What will take Randy Orton to the next level?

[JEPW]

General opinion is that this guy has stepped his game up this year and come into his own. But he still isn't a big enough star to let the WWE ever consider turning Cena; he isn't on 'that level' of HHH, The Rock, SCSA yet.

So what does he need to add to his game in order to reach that level? Will he ever reach that level?

For me, he needs to

A. stop flapping around in the ring before the RKO it looks awful.

B. needs to get an arch nemesis. Needs a a Vince to his SCSA.

[whiteyford]

I like where he's going with the RKO, doing what DDP did and hitting it from all different positions like in the middle of the FU, never understood why he didnt do that from the start. Makes him seem more of a threat IMO if he can hit his finisher from anywhere, and it gets a nice pop.

[Rammsteinmad]

I don't think there is a 'next level'. Nobody will ever live up to the standards set by Steve Austin and The Rock. John Cena and Randy Orton are the 'Austin and Rock' of today. May not seem like it to us, but to all the kids that watch WWE these two are the biggest stars of all time.

I think the challenge for Orton (and Cena) isn't to step up to another level, but to maintain this level.

[Rammsteinmad]

But the idea of Orton needing an arch nemesis is interesting. Cena is definitely the first one that comes to mind. I think if Cena were to turn heel now, Orton could very nicely fill his spot as the top face.

[JEPW]

Cena as arch nemesis would work but like you say, he'd have to go heel. BIG TIME heel too. Anyone else who could play the role? Punk? Is he up to it?

[Next Big Thing]

I like where he's going with the RKO, doing what DDP did and hitting it from all different positions like in the middle of the FU, never understood why he didnt do that from the start. Makes him seem more of a threat IMO if he can hit his finisher from anywhere, and it gets a nice pop.

It's special if he does it out of nowhere occasionally. Seeing him hit it at the end of every Raw on the same 4 or 5 people gets old. Without an arch nemesis the current incarnation of his character is going to burn out very quickly. Cena or a heel HHH would be good.

[whiteyford]

It's special if he does it out of nowhere occasionally. Seeing him hit it at the end of every Raw on the same 4 or 5 people gets old. Without an arch nemesis the current incarnation of his character is going to burn out very quickly. Cena or a heel HHH would be good.

I wouldnt do it every time, but i remember how the announcers in wcw would bring up how DDP could hit the cutter from anywhere even mid move. I think he definately needs someone to stand opposite him, Austin had the Rock, Bret had HBK. Same goes for Cena, prefer if they built up someone like the Miz or Dibiase, someone who has another 15+ years ahead of them and could do with the push rather than HHH though.

[dhellova guy]

The problem with giving him an arch nemesis is that hes already fought most everybody we're talking about five BILLION times. I dont think anyone would by into another fued with Cena, even if he turned heal (by the way, am I the only one who remembers that they were never supposed to wrestle ever again? Just sayin). Same with Trips.

If Orton would have come out as the lead opposition to Nexus, that could have easily lead into a mega fued with Wade Barrett down the line, after Barrett got over by crushing everyone in his path.

Shamus could also be another interesting fued, if you like Shamus.

At this point, Orton should be helping put some of these guys over, so that fans can see new match-ups, instead of re-hashing old rivalries.

[Snowden]

I wouldn't have Orton put anyone over right now, not while they're establishing him as a white hot top face of the company. He needs this aura of invincibility, and jobbing him will only dull his character. He's not quite at the point yet where he can be putting guys over and keeping the level of credibility that he's got now.

What will take him to the next level? I don't think its even an arch nemesis, but more like a meaningful feud. While he needs to come out on top, I think he needs to face somebody who actually gets under the skin of the Viper, and they should utilize his character as more than a cipher for RKOing the balance of the upper midcard. Don't get me wrong, I pop when he does it, but they need to start giving him depth at some point. That point'll probably be after he wins the title, if I had to guess.

[The Pope]

There's a next level?

[XL]

Arch nemesis?

How about The Miz? Have Miz cash in his MitB shot after Orton wins the belt. Instant rivalry.

[DaBrasko]

Orton is perfect doing what he is doing. I love how they are pushing him in a way that targets everyone 13 and over while Cena is targeting children. WWE is trying to cover all their bases.

[The Pope]

Fuck The Miz, he doesn't deserve to be anywhere close to Orton.

[Nicky Fives]

Orton is perfect doing what he is doing. I love how they are pushing him in a way that targets everyone 13 and over while Cena is targeting children. WWE is trying to cover all their bases.

:y::yes:

[TheAdamEvansFan]

( A. stop flapping around in the ring before the RKO it looks awful. )


He's just doing what HBK does before he does his move, or what the ROCK did before he delivered the peoples elbow. He's gaining the crowds momentum, which is a face move!

[TheAdamEvansFan]

Miz might be a good arch nemesis as he's the rising heel in the WWE.

