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Browsing: Randy
A WWE talent has stated that “Macho Man†Randy Savage gets left out of the “GOAT†conversation far too often.
There will always be debates among pro wrestling fans about who is the greatest of all time. While names like Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, Bret Hart, and John Cena come around very often in that conversation, WWE Pre-show analyst and Evolve commentator Peter Rosenberg thinks Randy Savageâ€s name should also be in the mix.
During his appearance on the Insight with Chris Van Vliet podcast, Peter Rosenberg stated that Randy Savage and Bret Hart were the first two wrestlers he fell in love with. He also said that Savage has been left out of the “GOAT†conversation too often and explained why his name deserves to be in the discussion.
“Savage to me, in some ways, I think gets left out of the GOAT conversation too often. I think Savage was just brilliant. From the second he arrived in WWF, because obviously I hadnâ€t seen him prior to that, to me, he was brand new when he got there. From the second he got there, immediate impact, like just grabbed everyoneâ€s attention, everyone hated him, and then everyone loved him.â€
“When you go back, what makes Macho Man the perfect wrestler was that good guy, I give him 100 as a good guy, as a baby face, awesome. As a heel, clearly 100, thereâ€s maybe nobody better. He was so easy to hate from a wrestling style standpoint, big guy, little guy. Put him in the ring with Ricky Steamboat, whoâ€s not a little guy, but on the smaller side relative to the biggest guys, him and Steamboat have an absolute classic. Put him in the ring with Andre, you know, no problem, gold. You could put him in with anyone and everyone looks good.â€
“In the ring, to me, heâ€s perfect. On the mic, obviously, I wouldnâ€t give him 100 on the mic, because when you look back as funny and, you know, animated as the promos are, I guess they didnâ€t always make a lot of sense. But when he was locked in and trying to deliver a message, completely there.†[H/T Insight with Chris Van Vliet]
WWE legend Randy Orton provided another subtle hint that he’s turning heel soon.
The latest episode of WWE SmackDown saw Randy Orton team up with Cody Rhodes to take on The Vision’s Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker. The stars were in for a great challenge and had a heavy task ahead of them. Things were going well until Seth Rollins showed up to ruin the occasion.
However, a subtle tease from Randy Orton suggests the alliance with Cody Rhodes may not be for long.
WWE Legend Randy Orton Could Not Move His Eyes Away From The Undisputed WWE Title
Last week, Orton was seen quite ardently looking at the title before handing it over to Rhodes. The star was once again caught doing the same during a backstage segment with The American Nightmare.
Orton was having a conversation with Cody Rhodes on the latest episode of WWE SmackDown and did not move his eyes from the title.
Oh that heel turn is coming#Smackdownpic.twitter.com/YTGu5Khsnk
— Wrestling Pics & Clips (@WrestleClips) October 4, 2025
It was an interesting tidbit into the psyche of Orton, who is unwilling to let his passion and love for the 15th world title go away just yet. The star may have to put his friendship with Rhodes on the back burner and finally turn heel for a chance to win the Undisputed Title.
It will be interesting to see how things pan out during and after Crown Jewel.
Carmelo Hayes walks out to respond to Sami Zayn’s open challenge for the US Title but The Miz attacks him from behind and security is forced to intervene.
Meanwhile Aleister Black walks out and takes on the US Champion instead
THE MIZ ATACA A CARMELO HAYES MALDITO CABRÓN #SMACKDOWN pic.twitter.com/TQNbQWToVV
— LuigiWrestling (@LuigiWrestling) October 4, 2025
Black controls the match as soon as the bell rings. Sami Zayn fights back with punches and reverses to dodge the brutal blows.
Esta secuencia en la que Sami Zayn busca la Blue Thunderbomb y Aleister Black está cerca de ganar con el pin. Buen ritmo de combate por ahora. #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/VBVyiu4e4e
— LuigiWrestling (@LuigiWrestling) October 4, 2025
Zayn attempts a blue thunder powerbomb, Black counters him and goes for a quick pin but the champ kicks out. Black climbs up the top rope, Sami Zayn follows him and gets him with a superplex that lays them out both.
🚨 ALEISTER BLACK ACCEPTS SAMI ZAYN UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP CHALLENGE #SmackDown
— FADE (@FadeAwayMedia) October 4, 2025
Black is on his feet again. He punches Zayn into the corner. He sets Zayn now for a superplex. The champion struggles to get out of it and manages a sunset flip powerbomb on Black, and goes for a pin – ends in two count.
Zayn gets ready for the helluva kick. His opponent has the same thought with the Meteora and knocks him out.
DAMIAN PRIEST is here.
