Jim Ross’ 10 Greatest WWE Signings Ever

4. Randy Orton

WWE.com

They don't get much more naturally talented than Randy Orton, and JR noticed that a long time before The Viper surfaced on television.

A third generation superstar, Orton grew up around the business and was trained by his father 'Cowboy' Bob Orton, before JR offered the youngster a developmental deal in 2001 for him to hone his in ring skills. Orton was on the main roster by 2002, and after joining up with Evolution, won the first of his 12 championships at SummerSlam 2004. He was crowned the youngest World Heavyweight Champion in history at the age of 24.

Orton has been a mainstay on the roster ever since. While he had a great opportunity to learn the business from an early age, Orton's known disciplinary problems meant a WWE opportunity was no guarantee. Randy had been put in military prison for going AWOL whilst in the Marines, but in spite of his troubles, JR took a chance on him. He's now a piece of the WWE furniture.

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Football writer (predominantly) with work previously published by Mail Online, Manchester Evening News, Daily Mirror, USA Today and Chelsea FC. Regular contributor for Huffington Post, who holds tempestuous relationships with WWE and FIFA 15.