“F–k LeBron!” The message echoed throughout social media in the last 24 hours. The sender of the message? WWE superstar Randy Orton. But incidentally, he was once the equivalent of the LA Lakers star, LeBron James. Don’t believe it? Explore deeper!

Randy Orton made the comment on Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Cody Rhodes’ What Do You Wanna Talk About podcast. During the episode posted on WWE’s YouTube channel, Orton uttered the words when Cody mentioned LeBron James in the GOAT debate. This has always been a hot debate in the hoop fraternity and was used as an example when the topic of WWE’s version of the GOAT debate came up. Just like LeBron, Orton has seen it all and done it all, which makes him WWE’s version of the 4-time NBA Champion, at least according to his fellow wrestler, R-Truth.

During a 2021 interview with Bally Sports’ Brandon Robinson, the WWE star found a parallel between the pair. “I’d say The Rock would be Michael Jordan. Roman Reigns would be Kobe, and Randy Orton would be LeBron James,” Ron Killings, AKA R-Truth, said. Randy Orton is a 10-time world champion and has mostly portrayed the role of a pantomime villain. LeBron, to some extent, can be compared to him, as he was a part of the Heatles that everyone loved to hate.

While Randy did not declare himself a fan of Michael Jordan, his distaste for LeBron was clear. Given that he’s from Knoxville, Orton would probably roll with the Memphis Grizzlies or the Charlotte Hornets rather than support the Lakers. Despite Randy’s disapproval of the arguable GOAT, LeBron’s connection to WWE dates back to his appearances and dedicated shoes.

LeBron James and WWE: A closer look at the link

Throughout his 21-year NBA career, King James has left his mark on the game, transcending boundaries. But even before he started breaking records, LeBron made his presence felt in the WWE. Just after his NBA Draft in 2003, the then-Cleveland Cavaliers forward appeared on the front row for a WWE RAW episode, the longest-running weekly show on USA television. Though he did not jump the barricade to throw some fists like another NBA legend, Shaquille O’Neal, LeBron made sure to capture the moments on his camera.

But in 2016, things took a sour turn when LeBron refused to meet WWE legend The Undertaker. Following the Cavs’ 2016 NBA Finals win, the team would have their Ring Night during the opening game of the 2016–2017 season. During this event, The Undertaker appeared backstage for a meet-and-greet. Taker even posed for a picture with Kevin Love, but LeBron was nowhere to be seen. Later, his entourage conveyed the message, “He is not cool with someone purposefully trying to make money or gain fame through him… In other words, no PR stunts that don’t benefit James.” That was a bad look on LBJ, so to make amends, he dedicated a shoe to the wrestling veteran.

In 2017, LeBron 14 GS ‘The Undertaker’ was released by Nike. The shoe had the signature purple color of the Undertaker with lightning-like designs. Taker later revealed that he was grateful for the homage from LeBron, and things probably smoothed out between the two. Being close to the Undertaker, Randy probably kept a receipt for it, and his F-bomb was only a gentle reminder of that.