Look who's pumped about the current direction of WWE...

[Jeritron]

By PAUL HEYMAN Published: 26 Jan 2009 WORLD Wrestling Entertainment Chairman Vince McMahon has made the decision to present a huge opportunity to Randy Orton, and the master of the RKO is poised to provide a fantastic return on WWE's investment. Orton has been chosen by McMahon to be WWE's focal point heading into this year's WrestleMania, and bluntly, there isn't a member of the roster who could possibly be a better choice. Randy Orton has stepped up in every way imaginable, and his improvement in just the past month has been spectacular to watch. Just watch the way Orton was in control during the big confrontation with Vince and Stephanie McMahon on last week's edition of Monday Night Raw. This was Vince's first television appearance in six months. Stephanie had the entire crowd eating out of the palm of her hand with her great interaction with Chris Jericho and his "apology to the crowd". So here's Vince, revelling in the spotlight, and Stephanie, delivering what could be her best performance ever. And yet, when Orton stepped into the ring and started talking, he compelled you to watch him. Orton's control of the mic was masterful. Just six months ago, Orton couldn't compete with Adam ‘Edge’ Copeland for the bragging rights of being the best performer in WWE because Edge's mic work was far superior to Orton's. But on this night, on this edition of Monday Night Raw, Orton showcased his extraordinary progress. Orton delivered his lines with conviction, confidence, and malice. The beating he gave the Chairman was believable, and the confusion he showed after "the punt heard round the world" was perfectly acted. Orton played this scenario better than even Shawn Michaels could have. Vince McMahon may have given Randy Orton the chance, but Orton clearly ran with the opportunity and scored huge. Randy Orton is the leader of a youth movement in WWE that has been very evident recently. Look around. Triple H does not have a title, at least not right now. Undertaker, the legendary Phenom, no title. Shawn Michaels, no title. The championships are on the youth. John Cena is still the new generation. Edge may be in his 30's, but he's a glass-ceiling-breaker, and a great choice for Smackdown champion. It's obviously too early for Jack Swagger to carry the ECW Tttle, but the reason why he's ECW champion is for him to learn how to be a champion. It's called a "grooming period," and he'll be a much better Raw or Smackdown champion in the future because of this experience. So, the Swagger title decision has more upside than downside. CM Punk's dramatic intercontinental title victory in that stellar match with William Regal last week in Chicago was indicative of WWE's decision to push Punk and take advantage of his ability to communicate with and appeal to a younger generation of sports entertainment fans. Miz and Morrison's positioning as the top tag team in WWE is another demonstration of the decision to elevate the young stars who will carry WWE into the second decade of the new millennium. Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase are improving every time they perform in front of a crowd and Cryme Time may not be technical marvels, but they're young, hard working, and a far more contemporary act than anything you'll see on TNA. Randy Orton punting Vince McMahon's head off and subsequently winning the Royal Rumble was the kickoff to this year's WrestleMania Season. It doesn't matter if the crowds cheer him or boo him going into the biggest event of the year. The audience is interested in Orton, and more so than any other character on WWE television today. There are two main reasons for that. Number one, Vince McMahon wanted it that way. And number two, Randy Orton has put all the pieces of the puzzle together, and is about to claim his rightful position as the most important character in WWE. The Age of Orton is indeed upon us! Read more from Paul Heyman at www.heymanhustle.com

Nice read.