A WWE legend has shared the biggest regret linked to Randy Orton, highlighting a brutal moment during their in-ring encounter. Randy Orton biggest regret revealed revolves around a dangerous punt kick that led to real injury, shedding light on the risks wrestlers often face while performing.
Randy Orton, known as The Viper, has been a prominent figure in WWE for over twenty years, battling many top competitors. One notable rivalry early in Orton’s career was with Rob Van Dam (RVD), during which they fought multiple times for the Intercontinental Championship in the mid-2000s.
On his 1 Of A Kind podcast, RVD discussed this painful episode involving Orton’s signature punt kick. When asked about any injuries from executing or receiving moves, RVD recalled the 2007 Stretcher match at WWE’s One Night Stand event — a match that marked his WWE departure after his contract ended.
The injury from Orton’s infamous punt in their 2007 clash
During that encounter, Orton delivered a football-style punt beneath RVD’s chin, a move that resulted in a harsh impact. RVD explained that he had encouraged Orton to commit fully to the move, but he soon regretted giving that assurance.
“So, we had that Stretcher match, and he did a football punt underneath my chin, and dude, this is so relevant to what some of the guys like Chael Sonnen are trying to argue. You know, I heard him saying that some of the wrestlers say, ‘just lay it in there, I’ll roll with it’ and whatever. Exactly what I told Randy, and I regretted it,” he said.
—Rob Van Dam, WWE Veteran
RVD went on to clarify the circumstances that made the injury even more serious. At the time, they had not fully understood the dangers of concussions, which are now a significant concern in wrestling and other sports.
“I told him, ‘Yeah, don’t worry about it.’ You know, because it was going to be hard for him to run on the apron and do it and whatever. And it f**king got me wham so f**king hard. But it was crazy because we were going into a concussion angle anyway, and so it’s easy to tap into real emotions and go with it. And this was before we knew about concussions, or we never would have done it, you know,” the veteran added.
—Rob Van Dam, WWE Veteran
This painful moment symbolizes how tightly scripted wrestling can sometimes veer into dangerous territory, causing genuine harm despite the athletes’ professional expectations. RVD’s candid reflections reveal how quickly the line blurs between performance and real injury in wrestling.
Upcoming confrontation between Randy Orton and Drew McIntyre
Shifting to the present, Randy Orton remains a key player on WWE’s SmackDown roster, currently engaged in a heated feud with Drew McIntyre. Their rivalry has been ongoing, including a tag team match at SummerSlam where tensions escalated but did not conclude the conflict.
Recently, Orton struck a decisive blow with his legendary RKO move, putting McIntyre on notice. WWE officials have since announced that Orton is scheduled to face McIntyre in a one-on-one match next Friday on SmackDown, promising another intense chapter in their collision.
This upcoming bout will test both men’s resilience and skill once more, potentially shaping their trajectories within the WWE hierarchy. Fans and commentators alike will watch closely as Orton aims to reinforce his position while McIntyre seeks revenge.
Randy Orton’s career, marked by moments of dominance and controversy, continues to be defined by such high-stakes encounters. His biggest regret revealed by RVD opens a window into the physical and emotional costs these wrestlers endure, emphasizing the fine line they walk between entertainment and danger.
