On Tuesday in Los Angeles, Randy Orton experienced an unusual Randy Orton RKO moment at a major public event outside the WWE ring. The 14-time world champion narrowly avoided an RKO attempt from a well-known internet personality while attending an event promoting a new show.
Unexpected Encounter at Los Angeles Premiere
Randy Orton, nicknamed The Viper, attended the LA premiere of the show Speed Goes Pro alongside his wife, Kim Orton, representing WWE and supporting the show’s energetic host, streamer IShowSpeed. During a media appearance, IShowSpeed attempted to surprise Orton by delivering an RKO, but Orton skillfully avoided the move, maintaining his trademark composure.
This lighthearted moment between the two stars highlights Orton’s quick reflexes—fitting for someone known for unexpectedly landing the RKO. The show itself features IShowSpeed challenging professional athletes in various competitions, and Randy Orton is slated to appear in an upcoming episode.
Randy Orton’s Recent WWE Storyline and WrestleMania Appearance
At WrestleMania 40, Orton participated in a triple threat match against Logan Paul for the United States Championship, with Kevin Owens also in the mix. Logan Paul entered accompanied by IShowSpeed, who performed in the guise of the masked Prime bottle mascot. During the match, IShowSpeed was knocked down with an RKO through the announcer’s table, showcasing Orton’s signature move live in front of the crowd.
Currently, Orton supports Cody Rhodes, who is preparing for a high-profile match against Seth Rollins at the Crown Jewel event in Perth. Alongside this alliance, Orton has shown interest in Rhodes’ Undisputed WWE Championship, teasing potential championship ambitions during recent SmackDown episodes.
Hall of Famer Urges Randy Orton to Return to Villain Role
Mark Henry, a WWE Hall of Famer, expressed during an interview on TMZ Sports’ Inside the Ring podcast that Orton’s talent is underused while portraying a heroic character. Henry advocates for Orton’s return to his infamous villainous persona, which defined much of his renowned career.
“Some people think he’s being underused right now, and I’m one of those people. But I wouldn’t want Randy to be champion as good guy Randy. I want Randy in the role that’s tailor-made for him: coming in, punting people again, RKO-ing people’s grandmothers and kids, stomping everyone. Let Randy be Randy,” Mark Henry, WWE Hall of Famer
This perspective suggests that Orton’s compelling presence as a heel creates a more thrilling dynamic in WWE programming and could lead to more impactful storytelling and match outcomes.
A Look Ahead: Randy Orton’s Role in the Wrestling World and Beyond
Following the playful exchange at the LA premiere and his recent in-ring performances, Randy Orton continues to be a pivotal figure in WWE. His involvement in Speed Goes Pro further expands his presence beyond wrestling, bridging sports entertainment with digital media and athletic competitions.
As Orton balances public appearances with championship pursuits, fans and insiders watch closely to see if his character will evolve. The calls from veterans like Mark Henry indicate there is still creative potential to elevate Orton’s career through a renewed edge, potentially redefining his impact in upcoming WWE storylines.
With increasing attention on his next moves, the Randy Orton RKO moment at the LA event serves as a reminder of why The Viper remains one of wrestling’s most unpredictable and captivating performers.
IShowSpeed tried pulling off an RKO on Randy Orton ðŸ˜ðŸ”¥ pic.twitter.com/zzn6tgF57o
— Speedy Updates (@SpeedUpdates1) October 1, 2025
