10 Reasons Why Nobody Has Missed Randy Orton

1. ...And A Few Reasons Why They Have

Randy Orton
WWE.com

Sorry for the bait and switch - but it would be a little churlish and disrespectful not to point out that Randy still has something to offer WWE.

Orton on his day is a world-class performer, with a far better grasp of in-ring psychology than most, and there is more than one reason to get excited about his return. The in-ring language of WWE has diversified significantly even over the last year, and Orton has enough range to complement the litany of wrestlers who've arrived in Stamford. The catch RKO possibilities in particular are very appetising. Counters to Kevin Owens' bullfrog splash, Sami Zayn's turnbuckle DDT and Shinsuke Nakamura's Kinshasa are the stuff of fantasy booking dreams.

Orton has provided much in the way of mirth, too. The likes of his unforgettable tirade at a ringside fan - 'It's a no DQ - THERE IS NO BELL TO RING! - YOU DID THIS!' - during a RAW match with Daniel Bryan have been missed.

We wouldn't mind seeing Orton team with Cena as a kind of vanguard against the current wave of internet darlings. Cena has often stated that the future needs to go through him - Orton surely has a claim in that regard, too.

Then again, the inevitable split and 96th rendition of their feud just wouldn't be worth it...

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Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!