Well, that didn’t take much! Damian Priest walks in and distracts Aleister Black, and Sami Zayn takes advantage to get the W!#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/buzZTD2lN9
— Tony The Wrestling Nerd (@WrestlingNerd00) October 4, 2025
His distraction enables Zayn to hit the helluva kick on Black and pin him to retain the title.
Result: Sami Zayn def. Aleister Black
After the match, Priest drags Black out of the ring and hits him with the Razor’s Edge through the announcer’s table.
Damian Priest attacks Aleister Black#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/xAtmXHDPPh
— Pro-Wrestling + (@PWrestlingPlus_) October 4, 2025
SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)…
WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT
OCTOVER 3, 2025
CINCINNATI, OHIO AT HERITAGE BANK CENTER
AIRED LIVE ON USA NETWORK
REPORT BY WADE KELLER, PWTORCH EDITOR
Commentators: Michael Cole, Booker T
Ring Announcer: Mark Nash
Attendance:Â WrestleTix reports as of today 6,943 tickets were distributed so far. The arena has a capacity of 17,556 spectators when configured for concerts.
JOIN US LIVE ON YOUTUBE TONIGHT FOR THE VIDEO-FORMAT OF OUR LIVE POST-SHOWS…
PWTorch editor Wade Keller will be joined by PWTorchâ€s Christopher Maitland to review WWE Smackdown LIVE on YouTube. Weâ€ll be incorporating live viewer comments into the show so join us LIVE!
Email our post-show at wadekellerpodcast@gmail.com with your comments and questions about Smackdown. Weâ€ll read your emails live during the post-show.
If you canâ€t join us live on YouTube, stream the show on demand later at YouTube or listen or stream later on a podcast app. Subscribe to all of our free podcasts by searching “wade keller†and “pwtorch†in your podcast app of choice including Spotify and Apple Podcasts and most other iOS and Android apps.
VIP MEMBER EXCLUSIVE VIDEO CALLER CODE: CLICK HERE
LINK TO BE A VIP CALLER:
Click that link during the post-show to enter the waiting room as “live video caller†(or just audio if you turn off your cam, which is fine).
OPEN TO EVERYONE – LINK TO WATCH LIVE RIGHT AFTER WWE SMACKDOWN TONIGHT: CLICK HERE
[HOUR ONE]
Advertised Matches & Appearances
- Cody Rhodes & Randy Orton vs. Bronson Reed & Bron Breakker
- Sami Zaynâ€s United States Open Challenge to continue
- Tiffany Stratton to appear
- Damian Priest to be in action
By Ella Jay
Oct. 3, 2025 10:20 am EST
Noam Galai/Getty Images
At WWE WrestleMania 40, IShowSpeed went viral after he took an RKO from Randy Orton while dressed as a PRIME bottle. Earlier this week, he attempted to return the favor at the premiere of his new show, “Speed Goes Pro.”
Along the event’s green carpet, a video clip revealed Orton conversing with fellow WWE stars Drew McIntyre and Sheamus. When Speed, real name Darren Watkins Jr., then tried to sneak up from behind with an RKO out of nowhere, Orton’s wife Kim took notice and warned “The Viper.” Orton turned around, preventing the YouTube sensation from hitting the move on him, though that didn’t stop them from sharing a hug afterward.
.@ishowspeedsui could have hit one of the greatest RKOs outta nowhere and @RandyOrton knows it! 😂 pic.twitter.com/P4gKh7YnTn
— WWE (@WWE) October 2, 2025
Orton subsequently thanked Speed for not actually nailing him with an RKO, even though Speed owed him one following WrestleMania 40. “You did a lot of s*** on me. I should have just did it,” Speed said as Orton jokingly held up his hands in defense.
Episode one of “Speed Goes Pro” is out now on YouTube, showing Speed working with trainer Clif Marshall, Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner, and 2-time Super Bowl champion Danny Amendola as he prepares for NFL Combine drills and a showdown with NFL legend Tom Brady. Across the series, Speed will train for different sports to see if he can match the skills of legendary professional athletes, including Orton, in those respective sports.
Aside from WrestleMania 40, Speed has already gotten another taste of pro wrestling when he eliminated Otis from the 2025 Men’s Royal Rumble with the help of Bron Breakker. His celebration wouldn’t last long, however, as Breakker immediately hit him with a spear and dumped the YouTuber out of the ring.
Randy Orton might not have much time left in WWE as he is getting old.
Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton have shared a unique bond in WWE over the years, beginning with their early interactions in the company. Rhodes has often spoken about how Orton influenced his growth in wrestling. On a recent episode of the Pat McAfee Show, Cody reflected on his relationship with Orton, saying,
Randy Orton is somebody who’s a mentor to me in the game. Randy is, we don’t know how much longer Randy is going to be doing this, I don’t want that to creep up on me. If we didn’t get one more good old-fashioned mega power style tag with the guy who is partially responsible for me ever getting anywhere in WWE.”
