How Many Times Randy Orton Has Taken a Backseat in WWE Due to Major Injuries?

Randy Orton has one of the most impactful pro wrestling careers in WWE. The Apex Predator has wrestled almost every top star both inside and outside the ring and has always entertained his fans. But, there were several occasions when Orton himself got hurt during this time.

Randy Orton is one of the wisest, yet one of the most reckless wrestlers when it comes to wreaking havoc. Fans would be aware since they have seen The Viper put his enemies through hell, even if it involved damaging his own body in the process. As Orton has returned to the ring after his latest injury, let us take a look at the times when he had to stay away due to injuries.

The very first injury that tested the body of Randy Orton

Randy Orton was one of the hottest wrestlers to set foot in the WWE back in 2002. He showed signs of being the Legend Killer right from his first match when he dispatched Hardcore Holly. But, the shining star received his first injury quite early as his right shoulder got hurt in the very first year of his career. 

But, Randy Orton had already become a staple for the audience within this short span of time. In fact, he almost instantly got his own Miz TV-like show called the Randy News Network wherein he spoke about his recovery. This enhanced his mic skills which complemented his already great in-ring skills when he made a comeback in February 2003.

The motorbike accident that made things worse

Randy Orton once got caught in a motorbike accident that made matters worse for him. The in-form pro wrestler stayed healthy for almost the entirety of his career since his 2002 injury. 

But, six years later in 2008, he received a collarbone injury, which got messier after a motorbike accident. By this time, Randy Orton had clearly established himself as a credible champion, winning multiple WWE championships including the heavyweight and the tag team championships.

The Corre injury that herniated Orton’s discs

Legend Killer Randy Orton had graduated from punt-kicking WWE Hall of Famers to taking down entire factions by himself. Wade Barrett and his groups, The Nexus and The Corre were two of the groups Orton singlehandedly targeted.

During a ‘falls count anywhere’ match against Barrett in December 2011, Randy Orton herniated one of his discs at one point. 

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Barrett was supposed to throw The Viper down a flight of stairs, but Orton failed to land safely, resulting in the injury.

Randy Orton and his infamous head injury

The RKO is one of the most memorable finishers in wrestling history. After all the cutter has found its way into the move set of almost every wrestler today. But sometimes, especially for Orton, the regular use of the move led to serious injury. This was the case when he got concussed after he hit a second RKO to The Big Show.

This 2012 injury got him out of action for four weeks straight despite being the centerpiece of an upcoming Elimination Chamber match. WWE claimed that Daniel Bryan hit Randy Orton in the head with a championship belt, causing the bleeding. But fans didn’t take long to find out the truth.

The third time Orton injured his shoulder

The right shoulder of Randy Orton is perhaps his Achilles heel, as he has suffered three major injuries there. When WWE upped its faction game after the arrival of The Shield and The Wyatt Family, Orton was naturally one of their top targets.

Despite the care ensured by the knowledge of his previously damaged shoulder, Orton sustained injuries to his shoulders again. Once in 2012, and then later in 2015, which made the powerful shoulders housing the skull tattoos bow before pain. 

Along with all these injuries, The Viper made his latest comeback after a year and a half in 2023 after a serious back injury many thought would retire him. Do you know any other wrestler who has a similar injury record to Randy Orton? Let us know in the comments section below.

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