50 Ruthless Aggression Era Superstars Ranked From Worst To Best

Pros:

1. Experienced considerable improvement over this period

2. Was an excellent heel

3. Proved to be highly versatile

Cons:

1. Boring babyface run

2. Had trouble cutting promos at times

3. Had an attitude problem backstage

As a third-generation wrestler, there was a lot of pressure on Orton from the very beginning. He debuted at a very young age and was pushed considerably from the very beginning as the Legend Killer, who (literally) spat in the face of those who paved the way for him. It was a simple yet highly-effective way for him to get over as a heel, because nothing says ‘arrogant’ than actually spitting in your superiors’ faces.

As a member of Evolution, Orton was meant to be the standout member of the faction, but somehow things didn’t work out that way, as it was Batista who ended up taking that role. Orton, meanwhile, demonstrated some of the weaknesses of his character: he was incapable of being an effective babyface.

He had a great feud with the Undertaker (who actually wanted Orton to end the Streak), enjoyed some tag team success as part of Rated RKO, and became a real top heel by late 2007 and 2008, when his feud with John Cena took off.

Orton thrived during the Ruthless Aggression Era, in part because he improved so much, and in part because he exuded ruthlessness like few others.

Final rating: ****1/2