Big Show in a match in 2012 |
| 2012 | Shoulder | Happened at the Tribute to the Troops event, a dislocated shoulder |
| 2015 | Shoulder | Faced in 2015, removed from PPv match and returned in 2016 |
| 2016 | Head | Faced this while fighting Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam 2016 |
| 2022 | Back | Career-threatening injury and underwent spinal fusion surgery. Took the longest break of his career |
| 2024 | Cervical cord neurapraxia | Faced with an attack from Owens, WWE is unable to disclose any timeframe for his return |
FAQs on Randy Orton
A. Randy Orton won 14 world titles in WWE as of November 2024.
A. Randy Orton faced shoulder injuries in 2002, 2012, and 2015.
A. The Rock and Randy Orton never faced each other in a professional match as of November 2024.
A. Randy Orton was 24 years old in 2004.
