10 Times Randy Orton Was Actually As Good As WWE Says He Is

'The Legend Killer' might have been what introduced Orton as an essential star, but after his underwhelming babyface run with Triple H, his momentum had significantly declined and he needed something to reinvigorate him. His 2005 rivalry with The Undertaker is arguably what preserved him as a WWE lived in the 15 years since, a chaotic, relentlessly violent feud that cemented Randy as a worthwhile main event talent.

There have only been a few heels in WWE history as naturally detestable as young Randy Orton. His nepotistic entry into the business, his smug face, the natural arrogance exuding from his aura and incredible antagonism inside the ring cemented him as one of the best heels of his era. Orton’s cockiness lead to his first classic feud, relentlessly provoking the Deadman out of sheer egotism. If he couldn’t keep the world title, he’d get something better, the satisfaction of destroying a legacy.

Undertaker gave him so much in their entertaining rivalry, working several fantastic matches and bumping recklessly to put over the young Orton. Randy fully came into his own as a character here, using his father as a manipulation tactic, swerving Taker’s expectations constantly and even attacking his girlfriend Stacy Keibler. 'The Legend Killer' might not have killed Undertaker’s Streak, but he created a legend of his own.