Randy Orton is finally officially back in the picture. A few hours ago, fans received a cryptic promo from Cody Rhodes about Orton’s return to WWE. Through his words, it was also made clear that The Viper would make his in-ring return at Survivor Series 2023 this weekend. So, it is the perfect time for a little trip down memory lane and to see Randy Orton’s best performances at Survivor Series over the years.
When it comes to a WWE legend like Orton himself, it is a bit difficult to handpick ‘best’ moments. However, from start to end, you might find yourself agreeing on one pick or another on this list.
Even a defeat was one of the ‘best’ Randy Orton moments at Survivor Series
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To start off the list, we must give off Randy Orton’s defeat in 2009 its due respect. The Viper led his team against Kofi Kingston’s troops that year. Even though Kingston hadn’t had several great storylines that year, WWE slow-cooked his feud with Orton just good enough for fans to be hyped for the Survivor Series match between them. Kingston ended up winning the match even though he was wrestling against heavy odds. Despite Orton’s loss, it was an entertaining match, nevertheless.
Counting down to number four on the list, Randy Orton’s match with Shawn Michaels was also a creative marvel to enjoy. In 2007, Orton was reigning as the WWE Champion, and in a storyline close to Survivor Series, his feud with HBK was given a spark. As part of the stipulation, Michaels couldn’t use his ‘Sweet Chin Music’. This was what gave away his chance of victory as Orton finished off the WWE legend with a strong RKO in the end, retaining his title.
Survivor Series in 2016 had another remarkable ‘Randy Orton moment’. Team Raw was going strong on the brand wars score. However, Team SmackDown left their impression as Orton and the late Bray Wyatt scored a memorable victory for the blue brand.
Randy Orton’s first two Survivor Series matches come out on top
In 2004, had the honor to main event the PLE alongside his mentor Triple H. During the Raw Traditional Survivor Series Elimination Match, Orton put down Triple H and his associates, leaving the 43-year-old to be the ‘sole survivor’ out of all.
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A similar victory occurred a year prior to this, during Orton’s first-ever Survivor Series match. As part of Team Bischoff, 23-year-old Randy Orton pinned Shawn Michaels at the end was part of Team Austin. This victory helped the Stamford-based company to recognize the wrestler’s talent as they gave him a main event spot the very next year.
Moreover, in 2005, he was the sole survivor as Team SmackDown prevailed over Team Raw. Over the years, Orton solidified himself as a Survivor Series elimination match specialist. It won’t be a surprise if he leads his team to victory in his first-ever WarGames match.
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With so many heart-capturing Survivor Series moments behind him, there might be some pressure on Randy Orton to perform even better this year. Hopefully, the PLE this weekend can further add to this list.