It shouldn't be Sheamus as the arch nemesis needs to be a bit smaller, better with the MIC like Vince was with SCSA.

Triple H shouldn't be considered for a HEEL turn. They've tried that in 2007 and the fans turned him back face.

When you're running to the ring to bash someones head in with a sledgehammer and the guy who your about to smash is a face, and your suppose to be a heel, and the fans are cheering for you, then you got some character issues.

He's too over...

Anyways..

Orton needs someone like Michael Cole or if they move Regal back to an authority role, that'd be good.

REGAL!
REGAL!
REGAL!

[Schlomey]

He's been a constant main eventer and few time world champion since his debut......there really isn't a "next level"..........he did main event a wrestlemania after all.

[Innovator]

He's the Anti-Cena. Orton just kicks ass while Cena talks....and talks....and talks.

[jskinnyg]

I don't think there is a 'next level'. Nobody will ever live up to the standards set by Steve Austin and The Rock. John Cena and Randy Orton are the 'Austin and Rock' of today. May not seem like it to us, but to all the kids that watch WWE these two are the biggest stars of all time.

I think the challenge for Orton (and Cena) isn't to step up to another level, but to maintain this level.


Well said...

[The Pope]

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[SOCCER LEGS]

he'll never reach SCSA/the rock level of stardom, he just doesn't have it in him.

[The Pope]

Nonsense

[Schlomey]

Do you ever think that the WWE and Orton doesn't WANT to be like SCSA or The Rock? He's made a pretty good name for himself as is.

[BizarroKing]

Randy needs a catchphrase...maybe?

[Fox]

Long term booking with Orton as the focal point of the storyline will take him to the next level. A storyline that lasts at least one PPV "season" that sees Randy go up and down in his hunt for the title in a way that is meaningful, interesting and has some twists in the story. He needs someone to face him who is considered on his level and who will challenge him for a year + in different ways - and I'm not just talking about a different match type at each fucking PPV. I mean a STORY.

What's his STORY right now? He wants the WWE Title. Big fucking deal - who doesn't? WHAT ELSE?

[The Pope]

Randy needs a catchphrase...maybe?

Like this? "If you fuck up, I will fuck you up in return!"

[XL]

Fox is spot on. However, I feel the only way to achieve this is to put him up against an authority figure. That way they can create hurdles for him to overcome.

However, that would only bring more comparisons to SCSA and I don't think that's a good idea as nobody compares favourably to Austin (the most popular star during a boom period).

[whiteyford]

Randy needs a catchphrase...maybe?

"All the best in your future endeavours":shifty:

[Next Big Thing]

Like this? "If you fuck up, I will fuck you up in return!"

Or, "If you fuck up I, I will throw the worst hissyfit you've ever seen since my last one and then bury you" or he could just say "Enjoy Smackdown" with an evil grin.

[The Pope]

or "Here's your plane ticket to Orlando, Florida"

[JEPW]

Schlomey, I get your points here. He IS a HUGE star and actually went over both Cena and HHH at WM24... that's fucking enormous.

But I just feel he could step it up is all. He does need a decent story, a motivation. The legend killer stuff was awesome but now that's gone, the question is: how does he make a legend of HIMSELF?

Sorry yeah that was corny.

[Next Big Thing]

Schlomey, I get your points here. He IS a HUGE star and actually went over both Cena and HHH at WM24... that's fucking enormous.

But I just feel he could step it up is all. He does need a decent story, a motivation. The legend killer stuff was awesome but now that's gone, the question is: how does he make a legend of HIMSELF?

Sorry yeah that was corny.

Honestly, I think the only "level" left for him is that Rock/Stone Cold/Hogan/ Flair legendary type level.... and I don't think he'll make it to that point, he doesn't have the mic skills or ability to display the charisma necessary to reach that spot.

Plus, those guys that reached truly legendary status like Rock/Hogan/ Austin, had amazing opponents who contributed to their legacy. Austin had notable feuds with the likes of Shawn, HHH, Rock, and Vince all in their prime. Rock had those same people. Hogan had Savage, Warrior, Andre...

Randy, by no fault of his own, is in a watered down era of wrestling in terms of star power. Don't get me wrong, there's lots of star potential, but few stars have been created out of it. Yes you can say he beat HBK and Foley, and punted McMahon but I don't think those things register the same as when Austin beat HBK or stunned McMahon. That trail has been blazed already and was blazed when those guys were in their prime.

[Innovator]

Why does he need a catchphrase? He's fucking awesome when he isn't talking

[BizarroKing]

Randy is a rapist! Raping Knock Out!

[Damian Rey]

Fox is spot on. However, I feel the only way to achieve this is to put him up against an authority figure. That way they can create hurdles for him to overcome.

However, that would only bring more comparisons to SCSA and I don't think that's a good idea as nobody compares favourably to Austin (the most popular star during a boom period).