“Randy Orton has been a mentor to me in this game..
He’s partially responsible for me being where I am”@CodyRhodes#PMSLivepic.twitter.com/omRdN5gcHh
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) October 2, 2025
The respect and admiration Cody holds for Orton are evident, highlighting how their professional relationship grew into a mentorship. The two have not only shared the ring but also wisdom that only a seasoned veteran like Orton could provide.
Fans and wrestlers alike are aware that Orton may not continue for much longer, and Cody hopes to make the most of their remaining time together in the ring. Their history showcases not only wrestling skill but also a deep personal connection formed through years of shared experiences.
Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton Team Up Against The Brons
Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed crashed SmackDown last week to threaten the Undisputed WWE Champion on the orders of Seth Rollins, as claimed by him, ahead of the Crown Jewel clash. They had a heated exchange inside the ring, Despite being outnumbered, Rhodes stood his ground and took on the Brons, only to get beaten down visciously.
However, help came in the form of Orton to rescue Rhodes, who took out both the wrestlers. delivering an RKO on Reed. After the brawl, these two veteran stood tall in the ring, looking down on their opponents. Following this invasion by the Brons and the assault, the SmackDown GM Nick Aldis arranged a tag team match between the Brons and Rhodes-Orton for the upcoming October 3 episode of WWE SmackDown.
Randy Orton decided to break character after being spotted recently with one of his fiercest rivals, who happened to be this top WWE villain.
Orton and Drew McIntyre have no love lost between each other, and they’ve been going at it over the past few years, whether it’s for the WWE Championship or just a heated battle. Their last encounter was on the September 12 episode of SmackDown, where The Scottish Warrior nailed The Viper with his Claymore Kick. Fast forward, and the two have apparently called for a ceasefire and decided to spend some time together outside the ring. Orton, McIntyre, and another former WWE Champion, Sheamus, recently attended an event organized by popular YouTuber and influencer, IShowSpeed.
During Speed’s event, The Viper was seen having a good time with The Celtic Warrior and The Scottish Warrior, which was really interesting considering that they had just feuded with each other this past month. IShowSpeed (real name: Darren Jason Watkins Jr.) launched his new series Speed Goes Pro!,which tackled his sporting and athletic activities, including his WWE appearances at WrestleMania XL and the 2025 Royal Rumble.
The premier happened at the Los Angeles Coliseum on September 30th.
Check out the photo below:
Drew Mcintyre, Randy Orton and Sheamus were all at IShowSpeed’s Speed Goes Pro event 🔥 pic.twitter.com/NILTuZCYgG
— FADE (@FadeAwayMedia) October 1, 2025
Orton was featured in the trailer and one of the episodes itself alongside other sports and entertainment giants such as NFL legend Tom Brady, 2020 Gold Medalist for gymnastics Suni Lee, competitive eater Joey Chestnut, and former NBA MVP Kevin Durant.
IShowSpeed Tried To Sneak In on WWE Legend Randy Orton
During the Speed Goes Pro!launch, IShowSpeed slowly approached Randy Orton by attempting his RKO. The Viper’s wife, Kim Orton, then warned her husband, but the 20-year-old decided not to pull the trigger, in a funny and light-spirited manner, as the former WWE Champion turned around to meet him.
The two talked with one another and discussed doing something in the next few weeks, seemingly pertaining to Speed’s upcoming series.
iShowSpeed attempts to RKO Randy Orton.
— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) October 1, 2025
It can be remembered that IShowSpeed got involved in Randy Orton’s WrestleMania XL match against Logan Paul by pushing him, while disguised as a Prime Bottle mascot. However, things didn’t end well for Speed when he fell victim to The Viper’s brutal RKO on the announce table.
WWE Hall of Famer “The World’s Strongest Man” Mark Henry believes that if Randy Orton is to have another run as WWE Champion, it must be as a heel. In a recent interview, Henry made a passionate case for Orton to return to his heel roots, arguing that “The Viper” is one of the few superstars in history who is definitively better as a heel than a babyface.
Orton has been a beloved fan favorite since his return from a career-threatening back injury, but Henry feels that a return to the heel persona that defined much of his career is the “tailor-made” story for his next main event run. Speaking with TMZ, the former World Heavyweight Champion explained exactly what he wants to see from a future Randy Orton championship reign.
