10 Most Controversial Randy Orton WWE Behind The Scenes Stories
6. You Can't See Him In The Marine
Despite both his father and grandfather both lacing up the boots, Orton initially resisted the genetic draw of the squared circle, instead signing up for the US Marine Corps. Any attempts to drill discipline into the youngster didn't work; Orton was dishonourably discharged after two bouts AWOL, ultimately court-martialed and sentenced to 38 days in a military prison.
When Orton was selected by WWE Films to follow in the inglorious footsteps of John Cena and Ted DiBiase Jr. as the star of the dreadful Marine franchise, it immediately raised the ire of his former unit member Corporal Mike Vinn:
"I am disgusted that his face and the word 'Marine' are being used next to each other - real or fake - because of the fact that he quit us, the country, and the Marine Corps. It is a disgrace to those that have worn and are wearing that uniform."
Orton was immediately yanked from the role, replaced by, of all people, The Miz, who though the absolute last man you would ever tip for a role as a hardened veteran, had never managed to massively p*ss off the entire institution. Which counts for a lot.