"The Viper" Randy Orton had long been one of the elite stars in World Wrestling Entertainment by the time the company finally decided to release a DVD based on the Apex Predator in 2011. A mix of behind-the-scenes footage on the road to WrestleMania XXVII and the more traditional documentary format looking at his pre-wrestling life and his in-ring career, the release is unflinching in its portrayal of the highly controversial Superstar. It does not try to fool fans into thinking Orton is some heroic nice guy the likes of John Cena. Instead, unlike any DVD release before it, the production very fairly points out Orton's attitude issues behind the scenes and his addiction to painkillers that nearly ruined his career and marriage. "It's all part of the Randy Orton experience. It's not all rainbows, cupcakes and s***," the multiple-time WWE champion states. But the disc isn't all doom and gloom. One of the highlights of the production is Orton's interaction with his daughter. Hearing some of the horror stories about the young star, then watching him grow and mature before your very eyes is an incredibly rewarding experience. Orton is incredibly candid about his family life, his work, media responsibility and even admits that he had no prior love for wrestling or plans to enter the business until he was left with no other option. It is the honesty of the film's subject that makes "Evolution of a Predator" one of the better entries into the company's video catalog. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHiKZakLjqY The great No Holds Barred, Falls Count Anywhere match for the Intercontinental Championship between the Legend Killer and rival Cactus Jack from Backlash 2004 is a must-see on the matches disc while the Three-on-Two Handicap bout from WrestleMania XX pitting Orton, Batista and Ric Flair against The Rock and Mick Foley is an underrated gem that secured the young star his first victory at the Show of Shows. Matches against CM Punk and Christian further demonstrate Orton's growth as a performer and his greatness between the ropes.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