“I wouldn’t want Randy to be champion as good guy Randy. I want Randy… the story is tailor made. Have Randy come in now and start punting people again, RKO’ing people’s grandmothers and children. Have him stomping people. Let Randy be Randy.â€
He emphasized that Orton’s greatest strength has always been his ability to be a compelling and hated villain.
“I don’t know if you can say more definitively that a guy’s a better heel than he was a babyface.â€
Henry also compared Orton’s current situation to that of John Cena, who is in the midst of his farewell tour.
“I think Randy wants to be in the same regard as Cena. He deserves it too. But while Cena is doing that, you can’t actively have two people doing the same story.â€
IShowSpeed nearly pulled the trigger on a viral RKO—but decided to hold back at the last second.
During his Speed Goes Pro launch event, the YouTube superstar attempted to sneak up on Randy Orton with an RKO, but just as he went for the move, he stopped himself. Instead of chaos, the two shared a hug and a few lighthearted jabs—setting the stage for whatâ€s coming next.
“Randy: I guess weâ€re doing something in a couple of weeks, right?
Speed: Yeah — you ready for that?
Randy: I am.
Speed: Of course, bro. Letâ€s do it, man.â€
The two reflected on their WrestleMania 40 history, where Orton dropped Speed with a vicious RKO on top of the announce table during Logan Paulâ€s U.S. Title match. This time, Speed admitted he should have hit Orton with the move, claiming the Viper has done a lot to him in the past.
“Speed: I owe… hey, you did a lot of s** to me. I should have just did it.â€*
Orton laughed and reminded Speed it couldâ€ve been worse—like a Bron Breakker beatdown.
“Randy: I didnâ€t Bron Breakker you. You owe that motherf**** — you gotta hit him with a truck.â€
Speed: Yeah, youâ€re right. Yeah, I will.â€*
While the RKO never happened, the real story is whatâ€s coming. Orton and Speed teased an upcoming collaboration, and fans are already speculating it could be another WWE appearance—or something even bigger.
Speedâ€s involvement with WWE has become a fan-favorite element of recent shows, and his chemistry with stars like Randy Orton continues to fuel speculation about a full-on return.
Please credit Ringside News if you use the above transcript in your publication.
Would you want to see IShow Speed back in WWE? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
Itâ€s become apparent that many people feel Randy Orton has been really underutilized by WWE for a long time now. Thatâ€s why it comes as no surprise Mark Henry wants the Viper to turn heel again.
While speaking on Inside the Ring, Mark Henry believes Randy Orton is being underused in his current role and says the best version of Orton is as a heel, not a babyface champion.
According to Henry, Orton should go back to punting people, RKOâ€ing anyone in sight, and stomping people out; because thatâ€s when heâ€s at his most effective.
“Some people think heâ€s being underused right now, and Iâ€m one of those people. But I wouldnâ€t want Randy to be champion as good guy Randy. I want Randy in the role thatâ€s tailor-made for him—coming in, punting people again, RKOâ€ing peopleâ€s grandmothers and kids, stomping everyone. Let Randy be Randy.â€
Henry even compared Orton to the classic story of the frog and the scorpion, where the scorpion convinces the frog to carry him across a pond, only to sting him midway, dooming them both. Henry explained the lesson is that the scorpion acted true to its nature, and Orton is the same way.
To Henry, Randy Orton is a natural heel, and letting him fully embrace that role would just show why heâ€s one of the greatest heels in wrestling history.
“Heâ€s gotta shave his head too. You canâ€t trust the snake. Youâ€ve heard that story about the frog and the scorpion? The toadâ€s sitting by the pond, minding his business, and the scorpion comes up and says, ‘Hey man, give me a ride to the other side.†The toad says, ‘No way, youâ€re a scorpion. Youâ€ll sting me and kill me.†The scorpion says, ‘Why would I do that? I need your help to get across.†So the toad agrees, and halfway across, the scorpion stabs him full of poison. The toad says, ‘Why would you do that? Now weâ€re both gonna die.†And the scorpion says, ‘You knew I was a scorpion when I got on your back.â€
Thatâ€s Randy Orton. Thatâ€s who he is. Let that guy be himself, because heâ€s so good at it. Can you really say anyone was more definitively a better heel than Randy when heâ€s a heel?â€
This comes after we had previously reported that WWE planted seeds for Randy Ortonâ€s heel turn after he lost to Cody Rhodes at Night of Champions this year. While Orton is currently on Rhodes†side, that could easily change in the future and so only time will tell whether WWE will pull the trigger and finally turn the Apex Predator into the dangerous heel fans know and love.
Please credit Ringside News if you use the above transcript in your publication.
Do you want to see Randy Orton turn heel in WWE again? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
September 30, 2025 5:37 pm