Randy Orton, a future WWE Hall of Famer, is widely regarded for his in-ring skill, but Ric Flair has recently called him WWE’s most underutilized talent. Despite early career controversies, Orton has steadily grown into a respected performer in WWE’s Stamford-based promotion.
Orton faced difficulties in his initial years, often clashing with company policies and rules. Over time, though, he matured into a dependable and influential figure backstage and inside the ring. Flair, in an interview with The Escapist, compared Orton’s capabilities to those of his daughter, Charlotte Flair, noting they both share a strong command of wrestling skills and physical conditioning.
“The only person who I think is close to her, when he is on and healthy, when you think about in-ring timing and knowing where you are all the time, is Randy Orton. Randy’s really underutilized,” Flair said.
Flair also suggested that Orton’s underutilization might stem from his willingness to speak his mind, which may have caused friction within WWE’s hierarchy.
“I don’t know. I think maybe he made somebody mad along the way. Randy’s not afraid to say what he thinks, and that’s not always popular,” Flair said.
With decades of experience in WWE, Flair’s perspective reflects a seasoned understanding of Orton’s standing within the company, hinting that much of Orton’s talent remains untapped due to backstage dynamics.
Cody Rhodes Discusses Randy Orton’s Influential Role Behind the Scenes
Over his more than twenty-year tenure in WWE, Randy Orton has become not only a key performer but also a central figure in the locker room. Cody Rhodes recently addressed Orton’s evolving role during his appearance on the podcast What Do You Wanna Talk About? Rhodes emphasized that Orton has taken on the leadership role once held by The Undertaker, serving as a go-to person for resolving problems within the locker room atmosphere.
“I like the idea that you’re talking about Randy Orton, who is currently kind of, I don’t think Undertaker would dislike this, but he really has become The Undertaker of this locker room. If there was a real problem, probably gonna go to Randy or Seth (Rollins). If there was somebody that I’d tell you, Little Brodie might come to TV with me sometimes, I’ll tell Little Brodie, ‘Hey, go say hi to Randy.’ That’s the number one,” Rhodes said.
Currently, Randy Orton is involved in a feud with Drew McIntyre on WWE SmackDown, continuing to solidify his in-ring presence even as he influences the backstage culture. This dual role demonstrates Orton’s lasting value to WWE as both a performer and a leader.
The Significance of Recognizing Randy Orton’s Untapped Potential
Ric Flair’s assertion that Randy Orton is underused highlights a complex dynamic in WWE regarding the allocation of talent and influence. As one of the promotion’s most skilled and experienced wrestlers, Orton’s contributions extend beyond the ring into locker room leadership. His outspoken nature may have limited his opportunities, yet it also positions him as a candid and essential presence behind the scenes.
With the endorsement of figures like Ric Flair and Cody Rhodes, there is growing attention on how WWE might better utilize Orton’s extensive capabilities. As he continues to compete on SmackDown, fans and industry insiders alike will be watching closely to see whether WWE expands Orton’s creative role both on-screen and off, potentially shaping the company’s environment for years to come.
