10 Times Randy Orton Was Actually As Good As WWE Says He Is
8. Hunting Down The McMahons And Triple H In Early 2009
While the feud's payoff at WrestleMania 25 might not have lived up to the expectations, it cannot be denied that the build to Triple H and Randy Orton's main event was some of the most magnetic television of its era. Orton's transition from Legend Killer to an animalistic psychopath with a rage disorder was brilliant, his sadism growing every week as he broke down the McMahon family piece by piece. Orton felt like a threat in a way that was uncommon for WWE heels, being able to anger and provoke younger audiences with his cruelty, as well as captivating older fans.
The intensity he brings to WWE in 2020 was similar to his performance in '09, only with more creative possibilities for his monstrous behaviour. His mini-feud with Shane McMahon leading up to Mania 25 was incredible, with Orton’s relentless apathy for Shane’s quality of life making the McMahon son a viable babyface for the first time in years.
Similarly his performances on Raw attacking Stephanie McMahon, and fighting off Triple H’s home invasion made for electrifying television, with the 'Apex Predator' feeling like the heel that WWE needed him to be. No amount of future disappointment can deny these segments’ impact.