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Randy Orton has wowed fans throughout his WWE career every time he's hit the RKO. It's one of the deadliest finishers in history and arguably the most stunning sight when hit perfectly. One may wonder, what does it stand for?
The Viper's finisher stands for his full name, Randy Keith Orton. Some fans confuse it for either 'Randy's Knock Out' or 'Random Knock Out,' but that's not the case.
Randy Orton started using the RKO in 2003, catching his opponents off guard. He's developed several variations, including stunningly hitting Evan Bourne and Seth Rollins in mid-air. It's among the most iconic pro wrestling finishers and synonymous with The Viper. There is little doubt he'll pick up a victory should he hit the three most destructive letters in all of WWE.
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The 14-time world champion spoke about naming his finisher after his own name in an interview with Bally Sports Midwest earlier this year:
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"The RKO is my take on the Diamond Cutter or the Ace Crusher. It's a move that had been done before, but I put my own spin on it so that I could catch opponents out of nowhere, which is why it became so famous. The name was my idea, derived from my initials, and it just made perfect sense." [H/T Times of India]
Orton's finisher sits second on Ranker in the list of all-time greatest WWE finishers voted by fans. Its unpredictability and excitement leave fans in awe, and its victims are laid to waste.
What is Randy Orton's favorite RKO in WWE history?
Randy Orton's highlight reel includes memorable moments when he hit his finisher. In 2010, the Apex Predator caught Evan Bourne mid-flight while the cruiserweight attempted a shooting star press on Monday Night RAW.
The legendary SmackDown star hit Seth Rollins with the RKO as he reversed the Curb Stomp at WrestleMania 31. Those were thrilling to watch but not Orton's favorite.
Orton may be guilty of recency bias, but he prefers the one he hit against JD McDonagh at Survivor Series last year in WarGames. The Irish star jumped off the cage and fell into the Legend Killer's trap in a moment that stunned the WWE Universe.
Orton returned to WWE at Survivor Series after a lengthy absence due to a serious back injury. It was a spectacular RKO and one fitting of the big occasion in Chicago's All-State Arena.
