WWE Superstar Randy Orton believes he’s currently in the prime of his career, even after being in the business for more than two decades.
Randy Orton, one of the greatest superstars in WWE, boasts multiple championships and accolades. As a 14-time world champion, he has cemented his legacy as a mainstay in WWE history. Orton’s unparalleled talent, combined with his ability to evolve with the industry, solidifies his status as one of WWE’s most decorated superstars.
Over the years ‘The Viper’ has dealt with his several injuries which have put him on the shelf for months at a time but made his return every time. However, he underwent back surgery in the summer of 2022 which put his wrestling future up in the air. The procedure was serious enough that retirement seemed to be a possibility. But, he managed to battle through it and made a triumphant return at WWE Survivor Series last year.
Randy Orton: I’m smack-dab in the middle of my prime
Randy Orton recently joined in for an interview with Bleacher Report and spoke about the possibly considering retirement prior to the surgery. MRI results showed that there was an good amount of degeneration in his back as well as stenosis on the lower spine and slipped disc.
He concluded that no shot was going to help him and that spinal fusion was his only option.
Orton also revealed that he dealt with persistent pain after damaging his back in the ring between 2010 and 2020. Here is what he said:
“The surgery was a success. I put on 30 pounds of muscle, purely because of my change in diet and the fact that I was able to train differently and areas I had to leave alone for such a long time. My body really reacted. I feel, at 275 pounds, I’m the weight that I should be, so I feel great now.
I feel like I got a new lease on life that, at 43, I can honestly say I’m smack-dab in the middle of my prime. Some people might roll their eyes at that statement after 24 years in the business, but that’s how I feel. Never in my 30s was I feeling this durable or as pain-free as am I now. I’ve got a new outlook and I don’t want to take a second for granted because I realized how quickly it can all be taken away because it almost was.”
Randy Orton is set to compete against Drew McIntyre, Bobby Lashley, LA Knight, Kevin Owens and Logan Paul in the Elimination Chamber match for a World Heavyweight Championship match at WrestleMania 40.
The 2024 Elimination Chamber event will take place on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at Optus Stadium in the Perth, Australia. The show will start at 5:00 AM EST, and keep an eye on SEScoops for the coverage of the show.