A WWE star described his recent Randy Orton main event match as an “insane” and unforgettable challenge. On August 19, 2024, Ludwig Kaiser faced 14-time world champion Randy Orton in the main event of Monday Night Raw, just two weeks before Orton’s highly anticipated title match against GUNTHER at WWE Bash in Berlin.
First-Time Encounter Between Kaiser and Orton
The bout marked Kaiser’s debut in a main event match against a wrestling icon. The contest lasted nearly 15 minutes, with Orton ultimately securing the victory. Kaiser, who has been significantly influenced by Orton throughout his career, expressed his mixed emotions about the experience during the Kennt jeder podcast with Hamad Firdousi.
Ludwig Kaiser Reflects on Facing a Wrestling Idol
Kaiser described the match as both an “insane” moment and a personal honor. He explained that Orton was a major influence on him, not by direct imitation but through the charisma and aura Orton exudes in and out of the ring. Kaiser said,
“Yes, that was insane for me. He was an idol for me. I didn’t exactly take stuff from him, but he massively influenced me.”
He continued,
“He has that aura and charisma, even in his private life. He is larger than life, he’s got that charisma. When 10 people come into a room, you are not looking at anybody else but him.”
Focus on Personal Performance Rather Than Records
Despite the significance of being the first German to compete in a RAW main event, Kaiser’s primary focus was on delivering his best performance rather than the milestone itself. He said he is “hard on myself” and more excited by the feeling after the match than the event in the moment.
“Not for a second did I think about being the first German in a (Raw) main event. The first thought was, ‘I have to show up and show out.’ Not necessarily for the fans or the boss. But for myself,”
Kaiser said. He added,
“After some time this is insane for me, thinking about it. But not in the moment. But it is insane and it is an honor. But it is important that I focus on what is important.”
Importance of Staying Grounded Amid Milestones
Kaiser emphasized the need to keep perspective amid the hype surrounding his achievement. He pointed out the risks of attention shifting to mistakes instead of meaningful aspects of his career, stating:
“It’s good that we talk about me being the first German against Randy Orton in the main event, but imagine if everyone was talking about the first German that screwed up in the main event with Randy Orton now. The focus has to be on the important stuff.”
– Ludwig Kaiser, WWE star
Subsequent Tag Team Match with Orton
Kaiser teamed with GUNTHER on the August 25 episode of SmackDown in a tag team match against Cody Rhodes and Orton. Although Kaiser’s side was defeated, the continued opportunity to share the ring with Orton provided further experience and exposure for the German wrestler.
What This Means for Kaiser’s WWE Future
This string of high-profile matches indicates that Ludwig Kaiser’s role in WWE is expanding, particularly in relation to the world champion and top-tier talent like Randy Orton. Facing such a veteran not only tests Kaiser’s abilities but also raises his profile ahead of potential title opportunities, like the upcoming World Heavyweight Championship bout involving GUNTHER. Kaiser’s measured focus on personal growth suggests he is mentally preparing for the demands of WWE’s main event scene while managing the pressures of his rising status.
