IShowSpeed, the viral online sensation, surprised many during a 2025 event for the series ‘Speed Goes Pro,’ where he aims to test his abilities alongside top athletes. At the show’s launch, Speed unexpectedly sneaked up behind WWE legend Randy Orton and tried to perform the famous RKO finisher move on him. This unexpected moment quickly turned into a friendly exchange as both shared a hug, with Orton commending Speed for his efforts and Speed expressing gratitude for Orton’s participation.
Memorable Moments Sparked by the RKO Attempt
During their lighthearted interaction, Orton joked about ‘owing him one,’ which Speed playfully rejected, recalling instances where Orton had physically dominated him. The rapport between the YouTube star and the WWE icon added an entertaining and humanizing dimension to their relationship in front of fans. The playful nature of their exchange helped calm any tension and showcased mutual respect between the two.
The History Between Orton and IShowSpeed at WrestleMania XL
Their recent interaction was not the first time Speed and Orton crossed paths. At WrestleMania Night 2 last year, Speed appeared disguised as a Prime bottle, a nod to the brand owned by Logan Paul and KSI, at ringside during a triple threat match involving Orton, Logan Paul, and Kevin Owens. Speed confronted Orton, who responded by delivering a swift kick to Speed’s midsection, followed by an impactful RKO atop a cleared announcer’s table, momentarily leaving Speed incapacitated.
IShowSpeed’s Involvement in the Royal Rumble and WWE Events
Beyond that, Speed also participated in this year’s 30-man Royal Rumble match under unique circumstances. When Akira Tozawa was unable to enter due to an interruption by Carmelo Hayes during his entrance, WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H invited Speed to fill the vacant spot. During the match, Speed eliminated Otis with the assistance of Bron Breakker, but Breakker quickly retaliated and eliminated Speed after a powerful Spear move.
Implications and What’s Next for IShowSpeed and Randy Orton
This unexpected crossover between a popular online personality and a long-established WWE star highlights the evolving landscape of sports entertainment, where digital influencers engage more directly with traditional sports figures. The moments between Speed and Orton help blur the lines between entertainment genres, creating new excitement for fans across platforms. As Speed continues to progress in his ‘Speed Goes Pro’ journey, his interactions with athletes like Orton and others will likely shape future storylines and fan engagement in both sports and entertainment industries.
iShowSpeed attempts to RKO Randy Orton.pic.twitter.com/kKq3vbfskD— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) October 1, 2025
iShowSpeed attempts to RKO Randy Orton.
— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) October 1, 2025
