Randy Orton has competed at 18 different WrestleMania events to date. WWE’s Apex Predator has a stacked record on the Grandest Stage of them All. Orton is a former WrestleMania headliner, having main evented the 25th and 30th anniversary editions of the big PLE.
There’s no denying that Orton has delivered some great matches at the Showcase of the Immortals. He’s been a part of some of the worst outings at WrestleMania as well. Let’s take a look at some of these matches.
Vs. Kane (WrestleMania XXVIII)
Some feuds just don’t click. Randy Orton versus Kane from 2012 is one of them. The Viper never really had chemistry with the Big Red Machine to begin with. Kane had reached the point where he couldn’t deliver in singles competition.
Compare this match to his performance in the TLC match against The Shield and you’d know the difference. Orton and Kane worked a methodical match at WrestleMania XXVIII that seemed like a standard wrestling contest.
Vs. Edge (WrestleMania 36)
I’m definitely in the minority when I say I enjoyed this match. My primary concern, and most fans would agree with me, is that it felt like it dragged out. Orton and Edge are two masters of their craft. They are incredible storytellers inside the squared circle.
However, booking them to wrestle a 37-minute match doesn’t seem like the most plausible direction. Moreover, the absence of a live crowd really hurt the entire event. I’m glad we are way past those times.
Randy Orton vs. Triple H (WrestleMania XXV)
Randy Orton versus Triple H was the premier rivalry on WWE RAW in 2009. The storyline saw The Legacy go to war with the McMahon-Hemsley regime 2.0. Hunter even invaded his former protege’s home on the March 9, 2009, episode of RAW.
The heated build-up had fans emotionally invested in the feud. However, the payoff was a disaster. Triple H and Randy Orton delivered an underwhelming WrestleMania main event.
Of course, they were never going to surpass the classic that was Shawn Michaels versus The Undertaker. Still, fans were expecting a solid match given the duo’s heated history, but ended up being treated to a disappointing main event.
Vs. Bray Wyatt (WrestleMania 33)
WWE had the fans invested in the Randy Orton versus Bray Wyatt feud on the road to WrestleMania 33. The drama and action were solid. Luke Harper’s involvement made for a compelling storyline as well.
The match, however, ended up being a major disappointment. Orton and Wyatt failed to live up to the momentum they had built on the road to WrestleMania. Also, what was Vince McMahon thinking when he booked the weird insect visual to appear on the ring canvas?
I guess we’ll never know.
Randy Orton vs. The Fiend (WrestleMania 37)
Randy Orton and Bray Wyatt were booked as the opener to WrestleMania 37, Night Two. Fans expected a solid match, given the two superstars’ ability to tell a great story. Instead, they got one of the worst WrestleMania matches of all time.
The Fiend spent the entirety of the match no-selling Orton’s offense. The Viper failed to showcase his best work that night. Plus, the whole red light visual completely ruined the little action that went down during the match.
Also read: Randy Orton Feels Like He Has A New Lease On Life, He’s In The Middle Of His Prime
