It’s truly remarkable to consider that someone of Randy Orton’s caliber, with a storied wrestling career, once grappled with self-doubt. In a recent appearance on the “Impaulsive” podcast, Orton openly delved into the uncertainties he faced in the early days of his wrestling journey, confessing that the notion of turning professional wrestling into a lifelong career didn’t initially resonate with him.
Even during his tenure as a 19-year-old working at a gas station, Orton admitted that pursuing a career in wrestling wasn’t part of his initial plan, despite his family’s longstanding ties to the industry. “Even now, when I walk through the curtain, there’s a certain part of me that changes and switches,” Orton shared. He elaborated on the evolution of his craft over thousands of matches, honing the ability to seamlessly transform into his character upon entering the ring. Contrary to external appearances, he clarified that a constant air of confidence isn’t his default state, recognizing that the swagger of his 20s was more akin to a protective shield.
“I get just as nervous when I go out there as anybody,” Orton added, dispelling the myth that seasoned performers are impervious to pre-performance jitters. Reflecting on his personal growth, he noted that the nerves showcased in the 2011 documentary “Randy Orton: The Evolution of a Predator” before media appearances are now a thing of the past. “That doc was 10 years ago… a lot has changed. That’s like a lifetime ago,” remarked Orton.
As “The Viper” enters the final stretch of his illustrious wrestling career, excitement permeates among fans and analysts for the potential fresh matchups on the horizon. Speculation abounds, fueled by figures like Kevin Nash suggesting the intriguing prospect of Orton pursuing John Cena and Ric Flair’s 16 world title reigns. It’s a record that Orton could realistically shatter in the upcoming years, adding another captivating chapter to his already impressive career.