Well there has to be some sprt of antagonist, and with the GM being a computer, thatl's going to be tough to do. What they should have done is have Orton hold off on any title matches and just build him back up through upper mid card feuds.

The only hurdle I can see him having to get through would be Nexus, if Barrett wins the title tomorrow. That way you can have him trying to run through the guys in the group protecting Barrett. But with Nexus looking so thin these days it'd be hard to buy.

Also, they need to make him look vulnerable. He has pretty much ran through everyone since turning, and it's getting to a point where he's looking near invincible. That's gonna get stale eventually. Somebody's gotta be able to hault him momentarily in order for his rise to mean something.

I do think a long running program with the Miz is a good idea. Randy's not bad on the mic, and his direct style of talk clashing with the Miz' gloating antics and put downs could make for some good tv. They would need an extended program though. I'd say hyave them mid card 3 PPV's, and ofcourse Orton would come out on top, but you'd have to have a Miz win as well in order for there to be some intrigue and doubt.

I don't know honestly. It's a little troubling to try and find a meaningful direction for Randy's character when so many heels are booked to look weak and when he dominates everyone. Someone cue Noid. He'd know what to do.

[Eklipse]

Do what they did with Austin...give Orton the ball and let him run with it. He's white hot right now...would be wise to do something with him before fans lose interest.

[Damian Rey]

Do what they did with Austin...give Orton the ball and let him run with it. He's white hot right now...would be wise to do something with him before fans lose interest.

The difference is with Austin, they made the fanbase rabid for his title win. The WWE ggave Austin an entire year of build and rivalries before they gave him the strap.

Giving Orton the belt now may be jumping the gun a bit as he hasn't really come that far to get there. He's red hot without the belt. They need to build him up to the point where the fans are absolutely begging for it.

[Eklipse]

The difference is with Austin, they made the fanbase rabid for his title win. The WWE ggave Austin an entire year of build and rivalries before they gave him the strap.

Giving Orton the belt now may be jumping the gun a bit as he hasn't really come that far to get there. He's red hot without the belt. They need to build him up to the point where the fans are absolutely begging for it.

I didnt necessarily mean to put the title on him...and I agree with you. Besides, he should finally win the title from a higher caliber superstar than Sheamus...or atleast someone who poses a threat...such as Wade Barrett (due to the nexus stable)

[XL]

Aaaaaaaaaaand they put the belt on him already. A bad move in my estimation. I had this idea whilst watching Night of Champions:

- Have Orton come close to winning the belt (i.e. hitting the RKO on Sheamus) only for Miz to take him out with a briefcase shot. Miz then cashes in on Sheamus and takes the title.

- Sheamus has a guaranteed rematch which leaves Orton on the outside of the title picture dispite having the belt in the bag.

- Unveil the Mystery GM as Micheal Cole. Cole is portraying himself as a mark for The Miz and thus he will do all he can to keep the belt on him.

- Cue Cole screwing around with Orton, keeping him at arms length from the title. Even have Cole take control of Nexus (Gabriel, Slater, Otunga and Tarver could even excommunicate Barrett) so that Orton has the "odds against him".

- Eventually you have Orton overcome whatever Cole has put in front of him to get the shot against The Miz. Where Orton wins the title after MONTHS of build.

[JEPW]

Weirdly enough was thinking yesterday how good it would be if Cole was the heel GM. He would be the perfect arch nemesis for the faces of this era, a Mr. McMahon for 2010.

[Next Big Thing]

Aaaaaaaaaaand they put the belt on him already. A bad move in my estimation. I had this idea whilst watching Night of Champions:

- Have Orton come close to winning the belt (i.e. hitting the RKO on Sheamus) only for Miz to take him out with a briefcase shot. Miz then cashes in on Sheamus and takes the title.

- Sheamus has a guaranteed rematch which leaves Orton on the outside of the title picture dispite having the belt in the bag.

- Unveil the Mystery GM as Micheal Cole. Cole is portraying himself as a mark for The Miz and thus he will do all he can to keep the belt on him.

- Cue Cole screwing around with Orton, keeping him at arms length from the title. Even have Cole take control of Nexus (Gabriel, Slater, Otunga and Tarver could even excommunicate Barrett) so that Orton has the "odds against him".

- Eventually you have Orton overcome whatever Cole has put in front of him to get the shot against The Miz. Where Orton wins the title after MONTHS of build.

That would mean another two or three months of Orton RKOing everyone and doing his Stone Cold head shake as he pretends to get hyped up/ go crazy... I'll pass. Hopefully with him as champ and thus the hunted rather than the hunter we can get some decent heels built back up.

[El Fangel]

http://www.getyourlifebackfromme.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/ladder-into-the-sky1.jpg

[VSG]

Lol'ing at the end of a match, apparently.

Also,
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[DLVH84]

To think about it...when he was in Evolution, he had that Tully Blanchard-esque aura.

Nowadays, he has that Steve Austin-esque feel about himself, RKOing everyone in sight and not giving a damn.